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Why Is Camp More Than A 'Real Job'? |
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Why Is Camp More Than A 'Real Job'? |
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Maria was on staff at a Christian camp last summer. She wants to return this summer for many reasons. Maria's parents also have strong feelings about the summer. They see the tuition bill for college looming ahead; another summer at camp is just not practical. Maria should get a "real job" to help support her education. The dilemma is causing strife at home. Gordon had worked in the kitchen at a camp for three summers. He was a valued staff member and a real spiritual leader for the rest of the staff in those years. Last summer, he decided that he couldn't "afford" to return to camp. Gordon reported that last summer, spiritually speaking, was one of the worst of his life. He desires to serve at camp again this summer. What made camp such a valuable experience in both of these cases? Why is camp so much more than a "real job"? How is camp part of the educational process? These are key questions. Here are some answers. Camp provides a unique environment. The lordship of Christ is emphasized. The Christian "basics" are modeled and taught. The concerns and pressures of the outside world are temporarily shut out as staff members concentrate on the task at hand. The camp atmosphere of growth, shared purpose and mutual acceptance offers a place where young people can strengthen their faith in God and blossom. In the words of one girl, "Camp was the high point of my existence!" Camp creates an evangelistic outlook: Many who have worked at camp have come home with a new zeal to share Christ with their friends. The reasons? Perhaps the exposure to godly men and women has given them an example to follow. Maybe the excitement of seeing campers give their lives to God produced a new vision for the power of the gospel. Paul Little once said, "Camp is the most effective outreach of the church for evangelism." And it is true. In the camp setting, the "good news" has turned lives upside down in far greater numbers than would have occurred elsewhere. Whatever the reason, the effect on staff members has been an increased willingness to share the love of Christ with others. Camp nurtures character development. Long days, cold showers, lumpy oatmeal and not-so-perfect beds are all part of the camp scene. The intensity of the camp program forces staff to grow. The selfishness of our youth culture is challenged by the need for servant-hood and group unity. Program priorities, a strange environment and the constant demands of campers all combine to produce new levels of flexibility, maturity and thankfulness. Camp isn't a vacation. Instead, it teaches valuable lessons in patience, endurance and love. It isn't unusual for a parent to say that their son or daughter grew more in one summer than in the several preceding years. Our churches will reap benefits as staff learn to be encouraging, faithful servants. Camp solidifies faith. Who can afford to work on staff for a summer? Where will the money come from? Is this an option a practical parent should consider? These are questions every young person and their parents will face as the idea of camp is discussed. For some, they become an obstacle too high to hurdle. For others, they become stepping stones to a new awareness of God who is able to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or thing." They find that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is also the God of today. Camp develops leaders. It offers young people a chance to develop their leadership skills at an early age. Staff learn to meet deadlines, organize information, keep accurate records and work as part of a team. They also have opportunity to lead discussions, speak in front of groups, teach in a wide variety of situations with various subject matters and to participate in a Christian community on a daily basis. Camp encourages staff to initiate new ideas and suggestions. Trying different skills and leading activities in a supportive situation helps foster a new attitude. A greater openness to take on responsibility and leadership begins to grow. This has great application and impact for the church. Camp is equipping its staff members to be able participants in the home church ministry. Camp has its dangers. Nothing is problem free and camps are no exception. Unfortunately, some camps don't build up their staff, but send them home weary, worn and in a poor spiritual condition. Parents and church leaders need to ask some hard questions before sending their children off to camp. What is the history of the camp? Take time to do some research. Have you talked to parents who have sent their children in the past? Was it a positive experience? What were the spiritual highlights? Would they do it again? Is the camp moving toward accreditation, or is it not involved in the process? What are the spiritual objectives for the staff? Staff must be ministered to in order to effectively ministry to others. Are there Bible studies or devotional times set up exclusively for the staff? Are staff members challenged to use their spiritual gifts or talents? Are quiet times alone with God encouraged? Who are the leadership people in the camp? The example of these men and women will remain with staff members for life. Are they encouragers who motivate others to new heights? What is their role or involvement in the church they attend? Answers to these questions will aid the process of decision making. The energy needed to gain this information is worth the effort. Camp is a tremendous investment. Everyone today is searching for the bank or institution which gives the best return on deposits. The hunt for the quick dollar is prevalent. In all areas of life, Christians strive to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them. What application does this have to you? The children God has entrusted to you are your most precious asset. In the teenage years, they sit at the crossroads of life. Daily, choices are being made. Unfortunately, today's culture is often in conflict with the Word of God. Decisions made now will affect the rest of their lives. Why should you work so hard and give up so much to allow your youth to serve at camp? The spiritual dividends will count for eternity. Ron Ward and Frank E. Vitale collectively have over 27 years of camp staff experience. They now administrate Camp Berea in Bristol, N.H. Ron has been the director since 1976, and Frank was the assitant director. Both became Christians at camp and are married to spouses met at camp. |
