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6/11/24 |
1 |
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4 |
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9/23/23 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Brookhill Ranch Camp is an incredible place to send your kids for summer camp. It is equivalent to a life-long investment. Trust me, I know. I attended for 5 years and was on Staff for 10. My time there continues to be one of the best seasons in life for me, and continues to influence my life today. It was there that I learned how Jesus loves me and how to live out my faith on a daily basis. It was there that I found lifelong friends who encourage me to continue living out my faith. It was there that I learned how to persevere through challenges and tap into God's power in me. It was there where I learned to lay down my life for others, so that they too may come to know God as I do. Is Brookhill perfect? No, but it's the closest thing I've ever seen to a cohesive, God-centered environment. God used this place in my life in a lasting, real way. I am glad my parents sacrificed to be able to send me, and I am glad I had the opportunity to serve there for so many years.
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5/18/23 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
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I loved this place as a child in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Most of the counselors were a little bit hippy, dippy, dreamy and on a path to spiritual enlightenment…that’s my memory from childhood. If you ever become a counselor—especially a Sr. Counselor—you will be confronted with an entirely different side of the coin. The indoctrination is intense. Depression, anxiety, and sexual desire of any kind (forget about being gay…there is no worse crime at this camp than for a boy to be effeminate or a girl to be butch). Masturbation forbidden at all times in life. This is MAGA gone wild. No more counselors being barefoot and putting flowers behind their ears. Only loyalty to Trump. The heartbreaking part is that the camp’s founder (now in her 90s) was a visionary…she had a gift to relate to children…letting kids to be silly and laugh at themselves… charismatic… I will never understand how she went so wrong and wrought decades of SPIRITUAL ABUSE. (And the labor practices…)
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1/7/23 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
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I attended Brookhill back in the 90s. I was instantly a thorn in the side of Lou-Brooks and the camp counselors. I was raised Catholic and considered myself religious. But right away, it was clear to me that what I was dropped off into was a cult. My parents had no idea; no one does. The second they drive away, it's like a bizarre world takes over - one that is fun with the activities, but extraordinarily frightening if you're a kid who can look past that surface. The first time there, my camp counselor (a seemingly great guy) kept trying to ask me what was wrong (in a way that made me feel uncomfortable) simply because I was quiet and not buying the "you're all sinners" talk. A couple mornings later, he got out of bed and showed me his erect penis. He said, "do you have a problem with this?" I never went back afterward. Beware; this is no place for kids. I'm lucky that I was strong-minded (thanks mom/dad), but most kids don't know what is happening. #shame
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10/27/21 |
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It is a cult. They dehumanize women & children, and desensitize men to their suffering, in the name of “sacrifice” and “tough love”. We were told that we were “born into sin” and only vessels” to be “filled with God”. Homophobia & misogyny are common themes, and one member of the administration, Steven Sexton, once referred to a mixed-race couple as having “Jungle Fever”. They employ teenagers & college students who use public humiliation, fear-mongering and intimidation tactics as teaching tools. They manipulate adult members into donating their time & money to the organization and they have an extreme political agenda & bias. They financially support people that have been linked to far-right hate groups, and brag that they are “soldiers” & “conquerors” of Christ. Every soul saved is another “mansion in Heaven” for a church member! ?? Please do not send your children to this summer camp.
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"ilovebrookhillranch" - https://campratings.com
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9/18/20 |
3 |
3 |
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I don’t think these are bad people. I really don’t. I went here for 7 years and worked there for 1. I loved this place more than anything. However, I didn’t realize until a couple years after graduating from this camp that some aspects of it were emotionally damaging. One example that sticks out is when they were talking about eating disorders (I guess?? I don’t even remember why this was said) and the director said verbatim “pick up a fork and eat, food is good.” I find that inappropriate and insulting to any child in the audience who may have had any kind of eating disorder. I also know that they denied employment to a male individual who was somewhat feminine. Just little things like that has made me question what their mission really is. It all just seems so judgmental and condescending. And believe me, I don’t want to be writing this review. Like I said I loved this place so much.
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4/28/20 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
This camp is great if you are looking for a week full of cult-like indoctrination. As a kid, it seems fun, and it IS fun, but it was extremely traumatizing to me (I went 3rd-10th). They shame you if you don't cry. They shame you if you question anything. They make 9 year olds watch a GRUESOME and VERY explicit reenactment of the crucifixion -- followed by more shaming if you do not repent and cry immediately after. They tell you only Jesus cures anxiety and depression. They make their counselors speak in tongues. At their Thanksgiving event, I heard about Jesus's love maybe once. The rest of the event was talking about gun control, hating gay people, etc. At their school, Christian Ministries, they have teachers who are teenagers and uneducated. Their indoctrination begins very young. Everyone I know is either still in the cult, or is extremely traumatized by this camp. There is NO in between. Think carefully before sending your child here, PLEASE! Save them the trauma and therapy.
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12/29/19 |
1 |
3 |
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2 |
Don’t send your child here if they aren’t all star football players or future sorority girls who are atypical, cisgender, straight, and fall easily into trends. I was a camper here for seven years, a junior counselor for three, and. Senior counselor for one. As a camper I learned that Jesus loved me, that I was weird and should try to fit in, and that I shouldn’t have male friends. When I was a junior counselor, I was abused for my labor. I was taught that even if I tried very very hard, who I am inherently may not be enough if that didn’t fit in with their perception of popularity. When I was a senior counselor, I learned that Blake Binns is GOD and so is David Pate. Oh right, cause I’m a female and I should adjust myself to be attractive to the. For Christ sake, I’m now gay and healed from this religious exploitation. I will never send my child here.
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7/4/19 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
I went to this camp for seven years as a camper and worked two summers as a Junior counselor. This camp caused me so much emotional hurt and distorted views of Christianity that I'm still processing many years later. I would not want to send my child to this camp ever. I was told that mental health problems were a product of not being faithful and trusting God enough, and that I should stop talking about my darker thoughts. Also this camp affected my own understanding of sexuality to a degree that I am still processing today. I was told that all sexuality before marriage is sin during formative years when I was trying to understand puberty. I was convinced that I was sinning by trying to process my emotions and hormones. I am also certain that there are flagrant labor violations happening with junior staff payment and long hours without air conditioning or breaks. There are no certified medical staff on site either, despite the advertised camp nurse now called "First Aid Counselor"
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6/2/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Brookhill is the bomb. The staff is my favorite part. The directors are amazing, and the counselors or my favorite. The facilities are awesome. The activities are also some of my favorite things. As you understand this place is amazing.
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7/12/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
There is no place like home. Best week of summer is spent at brookhill
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8/8/17 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
Completely disregards others opinions and mental health. Very forceful about beliefs on little children and adolescents. Camp director could not apologize for yelling at a young teenage camper in front of 500+ other campers and counselors. Disregards any sort of feelings, beliefs, cultural differences, or past personal histories. Said that sexual assault, depression, and incest is one's own fault and is the result of living a non-Christian life. These messages were said to children's ages 8-15.
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5/31/13 |
1 |
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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SYSTEM: 3 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
*
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10/19/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I wish I could stay forever. The staff is awesome, they are well trained and attentive to every camper. I went alone, but never had a problem meeting new people and making friends. Hettie is amazing, the activities are always fun, and the environment is so accommodating to genuine renewal of spirit and life. Everyone should go to this camp... and if you're too old for the camp, check out the womens ministry, mens ministry, or couples. Brookhill Ranch truly continues to be a source of inspiration and beauty, even after 54 years of service.
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10/5/09 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
This camp isn't about facilities, or activities. This camp is about the love of God changing people. The counselors show the love of Christ to a generation that is used to being rejected. I highly recommend this camp. I was a camper for 5 years and soon to be a junior counselor. God is using this camp to affect the lives of thousands of youth.
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*
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10/5/09 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Brookhill has had an incredible impact on my life--- how to live as a Christian. I spent 7 yrs as a camper and 4 as a counselor. Incredible camp!!! Can't wait to send my own kids there!
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10/3/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Brookhill had a huge impact on my life as a child when I was a camper on on into adulthood it continued to help mold me into the person God wanted me to be as I had the opportunity to work there. I cannot wait for my children to be old enough to go there!!
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10/3/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I love Brookhill. It has transformed me into the person I am today. I went there for 3 years as a camper and I currently work on staff as a senior counselor. This is a great camp because Jesus is the center of everything we do. The counselors give everything they have to the campers to make them feel loved and accepted. So many campers I talk to tell me the reason they love Brookhill so much is because they can be themselves and they feel loved. We have great senior staff and our purpose is to show children the love of Christ. Camp has changed my life. Go Chestnuts!-- Gabi
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10/2/09 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Some of my favorite childhood memories are back at Brookhill. Even 25 years later I might burst out into a song and embarass my own children!
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10/2/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Brookhill is a wonderful camp - I was a camper there for five years then worked there almost twice as long - I learned many things there that have been important in my life. I sent my oldest daughter there for the first time this summer and she loved it. She took a friend with her who was homesick and begged me to take her back home before she even registered - then thanked me later for making her stay - I can't say enough about the wonderful staff who unselfishly serve the campers!
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10/1/09 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went to Brookhill for years. I truly believe that a large part of who I am as a Christian is because of this place and the people that work there and love so selflessly. As an adult, I have taken my children every year they were eligible to go. They loved it. Over the years we have taken many friends and family members. They all were just as pleased as we were. Parents, give up whatever you have to to make sure your kids get to go. They will never be the same and you will be so glad you did.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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1/7/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
i'm related to tim and terri brooks and brookhill is the christian camp to go to! i love brookhill! the staff is AMAZING! they have full attention on u. it is fully focused on God at all times. if u love God you will definitely love brookhill.
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10/26/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Brookhill is the best camp! the red tee shirts are amazing and they+Sexton teach you alot about life and how to be closer in your relationship with God. Even on a rainy day at Brookhill you have a fun and amazing time!I have allways said that brookhill is the most amazing time of my life!
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7/23/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went to Brookhill 30 years ago for the 1st time and continued for 11 years! I was a camper for 7 and a counselor for 4. Now, my kids go. My oldest was a counselor this year. Where else can you go and get close to God, be accepted and loved, no matter what, and have an AWESOME time! I wouldn't trade it for anything! Please ignore the posts that downgrade Brookhill, I mean come on, your at camp not the Hilton! Of course the bathrooms are going to be rugged and there is not going to be air! Its the country. When I was a kid I can't even remember the heat, all I remember is the fun. So, give it a try if you haven't, it is worth the money and your kids will have a life changing experience! Thanks Hettie Lou and Don for what you gave us and what you are still giving to our kids now!
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7/7/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
o my goodness.. that camp is the best place i have ever been.. think about it! u get to be closer to God, make new friends, the counselors are fabulous, and the most important thing .. HAVING FUNN!!!!:D i absoluetly possitively LOVE this camp!! its like heaven on earth.. literally! anyone that doesnt go doesnt no wat there missing out on! go go GO! love yall! :O baylee
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7/6/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
brookhill is an AMAZING camp. the staff is oh so friendly the activitys are super fun and it brings me closer and closer to the lord every summer. i leave for week #6 in a week and i am soooooooooooo excited!! wooohooo!! i LOVE brookhill!!
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6/30/08 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Where else can 9-15 yr old kids go and feel so special, get connected to a REAL God, have lots of really fun activites, and leave feeling special and loved? NO WHERE...3 kids, 6 years each, and it was the best money I ever spent! Yes, they need AC, but hey my sons sure appreciate home when they come back! Love the staff, VERY dedicated, Christ centered like none other...and I have seen many. Too bad there is no Brookhill for all the hurting adults in the world!!! If we would all love each other as Brookhill teaches our kids too, the world would be a happy place. My sons always come home humbled, convicted to live for God, and to get the trash out of their daily lives. They are rededicated to God, read their bibles, and actually say THANKS MOM, that was great! I cant say enough good things about this awesome place. SEND YOUR KIDS!!!! YOU WONT BE SORRY!!!!
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6/17/08 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
the staff was a little too friendly. the bathrooms made my eyes fall out of socket they were so gross. i mean for crying out loud, i itched my ankle and they told me to look up. and have you ever heard of air conditioning? and it takes more than 10 seconds for me to take a sanitary shower. but i liked the peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches.
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4/4/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Ok so you can only type 1000 words on this thing and I cannot even begin to describe how awesome of a camp this is not only do you have the fishing derby, barn, aggie moe softball, fun swim, tennis, girls and boys sports, hodge podge, big lake, small lake, cabin clean up, olympics in the 2 week, horseback, gocarts, water rides, nature, music group, counsel ring, awesome waggon songs, morning devotions, evening vespers, archery, rifelry, bumperboats, and a much much more, but you also form an awesome relationship with God and get to know Him better than ever before. Brookhill is by far the coolest, most awesomest, best camp in the world
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3/28/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I was a Senior Counselor at Brookhill THIRTY years ago this summer! Wooo-hoo "Summer Staff of '78"! Patty, Martha, Leslie, Kathy, Tony, Becky..and JC's Steven, Stephanie, JimmyBeth! Can't remember you all (getting old!)...In just ONE summer of serving Christ and the FABULOUS kids at Brookhill, God changed my life. I was 19 and a Christian but with no real direction. My summer there was the turning point in my walk with God. It was where I realized I could have a real relationship of my own and COULD NOT just rely on my parents relationship with Jesus! He became real to me that summer and I grew up so much. Imagine what going to Brookhill could do in the hearts of children when as a working Camp Counselor, it impacted me so much...here it is 30 years later and I still sigh and smile when I think of Small Lake, Honor Cabin, Olympics,Hobo Dinners, and of course...not knowing if I needed to blow dry my hair more...OR if I had finished and just started sweating! Love to you all.. SANDY
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2/22/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I absolutly LOVED Brookhill ive gone there for 2 summers so far and they were the best summers EVER!!!! i HIGHLY reccomend it!!!!
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10/21/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went to this camp over the summer! The Counselors, Sexton EVERYONE and EVERYTHING is great. It was my first time there. But I graduated and it was sad. I haven't had a life changing experience like this EVER! If you are thinking of going then you NEED to go! It is a GREAT camp! Even though I'm 15 I loooooooved it! It was amazing. I couldn't have felt closer to god or people that I only have known for a week. I love this camp. Always will.
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10/19/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Amazing Camp!! I am reading the book by the Brooks about how Brookhill originated, and you can truely see the Lord working through this camp! Love it!! HiGHlY RECOMEND it!
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10/17/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Life changing experience. I have been going for 5 years and now I am applying to be a counselor there. It is the most fun you will have in your ENTIRE life!!
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SYSTEM: 3 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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9/13/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
When you first get there it may seem a little warm, but it definitely cools off, especially at night (i even had to turn my fan off). The water activities are soooo fun, you should take those if you get the chance to go
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8/22/07 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
I went to Brookhill from 6 years. I loved the activitys, food, and devotional time. The heat was terrible thought and there is no ac. The counselors are great, Steven Sexton is amazing. Overall, a great time!
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SYSTEM: 3 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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7/6/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
One of the best camps in my entire life.... if your thinking about going.... then GO!!!! It is an amazing time... I can't wait untill next year!!!
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7/1/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I just completed my third year of Brookhill one month ago. I can't stop thinking about next year! Everything there is wonderful. Once you go you just wanna go back!
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6/29/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Both of our grandchildren have attended this camp for several years with our granddaughter now a counselor. Our grandson went as a shy, dyslexic 9 year old and came home full of confidence and with a boatload of stories. It truly changed his way at looking at himself and the world around him. I cannot say enough good things about the positive influence the camp has on the children. I strongly recommend it.
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6/12/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went when I was younger. I'm now 22 and engaged to be married and, expecting my first child. Parents should send their kids to brookhill its awesome! There's always plenty to do and they really love you there!
Sincerely, Arkansasgirl
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6/6/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
AMAZING!!! It felt like I actually belonged somewhere for once!! Great councilers. Good food. Great stuff. Loved it!
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4/20/07 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
HORRIBLE! I went there one year and it was like i wasn't even there! if you want to go there DONT!!
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4/19/07 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Life changing awesome! I want my whole family & EVERYONE one I know to get to this camp & all it's different seminars for men, women & kids! Hettie is intense & REAL & the staff gives it their ALL. You can tell the difference between other camps that just go thru the motions & attempt to entertain & give you stuff to fill time. This camp fills your soul & you have a great time! By the way....the food is great too!I left this place different then when I came. The change has stuck & I'm about to go back to get some more & see what God is going to do this time. I'm bringing 9 friends w/ me & can't wait to see how much they love it.I guess that's it in a nutshell~~it's a place you want to bring everyone you love, because you know it's ALL ABOUT GOD & how can that ever be bad?
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4/3/07 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Wow, best camp ever, im going for my 6th year and i love it, you never feel left out and you allways have so much fun!
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SYSTEM: 3 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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2/11/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The best experience your child will ever have. I grew up at brookhill, it changed my life. This will be my son's first year. I am more excited than he is.
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1/7/07 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This year will be my 2 year at brookhill! there is not one person there who does not want to be your friend!! I LOVE BROOKHILL
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12/30/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Brookhill has an amazing, warm environment. I went to Brookhill as a camper for six years, and I have been a junior counselor for two years. The training of the staff is excellent. Each child is noticed and no one sinks into the background. There are activites during all parts of the day. It is not a church camp where you spend hours in intense bible study, rather the goal of Brookhill is to teach how much fun you can have living the Christian way. There are not expensive attractions, but kids are well entertained by the activities. The amount of down time is limited and all areas are supervised. Kids come back from Brookhill with a new outlook on life.
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10/24/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Wow! My children have never been the same. Sending them to Brookhill gave them a real peace about who they are and that they are destined to do great things in this world. Totally amazing
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8/30/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter LOVES this camp. We have gone for 2 years and this year she came home with something different inside her. It all finally clicked and in the process she has clicked off the TV. This is a wonderful healthy environment that takes kids back to the basics and teaches them what is important. God, family, yourself. It allows them to commune with nature and with God and their peers who have the same committment to the Sole Creator. I hate that we only have a few years left to go. At first the price seemed a little steep but then can you really put a price on your child's soul? Expect us again next year, this time for the 2 week sessions and the year after that, and the year after that, etc. Praise God you are here. A very happy parent
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8/19/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I absolutly love this camp! I would live there if i could! It is so amazing you feel so loved when you are there and your relationship with God grows so deeply! I HIGHLY reccomend this camp to others!
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7/12/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Great Camp! I've been for 8 years and never heard of anybody not liking it. Awesome staff and counselors that always make you feel wanted and important, and so many fun activites. Great focus on God, and really helps your relationship with God. No other camp like Brookhill. Highly Recommended!!
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6/22/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Oh wow! I love Brookhill! All the activities are amazing and you NEVER get bored at camp. I love every counseler at brookhill and every JC. I've been goin since 3rd grade and plan on goin till I graduate and then... hopefully become a counseler. My dream is to become a GREAT, encourageing counseler just like the ones i have always had since 3rd grade! I LOVE BROOKHILL AND WILL NEVER GET TIRED OF GOIN!! :)
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6/15/06 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I love brookhill ranch...it is sooo much fun and it has helped me grow in my faith.....no camp can top this one!!
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