Recently my husband & I drove a group of middle school kids to church camp. The kids had a great time together singing and goofing off in the van on the way down and were so excited to be at camp when we arrived. I looked around and I thought of the fun activities – the water blob, the rock climbing, the zip lines, the paintball, etc., - that they would enjoy this week and almost wished I were staying to enjoy it with them! Of course I then had to reminisce about my own summer camp days as a kid!
I’m a big advocate of church camp. I know I was challenged spiritually at camp as a child. Not only is camp incredibly fun for those who attend, but campers also receive many spiritual benefits. Every day there is concentrated exposure to the Word of God, presented in different ways, and relevant to what kids need to learn at this time in their lives. The kids look up to their camp counselors, who are able to spend a week mentoring them and modeling (not just discussing) biblical truths to the campers each day all day for a week. Kids get to know other Christian kids and realize that they are part of something bigger than their own church group. Campers are away from the TV and video games, and are given time to spend alone with God and focus on spiritual things.
In my opinion, there is much value in sending children to a sound, biblical church camp. I’m sure other types of camps are also enjoyable, but the eternal value of a full week of learning solid Biblical truth is hard to beat.
What do you think? Is camp worth the cost in time and money? What experiences did you or your children have as a child at church camp? I’d love to know everyone else’s opinion!
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5 comments:
camp changed my life.
i saw my best friend come to know the Lord at camp.
i met some of the best friends of my lifetime at camp.
i ended up at Bible college because of camp.
i met my husband at camp.
i started going to camp in 5th grade, began working there at 14 and worked every summer until the summer i got married. it was a place that taught me independence from others and dependence on God. i learned that there were "good Christian guys" out there, by going to camp. :) and i learned most importantly that I had a Savior who loved me.
i recommend camp. absolutely.
Carleen -
I recieved Christ as my Savior at our church's camp when I was in second grade. I don't think I can make a stronger endorsement than that!
I went to amazing God-centered retreats through middle and high school. For me, it was a catalyst for spiritual growth and experiencing closeness with Christ. Camp was an exciting, life-changing place, and some aspects were very emotional. I do recall struggling with some commitments made at camp once I returned to the real world. For me, discouragement set in fast and was the hardest challenge to overcome. It's probably safe to say that this is a common problem with no simple solution for church camps geared for teens anyway.
Ashley, Pastor Lionel, Jeff -
Thanks for your stories - I really enjoyed learning about your experiences at camp. Jeff, you are right about the challenges of returning from camp to the "real world", but the truths they have learned remain with them.
For anyone reading this between now and August 11, please pray for our own Calvary children who are attending camp this week and next. We have 7 attending middle school camp now and a group of 27 children going to Jr. Camp next week (Aug. 6). Pray also for Pastor Joe as he ministers next week at Jr. Camp.
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