When one thinks of a church camp, what do they think of? A bunch of kids sitting around reading bibles all day? Constant hymnal singing? Cults?
After attending and working at an United Church of Christ camp for the past decade, I can confirm all those church camp stereotypes are wrong. Church camp is not like a typical summer camp. Yes, there are arts & crafts, swimming and adventure courses. Yet, there is also so much more. Every person should have the opportunity to attend a religious summer camped for:
Growth Personally
For many people, these camps are a place of growth. Kids grow not only their faiths but themselves. At camp, you can feel free to do different things that may not be comfortable at home. When one crosses the property line onto the camp property, the air breathes fresh life of non-discrimination and glee. As a camper and staffer, I have seen so many changes in campers from the first day of camp to the last. Personally, I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my church camp experience. My best friends, future bridesmaids and basically family are all camp people. Every week is a bond forming experience that will never be able to be out in words.
Growth Spiritually
Camp played a significant role in my spiritual life as I grew up. I accepted Christ at camp. I learned to work out my faith at camp. However, I never felt like church and God were being shoved down my throat. For most church-based camps, everything is pretty much what you’d expect at a normal camp but just with spiritual meetings behind them. For example, I went to an adventure course themed week where we learned how God’s support can “take us to new heights”…aka climbed a bunch of trees for a week and had a 15 minute worship every night. Though, I also learned to appreciate quiet time at camp. I learned to recognize God's Spirit speaking to my heart at camp. I no longer feel the need to go to an actual church building to feel my faith; it can be as simple as taking a hike. Though it is a church camp, this does not mean everyone there was having “God moments.” To be honest, many of my camp friends did not follow one specific religion. Yet, they still had the time of their lives every summer they went.
Growth Independently
Besides the fresh air, a week parent -ree is good for the soul. A new sense of independence is realized when parentals aren’t hovering. Think of a camp talk as if it was a Catholic confession. Campers feel free to speak freely about whatever they need to and whoever they need to. The people with the most authority usually are just big kids themselves. Most counselors and staff are college kids and young adults. They’re trying to understand life just as much as the campers. Personally, as a camper, I looked up to the staff as role models most of my life. As an 8 year old girl, I remember watching how much fun the staff had doing simple tasks. Nine years later, I had the opportunity to try and be that person when I was a staffer. Every day, I worked harder to find myself so I could be my best for the campers. Summers on staff were the most stressful, hardest working and most memorable summers of my life.
So whether you’re a kid, young adult, adult or old kid, take advantage of an opportunity to change your life in one way or another at a church camp (I promise you won’t walk away feeling like a crazy church goer!!).
