CrossWalk: Community in Christ
CrossWalk is the BCNE’s annual week-long youth camp where hundreds of teens from around New England gather with their leaders to worship, laugh, play, grow, and meet with God together. Lily Castello, a rising Junior from City on a Hill Church in Forest Hills, MA, shares her experience at CrossWalk 2023.
Sitting at the unnaturally long lunch table that my Bible study and I had haphazardly shoved together, I couldn’t help but smile at the flurry of conversation and movement. While some of the chatter was based around theological topics such as spiritual gifts or the prior sermons of the week, there was also a smattering of more typical teenage conversations. From social media to home states to parental rules to inside jokes, the table was alight with a distinct buzz of energy. We were so energetic that a few impromptu push-up contests began in the corner, which was strangely typical of this particular group. But despite the apparent lively chaos of the scene, one thing was clear: we were a community.
Bible study groups at recreation during Crosswalk 2023
And as a community, Christians globally are faced with a variety of trials. Some are the result of the human condition, such as poverty, starvation, or corrupt governments. Others directly stem from our faith, ranging from nasty comments to flat-out death penalties. However, we are not alone in facing these challenges; God is with us and has given us plenty of tools to deal with what we’re going through. So Crosswalk, a Christian summer camp based out of Nichols College in Western MA, was focused on the concept of “Suiting Up” and the early verses of Ephesians 6, which outline the armor of God. This armor consists of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of readiness, the shield of faith, the helmet of faith, and the sword of the Spirit. These were all expounded upon throughout the week through Bible stories about David, Deborah, and many others. In the end, we were left with the comfort that no matter what we face, God has given us the tools to persevere.
Students pray over each other following a message by camp Pastor Tommy Moore.
In this line of thought, one of the many challenges of living in the northeast as a Christian, particularly a young one, is lacking a faith-based community. Bible-preaching churches are sparse, and many cater to a definitively older demographic. It is exactly for this reason that attending CrossWalk this summer was incredibly impactful for both me and my youth group. Especially as the sole high schooler in my group, there was excitement and nerves surrounding the idea of meeting other Christian youth. However, it is just this that truly sets the experience apart.
I don’t have any pictures of my week at camp (per the no phones rule), but if I did, they would hardly reflect the sense of camaraderie and connection that was built over that time. It’s said that godly relationships are like a triangle, with the two people at the bottom and God at the very tippy top. That is to say, the closer those two people get to the Lord, the closer they get to each other. This was all the more evident with every Bible study, game, service, and Activity Track; me, my youth group, and all the people around us were growing relationally with God and each other. My Bible study got particularly close, as the introductory scene so clearly shows. We sought each other out during free time and lunch, all in tandem with deep theological conversations that were both thoughtful and engaging. We laughed, cried, ate, and prayed together over the course of five or so days, creating a special bond that is still going strong, even across multiple states.
Groups listen as Kathryn Nunnelley shares about flood relief efforts in Vermont during Missions Night.
But as much as the community that Crosswalk creates is valuable, it is only an offshoot of its most vital mission: to continually bring Christ to the forefront of the lives of teenagers in the northeast. Exactly 258 students from 24 churches attended this year, and all of us were blessed with teaching, worship, and mentorship that met us in our faith walks and encouraged us forward. Some of these kids have committed over a decade of their lives to Christ, with some students sensing a call to vocational ministry during our time at camp. On the other hand, there were numerous non-believers in attendance, eight of whom gave their lives to the Lord before we left. On top of that, there were also opportunities for chaperones and staff to grow, as they also attended Bible studies and teachings separate from their students. And it was precisely this continual pouring into each other that made camp rich with the Gospel and community. However, this generosity was not only spiritual but also tangible, as over $7000 was raised for mission during our last night at camp. Some of that funding will go to international partners, but a portion was also given to Kathryn Nunnelley and Capital Community Church, who are heading up disaster relief efforts in Vermont. Yet another blessed outcome of this time together. But, all good things come to an end - even if it has, I cannot help but look forward to next year at Crosswalk.
Lily Castello is a high school junior who attends City on a Hill Forest Hills.
