WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK FOR IN A GOOD SUMMER CAMP? So you’re committed to getting your teenager or child to summer camp. But which one? What are some things to look for? The Word of Life name , of course! All kidding aside, the quality experience campers receive at any of the Word of Life facilities really sets them apart. If you have the opportunity to attend one of their camps or to send your camper, I would encourage you to do so. I have had the privilege of sending my own children to their camps and cannot say enough about them. But if you’re not close to one of their camps and are searching for a good option closer to home, here are a few things to consider : GOSPEL FOCUS If you’re going to send your teenager or your church group to a camp, you’ll want to find one that has a strong gospel focus. In fact , I can’t imagine a more important thing to look for. Real and lasting change in the lives of our teenagers can only come from the power of the gospel. And the only way that power is unleashed is if it is taught , proclaimed , explained and demonstrated throughout the week of camp. A camp could provide first- class amenities, quality programs, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for teenagers, but if that camp lacks a gospel presence and tone, then it is failing at the most important places. Your camp should have a strong and pure gospel message and a commitment to share that message with the young people who have come. CULTURAL RELEVANCE Another thing I would look for in a good camp is a willingness to engage with kids and teenagers within their culture. The Apostle Paul famously said that he became all things to all people so that by all means he might win some. In this case, I believe that means camp ministries need to be willing to reach young people where they are. Teenagers and children need to know the God of the U niverse loves them as they are, where they are. They need to know the God we serve is present with us. When ministries make an attempt to connect with the real lives of young people , they communicate God is attempting to connect with the m. Is your camp willing to engage teenagers and kids within the context of their culture? They should be. We would never support a missionary who was unwilling to study the culture and to engage their people in language and customs familiar to them. Why should we expect less from our camp ministries? Look for a place that has proven their commitment to connect with young people where they are. 1 2 SPIRITUAL GROWTH When we’ve gathered with a group of other Christians, free from the normal distractions, and focused on our relationship with God, the end game is pretty predictable. God uses that time to encourage us and to strengthen us and to draw us closer to Him. As I sit here today, 20+ years since attending camp as a teenager, I can still recall the things God was working o n my heart. More than fun and high-energy activities, the spiritual growth young people experience at camp is the greatest benefit they’ll receive. many of them, they feel as though they are the only Christian s in their class, on their team, at their school. There is something so refreshing about looking around a room and seeing hundreds of other Christian young people who share that same burden. I went to a large high school and attended a very small church. Camp was a great reminder to me that I was not alone in the good fight. SPIRITUAL FOCUS I’m always amazed to see how unplugging and disconnecting for a week will bring to life a hunger and desire for the things of God. I’m convinced that we (not just the kids) have so distracted and amused ourselves that we are unable to hear the still small voice of God through all the clutter of our lives. Camp provides a week away from the video games, TV, endless distractions, and by default focuses our energy and attention on the things that matter most – our relationship with God. And when we cut through the white noise of our electronic distraction, we can hear again the voice of Jesus calling “Come, follow me.” And without the endless diversions, we can see clearly enough to realize that following H im is worth whatever it costs. 2 3
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