Public School Opportunities
This blog was written by Stephen Broome, Director, Three Crosses Outreach
Do You Think Camp is Important?
The Importance of the Camp Setting in a Teenager's Life With everything teenagers are involved in today and the fast pace of society, it is no wonder that the average Christian teenager has a difficult time waiting on the Lord (Is. 40:31) and being still to know that He is God (Ps. 46:10). These are vital characteristics of a follower of Christ. As camp workers, we here at Mt. Lou San Bible Camp are under the conviction that the camp setting is vitally important in the life of your teenagers. We have had the privilege of observing teenagers and the effect of camp on their lives spiritually. We could probably write a book on the advantages of the camp setting, but here are just few: 1 - Life is distracting Sports, homework, friends, job, cell phones, computers, video games, MP3 players, and many other interests are vying for the attention of a teenager. A week of camp away from such things (though not bad) offers a change of pace and environment in which a teen can focus on being physically and spiritually refreshed. This removal from the "familiar" increases awareness and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus Christ felt the need to separate himself from the pressures of His daily ministry to be refreshed in prayer. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. (Matthew 14:23) 2 - Creative Teaching Jesus taught with creativity. He used parables and object lessons to connect people's understanding of life with the truths of God. A camp setting will facilitate those creative teaching times. This unique setting allows teenagers to make that connection between truth and life. 3 - Extended Exposure From morning quiet time to chapels both morning and night, campers are saturated with the Word. And since they are there for the week, no one misses a service. This extended exposure allows us to focus more deeply into a Biblical theme that will be likely to stick with the camper. Also, campers get several different levels of interaction with their leaders: one-on-one, small group, large group, and other unique settings (all of which have their unique advantages). 4 - Interaction with Like-Minded Teenagers Sometimes it's just good for a teen to know that there are other teens struggling with the same issues. And it's good to meet other teenagers with the same goal of serving God. Camp unites these teens and they learn to build each other up in the faith. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (I Thess. 5:11) 5 - Committed Staff It has been our experience that it's not the program that draws teens to camp, but our staff. We are certainly blessed with a committed staff that are exhibiting a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Relationships are critical to us all, but especially teenagers. A camp with a staff committed to building relationships with their campers will be a definite draw for your teens. 6 - Surrounded by God's Creation Nature is testimony to the fact that there is a God, and He is a God of design and order that created all living things for His glory. Being in the middle of God's creation will give your teen a clearer understanding of how big our God really is. Through exposure to nature, campers learn about how God cares for His precious creation. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16) A week of camp can be a turning point in the life of a teen (as we have seen many times). Whether Mt. Lou San or another God-honoring camp, your youth will be encouraged to go deeper in their walk with their great Creator. Encourage your teens to attend camp. Their lives will be changed. In His Service, MLSBC Staff
