Upward Basketball Camp Craig Alaska

Coaching Craig’s Kids Concerning Christ

Pastor Dennis Murphy of Blackwell Baptist is headed to Craig on his fourth mission trip to conduct Upward Basketball Camp and VBS. Pastor Dennis is the site director for a short term missions organization called "The Isaiah Connection."

Craig is a mountainous village on Prince of Wales Island’s west coast, which is part of Alaska. The popular story about Craig is that Craig Miller, a cannery owner in the community, built a fish saltery with the help of some locals back in 1907. The group then went on to build a packing company and a cold storage plant.

As for today, the village has a population of about 1450 residents and is the largest on Prince of Wales Island. This rural community is made up of people who enjoy fishing, sports, hunting, biking, picnicking, glacier walking, hiking, swimming in the summer, the arts, “Mudd Bogg Races” (another popular summer thing), and interesting conversations over a quality cup of coffee. And their claim to fame is fresh seafood.

If you are a cool weather person, you will love Prince of Wales Island. Summer time temperatures hover between 49 and 63 degrees. Keep in mind, however, that average annual precipitation is about 150 inches - so be sure to pack that umbrella and your favorite pair of mud shoes. Mosquito repellent is also a very good idea.

This opportunity to coach Craig’s kids concerning Christ includes partnering with local churches in a variety of outreaches such as sports camps, Vacation Bible School, youth events and more. These are young people eager to learn, and who are interested to understand how they can become effective leaders in their communities – making a positive, eternal difference.

Team Participants

As many as 25 students, adults and / or seniors who are willing to be flexible and willing to be God’s servants are needed. Here are some ways in which individuals, groups, married couples and / or families can contribute alongside the Craig Christians:

Upward Basketball Leadership through sports camp
Vacation Bible School
Youth Outreach
Cooking Crews
Prayer Walking
Simple Work Projects
Leadership Training

Practical Team Tools

VBS and Basketball Supplies
Cash donations to help offset VBS and Basketball supply expenses

Strategic Details

This opportunity will take place from July 31, 2010 through August 7, 2010
Cost is $375 per person for team expenses, not including airfare, ferry fares, and souvenir money. And the Isaiah Connection uses a travel agent who’s wonderfully talented
Stuff to do on the plane – it’s a very long flight
Be sure to bring a driver’s license or some form of identification
See your health care provider for necessary shots
Umbrella, mud shoes, suntan lotion and mosquito repellant
Eye mask for sound sleeping – Craig does not get very dark at night
Basketball experience helpful, but not necessary

If you are interested in going or finanicially supported a child contact Pastor Dennis at 636-208-2432 or dmurphy@isaiahscall.org.