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.

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The Family Camp I grew up attending had very little amenities to offer.  There was no swimming pool, fairly questionable bathrooms, minimal space for activities, and a dining room that I’m not sure I ever had the courage to eat from.  I loved it!

You may think I’m kidding, but Family Camp was the best!  For one reason and one reason alone – the people.  People of different ages, backgrounds, and lives with basically one connection – Jesus Christ.

Family Camp is about one big purpose – people investing in one another.  I see this happen in a lot of ways and it allows us to see the value that Family Camp can still have today:

1. Strengthening Families.

One of the things I love about Family Camp is the opportunities for family members to grow individually while also being together and growing as a family unit.  There is the attraction and value of the age geared activities but plenty of time for families to purposefully unpack everything together.

Too often I worry that church ministries add to the world’s ability to pull family members in different directions.  Camp offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down and be together.  For myself Family Camp meant time with siblings, grandparents, parents, and more.  For my daughter it has already meant special time with daddy, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.  It still amazes me that people take actual vacation time to spend on Family Camp.  But what could be more valuable to your family than this?

2. Building Connections.

The book Sticky Faith speaks about the importance of young people (and I believe any aged people) having relationships with mentoring Christians outside of their families.  These individuals don’t even have to be mentors per se, just invested people.  But how to form these at church?  Not a lot of time while passing the offering plate or during your church’s ‘moments of friendship’ (this is what we call the awkward handshake time during service that some love but most of us panic at and remember to stock up on hand sanitizer for – just kidding I love this time…really…) is given for building relationships.

If only there were a magical place (with cement bathrooms) that was filled with snack shop, volleyball, small group, and countless other moments basically making connections impossible to not form. Do the members of your family have enough positive connections to church and God?  Do you?  Family Camp is a great place to build those meaningful relationships.

3. Fostering Belonging.

As a pastor who often works with youth, I have grown to understand the importance of having a place to belong and not just for teenagers but for everyone.  We all need safe places that accept and love us.

Growing up as a Christian at a public school, on high school sports teams, and with a ‘secular’ job (Do we call Sheetz a ‘secular’ job?  Does anyone use the word ‘secular’ anymore?) it was incredible having this ‘breath of fresh air’ place to get support at being me.  It felt like an extension of home.  Do you and your family have places like this?  Safe places, where you get support in being the person God has called you to be.

Okay, Family Camp may not be for everyone – there is the whole ‘camp’ aspect.  I found a little sweat, a little exhaustion, and even a little smell is always worth the people who have and will continue to impact my life greatly.  32 years and they still make me want to go back – every year.