I am in countdown mode. But to be honest I’ve been in countdown mode for almost 365 days. As of today we are 12 days away. That’s right, it’s time for church camp!
Yeah, I know. I’m 30 years old, going on 31 but I still get excited about church camp. In fact, I may be more excited than the kids. It’s definitely not because it keeps me young. I think it’s doing just the opposite. But for almost 15 years I’ve been involved in church camp and it is one of my great loves. Now it’s here. Sunday after next and we’re gone.
Since I’m in final preparation and planning mode and thus it’s just about the only thing that’s on my mind I think it is only appropriate to take a few minutes today to let you know why I love church camp so much.
- I love church camp because of who I’m around. I love being around Christian young people. There is so much going on in their lives, but beyond it all there is an excitement for Christianity bubbling under the surface that is put on full display during this week every year. They are genuinely excited to study the Bible, to sing, to worship, and to be in an atmosphere that is totally, 100% Christian in nature. I spend time around Christians of all ages, and I’m not trying to take anything away from any other age group, but there is just something you get from being around those young people. Their enthusiasm and their energy is infectious.
- I love church camp because of what we do. We do a lot of stuff at church camp. Above it all we study the Bible and spend time in devotion to God. Between 3.5 to 4 hours out of every day is spent completely and totally in Bible study or worship. And that doesn’t even count impromptu singings or Bible studies that may take place at any point during the day or the week. But while we are there to study and grow, we’re also there to have a good time. I get to participate in activities during a week at church camp that I don’t get to do at any other time during the year. If I did I’d probably be a lot skinnier. And let’s also not forget a certain 150-foot water slide that’s worth the trip by itself!
- I love church camp because of what I see. Every year there are kids that come in that you already know are going to be tremendous campers, they’re going to have a good time, and they are going to be leaders. But every year there are also kids who come in and you don’t know if they are going to make it through the week. They may be sheltered, or they may come from difficult circumstances, or they may not be very strong Christians. Being around these types of kids is often one of my favorite things because you typically see them come out of their shell and grow in amazing ways at camp. I think of young boys who come to camp that won’t hardly say a word but are speaking in chapel before the week’s over. Or girls whose parents leave them in tears because they think they’re all alone and then have to drag them away in tears at the end of the week because they’ve made so many friends. You really see kids come into their own at camp.
Honestly I can’t tell you every reason I love church camp. You wouldn’t be willing to read a post that long. But suffice it to say I’m excited. By the way, if you or someone you know is between the ages of 9 and 18 and you’d be interested in coming to camp our week is July 13-18 at Reelfoot Youth Camp in Hornbeak, TN. We’ve still got some spots available and I promise you will not be disappointed if you come. Message me for more info, come, and you’ll see for yourself why I love church camp so much!
-Andy