Tomorrow is almost better than Christmas. Tomorrow our student ministry leaves for camp. Without a doubt this is one of my favorite weeks of the year. I am incredibly proud of our camp both in terms of our program and for how astronomically well our volunteers and students lead and serve.
When it comes to camp our team is boss and yet, we keep it very simple. We’re only aiming to do three things. But, we’re planning to knock these three things out of the park. Here they are.
FUN
We unapologetically attempt to blow the roof off when it comes to fun. There will be entertaining videos. There will be dance parties. There will be ridiculously creative games.
We have been working for months on some of the best videos we’ve ever created. Our camp storyline is epic. That’s really all I can say because it’s all top secret.
Here’s the thing, I happen to believe that fun can be a spiritual experience. Yes, I’m being serious. Many of this generation’s students are hurting. Many of them are under enormous pressure. Many of them feel abandoned by the adults in their lives. If we, as a ministry representing Jesus, can offer them laughter and fun and a reprieve from the pain, pressure and abandonment then fun is a spiritual experience.
When adults take vacation time to spend a week with students—when they get on the students’ level by having fun and laughing with them—God is pleased.
FOCUS ON JESUS
Everything we do at camp points toward Jesus. The sessions, the worship, the fun, the games, the relationships—everything is focused on Jesus. If we get to the end of camp and we haven’t made it crystal clear to all of our students that God loves them and wants a relationship with them through Jesus then we have failed.
More than anything else we are interested in connecting students with Jesus because we believe that life, meaning and purpose is found when we connect our passions, talents and possessions with the mission of Jesus in the world.
LOVE STUDENTS
Everything we do in LifeLine revolves around relationships and our camp is no different. Each cabin functions as a small group. Cabins compete together, eat together, and experience sessions and small groups together. Our goal is that each cabin would function as a family at camp.
I like to think of a week of camp as a little taste of heaven. For one week each student can get away from his struggles and pressures. For one week each student is treated with love and respect. For one week each kid doesn’t have to produce anything. For one week distractions are put aside and a kid can worship her creator without worrying about what other people are saying about her. For one week a student can share her heart and a caring adult will listen empathetically, cry with her and pray with her. For one week students can feel the very presence of God and hear His voice calling them to real life.
Camp is so amazing. I can’t wait to see how our volunteers and student leaders rise up and love students—some of which haven’t been loved well ever in their lives. I can’t wait to see the smiles and laughter of students getting a little taste of heaven. I can’t wait to see how God moves and transforms life. Can you tell that I’m psyched for Camp LifeLine?
