Burnt Oatmeal

church camp

Did you ever go to church camp when you were a kid?  I will tell you that my first summer camp experience wasn’t so great.   My parents knew I wasn’t happy when I got home. 

All Boys Camp. What! No girls?

First time away from home, and I was only 8 years old. Mistake! 

Lousy camp food.  Who burns oatmeal?  

My parents did redeem themselves the year before 7th grade by sending me to a coed camp with great food and a great location.  Even better, I saw Jesus in kids my age, learned about Christ and had so much fun. I went back to that camp for 6 straight years.  Martha and I even worked an entire summer together on the camp staff.  

So, what’s the value in summer church camp?  It gives kids great memories, helps them to make friends even when they don’t want to, and exposes them to other adults.  Sometimes it’s just easier for kids to listen to an adult other than of our own parents.  All three of our kids were highly impacted by Church Camp experiences.  Our youngest even made a decision to follow Christ at Camp, the other two definitely solidified their faith at camp. 

Camp gives kids the chance to see other people living out their faith, connecting their faith and their work.   Invest in a camp experience for your kids, it will pay eternal dividends.

Proverbs 1:23 - 

Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.

About the Author, Jim Brangenberg

Jim's Mission: To transform Christian-run businesses through mentoring Christian Business Owners (CBOs) by incorporating the servant leadership of Jesus Christ in their businesses, their home life and their walk with Christ.