The Magic of Jungle Camp

Yaxoquintela, Chiapas is the site of the former jungle training camp for Wycliffe Bible Translators. The camp operated from the early 1940s until it closed in 1979. Wycliffe trained people there to work with unreached people groups, mostly in remote village locations where they learned the native language, then translated the Bible into that language. This camp was where all Wycliffe trainees got their first taste of what it would be like to live and work in primitive conditions. The camp closed and was turned over to the Tzeltal people that have helped to maintain it. We have returned with a group of former Wycliffe staff members, their family members, and friends to rekindle relationships and to assist in the construction of a new kitchen.

Yax is now a beautiful Tzeltal village located in a high valley between two mountain ranges with a large river running nearby. There are approximately 32 family compounds in the village with most houses constructed from local wood slats with a tin roof. Most of Pablo’s family live here. His father was employed by the camp from the age of 17 until it closed, so Pablo and most of his 7 brothers and sisters grew up around Americans, attended the camp school, learned English and made lasting friendships with Wycliffe staff members.

Yax was once described to us as "a magical place," and as work groups from the US join with local Tzeltal, we are confident that God has new plans for the people of Yax as they seek to develop a new camping ministry there ~ reaching out in Christian love to young people. Camping ministries in the US have a long and wonderful history of helping non-believers feel ready to make a decision to trust in Jesus Christ and helping believers learn important Biblical precepts that will help them develop their spiritual potential throughout their whole lives.

Yax offers the perfect setting for such transformative experiences to occur, and it offers a great location for youth mission trips to come and contribute. Let us know if you'd like to arrange a youth mission from your area to come down to experience "The Magic of Jungle Camp!"