It’s astounding.

How FCA Camp continues to RISE in the hearts of attendees and alter the trajectory of not only their eternity, but their now.

True to this year’s RISE theme, never before have coaches, athletes, and other leaders in the sports world been so bold and courageous to change their lives and dig deeper into the grace of God.

Attendees learned through “inspiration and perspiration” how Jesus has paved the way to reinvigorate their faith and live audaciously above the noise clamoring around them. 

Through the seven types of camps—Sports Camp, Leadership Camp, Coaches Camp, Power Camp, Team Camp, Partnership Camp and International Camp—this year’s theme verse, Joshua 1:9, encouraged campers to trust and follow their Coach, Jesus Christ, as they rise to make a difference for Him.

2016 saw a record-breaking year across the globe, and while numbers can speak for themselves, let’s put a heartbeat between the digits.

Total Camps: 740 Scattered across the soil of this earth, seeds were planted in 456 U.S. camps and 284 camps throughout the world.

Total Camp Attendance: 106,268                 Over 100,000 flesh and blood, walking, breathing, living people stepped into the realm of FCA Camp and were immersed in its joy, love and adventure.

First-Time Commitments: 8,788                 8,788 hearts fell in love with Jesus and said yes to His saving work on the cross.

Recommitments to Christ: 11,256                 11,256 made a promise to put Him back in their lives, first and foremost, front and center.

States with Camps: 40                 Camp covered ground in 80% of the country, spreading enthusiasm for Christ across state borders.

Countries with Camps: 45                 FCA is on point with the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations—through the relevance and reachability of sport.

“This 60th Camps season was a special one for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as we looked back on six decades since FCA’s founder Don McClanen began the first camp in Colorado,” said FCA President and CEO Les Steckel. “God has the power to transform lives through the love of sports and the love of His Son, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes is humbled and blessed to be a part of His plan to impact coaches and athletes for Christ.”

Don’t take our word for it. Read the awe and excitement of campers sharing their Camp experiences:

• “I found God!” - George, Ocean Shores, Wash.

• “Camp showed me to stand up for what I believe in and to spend more time with Christ.” - Natalie, Boise, Idaho

• “God really touched me by just having me open my heart up to my Huddle and letting God into my life.” - Steven, Dallas Baptist University Camp

• “I think this camp has helped me figure out my priorities.” - Adam, high school football player

• “I was a lukewarm Christian and I grew closer to God at camp and I am now on fire.” - Lily, Meridian, Idaho

Since the first camp in 1956, FCA has kicked, thrown, ran and swung into the grit and grace of delivering the love of Christ to campers through the influence of athletics and genuine care of staff, volunteers and Huddle leaders.

It’s continued belief and support from teammates like you who will ensure, with God’s help, that all those impacted by camp will continue to rise in strength, faith and trust through the school season.

For more incredible stories and statistics on the 2016 FCA Camp season, click here to read the digital report, or download the two-page PDF full of camp highlights.