Anchored in the Gospel: A Historic Overview of Saved By Faith Youth Camp
In an era where youth ministry is frequently critiqued for favoring entertainment over substance, the Saved By Faith Youth Camp (SBFYC) stands as a distinct beacon of theological depth and historic Baptist heritage. Originally known as the Saved By Faith Youth Challenge Camps, SBFYC has spent decades proving that middle and high school students are not only capable of handling deep theological truth—they are hungry for it.
The Foundations of Leadership
The modern legacy of SBFYC is inextricably linked to the pastoral ministry and leadership of Bro. Bill Ascol. In 2005, when Bro. Bill transitioned to pastor Bethel Baptist Church in Owasso, Oklahoma, and he brought with him a profound burden for the discipleship of the next generation. Serving simultaneously as the Chairman of the Board of Founders Ministries and the Coordinator for SBFYC, he shaped the camp into an environment dedicated strictly to the primary proclamation of the Gospel.
A Partnership for the Next Generation
While the camp has always enjoyed a close spiritual kinship with the broader Founders Ministries network—often commended by Dr. Tom Ascol for its commitment to gospel-centered youth instruction—its operational heartbeat lives within our local church networks. Sponsored and heavily managed by the Spurgeon Baptist Association of Churches (SBAOC), SBFYC serves as a practical extension of our shared confession, intentionally passing down the doctrines of grace to students entering grades 7 through 12.
The "Study Hard, Play Hard" Philosophy
For years, the camp’s historic footprint was planted firmly at the Webster Conference Center (WCC) in Salina, Kansas. The 225-acre facility provided the perfect backdrop for the camp's enduring motto: "Study hard, play hard!"
What sets SBFYC apart in the landscape of Christian summer camps is its rigorous academic-style tracks:
Biographical Heritage: Campers don’t just read scripture; they study how scripture was lived out, utilizing custom-prepared student outlines on historic Baptist leaders printed directly into their official camp notebooks.
Thematic Exegesis: The camp has consistently brought in top-tier academic and pastoral voices—such as Dr. Jim Orrick—to lead dense, multi-day expositions through entire books of the Bible, from Colossians to the letters of Revelation.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the history of Saved By Faith Youth Camp, we are reminded that our mission remains unchanged. SBFYC continues to stand as a vital ministry of the SBAOC, packaging uncompromised Reformed Baptist theology into a high-energy summer experience that prepares the next generation to stand firm in the faith.