Nineteen ARKs spent 3 ½ days at Pat's
Acres and Canby Conference Center enjoying the thrills of speed, the trials of competition and the advantage of education. Peer presure was an obstacle for campers while counselors dealt with the threat of gang
activity. In the end, issuses were addressed and the ARKs learned to work together.
Professional drivers, Scott Pruett, Cindi Lux,
John Berger and Dan Miller helped instruct and talked with the ARKs about success on the track and in life. Pictures, certificates, shirts, hats and tools given to the ARKs gave
affirmation and preserved lessons learned.
The inexperienced ARK driving students of Monday became very consistent drivers by Tuesday while approaching track
records. Two perfectly driven sprint races on Wednesday prepared the
ARKs for an enduro race run on Thursday. The margin of victory was only 2 ½ seconds after 1 ½ hours of competition.
Teamwork was again encouraged by taking apart and rebuilding engines on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday final assembly took place and the engines were started up. Through these many efforts, personal issues amongst peers
slowly disappeared and friendships and respect began to grow, even in the midst of
racial tension.
Spiritually, ARKs who found it hard to respect even themselves at the beginning of the week, found that God loves and cares for them. Three ARKs asked Christ into their
lives and four made recommitments of their faith. The camp conselors will follow up on these kids throughout the next year, checking on their progress and providing encouragement.
