Life Goes On Camp 2026

Life Goes On is an annual Christian camp for children with special needs and their families, organized by Bryte Church, a Slavic Baptist church in West Sacramento, California.

The main purpose of this ministry is to give children a joyful camp experience, surround them with love, care, and attention, and provide opportunities for friendship, creativity, games, and new experiences. Just as importantly, parents have an opportunity to enjoy a supportive Christian environment, rest, connect with other families, and feel that they are not alone.

This year, the camp took place September 24–27 at Paradise Camp, with “Bible University” as its theme. Together with volunteers, the children explored Bible stories and learned about the wisdom with which God created human beings and the world around us. They were encouraged to discover new things, share their knowledge and talents, develop their abilities, and, above all, grow in their desire to glorify God.

The camp’s memory verse was: “Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you” (Deuteronomy 8:5, ESV).

One Shared Ministry

When I asked the ministry leader to name the people who had organized the camp and helped throughout the weekend so I could write about them, he humbly replied:

“Bryte Church organizes the camp, but many brothers and sisters from different churches took part in this ministry. We were all united by a desire to serve children with special needs and their families.”

This was my first time participating in a camp like this. Above all, I want to say: praise God for the opportunity to be part of this ministry!

We came to serve the children and their parents—to give them some of our time, attention, love, and care. But honestly, more than once I found myself thinking that I had received far more during those days than I had given.

The children and their parents touched my heart in a special way, filling it with love, tenderness, gratitude, and hope. Every smile, every high five, every hug, every sincere “thank you,” and the joy in their eyes will stay with me for a long time. Once again, I saw how wonderfully God works through the simplest things.

Sometimes we think we are coming to serve others, but as we serve, the Lord changes us and fills our own hearts. He reminds us that true love asks for nothing in return, that every act of kindness matters, and that every person is precious in His sight.

For me, this weekend was another reminder that ministry is not only about what we do for God, but also about what God does in us and through us.

As someone who has organized many events, I cannot help but recognize the tremendous amount of work that went into making this camp possible. I am deeply moved by how many people poured their time, energy, talents, and hearts into these few days. The kitchen staff, musicians, teachers, preachers, coffee ministry team, decorators, games team, technical crew, camp organizers, volunteers, and so many others whose work may have gone unseen—each person was an important part of this shared ministry.

And the most beautiful thing was that God’s name was glorified through it all. Not only through sermons and songs, but also through everyday expressions of love: care, a smile, patience, a prepared meal, a cup of coffee, a game with a child, a hug, attention, encouragement, and a kind word for a parent.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…” (Colossians 3:23, ESV).

I believe that is exactly what I witnessed during those days: so many people who simply came to serve wholeheartedly. When each person does their small part with love, God uses that work for something far greater.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who was part of Life Goes On Camp 2026! Thank you for your service, your willing hearts, your time, energy, and talents. Thank you for creating an atmosphere of love, acceptance, joy, and safety for the children and their parents.

I am so glad I was able to serve alongside you—to sing with the musicians, spend time with the children and their families, and be part of this wonderful ministry. For me, it was more than a lovely weekend. It was a special time for which I am grateful to God.

Perhaps that is why the camp’s name means so much to me:

Life Goes On.

With faith.
With hope.
With love.
Because there are people beside us who are willing to support us, embrace us, serve us, and remind us that we are not alone.

May the Lord bless everyone who poured a little of their heart into this ministry, and may all that was done continue to bear good fruit for His glory.

To everyone at Life Goes On Camp 2026—you have left a special mark on my heart!

Oksana Bugrieva

P.S. Information about upcoming camps, registration, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support this ministry is available through Bryte Church’s official channels.