SPEAKERS HELP FCA CAMPERS — The Sycamore Youth Center held its annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp for those ages 10 to 18. The week involved keynote speakers Rebekah Cohen Morris, executive director of the AIM Woman’s Center, and Brenten “Inky” Jones, a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. Each day combined sports instruction, Bible-based devotions, small-group discussions and team-building challenges aimed at developing leadership and character. Those taking part in the camp included, from left, Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of Sycamore and FCA Camp coordinator; Morris and Jones. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Officials at the Sycamore Youth Center helped the nonprofit organization to hold its annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Camp, which recently concluded another week and another successful event.

For the more than 30 students taking part in the camp, they experienced the blending of spiritual mentorship and athletic development.

This year’s camp featured two keynote speakers — Rebekah Cohen Morris and Brenten “Inky” Jones.

Their inspiring messages anchored a week full of meaningful growth for student-athletes between the ages of 10 and 18.

Morris, a multiple-time Georgia state champion, college basketball player and coach, serves as executive director of the AIM Women’s Center.

Speaking to the campers, she emphasized the importance of knowing that “God is faithful even when you go through hard times and challenges in life”.

Morris shared about how an unfortunate injury in college led to her being given the opportunity to be a college basketball coach.

Jones, a graduate of Steubenville High School and member of the national championship Ohio State Buckeyes football team, also addressed FCA campers.

A former Sycamore Youth Center student himself, Jones offered heartfelt testimony regarding faith, perseverance and staying grounded through successes and struggles.

He shared about the recent revival among the players on team, which spread throughout the campus.

Rounding out the camp’s leadership team was Franciscan University of Steubenville basketball player Travis Zimmerman.

Zimmerman helped coach students throughout the week. His example of humility and servant leadership left a lasting impression on the campers during drills and mentoring sessions, according to Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director of the Sycamore Youth Center and FCA Camp coordinator.

Another highlight of the event came from the student-led testimonies delivered by the youth from Club 3:16 in Weirton.

The stories shared about peer-related instances gave students relatable, real-life examples of how faith can sustain and transform lives in today’s world.

“This was youth ministering to youth — and it was powerful,” Bauman commented.

The camp took place June 16-20 and was one of 18 free summer camps offered by the Sycamore center this year.

Each day combined sports instruction, Bible-based devotions, small-group discussions and team-building challenges aimed at developing leadership and character.

As a celebratory close to the week, campers were treated to free tickets and transportation to the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Texas Rangers game at PNC Park June 20.

For many students, it was their first time attending a Major League Baseball game, capping off a week filled with unforgettable memories and spiritual encouragement, Bauman concluded.

For information on future Sycamore Youth Center events and summer programming, visit sycamorecenter.com. Information also can be found by following the Sycamore Youth Center on its Facebook page.