It’s beginning to look a lot like camp meeting time! A few years ago I wrote a blog sharing my reasons for going to youth camp as a teen (check it out here). Now I am going to share the reasons others have given to me in an informal survey. The following list is a general summary of the responses received. Check out these eight reasons for going to youth camp.
8. Staying in the Cabins
Oh yes, the cabins. When I think of the cabins, I think of my years of supervising the camps, and the thing about the cabins was the smells. Anyways, the responses that talked about getting to stay in the cabins loved the rustic feeling of getting to feel like they were camping.
7. Healing
I love these responses. Several responses talked about the spiritual and mental healing they received while at camp. The camp that our church supports, Peace Valley, really has earned its name.
6. Activities
The games, crafts, and Bible lessons really struck many as a favorite reason for going to camp. This is an area that takes a lot of planning and preparation. When you hear these types of comments, it is very encouraging.
5. Saved
These responses were either about the person being saved at a youth camp or the joy of seeing others come to faith in Jesus Christ while at camp. I can attest to this, my fondest memory of youth happened when around 70 youth and adults came to Christ in faith during an evening service at a youth camp in Morehead, Ky.
4. Worship
Several talked about the worship, which includes statements about the services and music/singing. I know the personal impact it made on me to play in the worship bands. The responses noted how they love the full groups that come together at camp and how the young people are able to share their gifts in music and voice.
3. Get away
Let’s face it, going to youth camp is a great getaway. In the responses and other conversations, so many people enjoy a week or two disconnected from the spiritual darkness encountered in the world.
2. Learn
I love that this response was mentioned so frequently. Teaching and preaching were given as a huge reason for going to youth camp. Again, I know that camp meeting preaching was very formative in my own experience.
1. Fellowship
The number one reason given for going to youth was fellowship. I grouped this with those that mentioned a love for the feeling of belonging. The camaraderie that develops between the youth from the beginning to the end of camp is fantastic to watch. The relationships formed at youth last and make a significant impact in their walk with Christ. It is encouraging to our youth to fellowship with other young believers from different churches. They light up when they know there are others following Jesus just like them.
I hope this article encourages you and the youth are your local church to get ready for camp. Feel free to share it with your kids and let us know how it has helped you.
Jeremy Kamer Ministries 