As much of the world turns its attention to the World Cup, Northern Bellefontaine High School's Calvary Christian is focused on growing the game at the local level through its annual youth soccer camp, Camp Victory, focusing on Faith and fundamentals.

Camp Victory offers the youth of Logan County a unique opportunity to learn the fundamentals of soccer while also learning about God and the teachings of the Bible.

This year's camp is led by girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer head coaches Adam Scott and Daniel Wilt and helps build a culture of faith, service, and community among students as they take steps in their walk with the Lord, according to Wilt.

"Camp Victory is becoming a tradition that is becoming a centerpiece of our program," Wilt said. "It serves a bigger purpose than just playing the sport. It highlights all of the things that Calvary Christian asks for from its students."

Wilt has seen the camp grow during his time at the school, witnessing the development of both the soccer program and its mission.

"I went to Calvary and had the opportunity to experience it as a player, then as a coach, and now as the director," Wilt said. "It's a blessing for our high schoolers to be able to serve our kids."

The mission of Camp Victory has always been to give back to the community and provide young athletes with memories that will last a lifetime. Along with soccer drills and team-building activities, Wilt said the camp has found creative ways to make the most of this week's summer heat.

"We played water games to help beat the heat," Wilt said. "Using the water helped keep the kids cool and made the drills even more fun."

Drills being altered and extra breaks for the campers have made the camp different this season, but has grown the message of unity and togetherness still rings true. Multiple events have been added to this week over the years to make the experience more immersive.

With the World Cup tournament taking place, the school is also hosted an impromptu viewing party for campers to enjoy the match before gathering later for a team watch party as Team USA takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Round of 32 matchup at the pitch.

Pair the viewing party with a camp favorite Alumni-Game, where past Spartans come back for an exhibition game in front of the campers, and you have a lot of happy campers, going home with new friends and stories.

While soccer serves as the foundation of Camp Victory, Wilt said the camp's true goal goes beyond scoring goals and learning skills on the field. Through faith lessons, mentorship from Calvary's high school athletes, and opportunities to build lasting friendships, organizers hope every camper leaves with something more meaningful than an improved soccer game.

"At the end of the day, we're trying to show these kids that they have a God that loves them.” Wilt said. "If they leave here with a better understanding of the game, that's great. But if they leave knowing more about their lord and with memories, that’s what really matters."

As campers spend the week learning, competing and making memories, Camp Victory once again demonstrates why it has become a staple of Calvary Christian's summer activities — bringing together soccer, faith and fellowship for the next generation of Logan County athletes.