Over 65 people in the surrounding area recently attended the 33rd Annual Creation 2011, "A Tribute to Our Creator" at the Agape Farm in Mt. Union from June 29 to July 2.

HUGHESVILLE – Over 65 youth leaders and pastors from the area attended the 33rd annual Creation 2011 festival. With live music, upbeat Gospel and well known Christian bands, the festival was created as a way to bring in young people to learn about life and God.

“Take advantage of everything you can squeeze into these few days. Sing, shout, clap, jump, worship, pray, and play with open ears and eyes to see what Got wants to say to you,” director and co-founder Rev. Dr. Harry L. Thomas, Jr. told the students when they arrived at the camp located at Agape Farm in Mt. Union, Pennsylvania.

Led by Jen Markley, Youth Leader and RN from Hughesville, the group departed from Bethany United Methodist Church in Hughesville on Tuesday, June 28 and returned on Sunday, July 3. “Our group is called ‘The Creation Family Adventure’ which represents multiple churches in our area,” Markley explained. “We go as family units. We are among 80 to 100 thousand people there, but it doesn’t feel like that many,” she said as they camp out on such a huge farm. “We arrive a day early to get settled and relax a little.”

An entire line-up of musical festivities was planned for Wednesday through Saturday with break-out seminars, announcements, movies, and worship sessions.

Breakfast and lunch were supplied by the youth, some groups made their own suppers, many made over an open fire pit. Campers and tents were set up with supplies and students had opportunities to make crafts, meet artists, and attend afternoon work sessions with keynote speakers. “The kids like going to them,” said Markley who has been attending the Christian fest for the past 12 years.

The local group starts planning for the event in January, taking turns meeting at other people’s houses to coordinate everything. “It’s a great time to worship our Creator,” Markley added. “It is a group effort by all, and everyone has at least one job to do.”

Some of the highlights include the Christian music such as Skillet, a well-known Christian band and Toby Mac, a famous contemporary Christian music artist who closed the festival with a concert on Saturday night. Another fun and memorable activity each year is the Oklahoma Blanket Run where everyone gets up at 5 a.m. Wednesday morning to rush to the top of the hill to get a good spot to view the large amphitheater that is set up for the performances. “We put a tarp down to mark our spot so we can get a good view of the main stage,” Markley said. “I really enjoy the fellowship among the group members as well as the speakers and the bands.”

For more information visit the website at www.creationfestival.com.