Doesn’t everyone love summer camp?!
I may be biased towards the awesomeness of camps because it was during camps that I became a Christian, accepted a call into pastoral ministry, met my wife, and lived as an assistant director for several years.Â
During my ten-year tenure with camping ministry I was able to minister to 60,000 people who came up for summer camps, weekend retreats, and to serve on mission trips.
Even though I have transitioned into a role in the local church, I still believe that camp is the most influential ministry tool that parents can leverage to spiritually impact their kids. There are thousands of camp settings: traditional weeklong wilderness camps, student conferences, mission trips, or weekend retreats. The possibilities are endless!
As a family pastor I understand the investment that comes with sending your kids to summer camp. The camp fees are expensive. Camps are often out-of-town. Packing is always a nightmare for middle school students. On top of that, you miss your kids when they leave for a week.
So why send them to camp?
Camp is a perfect spiritual investment to make in your student’s life. Because camps are unlike anything kids can experience at home. There is something powerful when we step outside of our schedules and contexts to focus on Jesus for a short period of time. Camp has the opportunity to impact your student unlike any influence they have in their sports or extracurricular activities.
Here Are 7 Reasons You Should Send Your Student To Summer Camp:
(These reasons work for kids of any age. I am just choosing to use the word “student” to describe them all.)
He Will Grow Relationally With The Group
Are they having trouble making friends? Camp is for them! This is the perfect, non-threatening way for your student to build deeper friendships with the other youth group students. Don’t let them play the “I don’t know anyone going” card. If they truly don’t have a friend attending, talk to their best friend’s parents and get them both to attend.
 She Will Grow Spiritually With God
Camps are an opportunity for students to unplug from their smart phones and gaming systems and focus on God. The emphasis of Christian camps is for students to meet Jesus. Many make a decision for the first time in their life to follow Jesus and countless others turnover their habits, expectations, and plans for Jesus to direct.
The Week’s Focus Is All About Jesus
Everything from schedules, meals, studies, and games all point to the theme of the week – meet Jesus. Where else in their community will they find an emphasis like this? Pastors and camp directors spend thousands of hours planning the details to make sure your student is able to meet Jesus throughout his day.
It Is A Safe Place To Ask Spiritual Questions
AS students study God’s Word they will begin to ask questions about faith, life, and God. Camp is a safe place where students can voices questions and feel a part of the community. They realize that other students are dealing with the same issues, questions, and situations that they are struggling with.
He Will Realize That He Is Not Alone
Regional camps allow students to meet other students. As they share their stories they meet others who are walking through the same phase of life, just a few states over. Adults understand that there is nothing new in the world, but students are still trying to figure this out. You know how lonely, shutdown, and reclusive students can become. Camps are a place where students can meet others who understand their struggle.
She Will Take Ownership Of What Her Student Ministry Could Be Like
Camp staffers are highly creative individuals. Seeing these awesome worship environments gets students excited about reaching more of their friends once they return home. Camps have a unique way of giving students ownership of their ministry.
He Will See Other Students Worship
The cool kids, the athletes, and the brainy students are all one body worshipping Jesus each evening. There is nothing more powerful than realizing that Jesus loves everyone regardless of his or her popularity, family situation, or shortcomings. Students who worship at camp gain a better picture of the love and forgiveness that Jesus has for humanity.
Now What?
Camp is a perfect opportunity for your student. Camps aren’t just a fun event. They have the potential to be a life-changing event.
I challenge you to talk with your student or children’s pastor about summer opportunities. I know camps can be expensive, but churches are full of people who have been impacted by camps and are willing to anonymously help support students attending camp.
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