by Reah B. Padla
Summer is just around the corner. Growing up, summer meant camp time! When I was a kid, I attended VBS camp every summer. One year, camp was a wonderful experience because it was then that I came to know God.
Church youth camps are special because children can learn about God’s Word in fun ways. It is where one gets to spend time with old friends and meet new ones. During the camps I attended when I was younger, I learned more about my faith, grew deeper in the Word and nurtured friendships that I still keep to this day.
You may be contemplating whether or not to allow your kid to attend a camp. I believe the pros outweigh the cons (getting homesick, being far from home or in an uncomfortable environment with a rigid schedule, etc.)
Church camps are significant because they offer the following benefits:
LEARNING: A camp is usually themed, and the theme usually teaches positive values in a deep and meaningful way. An impactful camp I attended was for Sunday School teachers. I learned about the importance of children’s ministry, principles on how to be a more effective teacher and tips on how to care for children. It was during this camp I realized I wanted to help out in children’s church.
RELATIONSHIPS: At camp, a person can meet people with the same interests and values. Spending so much time together during a camp helps build friendships. Whenever I attended a camp with my best friends from church, we really bonded, we are now friends for life.
COMMUNITY: Camps foster community. Life-long friendships can be formed and provide opportunity to meet mentors and coaches that can help shape their dreams and perspectives. In one youth camp, I remember hearing from a wise missionary on the topic of LCM (love/courtship/marriage), that the person you should pray for as your future partner should be one who loves God more than he loves you. I kept that prayer in my heart and became my principle as I waited for “THE ONE”.
CREATIVITY UNLEASHED: A new interest or talent in music or art can be discovered at a camp, and kids nowadays have plenty of choices. I only got to attend church and leadership camps but my son who is presently 9 years old has tried sports, art and music camps. Even if the duration was short, 1-3 days, we were able to identify his strengths and weaknesses, as well as his new talents, skills and abilities. Now, he regularly does Taekwondo, learns to play the piano and paints—all three hobbies started at summer camp.
NO DISTRACTIONS: A young person can be stressed, so why not allow a few days or weeks of rest? A camp or retreat is one way to break free from the busyness of life. Imagine a few days or a week of no TV, telephone or smart phone. Attending a camp is a good way to teach children the value of time and simplicity. As much as adults need a digital detox, kids also need to be away from their gadgets and the internet. Camps will help them have discipline, patience and self-control because those mobile devices are usually not allowed for a given time. It is another reason I want my son to attend camps.
NEW EXPERIENCES: Attending a camp is a great way to have new and unique experiences and beat the boredom of summer. A camp can be a perfect venue for your child to try activities and experience new stuff.
DISCIPLINE: Summer camps are fun but also require discipline. They may require waking up early and follow rigid schedules. The fun and activities will help your child learn it is for their good.
FINDING A GOOD CAMP: a) Get to know the organization managing the camp, the people that will look after your kids, and what safety and emergency precautions are in place. b) Research the purpose of the camp, its location, the schedule of activities, the reputation of the organization, and match it to the interests of your child.
