We are thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural year of Encounter Youth Camp, set in the beautiful mountains of Black Mountain, North Carolina. This life-impacting camp is hosted by United for Christ Ministries and overseen by Youth Pastor Nate White.
Our Purpose:
Encounter Youth Camp exists to create opportunities for youth groups, young adults, and ministry workers to have a genuine encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ—an encounter that transforms hearts, renews minds, and changes lives forever.
This camp was birthed from the truth of Psalm 34:8:
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
We believe with confidence that Jesus Christ is the answer to the relentless pursuit of peace in this world. At Encounter Youth Camp, our prayer is that every attendee would not only hear about Him—but experience Him personally.
Encounter Youth Camp exists to provide space for a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Our heart is to partner with churches, leaders, and ministries as we pursue spiritual renewal, unity, and lasting transformation in the next generation.
If you would like to schedule a personal meeting with Pastor Nate and the Encounter team, please click the link below and complete the form. We would be honored to connect with you, answer questions, and share the vision of Encounter Youth Camp more personally.
Encounter Youth Camp is proudly hosted by United for Christ Ministries, a ministry dedicated to spreading the gospel and nurturing the next generation. The camp is overseen by our leadership team, including President and Founder, Pastor Nate White, who provides spiritual guidance and vision for every aspect of the camp experience.
Personal Encounter Time
Personal Encounter Time gives students uninterrupted space to slow down and meet with God on their own terms. Away from the noise of daily life, campers are given prompts, Scripture, and quiet time to journal, pray, and reflect on what God is speaking to them individually. This isn’t a passive activity — it’s an invitation for each student to move from hearing about God to actually encountering Him for themselves.
Split Sessions
Split Sessions break students into smaller, more focused groups — often by age or gender — for deeper, more targeted conversations and teaching. This format allows leaders to address topics and questions that are specific to where students are in life, creating a more personal and relatable environment. It’s a chance for students to dig deeper, ask honest questions, and connect with leaders and peers in a more intimate setting.
Preaching Services
Solid, relevant Bible preaching is at the core of every session, delivering truth in a way that meets students right where they are. Each message is crafted to challenge, encourage, and equip campers with a clear, practical understanding of Scripture they can carry home. The goal isn’t just information — it’s transformation, as students are pointed again and again to Jesus and what it means to follow Him.
God Honoring Worship
Each day at camp is anchored by powerful worship services where students gather to sing, pray, and posture their hearts before God together. Led by a dedicated worship team, these sessions create an atmosphere where students can let go of distractions and fully engage in genuine, heartfelt praise. It’s often in these moments of collective worship that students experience some of the most powerful breakthroughs of the week.
Spiritual Response Time
Spiritual Response Time follows the preaching and worship, giving students a dedicated moment to respond to what God has stirred in their hearts. Whether it’s stepping forward for prayer, making a decision to follow Christ, or simply processing what they’ve heard, this time is unrushed and intentional. Leaders and counselors are present to walk alongside students, pray with them, and help them take real, tangible steps in their faith.
Testimonies
Hearing real stories from real people is one of the most powerful parts of camp, and Testimonies give students and leaders the chance to share how God has moved in their own lives. These honest, personal accounts remind campers that they’re not alone in their struggles and that transformation is possible. Testimonies build authenticity and connection, showing students a living picture of what it looks like to walk with God.
June 21-25
YMCA Blue Ridge
84 Blue Ridge Cir, Black Mountain, NC 28711
$399
All Inclusive*
Deposit and Pay Schedule
- A $100 deposit per church is required to reserve your group’s spot. This deposit will be applied toward your total balance.
- We suggest $125 per registrant payments on March 1 and April 1 to help manage costs leading up to the final deadline.
- Final payment for all registered attendees must be submitted no later than May 1.
The Encounter team is committed to allowing your entire group to attend, even if all participants are not fully registered by May 1. However, we ask that churches register all known attendees by that date to help us prepare and serve everyone effectively.
*Cost Breakdown
The total cost for Encounter Youth Camp is $449 per attendee. This price is all-inclusive and covers everything needed for the entire camp experience:
- Lodging
- All meals
- Camp activities
- Official camp shirt
- Wristbands
- Audio/visual equipment rentals
- Care and support for guest preachers and singers
There are absolutely no hidden costs. Our goal is to provide a high-quality, Christ-centered camp experience while removing financial surprises, allowing churches and families to focus fully on what matters most—encountering Jesus Christ.
Why Encounter?
Encounter Youth Camp is more than a week away from home–it’s an opportunity for spiritual growth, meaningful fellowship, and life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ. Our team is dedicated to providing a first-class, safe, and transformative experience for every participant.
Got Questions?
Use the button below to get in contact with Nate, and the encounter team. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Camp Schedule
Encounter Youth Camp’s primary focus is to grow each person’s faith. During this week, we will also emphasize the truth that Christians can also have a fun time! Our team is planning year-round to have the best week of all attendees of the Encounter Youth Camp.
Giant Volleyball
Giant Volleyball takes the classic game and cranks up the fun with an oversized ball and court, guaranteeing plenty of laughs and chaotic energy. Teams battle it out trying to control a ball that’s nearly impossible to handle gracefully, making every match unpredictable and hilarious. It’s a high-energy activity that gets everyone involved, competitive or not.
Slip n' Slide Kickball
Slip N Slide Kickball takes a camp classic and adds a soaking wet twist, turning the infield into a slippery obstacle course. Students kick, slide, and splash their way around the bases, making every play unpredictable and every inning a mess of fun. It’s the perfect activity for a hot day and guarantees campers will walk away drenched and laughing.
Basketball
Basketball at camp offers students a chance to shoot hoops, run drills, and get into some friendly competition on the court. Whether it’s pickup games or organized tournaments, this classic sport is a great way for campers to burn off energy and build camaraderie. It’s simple, familiar, and always a hit with students who love a good game.
Dodgeball
Dodgeball brings out everyone’s competitive side with fast-paced action, quick reflexes, and plenty of good-natured trash talk. Teams face off in an all-out battle to dodge, dip, duck, dive, and dodge their way to victory. It’s one of those activities that gets the whole camp buzzing with excitement and energy.
Campfires
These evening moments often become some of the most meaningful of the week, as the day’s activities give way to genuine conversation and connection. There’s something about the crackle of a fire and the company of friends that makes space for lasting memories and deep spiritual moments.
Bubble Soccer
Bubble Soccer straps students into oversized inflatable bubbles and lets them bounce, bump, and roll their way through a hilarious take on the classic sport. Scoring goals becomes secondary to the sheer joy of colliding with teammates and opponents alike. It’s one of the most talked-about activities of the week, leaving campers sore from laughing as much as from playing.