Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/86

Contributor - Rev. Siebrand Wilts

Title - Why Go To Camp?

Topic - Ministries

As I sit in my office writing these words I am surrounded by natural beauty. Outside the trees are in full leaf; the birds are chirping, and the sun is shining brightly. The only disturbing sound is the noise of our camp tractor cutting grass.

In a few days there will be an additional sound at Camp Shalom as two groups of campers are coming for week-end retreats. in a few weeks we anticipate 80- 100 campers per week. These campers come to explore new trails, learn new skills, discover new ideas, and above all, to make new friends.

Why do so many groups, families, and individuals come to a place like Camp Shalom? Why do parents spend hard-earned money to send their children to a Christian Camp? What is the secret ingredient? What makes Christian Camping such an effective tool for ministry?

The answer to the above question is best summarized in the words of former Christian Camping International President, Philip Hook; "Camp provides an environment where participants believe and expect that God will work in some special ways, and that belief is usually rewarded."

Time spent at a camp has had profound effects on the lives of many individuals and families. Youth and adults across North America have been touched by a ministry that was and is made possible by generous contributions given by Churches and individuals who themselves have experienced God's presence in a unique way while at camp.

Enough factors are different about camp that campers don't respond as they would if they were in their familiar environments. Camp is a place apart. it is a place where the daily distractions of home are eliminated. It is a place which provides people of all ages with opportunities to experience new dimensions of life. Several years ago, a Pine Cove (Texas, USA) newsletter included these very perceptive comments; "But we do not pretend to escape the 'real world'. Rather, we are committed to providing space, time, people, and programs to remind Christians that there are dimensions to reality other than job, endless activity, and fighting traffic. There is the reality of pine trees, red soil, redder roses, lakes, fish, and birds which remind us of His abundant creation. There is the reality of unfragmented time spent with family and friends in games, prayer, singing, and learning. There is the reality of focusing on our Lord for a weekend or a week, whether at meals, in your room, listening and sharing, or on a walk. These, too, are the realities of the Christian life, and they are the ones which will last when the frustrations of job or lifestyle become overbearing."

In other words, Christian Camps provide a needed caring environment in which real needs are met.

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