Upper School students from Loganville Christian Academy (LCA) enjoy worship led by LCA’s Chapel Band at Alpha Camp in Cleveland, Georgia. (Photo by LCA)
A long-time tradition continues at Loganville Christian Academy!
From Aug. 27-30, Upper School (US) students attended Alpha Camp at the Woodlands Campground in Cleveland, Georgia. It’s a trip that US students have gone on since 2006, though the camp has taken on different names across those 18 years.
The main mission behind taking students to Alpha Camp each year is to provide a space for students to connect socially, grow spiritually and disconnect from the busyness of school for a few days.
Maranda Blum, Loganville Christian Academy’s Director of Discipleship and an alumna, speaks during the senior session to kick off Alpha Camp. (Photo by LCA)
Maranda Blum, who is LCA’s Director of Discipleship and an LCA alumna, spearheaded the trip this year. Being an alumna, just added to greatness for Blum witnessing the US students soaking in all the week brought them.
“As an alumni, it's really special to get to carry on this LCA tradition,” Blum said. “I remember attending Alpha Camp and remember how exciting and special it was that we got to go away as a high school to focus on building our relationship with God and with one another as a student body.”
A lot happened during the camp. However, the biggest aspect of Alpha Camp were the chapel sessions. Including the Senior Session on Aug. 27, there were six total sessions.
In each session, LCA’s Chapel Band — composed of Jennifer Smith, Hank Evans, Andrew Martin and James Schaffer — led worship.
Senior student and Chaplain Jordan Taylor labeled the worship aspect as “super powerful,” but Alpha Camp means so much more to him in his walk with Christ.
“My spiritual life is enhanced by Alpha Camp in total, because it just makes landmarks in your faith for me,” Taylor said. “I’ve seen times where I’ve seen the Lord show up for me. That’s another point I can look back and see the faithfulness of the Lord when I’m not always feeling it.”
Blum kicked off the week for the Senior Session. She shared a message and her testimony to the class of 2025 as they have embarked on their last hurrah as Lions.
“My spiritual life is enhanced by Alpha Camp in total, because it just makes landmarks in your faith for me...”
US Principal Bryan White bookend the Chapel sessions when all students were present on Wednesday afternoon (Session No. 1) and Friday morning (Session No. 5).
Leading Sessions No. 2-4 were guests Kenny and Brittany West, who are from Atlanta.
Kenny joined LCA’s Chapel Band to help lead worship with Brittany delivering messages.
Brittany West served as the guest speaker for sessions 2-4 of Alpha Camp. (Photo by LCA)
Blum connected with Brittany at a women’s retreat a few years ago and, Blum said, she “loved the way she approached teaching and applying Scripture.”
The week’s festivities began when the seniors departed campus on Aug. 27 to enjoy the campground a day earlier with the juniors, sophomores and freshmen arriving the next day.
Across the week, students enjoyed all Woodlands Camp had to offer: Lake, Ice Cream Shop, Snack Shop, Coffee Shop, Aeroball (four trampolines), Giant Swing/Zipline, Sand Volleyball and The Dome (the camp’s gymnasium).
That provided the social activities during free time which, as Blum said, gave students “opportunity to make memories with peers and teachers alike!”
Which, for Taylor, is what Alpha Camp is all about.
Jordan Taylor speaks during a portion of the Homecoming revelation made during the week of Alpha Camp. (Photo by LCA)
“I think [Alpha Camp] is all about meeting people, connecting with people, growing with people and growing closely to the Lord together as a student body,” Taylor said.
Nearly two decades later, the Alpha Camp tradition is going strong with successful year after successful year.
When all was said and done for 2024, Blum was asked what was her favorite part of the week. She couldn’t narrow it down to just one, but had two favorites.
“I loved witnessing students worship God with their whole hearts together and pray for one another. It brought me to tears!” Blum said. “I also love seeing students laughing together and making memories throughout the camp. It makes all the hard work worth it to watch God move in these ways!”
GALLERY
(additional photos are available via SmugMug.
