What To Expect When Working at a Christian Summer Camp

If you have been a Christian camp counselor before, you know what craziness can ensue during the summer. Granted, it's almost always a great time, but there are lessons to be learned and responsibilities to be had when partaking in such a role. If you've never been a camp counselor, your first experience can seem daunting. Not only are you responsible for yourself, but you are responsible for many campers younger than you. This can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when the kids are only occasionally cooperative. However, this can be a time of great learning and maturing into a more well-rounded young adult. What should you expect when spending your first summer at a Christian camp as a counselor?

First and foremost, you should be aware that what most leaders will expect of you is that your faith is on the same page as their values. More than likely, you got hired because you already expressed that you had the same belief system. If this is not the case, let them know beforehand so you can adequately determine whether or not you would be a good fit. Unlike other summer camps, a Christian summer camp is specifically geared towards people of faith, so this aspect is of the highest importance when selecting counselors. If this all lines up, then you should be good to go in accepting the job.

Another thing that you'll want to be aware of when being a Christian camp counselor is that there are typically more rules and boundaries than at an average summer camp. Again, this is because of the belief systems set in place to adhere to biblical values. Some of these rules might be you are not allowed to date amongst other camp counselors. They will try to keep everything pure and above board so fraternization might be looked down upon. You may also have to be slightly stricter with campers. Just as they don't want fraternization amongst counselors, this will be even more so the case with young campers. You will rarely find any co-ed Christian camps.

Another difference from an average summer camp is that a Christian camp is structured slightly differently. Instead of all-day recreational activities, Chapel services and breakout sessions will be thrown into the mix. Again, this is because a Christian camp is centered around teaching kids about the Bible; therefore, they will incorporate as much of that as they can into their camp curriculum. It's a good idea to be mentally prepared to pay attention to what is being spoken in Chapel so you can better converse with your campers in the breakout sessions.

Finally, you need to be prepared to have fun. While Christian camps may seem slightly more strict or dull, this is far from the case. You will still have plenty of time to enjoy all of the outdoor activities that come with being at a summer camp. This includes horseback riding, tubing, high ropes course, arts and crafts, late-night bonfires, and more. As much responsibility as you will have, the leadership will want you to have just as much fun. After all, that is what summer camp is all about.

Incorporating Faith into Outdoor Adventures

When we think of Christian camps, we might not think of nature and going outside. However, the crux of many faith-based camps is the world outside. Here, we’ll go over how many Christian camps use the outside, in order to better understand their faith, and build connections. 

Appreciation for the World God’s Given Us 

God gave us this vast, beautiful world.  that of course, includes nature. 

Connection with nature can help you see just how wondrous and powerful the things God has provided to us are. 

For instance, going on a trip to see a waterfall can be great, as it instills Christian values of the world that god, who loves us very much, has given us.  It’s a good way to understand faith too, as many times, it can help with improving one’s understanding of God, rather than just what you hear in church. 

Kindness and Service 

Taking care of the planet is what God would want. He gave this to us, and many times, going out and doing community acts to better our world is what will help with better understanding the impact that God’s love has given us. 

Through outdoor activities, such as camping, cleaning up the forest, or even learning to recycle, you can understand your faith better.  It seems strange, but over time, it can help with adventures, and building one’s own personal development. 

Connection with God Without Physical Distractions 

Our world is so distracting. Think about all of the technology you have around. 

Even kids have this, with tablets and smartphones being available at younger and younger ages 

When a child goes to a Christian camp, they’re not going to be tied to an iPad, or even have cell phone service. Instead, it’s just them and nature. 

These distractions pull you off the path to better connection with god. 

What that says is, when you’re out there, in the woods, spending time in nature, you’re closer to God.  Sometimes, it also helps with prayers and communication with God itself.  You’ll be able to better understand your faith and build better wellness. 

Our world loves to do everything but keep us grounded and focused on our faith. With a summer camp, you prevent the problem, and make it easier for you to build a deeper, more understanding, connection. 

Being Kind To nature 

Remember, God gave us this planet.  

We don’t really look at the impact of our actions on nature, and it can be a struggle for a lot of parolees to realize. 

However, when you’re out there, alone with nature, you appreciate the true beauty. What that also means, is better understanding of each of these factors, and also the actions at hand. 

So when you’re outside, supporting nature and being one with it, you’re fostering a closeness that’s normally not there. 

So yes, you do need a connection with nature, and these outdoor activities do this. 

Appreciation of Faith Through Others 

Finally, with Christian camps, you’re doing activities outside with others. 

Whether it’s rock climbing, archery, or even swimming together, you’re working together with others.  You sit by the campfire, and as the fire crackles and the sky is dark, the crickets chirp. 

You’re appreciating nature with not just yourself, but with others. These people here with you, your camaraderie, and that of course, can create a really exciting result out of this. 

So yes, nature is important. Nature helps with building a better understanding of yourself. And finally, nature helps you connect with God on a personal level, that you don’t get when you go to church, which is really magical.

Choosing the Right Christian Camp for Your Child

Choosing the right Christian camp for your kids can be a struggle. Many times, parents see the options, but don’t know where to begin.  That can be a challenge, as there are many different types of camps. Summer camps are good for children during the day, and even for a weekend, to build faith and encouragement, along with love and hope. If you’re looking to get into a camp for your child, then look no further. As we offer a lot of factors to consider. 

Think about the Different types of Camps 

Many camps differ. Some of them are more religion-focused, where building faith is the main game. However, some children aren’t ready for that, as they don’t want to just hear about the word of God all the time, but instead, want to better understand themselves, and others. Plus, many mat just want to have fun. 

You can go to different camps based on faith. There are faith-based camps that’ll talk about it, but it’s not the main focus. Others may have a more profound focus on this, which may be better for those kids looking to foster an education. You should also study the camp and the host church beforehand. If it’s not your own, look at their beliefs. This is what they’re going to be presented with.  If you need more peace of mind, talk to the ministry leaders, and other parents with kids that attended these camps. Talk about the activities, and whether this is something that’s good for their growth.

Finally, make sure that you get their intention, as it may be good for older children.  This can spark deeper conversations, and sometimes, may help with solidifying their faith. 

Close to home or Away for the Weekend 

Trips for the weekend or even for the week is exciting for kids, but as a parent, you’ve got to decide if that’s right for you. 

Are you okay with a child leaving for the weekend, being a day away? not every parent is, and you must decide what’s best for your needs. 

Older kids may benefit from drives further from home. 

Age Matters 

Speaking of age, you also have to look at the age of your kid. 

You may be find with a teenager going away for the weekend. But younger children, not so much. Day camps are better for that. 

Focus on interests 

Does your child like to go swimming? Then maybe a camp that’s by the pool or lake is good?  Do they hate archery? Then maybe move away from a camp that doesn’t focus on archery as an option. 

If your child doesn’t like to explore new places, then maybe sending them to a camp in the woods is also not a good idea. Make sure that you choose a camp that fits your benefits. 

Get the Kid’s Okay 

Finally, you don’t want to do anything without the child’s consent. 

Sending them away willy-nilly can betray their trust. They may see it as you’re trying to get rid of them. That’s not the case, as your intent is fostering better understanding of one another. 

That’s why, before you sign them up, talk to Thema about it. explain why you want them to come to this camp, and the importance of it.  kids will learn, and it will better their understand, which in turn, can foster and create some monumental sorts of reactions from them over time. 

You’ll be amazed, as these camps can change a child’s life, especially for the better of them down the line.

Why I Chose to Send My Child to Christian Camp

If you're a parent like me, then you know the most important thing to you is the well-being of your children. You do everything you can to protect and nurture them as you raise them into well-rounded and successful adults. But those long, yet at the same time very short, years can often bring many challenges when it comes to making sure you are getting them off onto the right path for success. Many tears are involved along the way on both sides, and at the end of each day, when your head hits the pillow, you can only pray that you did as many right things as you could and that God will help to fill in the gaps. Yes, raising children is challenging, but it is also the most rewarding thing you will ever do with your life. 

Part of the raising process comes with learning when it's time to let loose and give them a little more freedom. Does this mean letting them spend the night at their best friend's house, or go to that movie without parental supervision, letting them go to the school dance with a date, or sending them away for a week or two to a summer camp or they will be surrounded by their peers. All of these decisions and more can often cause a lot of anxiety. After all, you want to give your child freedom and let them know that you trust them, but you also want to ensure they are safe and in an environment that goes along with your family values. For this reason, I found a happy compromise and was able to give my children freedom and be assured that they were safe. This particular compromise was a Christian camp.

I was so comfortable sending my child to a Christian camp because I knew that it was an environment that aligned with our family's beliefs and worldview. I knew that my child would be able to have fun and be taught biblical principles that could help shape them into the young adults I hoped they would be. Plus, I have faith in all of the staff; they had the best interest of my child in mind and would not be teaching them things that went against our family's principles.

The Christian camp I sent my children to over the years did an excellent job of picking speakers who could bring scripture alive and connect with my kids on a personal level. They were able to accomplish all of this and more while at the same time allowing my children to have the most fantastic time and adventures.

Not only did this camp fall in line with our family values, but it was also like almost any other summer camp. You had many of the same activities, including horseback riding, zip lining, Rockwall, tubing on the lake, arts and crafts, and more. They got to stay in the same cabins and have the same experiences as any other child at a typical summer camp. But all the while, I could be assured that my children were in safe hands and in a place where they were becoming better versions of themselves day by day.