Another summer comes to an end for me. Now maybe summer isn’t officially over, but for me it is. For most of my life summer has meant three things – Youth Camp, Family Camp, and Vacation Bible School. Three things that have brought so much to my life. Three ministries that many would say their ‘time’ or ‘value’ is fading. As I finish another ‘summer’, I amazed at the impact and life-change these events have brought and I want to share a few thoughts as to the value I see.
Throughout my life, especially my teenage years, there have been different versions of me. Let me explain. There was School Justin, Jr. High Soccer Justin, Family Justin, Church Justin, Cross-Country Justin, and the list could go on and on. Different versions of me for the different places, people, and cultures in my life (and man was it awkward when some of those cultures collided – I know you’ve been there!). Of all the “Justins” out there though, my favorite to be was always Youth Camp Justin.
What makes Youth Camp Justin so special? Youth Camp Justin was the best! He was free from all the restraints and pressures of the society around him to fit in and meet a social norm. He was a Justin who didn’t have to work at looking out for himself because he was in a place where he was accepted and loved. He was a Justin proud of the God and Savior he followed and to whom he devoted his life. He was unashamed of serving Jesus and excited to stand as an example for Him. Youth Camp Justin was on fire, courageous, hopeful, and light-hearted. He could light up others’ lives so easily with his steadiness and patient smile. Ready to say to the world, “You be you, I’m going to be like Jesus.”
Few places in life so easily allowed me to be that person. There were glimpses of that person at home and church, but the nature and culture of youth camp so easily brought it alive. Every year of youth camp it became my dream to be that person all the time, for there not to be different versions of Justin but for me to become completely and utterly the Justin I liked so much.
As much as I wanted it to, it didn’t happen immediately. Pressures are tough, wanting to fit in is real, confidence isn’t just bought, friends aren’t always helpful. But that person I was at youth camp started to make a difference. It was that version of me that made a pledge of purity and stuck with it. It was that version that kept me away from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. It was that version that found life in spreading hope and seeing God’s light open others’ hearts. And year after year, youth camp after youth camp, that Justin slowly took over, slowly came to dominate every part, every aspect, every avenue of me. Today, I like to believe that every part of my life is that Youth Camp Justin.
I believe so strongly in youth camp. Sometimes I am pretty sure I slightly offend people when I try to promote this event to them. I probably come off a bit strong, a bit dramatic (that does sort of fit with youth ministry though – am I right or am I right?). I simply want so badly for every teenager to see the youth camp version of himself or herself. To have a chance to dream about what life would be like if they became that person.
Parents and leaders of teenagers – I could try to sell you on the opportunity to see great speakers, to participate in dynamic worship, to experience great events and building moments, or even plug the greatness of 5 teenager-free days! Instead, I’ll simply ask this – Have your teenagers had a chance to see the best version of themselves? To dream about the person in Christ they could become?
Teenagers – Life doesn’t have to be about fitting in. You don’t have to settle for society’s desire for who you are and how you’ll live your life. Find the best version of you, the you YOU love to be, and bring that version to life everyday.
As a pastor I hear so many stories about youth camp. Stories of husbands and wives meeting at camp or dramatic moments of teenagers accepting Jesus Christ for the very first time! These are the best. I didn’t find my wife at camp and I had already accepted Christ into my heart at least 7 times before I was considered a teenager. But youth camp is where I met the best version of myself and for that I’ll be forever grateful.
justinleininger.com 