The   National   Black   Presbyterian   Caucus,   Southern   California   Chapter   (NBPC-SC)   Summer   Youth   Camp   has   been   in   session   for   over   48   years.   This   camp   was   formerly known   as   the   Black   Advisory   Committee   (BAC)   Summer   Youth   Camp.   BAC   was   a   non-profit   organization   comprised   of   11   African   American   Presbyterian   Churches   in Southern California that saw a need with their congregation and youth ministries to come together as one group with one voice. After   separation   from   the   Synod   of   Southern   California   and   Hawaii,   what   was   once   known   as   BAC   is   now   known   as   the   NBPC-SC   with   the   same   mission   and   focus   for the   camp.   The   blessing   of      name   change   for   the   camp   took   place   in   the   summer   of   2005,   when   the   camp   was   cancelled   due   to   a   scheduling   conflict   on   the   part   of the   Presbyterian   Conference   Center.   To   say   the   least,   it   was   a   painful   process   for   Pastors   and   staff   alike   to   speak,   as   well   as   send   letters   of   apology   to   parents   and children   of   the   churches.   Rather   than   sit   and   do   nothing,   the   camp   leaders   chose   to   convene   a   two-day   leadership   retreat   for   strategy   planning.   Leading   the activities   was   the   Reverend Timm   Cyrus,   Pastor   of Angeles   Mesa   Presbyterian   Church   in   Los Angeles,   California.   He   shared   the   Word   of   God   from   the   text   in   Matthew 14:26-29   and   the   message   of   "water   walking"   vs.   "boat   clinging".   Reverend   Cyrus   shared   his   vision   of   a   "water   walker",   challenged   us   to   "Come   and   get   out   of   the boat"   of   the   previous   set   back,   and   walk   into   the   future   where   God   is   leading   us,   to   a   "New   Thing."   The   Costa   Rica   water   walking   lizard,   called   the   Jesus   Christ Lizard   http://videonemo.comlvideos/they-call-it-jesus-christ-iizard-why)    inspired   us   so   much   so   it   became   our   official   logo   and   new   identify.   We   became   the Pacific Water Walkers! The   camp   empowers   youth   and   young   adults   as   they   bring   others   to   Christ.   It   is   an   event   that   helps   to   keep   our   African   American   youth   off   the   streets,   out   of trouble,   out   of   gangs,   and   off   drugs.   Camp   creates   a   positive   outlet   for   them   to   be   able   to   express   themselves   and   their   love   for   the   Lord   Jesus   Christ.   This   camp has given our inner-city youth a chance to experience Christ in a different atmosphere, without the daily distractions. Back   in   the   day,   youth   were   taken   up   the   mountain   to   Big   Bear.   We   soon   outgrew   that   place   in   Spirit   and   in   numbers!   Every   year,   the   camp   experiences   a   Holy   Spirit anointing,   bringing   hundreds   of   youth   to   a   personal   relationship   with   God. The   God-kissed   location   and   phenomenal   presence   of   the   Holy   Spirit   motivates   our   youth to   return   every   year.   Many   of   the   young   adults   have   returned   to   serve   in   Camp   Ministry   as   deans,   counselors,   worship   leaders,   and   Power-Shop   instructors.   Most   of the   staff   is   between   ages   1840.   We   have   found   that   peer-counseling   is   super-effective.   Many   youth   have   received   their   avocation   as   well   as   a   call   into   the   Ministry of the Word and Sacrament. The   Pacific   Water   Walkers   Summer   Youth   Camp   has   changed   many   lives   for   the   better.   We   believe   in   embracing   multi-cultural   contributions,   inter-denominational worship   and   unity   within   the   Body   of   Christ.   Our   Spirit-filled   staff   fully   appreciates   their   life-changing   experiences   and   are   mandated   to   provide   these   incredible opportunities   to   others.   Campers   are   nurtured   in   a   real,   lasting   relationship   with   God   and   are   provided   with   a   solid   foundation   for   family   and   citizenship   in   our society.   Most   of   all,   the   spiritual   fervor   of   the   mentors   becomes   a   contagious   blessing   of   encouragement   to   the   campers   who   are   on   fire   as   they   go   back   down   the mountain, excited and ready to work for the Lord's sake. Praise God!