Students’ Christian Faith Ignited at 'Camp Daniel'

Middle schoolers from Billy Graham’s youth evangelism training project engage in ‘adventure-filled week’

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 21, 2008 – One hundred thirty middle school students from across the country have arrived at Camp Cedar Cliff just outside of Asheville, N.C. for “Camp Daniel,” a weeklong retreat run by Dare to Be a Daniel, the youth evangelism training project of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA). The youth, part of the 9,000 Team D2BD Members who have finished the program’s training, arrived on Saturday and will be at the camp until Friday. Camp Daniel is just one component of Dare to Be a Daniel, which trains and equips middle school students ages 9-14, also referred to as “tweens,” to share their faith in Jesus Christ with their peers. Presented as an “adventure-filled week,” Camp Daniel is packed with sports, dynamic speakers, live music, overnight camping and other activities. But its primary purpose is to further empower youth to lead bold and courageous Christian lives. “Camp Daniel is not only the most fun week of the summer—it’s a place where real spiritual transformation and growth takes place among our Daniels,” said Dare to Be a Daniel Director Rev. Chad Miller. “These youth evangelists are part of a whole generation we believe God is raising up to be bold for Jesus Christ in the midst of a hurting and broken world.” The students at Camp Daniel, who are rising 6th - 10th graders, are from North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and as far away as Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Utah, Florida, California, Colorado, Michigan, Oklahoma, Alabama and Indiana. Inspired by the biblical story of young Daniel, Dare to Be a Daniel uses his life as a powerful example of taking a stand for God regardless of the cost. To become a “Daniel,” students must complete the training from either the 13-week group curriculum kit or the individual study program, which can be done at one’s own pace. The program’s website, DaretoBeaDaniel.com, features the entire individual training, testimonies, music, articles and information to help youth take a stand for Christ. Additional information can be found at BillyGraham.org. Dare to Be a Daniel is a ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, based in Charlotte, N.C. MEDIA CONTACT: Graham Clark 980-939-4377 gclark@bgea.org