Every youth pastor’s least favorite words: “Welcome back from camp hope you had a nice vacation.” I’ve heard it a few times. Those of us who have been know that camp is the furthest thing from a vacation EVER! Bunk beds in musty cabins (if you’re lucky); old mattresses on the ground of a tent (if you’re not). Showers shared with 4,000 teenagers, food that reminds you of college, a non-stop, drop dead schedule….. why would anyone do this to themselves?
If you’ve just gotten back from camp, or will be going in the next few weeks, you’ll likely ask yourself this question at some point. Is all of this work really worth it? I know I have. But, depending on the quality of the camp you attend (check out Mike Calhoun’s Tips for Picking a Good Camp), I have to say 100% yes it is worth it. Here are at least three reasons why:
#1 Time
I obviously can’t speak for all camps, but I know that at a Word of Life camp, if you add up the amount of hours a student spends in meetings, Quiet Time, seminars and cabin devotions, you have about the same amount of Bible Study time as an entire year of weekly bible studies at church. Then think about the amount of time the counselor gets to spend in constant interaction with the students. It is grueling, but you get time with your students like at no other time of the year.
#2 Environment
Most camps share one word in common…. rustic. I even went to a camp that was right in a city, but inside the fence of the property it was still rustic. Most camps get your students away from TV, away from Xbox 360, away from iPods, away from Facebook and away from their normal home life and friends. Obviously none of those things are wrong in themselves, but they provide a comfort zone. God usually helps us grow when we’re outside that comfort zone.
#3 Results
It’s hard to argue with the fact that camp produces results. Even from a secular standpoint, the American Camp Association recognizes the benefits of summer camp. But from a Biblical perspective, camp produces some fantastic results. Many students come to know Christ and put their faith in Him at camp. Also, many pastors, missionaries and other Christian workers made the decision to do so at a youth camp.
I look at camp like a huge shot in the arm. It’s obviously not a pace you can sustain all year long, but it’s a great way to re-focus, re-engage, and re-charge your staff and your students. Don’t let the sleepless nights and hard beds scare you away. Camp is definitely worth it!
What are your favorite camp memories? Check out the latest camp I attended as a speaker here.
