Church camp holds a special place in the memory of many of us in church. We look back fondly at the sweaty days playing with friends and the decisions made. My son and daughter accepted Jesus at a church camp. One of my best friends surrendered to the ministry of camp. I’m sure you have memories from whichever camp you attended. However, many camps have experienced a drop in attendance over the last few years. Parents don’t want to send their students off for a week. Students don’t want to give up time from their summer months. Pastors are concerned about what is taught at the camp. And the list goes on.
I would argue that there is still a place for church camp in our ministry plans. There are many conference options out there, but there is nothing quite like camp. Let me share a few reasons that camp can be a valuable part of your ministry and the students you work with:
• It is a week away. Not everyone’s home situation is great. In fact, for some of our students, it is downright horrible. A week away at camp can make all the difference, especially when they are surrounded by men and women who love them and want the best for them.
• It is a week focused on spiritual things. Our students are assaulted on all sides by the world. Homework assignments, standardized tests and papers are just a few of the things that students must focus on during the school year. That doesn’t even count the relational struggles students face. It is hard for students to put all those concerns aside and spend some time looking at what matters most in life. Group worship, small group times and conversations in the cafeteria and cabins all play into a week that can help students see what is important in life. Let me add here that no matter your camp’s policy on phones, take time to limit your students’ use of their phones. They need to get away, and having a portal in their pockets to the world will only distract them from the ultimate goal.
• It is a place for great memories. I have some core memories from my days at our camp outside Joplin, Mo. I remember jumping into a mountain spring-filled pool and almost getting hypothermia. I remember hours spent in a sand volleyball pit. I also remember getting so overheated because of all the summer activities, and I was sick one night. I also remember a Bible quiz and being pulled into a team where I felt completely unprepared to participate. Most of all, I remember the friendships and conversations. My spiritual life was shaped during those days. I appreciate the men and women who took time to be with us for a week away from home.
• It is a place for decisions. I know of many young men who made known their decision to serve in vocational ministry around their time at church camp. With all the distractions of the world set aside and a focus on God and His Word, young people can see more clearly what they need to do. Now, this should be the culmination of a journey to ministry rather than a new idea. If a young person comes to you believing they are being called, and this is the first you have heard about it, then some conversations need to happen. I believe God can call a young person out of the blue, but I have seen so many young men and women surrender at camp and return to life as they know it just a few weeks later. In addition to decisions for ministry, there are the decisions for salvation. These can be more spontaneous, but the desire is still to see a camp decision as a culmination of God’s people pouring into them.
Camp can still be an important part of your student ministry. It provides things that other opportunities do not. If you are struggling to find a camp that fits you and your group, consider camps sponsored by your local or national associational groups. Daniel Springs in Gary, Texas, is a great option, but there are also great camps here in Arkansas. If you need help finding one, reach out to us at BMAyouthdepartment@gmail.com.
