By Ethan Mitchell
Crestview, Florida, USA
Through the journey of Community of Christ, we see the Spirit ablaze across each generation. Our challenge is not wielding it brutishly but listening to its gentleness. We teach the future generations about the Spirit through its extravagant presence at our events.
Community of Christ youth speak highly of Spectacular and summer camp, but then the summer ends or they graduate, cutting off access to those fantastic traditions. In many US areas, we have seen heartbreaking campground closures or dwindling numbers for previously large camps.
Bluff Springs Campground is near the Alabama-Florida state line in McDavid, Florida (forty miles from Pensacola) and shared by the Alabama/Northwest Florida and Gulf mission centers. In 2022, the Spirit moved young adult Tyler Ward, his parents (Deana and Shawn), and me to do something more. We saw an opening in the summer-camp schedule five weeks away and reserved it for that something. But we were not even sure what it would be.
It was clear that our young adults were looking for something spiritually, and our campgrounds needed something financially. The four of us remembered our experiences at Spectacular fondly as we each felt fulfilled with different aspects: I played in the School of Rock, Shawn loved the atmosphere, Deana loved the different classes and activities, and Tyler loved the competition. We began to ask ourselves, “What would it look like if Spec were at Bluff Springs? What would we even call that?”
Through the journey of Community of Christ, we see the Spirit ablaze across each generation. Our challenge is not wielding it brutishly but listening to its gentleness. We teach the future generations about the Spirit through its extravagant presence at our events.
Shawn raised his hands above his head and yelled, “Extravaganza!”
We started by seeing what we could offer: Bluff Springs has a massive field, a sand volleyball court, a beautiful lake, lakeside campfire site, ping pong tables, an art classroom, and an indoor stage.
With only a couple of weeks to publicize and plan, our first Extravaganza was mid-July 2022, and it had forty-five participants! We offered volleyball, cabbage ball (softball), praise band, art classes, campfire, video-game competitions, a dance party, and disc golf. The first Extravaganza went very well, and all who attended were blessed.
Yes, I can say “the first” because we were not done; the blessings would continue! This New Year’s, we celebrated the fourth successful event: Extravaganza 4: A New Hope! More than eighty people attended our regular event, mixed with a few Star Wars events.
The focus was on young-adult participation, but we had childcare, youth activities, and classes for adults, as well. All are welcome to participate, however they like, as long as they do so Extravagantly. We want there to be something for everyone at Extravaganza!
Doctrine and Covenants 162:2c says, we live “in a world with new challenges, and that world will require new forms of ministry.” It continues in 162:3, “Do not be discouraged.”
Instead, let the continuing call of the Spirit excite you for extravagant new forms of ministry. Be bold and brave because the Lord, our God, is with you!
Extravaganza 4.5 was set for July, and Extravaganza 5 for 31 December–3 January. Extravaganza offers a place for all ages to dwell in sacred community at Bluff Springs Campground.
For More Information
To learn more about Extravaganza or to register, contact Ethan Mitchell, or Tyler Ward.