Summers can be extremely busy. We want to make time for families, vacations, sports, etc. So adding another event such as summer camp might seem daunting.
However, camp can be all of those things and more. Camp has the unique ability to get people out of their norms and allow them to try new things, while giving them opportunities to grow as a person and as a Christian.
Here are some benefits of camp:
Hear from God
Part of camp’s uniqueness is getting to experience the Lord in ways that might not be available in everyday life. It could happen through Bible study in the cabins or worship at the campfire. It could be during a conversation while hanging out by the pool or zipline.
Camp creates ways to point campers to Christ, allowing them to learn and grow in their faith.
Learn a new skill
Camp is a safe place to try new things. It gets campers out of their comfort zones and sets guidelines to help them use their talents and gifts without fear of failure.
Camp inspires campers to use those gifts for God’s glory. It’s also a place that allows them to work through fears and doubts. Not everyone makes it up to the high zipline their first time, but they are applauded for trying and encouraged to keep going. They might not know how to shoot a bow and arrow but they can learn. It doesn’t matter if they hit the bullseye; it matters that they tried and had fun doing it.
Get moving
Campers are active from the time they get up in the morning to the time they go to bed. Their schedules are packed with fun, food and more fun. Most activities encourage campers to be active and put down electronic devices.
With activities such as low ropes, campers need to be engaged both physically and mentally to figure out each element. They might go to bed tired each night, but there is a smile on their faces
Build strong friendships
Being thrown together to complete a certain activity or task allows campers to quickly form bonds. Camp fosters the opportunity for friends to grow closer and form new friendships.
The staff who pour into the campers are challenged to be “imitators of Christ” so they can show what a God-centered friendship looks like, whether it be with other staffers or the campers themselves.
Love and acceptance
Camp has something for everyone. Love sports? Cool, come to camp. Enjoy making art and doing crafts? Awesome, we do too. Want to sing, swim and be outside in nature? Great! Come to camp.
Staffers are trained to show God’s love to everyone who comes through the gates. They are there to listen, encourage, guide and love on campers.
Camp has the potential for a lasting influence on a camper, so much so that many return to become staffers. As staffers, camp also has the potential of a lasting influence. Some have gone on to be ministers, and others are leaders in their churches and communities.
Only time will tell just how impactful a week of camp this summer will be, but for many it will be immeasurable.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Jordan East and originally published by the Baptist Record.
