For the first time in two years, kids and horses will converge on New Underwood this June to learn more about the sport of rodeo and the Bible.

A team of Christian rodeo enthusiasts has organized Christian Up Rodeo Bible Camp, June 10-13, at New Underwood Roping Arena. The camp's director is John Backetts.

The camp is sandwiched between the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association's regional high school rodeos, held the first and second weekends in June.

The Fellowship of Christian Cowboys sponsored the annual camp for 15 years but discontinued the camp two years ago, according to Luvene Larson of New Underwood.

"A new group of us felt this is such an opportunity to reach young people," Larson said. Larson's son, Eudell, coach of National American University's rodeo team, rode his first bucking horse at a rodeo Bible camp at Belvidere years ago. She and her husband, Charles, were active supporters of rodeo Bible camp.

"We have been involved in rodeo Bible camp all that time," she said. "We know what it can do."

Many campers form bonds with their peers and instructors that last a lifetime, Larson said.

Campers have the option of taking instruction in one or two of the 11 rodeo events offered during the camp.

The camp can easily handle as many as 100 campers, Larson said. "We're praying for 100."

Campers will stay in tents on site. Meals are included in the camping fee of $125 for one event. An additional $25 stock charge is added for the second event. A $25 pre-registration fee will be applied to the camp's fee.

Larson said campers pay approximately one-half of the cost of the camp. Donations cover the rest. She estimates it will cost between $10,000 and $12,000 to produce the camp.

A large staff of volunteers will mentor campers, prepare their meals and supervise the camp. Many of those are donating rodeo stock, hay and other necessities.

"We have people from all over," Larson said. "It's just been wonderful the people that have volunteered."

Rodeo event instructors are all professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls, Larson said.

The camp concludes with a Friday morning rodeo. The top awards will be silver buckles. The outstanding camper will take home a colt.

In addition to honing their rodeo skills, the camp's nondenominational Christian theme is designed to strengthen teens' faith, Larson said.

"These kids are looking for something that is stable," she said. "The good Lord is; he's the same yesterday and forever."

For more information about the Christian Up Rodeo Bible Camp or to make a contribution to support the camp, call Backetts at 390-7061 or Larson at 754-6562.

Christian Up Rodeo Bible Camp

Dates: Tuesday through Friday, June 10-13

Ages: 13-18, 19-year-olds if 2008 high school graduates

Pre-registration deadline: Saturday, May 31. Registration fee is $25. Pre-registration fee will be deducted from the final cost. A registration packet will be mailed.

Camp Fee: $125, due upon arrival, includes one event. Add a second event for $25.

For info: Call John Backetts at 390-7061 or Luvene Larson at 754-6562.

Contact Andrea Cook at 394-8423 or andrea.cook@rapidcityjournal.com.