Reason to Camp

8. Fun

"How was camp?" we ask. "It was great; we all had a good time," they reply. Is that the measure of a "good" or "successful" camp? No, of course not. Yet, on the other hand, one can have a successful seminar or meeting without fun, but not a successful camp. Camping by its nature should be a fun-filled experience. This, more than any other reason, is why campers attend. And therein lies the secret of its effectiveness. People who are genuinely enjoying themselves have open hearts-to those around them, and their message. The reverse is also true.

Any one of the factors mentioned above makes camping ministry effective. But taken together they overlap and reinforce each other, resulting in a ministry almost unparalleled in effectiveness.

In this article I've limited myself to the use of camp for evangelism and discipleship, but the potential is much broader. In the camp setting, under mature leadership campers can develop physically, emotionally, and socially, as well as spiritually.

Are you taking advantage of this ministry? Don't just settle for a retreat or two during the church year. Lead a group of young people into the mountains for a campout. Also make use of the programs offered by the Christian camps in your area. You'll find a variety of programs to choose from. Camping may turn out to be the most effective thing you try this year.

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