Youth Camp Question (Full Version)

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rwe2156 -> Youth Camp Question (5/9/2008 8:33:52 AM)

Letting our youth invite lost friends to camp.

Good or bad idea?

Your thoughts and experiences, please.



latinaflutechick -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/9/2008 8:47:31 AM)

im only 18,but i have been going to camp for years,and i have been a camp jr counselor since i was 16.this year i become a real counselor.yay!
anyway,
i have seen this from both sides,as a camper and as a counselor.
as a camper,i have had friends who came to camp lost,and went home saved and completely new people!
its a fun way to witness to youngsters,especially when they see their peers doing the same things and having fun too=)
as a counselor, i remember two cases where there was a cmaper in my cabin who didnt even know who or what God is.and they both had some socializing and behavioral problems.or came from troubled homes.
and leaving so refreshed,saved,happy,just completely different kids! and started bringing their families to church.
i have seen all this both in youth camps and kids camps.
however there is that whole 'camp effect" that only lasts a couple weeks and the kids are back to normal...just do what u feel as a minister,and pray like crazy on it!
everyone is different.ask God and dont stop till you get an answer.



Szaftoo -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/9/2008 9:26:37 AM)

When my kids went to camp it was open to anyone. Many unsaved kids accepted the Lord and then they were discipled in their walk once they got home.



Calea37 -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/9/2008 10:45:17 AM)

If the camp is teaching these kids about Jesus and monitoring them, then great. HOWEVER sometimes some parents allow their kids to go just for "something to do" and some of these kids should not be there because they are disruptive...fighting, horrible language, etc. And they are not properly supervised. I blame the actual camp for allowing this, but just know that church camp doesn't seem to be what it used to be. I guess the question I would ask is will I allow my saved child to go..? Just another fine example of the church looking exactly like the world. Yippie.



seagullplayer -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/9/2008 2:12:41 PM)

I have been a camp counselor for the past seven years, lost kids is a good thing.

But the camp has to be sure and handle things well. Letting buddies hang around with one another all day makes very little room for the kids to meet new friends. We let friends room togeter, but tried to seperate them into different groups during the day.

I'm sure every camp knows that.

We have seen many a lost kid find his way at camp. To God be the Glory!



small_creation -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/9/2008 2:52:49 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: seagullplayer

I have been a camp counselor for the past seven years, lost kids is a good thing.

But the camp has to be sure and handle things well. Letting buddies hang around with one another all day makes very little room for the kids to meet new friends. We let friends room togeter, but tried to seperate them into different groups during the day.

I'm sure every camp knows that.

We have seen many a lost kid find his way at camp. To God be the Glory!


Hey Seagull, thanks for being part of this ministry. Our church is a big supporter of our church-affiliated bible camp. We have heard many stories locally about kids' lives being turned around by their experience at bible camp. Praise God for this important evangelical tool!

j



pstrdebi -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/10/2008 12:17:59 AM)

Oh how I love camp!

I was a lost kid who went to camp. My saved sister sent me when I was 13 years old to Pine Summitt Christian Camp in Big Bear, California. [:)] I received Christ there... and it was the most exciting time of my life!

(Oh my gosh that was a long time ago! [8|])

I have always loved camp. I have worked in camps before as a Program Director, Outdoor Ed Director, and Camp Director... and I can tell you from experience; there is something so special and rewarding to see a lost child come to Christ at camp. The other kids are usually so encourging to them.

I would only encourage one thing if you decide yes to this... Follow up... Follow up... Follow up.

I went home from camp to a very bad experience of telling my mother what I did. She was clueless, do to her upbringing and her religion.

Follow up care is so important to these kids... to let them know that what they did was right, but also to help them from falling back into the world.

God bless you and good luck...
Pastor Debi



Zhi -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/10/2008 12:28:08 AM)

I'd say good counsellors is the key.

If you have good counsellors, it's likely to be a wonderful evangelizing experience.

If you have poor counsellors then you're going to end up with even the "Christian" kids torturing the only person they didn't come with in their cabin for their own amusement (which would be the reason I refused to ever return to church camp when I was a kid).



crm4souls -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/11/2008 3:31:18 AM)

Camp is not the place for evangelism as a whole because you are looking for breakthrough in the teenagers lives by getting them away from the world. A person here or there is ok, if you have the staff to handle it. Focus on 99% Christian youth getting set on fire for God at camp, then have evangelistic functions when they return to reach their friends. Ideally, get there friends saved and then bring them to camp next year. Every service you have at a church or ministry has a purpose. With this in mind, what is the purpose of youth camp. When you answer this question you can plan accordingly. Must youth pastors I know do not do youth camp for evangelism. This would change everything, and I mean everything. Follow God.....Blessings on the camp this year.



Calea37 -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/11/2008 6:58:17 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: crm4souls

Camp is not the place for evangelism as a whole because you are looking for breakthrough in the teenagers lives by getting them away from the world. A person here or there is ok, if you have the staff to handle it. Focus on 99% Christian youth getting set on fire for God at camp, then have evangelistic functions when they return to reach their friends. Ideally, get there friends saved and then bring them to camp next year. Every service you have at a church or ministry has a purpose. With this in mind, what is the purpose of youth camp. When you answer this question you can plan accordingly. Must youth pastors I know do not do youth camp for evangelism. This would change everything, and I mean everything. Follow God.....Blessings on the camp this year.


I wish the camp I had sent my son to understood this; they don't. They apparently didn't have the staff to handle it and the staff didn't have the experience to handle it so it was basically a free for all...and not in a good way. [&o]



buckifn -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/11/2008 5:25:05 PM)

It's never a bad idea to invite the lost to Jesus.



pstrdebi -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/12/2008 1:04:12 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Calea37

I wish the camp I had sent my son to understood this; they don't. They apparently didn't have the staff to handle it and the staff didn't have the experience to handle it so it was basically a free for all...and not in a good way. [&o]


This is so very sad... I hate to hear about bad camp experiences.

There are some very, very good camps out there. All of my kids attended camp, all their lives and we never had a bad experience. We were lucky enough that the Youth leaders took their time in choosing good, well established camps.

However, I do agree with others that you need to have good counselors, whether they are folks from your church or the ones at the camp. Check out their qualifications in dealing with un-churched kids.

God bless...
Pastor Debi



2shaye -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/13/2008 12:41:49 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: pstrdebi
My saved sister sent me when I was 13 years old to Pine Summitt Christian Camp in Big Bear, California. [:)] I received Christ there... and it was the most exciting time of my life!


I grew up going to Pine Summitt too! Loved that camp!
quote:

ORIGINAL: pstrdebi

However, I do agree with others that you need to have good counselors, whether they are folks from your church or the ones at the camp. Check out their qualifications in dealing with un-churched kids.

My son and his fiance both worked at a Christian camp for several summers (Forest Home). They received extensive training in order to work there. It was always a joy for my son to tell about how a kid was saved, or how he was able to minister to someone.

My dh also takes a hundred or so inner city kids up to the snow for a winter camp once a year. Over the years, they've learned how to best meet the kids needs, most of whom are not Christians. It's a tough weekend, but incredibly rewarding. (One of the first times, someone brought a gun! [X(]) Training is so, so important!



pstrdebi -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/13/2008 1:47:50 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 2shaye

I grew up going to Pine Summitt too! Loved that camp!


How cool is that! I understand it is still going strong... as a kid I grew up in OC... then went to Jr. High and High school in Rialto, CA... then lived most of my adult life in Lake Arrowhead. I miss So Cal sooooo much! [&o]

quote:


My son and his fiance both worked at a Christian camp for several summers (Forest Home). They received extensive training in order to work there. It was always a joy for my son to tell about how a kid was saved, or how he was able to minister to someone.

My dh also takes a hundred or so inner city kids up to the snow for a winter camp once a year. Over the years, they've learned how to best meet the kids needs, most of whom are not Christians. It's a tough weekend, but incredibly rewarding. (One of the first times, someone brought a gun! [X(]) Training is so, so important!


I sent my kids to Forest Home (Elementary and Jr high) and Hume Lake (as teens). Both Camps are excellent camps and have wonderfully trained counselors and staff.

Funny story.... when I sent my two youngest to Forest Home for the first time they were in 4th and 5th grade (they are now 22 and 23!! [sm=icon_smile_faint.gif]) I was such a mom. I individually packaged each outfit for them for each day in a gallon size zip-lock bag... it included; clean underwear, clean socks, clean shirt, clean shorts, a note from mom and a candy! Cool, huh? NOT! They came home a week later... with each carefully packaged outfit bag UNTOUCHED!! Except the candy was gone!!! Apparently they were having too much fun to change!! They lived in their swimsuits and what they had on when they left. When I asked, "didn't you shower???" they said, "duh... we sprayed off after we got out of the lake."[sm=aside.gif] Aaarrrrggghhh! Thats ok... they have theri own now and someday they'll go to camp. (hehehehehe!)

Inner city kids are a trip. When I worked at camp in Lake Arrowhead, they would come up for Outdoor Education during the week. These were kids that barely played outside, let alone seen the mountains. When working with them one day... one of the kids (about 8 years old) started screaming bloody murder. When I ran to him to find out if he was hurt... it turned out he saw a squirrel.... completely foriegn to him. They had an image of us as being cut off from the world as they knew it, and would ask us questions like, do you have TV up here?

Camp... absolutely wonderful!!! Not a better experience for kids!! [:D]

Link to Christian Camps info: http://www.ccca.org



2shaye -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/14/2008 12:49:48 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: pstrdebi

Funny story.... when I sent my two youngest to Forest Home for the first time they were in 4th and 5th grade (they are now 22 and 23!! [sm=icon_smile_faint.gif]) I was such a mom. I individually packaged each outfit for them for each day in a gallon size zip-lock bag... it included; clean underwear, clean socks, clean shirt, clean shorts, a note from mom and a candy! Cool, huh? NOT! They came home a week later... with each carefully packaged outfit bag UNTOUCHED!! Except the candy was gone!!! Apparently they were having too much fun to change!! They lived in their swimsuits and what they had on when they left. When I asked, "didn't you shower???" they said, "duh... we sprayed off after we got out of the lake."[sm=aside.gif] Aaarrrrggghhh! Thats ok... they have theri own now and someday they'll go to camp. (hehehehehe!)


You sound like me! I sent my dd to Forest Home when she was in 5th grade. Even though my son was there as a counselor, I still worried! I asked about the showering too, and she said no one ever told her to, so she didn't!!! Yuck!!! My soon to be dil says she used to MAKE the girls at least brush their teeth every day!



pstrdebi -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/14/2008 4:59:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 2shaye

quote:

ORIGINAL: pstrdebi

Funny story.... when I sent my two youngest to Forest Home for the first time they were in 4th and 5th grade (they are now 22 and 23!! [sm=icon_smile_faint.gif]) I was such a mom. I individually packaged each outfit for them for each day in a gallon size zip-lock bag... it included; clean underwear, clean socks, clean shirt, clean shorts, a note from mom and a candy! Cool, huh? NOT! They came home a week later... with each carefully packaged outfit bag UNTOUCHED!! Except the candy was gone!!! Apparently they were having too much fun to change!! They lived in their swimsuits and what they had on when they left. When I asked, "didn't you shower???" they said, "duh... we sprayed off after we got out of the lake."[sm=aside.gif] Aaarrrrggghhh! Thats ok... they have theri own now and someday they'll go to camp. (hehehehehe!)


You sound like me! I sent my dd to Forest Home when she was in 5th grade. Even though my son was there as a counselor, I still worried! I asked about the showering too, and she said no one ever told her to, so she didn't!!! Yuck!!! My soon to be dil says she used to MAKE the girls at least brush their teeth every day!



HA!!!!

I'll bet we could go on and on...!!!
We have always been a family that jokes around a lot... and since I knew that the youth pastor had current releases on all my kids, I wasn't worried about the release I sent with my son one summer to Hume. Donnie kept insisting I fill out a new one, even though the pastor already one on him on file... so I did. And when it asked for the doctors names, I put Dr. Jekel and Dr. Suess... and some other goofy things.
Turned out the pastor mis-placed Donnies on-file release, and Donnie said, (with all confidence) "Oh, I had my mom fill out a new one." Oooops [:)]... Donnie couldn't leave the office at Hume until they got ahold of me to fax a new one (and I was away for the day [8|])... needless to say, Donnie didn't think his mom was so funny that time [sm=fireanger.gif].

Have a good one!
Pastor Debi [:D]



ruthyrich -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/16/2008 11:03:14 AM)

Absolutely FANTASTICIDEA!!!! This gives the youth the tools they need to lead their first hearts to the Lord.

Think about it, when we as believers try to lead someone to the Lord our first step, alot of times, is to invite them to church.

For youth, camp is a bigger invitation than just church. Youth alot of times find church boring. Camp is more inviting. Church camp is all about leading the youth to the Lord. It seams silly to try to lead people that have already been lead where you want them. Doesn't it?



hjemerson -> RE: Youth Camp Question (5/16/2008 3:54:28 PM)

WOW Youth Camp can be and usally is life changeing for all who go ! youth to adults I truely belive it is one of the best palces you can take non christian kid BUT your staff must be prepared( I am a strong beliver in camps need freedom but yet a plan program at all time !!!) to handle any of the behavior that can arise, !!! or you can come home with horris stories! Along with goo follow up after the yputh come home After the MT top high the low come and the yputh need so much support!! that whrn some church have a min retreat mya just a weekend day camp for mostly christian to treach and grow them in the Word! god Bless each that has evey and evey will work in a camp!!! Camp changed my family life in so many way!!



thisistheday -> RE: Youth Camp Question (6/7/2008 12:33:31 AM)

My son just got back from Bible camp this evening. My daughter is working at the camp this summer and was a counselor this past week.

Three boys came together this week. To varying degrees they were disruptive and disrespectful. Much effort was put towards helping these boys. The camp director was directly involved. Eventually one of the boys was sent home. A second boy decided he wanted to go home if the first boy was going home. That left boy number 3 there without his rowdy buddies. He accepted Christ this week!

I'm sure everyone involved at the camp is sad that it was necessary to send one child home. I'm also sure no one is sorry that the camp had the opportunity to expose those kids to the Gospel. I'm also thankful they made the hard but necessary decision to send one of the boys home, and that they got to see the fruits of that through one getting saved. Perhaps someday that young person will be able to lead his friends to Christ, or at least plant or water some seeds.

Dee



hjemerson -> RE: Youth Camp Question (6/10/2008 10:48:12 AM)

That took Guts to send send one home Now days most will not do this and it hurt the Whole event. Praise God for a strong leadership to think of the Goup and the power that evil can cause to know and see the fruit in the end!! So many youth workers are will to set rules and the stick to them I have watch the direspect in the youth go down for the past 10 year I belive in great fun and will be the frist in the midle but it come a time when you have to do what best for all !!!You Youthleadership have the upmost respect in all involed ! if not now in the future!!



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