Every kid should get to experience the fun of Camp!
Youth learn you can have fun as a Christian. This is one of the most commonly shared comments after a week at camp. It’s at camp where many kids begin to see that “living the faith” is fun. It allows them to envision their whole lives as an adventure in faith. Camp is fun! Christianity is fun! And that’s something every kid should get to experience.
Youth meet the man or woman they may marry some day. This is a rarely discussed value of Christian camping, but one every camper, past and present, is well aware of. As a parent of teens, I’m not looking to push the dating process, but I am glad that they are in an atmosphere where they can meet young men and women who share the same faith and values of our family. Deb and I will be thrilled if someday, far in the future, our daughter Bekah and son Andrew meet their future spouse at camp. (Just like their mom and dad.)
Youth find encouragement. Children and youth today live in a world of discouragement. At a Christian camp, children can begin to understand through God’s word that their value is not based on “who” they are, but “whose” they are. Our self-worth comes from God, not from what the media, our peers, or other forces in this world may say. Many youth can’t believe the atmosphere of acceptance they experience at camp. It can be an exact inverse of what they experience in their schools, communities, and sadly sometimes even in their own families. Many youth see camp as “a different world where everyone accepts me for who I am.”
Youth have a chance to listen to God. Unfortunately most parents have taught their children how to be busy, but very few have taught their children to take the time to listen to God. A break from the TV, video games, cell phones, and even our own families provides an opportunity for our children to listen to God speak to them. I believe camp at its best allows, within the craziness and fun, a chance to be quiet and listen to God speak through his Word; to come to him in prayer in the midst of his beautiful creation, and listen.
Is camp worth it? Without a doubt! Is it costly? It can be. But everything of value has a cost. Camp changes lives! And the next life changed could be your son’s or daughter’s. What would you be willing to pay for that?
Woody-
Great article to start your blogging life!
Camp is worth it!
While I became a camp counselor in 1991 to change the lives of youth (which, By the Grace of God hopefully happened) Camp Luther changed my life.
I did meet my wife, now of 12 years, as she was a counselor at Camp Luther.
Camp is worth whatever the price may be!
Woody,
I too say, Camp Luther rocks!
Back in the “Stone Age” when I was a teenager, I went to Camp Luther, and stayed in the wonderful ol’ dorms. It was SO much fun…Years later as an adult (but a child forever at heart) I attended my 1st women’s retreat. I met many wonderful women who have shared my faith in Christ. Each year we still meet at Camp Luther…and it is so wonderful to be in such an awesome place.
Camp Luther is the place to be.
Camp Luther is the best i cant wait to come back!