From July 18–26, 2026, the annual Bulgarian Ambassador Camp brought together a record-breaking 96 participants aged 16 to 21, alongside 10 group leaders and 24 dedicated volunteers. Under the theme "Build Your Life," the event provided young people with a unique combination of spiritual growth, creative team challenges, and cross-cultural community.
A Journey of Faith and Fellowship
The week began in the historic city of Plovdiv, where ten teams were formed for a week-long camp game. The following day, participants set off on foot, backpacking into the mountain village of Chavdar, where the camp was settled.
Throughout the week, the interactive game challenged teams to gather resources—such as sheep, wood, wheat, silver, and gold—to trade, form strategic alliances, and acquire territory. Designed to foster teamwork, balance, and problem-solving, the activities required constant collaboration.
In a surprising conclusion on the final evening, the camp game was won for the first time by the international team featuring participants from France, England, Hungary, the United States, Austria, and Switzerland.
"I come back to this camp every summer because I haven't found this type of fun activity paired with such a welcoming community anywhere else for our age group," shared one international participant.
Building on the Solid Rock
Central to the camp’s mission were the evening messages presented by guest speaker Michael Garkov, Personal Ministry Leader at the Bulgarian SDA Union. Drawing lessons from the biblical story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Garkov challenged the youth to establish their identities, values, and priorities on Jesus Christ—the ultimate "Solid Rock"—rather than on temporary foundations.
Spiritual impact was matched by answered prayers in practical moments. Facing forecasts of heavy rainfall earlier in the week, leaders and organizers gathered to pray.
"The forecast called for 20 liters of rain per square meter on Wednesday," recalled one group leader. "We came together in prayer asking God to protect our time, and He answered us—Wednesday remained completely dry throughout the day."
A spiritual emotional peak of the week occurred on Thursday evening. Following the sermon, participants formed a large, connected prayer chain during worship, offering open prayers of dedication and intercession. A call for a prayer and fasting was made by some of the groups’ leaders and over 45 young adults went on through the incredible journey of getting closer to God.
On Sabbath, after the divine service, one of the participants shared his very personal testimony of faith and his life-changing decision which was sealed with a beautiful baptism. After that some of the youth leaders, including pastors and church elders, were invited to pray for the youngsters individually. This was a special moment for decision making and encouragement for the young generation. In a moving moment, over 30 young people came forward and publicly expressing their desire to prepare for baptism.
A Community of Faith and Mission
The “Ambassador” Club’s work continues with online Bible studies and other local and national events throughout the year to keep the young people committed and to inspire them to get engaged in their own churches. It also continues to expand its reach, welcoming teenagers and young adults from both inside and outside the country into an active, faith-focused community.
Reflecting on the week's impact, one of the event organizers shared: "Seeing all of you here together, having fun and worshipping the Lord, is deeply meaningful to me. Many of my own friends have left the church, so seeing this generation gathered here is part of my answered prayers."
