SAM DAVIS CHRISTIAN YOUTH CAMP
TEXAS
SAM DAVIS CHRISTIAN YOUTH CAMP is a weeklong camp for children ages 12-18. It is focused on remembering and honoring the traditions and history of the South that are so often ignored or ridiculed today, and teaching campers how to stand up for their beliefs.
Campers enjoy a wide range of activities, from attending worship services and lectures, to shooting muskets, and learning Victorian-era dances, glorifying the Lord by growing in their relationship with Him and fellow believers while honoring their heritage.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A typical day begins with getting up early in the morning, raising the colors, followed by breakfast and chapel. Throughout the afternoon there are lectures, activities and lunch, as well as free time for fellowship/recreation. In the evening, the campers strike the colors, eat dinner, and spend time learning traditional dances.
Knowledgeable councilors teach campers the causes of the War Between the States and the tactics of generals in the war, debunking the myths taught in the mainstream media. Research and facts teach students how to make up their own minds as to their heritage. Campers learn the value of analytical thought, how to articulate their beliefs, and are encouraged to show Christian love and charity to all.
Campers are taught to think critically and encouraged to reach their own conclusions. Yet the campers take part in a lot more than just classroom instruction. The boys and girls enjoy archery, instruction on firing cannons and Enfield rifles which were used during the war, raising the colors in the early morning hours and striking the colors at sunset.
Special activities include: musket shooting, oratory, music, paintball, fishing, swimming, ice-cream making, baking, blacksmithing, and an Old South-themed ball.
WHO IS SAM DAVIS?
The Camp’s namesake, Sam Davis, (b.1842-1863) was known as the “Boy Hero of the Confederacy.” He was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Young Sam served in combat roles in the Confederate army from 1861-63 during the War Between the States.
While wearing a makeshift Confederate uniform and in possession of Union battle plans he was captured by Union forces on November 20’th 1863. He would not tell who gave him the Union plans. For this reason, he was arrested as a spy. He was sentenced by a military court to die by hanging unless he was willing to give the name of his contact from whom he received the battle plans. He was told that if he would only give the name he would not hang to which he replied, “Sir, if you think that I am that kind of a man, you have missed your mark. I would rather die a thousand deaths than betray a friend or be false to duty.” In his final moments he wrote a letter to his mother telling her he would meet her again one day in Heaven.
Sam Davis’ bravery led to the Union soldiers weeping at his execution. His sacrifice created the bedrock of the Sam Davis Youth Camp.
“I would rather die a thousand deaths than betray a friend or be false to duty”
– Sam Davis