Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1981

Summer Camping Ministry: A Time To Build
Ruth Staal

Each Monday morning they arrive, carrying oversized suitcases and clothed with an unmistakable excitement and anticipation. By Monday evening, names and faces are beginning to match, and we are well underway with another week of ministry to young people. The place that this ministry happens is Camp Shalom.

This summer's staff consists of 14 young adults, who develop programs specifically in the areas of nature and camp skills, sports, arts and crafts, swimming and canoeing, and music and drama. Also, each week a different group of volunteer counselors arrive.

They stay with the campers in the cabins and do a lot of work to develop cabin unity. Another important part of Shalom's ministry are those who work in the kitchen and on maintenance, several of whom are also weekly volunteers. And, of course, Shalom's ministry would not be complete without the 7 5 -100 campers who range in age from 9 to 18 years. Each week of camp focuses on a different age group within that spectrum.

The theme of the camping program this summer is "Builders for God", and that idea is incorporated into all areas of the camping ministry. From the sports program to the Bible studies, to singing, to evening activities, an atmosphere that is positive and upbuilding is prominent. Campers are given a lot of personal attention from the counselors as well as the staff, and they discover an affirming community within their cabin groupings.

What does a typical day at Camp Shalom consist or The morning program is geared to cabin units, beginning with a cabin Bible study with related activities. This is followed by something called "cabin options", in which the cabin chooses a different activity each day to participate in. The activities range from fishing to puppet making to nature hiking to gaming.

Just as the morning activities are geared to cabin groupings, the afternoon activities are geared to the individual. After lunch, the campers participate in coed teams for organized sports. Though these are skilled sports, the emphasis is not placed on winning - but rather on instruction and co-operation. After all that hard playing, the campers enjoy some free time during which they may use the pool or work on art projects or just relax. The remainder of the afternoon is spent in specific learng groups, called "interest groups". At the beginning of the week, each camper chooses an area of study in which they are interested, and throughout the week they work on skills in that area. A main part of the summer staff's jobs is to develop and carry out lesson plans in each of their respective program areas, listed earlier. Hopefully by the end of the week, the camper not only takes home many memories, but also some specific learnings.

After supper, the camp gathers outside for evening vespers, which is led by the chaplain for the week. These shop talks help reinforce the theme, as well as reinforcing the daily Bible studies.

Evening activities are designed to emphasize the total camp group, rather than the cabin group or the individual as earlier in the day. The evenings provide a welcome change of pace and variety. One of the highlights of this is the building project which takes place on Thursday evenings. Here the campers solidify the theme of being builders for God by becoming His builders for Camp Shalom. Many projects have been accomplished through the summer: a ramp over a swamp to gain access to a lake for canoeing ... benches for campsites .. . the grounds have been cleaned. . . a nature trail has been cleared ... racks for canoes and life jackets have been built . . . and the list could go on! It has been a wonderful way for campers to put into action the summer theme.

Another highlight of the week is our Friday evening "progressive celebration", which combines a progressive supper with a celebration of what the campers have learned in their interest groups. We travel to each area, and see what has been accomplished, then we share a part of our meal before we move on to the next area. We follow this time of celebrative sharing with our commitment service, which draws together all the learnings and activities of the week. All in all, it makes for a week of growth for campers as well as for counselors and staff.

Another highlight of the summer was the arrival of a workcamp group of senior highers from the Garfield Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The group accomplished many things in their week's stay, such as a picnic shelter in the family camping area, playground equipment, and a paint job for the dining hall. But most importantly, they built a unity between the Canadians and Americans, as they took part in much of our camp's program, and mingled and joked with the staff. We were sad to see them go.

And as each group of campers and volunteer staff leaves each Saturday, carrying suitcases stuffed even fuller, and clothed in the knowledge of what it means to be a builder for God, they are sent away with a prayer for shalom to remain in their lives.

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