"You were once darkness, now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." – Ephesians 5:8 
 
The hot southern sun was not the only thing shining brightly this month as nearly 70 local seven through 12-year-olds participated in the fourth annual Nashville All-Sports Camp and learned how to be a light for Jesus, while also engaging in a variety of sports, June 27-July 1.
 
Held at Lipscomb's McCadams Athletic Center and led by Chris Klotz, director of spiritual formation within Lipscomb Athletics, the Nashville All-Sports Camp featured an intentional Bible curriculum where current Lipscomb student-athletes who served as coaches had the opportunity to encourage and care for each camper while playing sports such as soccer, flag football, volleyball, dodgeball, track and field and extreme games.
 
This year's theme was "light," and throughout the week campers studied Ephesians 5:8 where they learned that living in the light is found in having a relationship with Jesus, and that they were made for this purpose, Klotz explained.
 
"We are so thankful to God for such an AMAZING week," said Klotz. "Watching children form deep relationships with one another and their coaches is a huge highlight. Seeing the way the staff literally pour themselves out in serving each camper is inspiring, and the overall joy experienced by everyone is incredible! How can feeling so beyond exhausted be so great, there is really no other explanation other than the presence of the Holy Spirit! We were also blessed to hold camp at the McCadams Athletic Center again this year, which served as a perfect venue! We are grateful to the coaches, volunteers, campers and their families for making this one of the best weeks of the year!"
 
Through a partnership with local ministry Project 658 Nashville, nearly 20 refugee students were also able to participate in camp. 
 
"We are so grateful for the partnership that Lipscomb and Project 658 Nashville have had throughout the years and how it gives such a unique and special opportunity to kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity to come to camp," Klotz continued. "God continues to move through this camp, and we pray that in everything we do that it will honor Him and have an eternal impact in the lives of each camper, their families, their friends and their communities."

What Others Are Saying:
 
"I had no idea what a gift this week would be for my son and his spiritual journey. I've truly been blown away! So grateful for the staff for pouring into him and all the campers this week." –Dannie (mom)
 
"If there was one week I could put on repeat every week it would be All-Sports Camp! Nothing like pouring out all the energy we have to be filled with joy from the Holy Spirit. The kids at camp teach me more than I could ever teach them and that is the drive to know Jesus so deeply and be jumping up and down to read the Bible during Bible time. This year was beyond amazing and seeing the children adapt being the light of the Lord and letting their gifts shine through even in the darkness was amazing. Not only did this happen in campers but in the staff as well!" –Coach Jess The Best
 
"All-Sports Camp is amazing! I love it so much! We get to play a lot of games and the good part is Bible time where we get to learn a lot more about Jesus and I love learning and talking about Jesus." –Siyama (camper)
 
"All-Sports Camp truly was a great experience. It was awesome to serve these kids for a week and see the life change that took place. God's presence was all over. Being a part of this camp really reminded me how grateful I am and made me appreciate the little things that recently I had been taking for granted. It was an honor to be a part of such a joyful and fun camp." –Coach Strawberry Tall Cake
 
"I loved meeting new friends! I also loved playing all the sports and all the coaches!" – Lucy (camper)
 
"This is much more than a sports camp! It's such an intentional week focusing on God's love for everyone. My children's faith grew listening to other's stories of God's faithfulness. You can truly feel God's love and presence just alking into the camp!" – Audra (mom)
 
"This year I was very excited to go back to camp! I was ready to sing our favorite song that we have been singing throughout the years. We also learned more about Jesus and about the light and the darkness. I love camp!" –Karolina (camper)
 
"Being a part of All-Sports Camp was definitely a highlight of my summer!!! It was so sweet to build relationships with kids and help them learn more about the Lord using sports. It was encouraging to see the kids build relationships amongst themselves as well! The Lord gave the entire staff heavenly strength and energy- overall it was a joy to do what I love with people that I love!!!" –Coach Run Run Run
 
"My favorite camp!!! I make new friends, learn about God, and get to play sports!" –Addy (camper)
 
"Each child brought something unique to the table. Whether that was a skill, a mindset, a talent, a story, or a testimony, All-Sports Camp utilized each unique life and challenged everyone to grow in the gifts God has blessed them with!" 
–Coach Green Eggs and Cam
 
"I liked getting to play a lot of soccer and other sports. I also liked joke time. The coaches helped me learn" –Levi (camper)
 
"This past week at All-Sports Camp was indescribable. It was exhausting in all the best ways. When one is simply living for the Kingdom, it is an all out, all in kind of love that –at the end of the day– leaves you exhausted and dependent on the Father. It is then that the Lord will fill us up. That is what I experienced this week. I felt that the Holy Spirit revived my soul each morning in order to pour into every single person at camp!" –Coach Syd The Kid
 
"It's my favorite camp of the summer! I love dodgeball, the food, and making new friends. Can't wait to come back next summer!" – Brax (camper)
 
"This week was so fun and filled with so many laughs and smiles. I'm leaving camp with the fullest heart and a deeper love and desire for Jesus!" –Coach Kelli Bean