Family Fun

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

—PSALM 133:1

Milo Rivera, 5, meets a friendly goat during Family Fun Night at The Salvation Army’s Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings in Maine.

The evening is always a hit with kids and adults alike. A petting zoo with goats and other animals is just one of the fun things to do around the Seaside Pavilion—pony rides, inflatable bouncers, face painting, balloon animals, basketball, a rock wall, food, and more await.

For the perfect ending to a day at the camp meetings, there’s usually a short program in the Pavilion before everyone gathers for ice cream.

This year’s camp meetings are July 26–29. The popular Pier Festival, which features the best of Salvation Army arts ministries, runs July 24–27. From July 28 to July 30, anyone who’s interested can attend Bible studies on the beach and inside the nearby Salvation Army church.

Commissioners Barbara and Willis Howell, retired officers from the USA Southern Territory, are the guest speakers. The musical guest is Charlie Green, a Salvationist who was a semifinalist on Britain’s Got Talent in 2008 and sang at The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary “Boundless” Congress at London’s O2 Arena in 2015.

The camp meetings will also feature the New York Staff Band, the Eastern Territory Staff Songsters, the Unbound contemporary worship band, and MOVE Dance Company.

Salvationists have been gather­ing in Old Orchard Beach since 1885 (except in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19) for spiritual renewal and growth through worship services, Bible studies, prayer meetings, fun, and fellowship.

 photo by LuLu Rivera