The sun had already begun casting shadows on the mountains this morning, as students rose. Bundling for the cold morning temperatures, students met their small groups to learn how to have a quiet time and why this time is essential for personal sanctification. Every morning this week, students will have a designated time to have a personal quiet time. For some students, the concept of meeting with God is something they have been practicing since elementary school. For other students, they are realizing for the first time that quiet times are not just for missionaries and pastors but that God desires a relationship with each believer.
 
Building off this foundation - a personal relationship with Jesus Christ - they had two morning lectures and camp picture before lunch.
 
During a lecture on servant leadership, faculty member Randy Sims explained that the five pillars of servant leadership are vision, empowerment, attitude, integrity, and meekness. "Leadership is influence," he told students. Because everyone has influence, everyone is a leader.
 
After lunch, students had opportunities to practice servant leadership in a small gropu practicum.
 
All male students did the practicum together. This was not only a time to apply the lecture but also an opportunity for the guys to bond. "It was an encouraging time, and the lecture really clicked for them," a staff member said.
 
Guys in George H.'s small group were able to identify and define the pillars of leadership. They then talked about how they did - or did not - use the pillars during the practicum.
 
After the practicum, enthusiasm was higher as students headed to free time. "All of my guys are beyond excited for the rest of the week," Tim H. said.
 
Allison W. and her students made friendship bracelets during free time, and Faith P. intentional sought out two of her students to get to know them better. Across campus, students played Frisbee, foosball, and football.
 
Students are coming together in a way that is nothing short of miraculous. Thirty-six hours ago, most of these students were strangers. By the Monday night, they were sharing ideas during small group time and later praying with each other. God's work is evident in every moment of laughter and in camera viewfinders as students throw arms around each other and pose with new friends.

Sunday afternoon in the shadow of the Sandias, red-shirted staff welcomed 24 students to Worldview Academy Leadership Camp in New Mexico. While this is one of the smallest Worldview Academy camps, excitement was not hindered.
 
Smalls group leaders Christina and Allison have all first-time students in their groups. "They all have had siblings or friends who have come to camp. They are excited, even though they don't know what to expect," they said of their 13- and 14-year-old students.
 
Other students are returning to camp for another "best week of your life" experience.

"I came back, because I want to learn to share my faith," Michaela said. "Last year changed my life, and I'm here for more."
 
Another alumni student saved up money all summer so that he could return to camp this week.
 
Parents and staff were not the only people excited for this first day of the camp week. Parents honked horns loudly and posed for pictures as they dropped off their children.
 
"I'm excited how Worldview [Academy] is raising up a new generation to lead and serve from a solid foundation," one mom told staff member Faith P. "I'm excited about God leading people to Christ and the difference the gospel makes in a young person's life."
 
While temperatures dipped into chilly fall temperatures outside, students kicked off the week with an introduction to worldviews by Executive Director Randy Sims. During his lecture, he compared the Christian life to a black diamond ski run. Often, Christians settle for bunny slopes because these hills are comfortable and fun. Christ calls believers to edge their ski tips off the cliff of the black diamond run, swallow their fears, and live consistently with the gospel. It’s frightening and it’s counter-cultural but pursuing truth and knowing Christ is worth any hazard to life.
 
“When you get to the base of the black diamond and you enter the ski lodge," Randy told students, "you aren’t feeling like you did so hot. You stagger inside. There is a branch sticking out of the side of your head, and you are staring through two slits because your eyes are blacked and blue. Your nose is there, but what is odd is that it’s over here visiting your ear. You hear someone clapping and saying, ‘Great run. Great run!’ Through the crowd, you look and you see your ski instructor. And then you realize that he was with you on the mountain. He was the one pushing you on and picking you up when you fell.
 
“For the Christian who runs the black diamond in life, they will hear six beautiful words from our savior. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ Run the black diamond,” Randy said, before closing in prayer and dismissing the students for time with their small groups on th first night of camp. "Run it this week."