hristian campingdemands the invest-ment of time,energy, and physi-cal resources. Is itworth it? What ben-

efits do participants—children and adults—

receive from the experience?Why are so many groups—

churches, mission agencies, youthorganizations, schools, colleges,and social agencies—involved in Christian camping? Because it’s where five significant valuesare realized.

1. Genuine community is experi-enced.

2. Ministry to the whole persontakes place.

3. Relationships are built withGod and others.

4. Memories and major life com-mitments are made.

5. Tomorrow’s leaders are devel-oped today.

These values drive theChristian camping movement as a vital instrument of change forindividuals and groups.

1. Genuine CommunityCamp contrasts with the familiar.Those who go to camp leavebehind labels, expectations of oth-ers, mindless daily routines, andinfluences of parents, teachers,peers, colleagues, the media, andfriends in favor of a special tem-porary community with focusedpurpose: presenting Christ andnurturing those in the faithtoward maturity and Christian

leadership. The camp people andthe unique environment accom-plishes this purpose.

Because we live in a secular-ized culture, most campers havenot experienced genuine Christiancommunity. Physically separatedfrom the powerful influences ofthe home (permanent) commu-nity, campers are immersed in acontrasting, Christ-centered, lov-ing community, free to embracethe values and lifestyle of thatcommunity. A Christian camp canbe a clear model demonstratinghow Christians should live.

Separation from homeremoves the familiar physical andsocial supports that provide com-fort and security. Campers areforced to transfer trust to othersor depend on someone moresecure and mature. Some campsremove more of this familiarity by introducing wildernesstravel, adventure activities, or social or ethnic diversity.

Camp is a place totry new things, meetnew people, and havenew adventures. This newness workswonders, openingcampers to changein many ways—most significantly,spiritually. Freedfrom the negativeand constrainingpower often existingin the permanentcommunity, and caughtup with the expectationof trying new things,campers are excited aboutpersonal change and growth.

Jesus knew this when Hecalled His disciples from theirpermanent communities wherethey were known as mere fisher-men, tax collectors, carpenters,and so forth, to a temporary com-munity experience where theywould be more free to change.Christ taught His disciples as Hewalked with them “in the way”and traveled beyond their homes.He withdrew from His hometownwhere He had little power to min-ister because of the locals’ long-held expectations of Him (seeMatt. 13:54–57).

One of the longest camps inrecorded history was the Hebrews’40-year trek through the wilder-ness. God used what was meantto be a temporary experience to

Five Values ofChristian Campingby Dr. George “Bud” Williams

C

Focusing on the

Foundations of Christian Camping

free His chosen people from the physical and spiritual slaveryof Egypt.

2. Whole-Person MinistryWhile many institutions focus on acertain dimension of the person,camp is designed to minister to thewhole person. Churches ministerspiritually, schools educate men-tally, the home and peers influencesocially, and athletic programs helpindividuals develop physically.

In Luke 2:52, we learn thatJesus grew in wisdom (mentally),stature (physically), and favor with God (spiritually) and men(socially). When He entered ourexistence, Jesus experiencedhuman development and grew

in all dimensions.Camp, in the midst

of God’s gloriouscreation, is anideal environ-ment for whole-personministry. Hiscreation,which revealsHis existenceand eternal

power, is a sourceof continuous study

and investigation; wecan never uncover all of

its mysteries. It is here for usto enjoy as we recognize theinfinite wisdom behindeach element He created—and praise Him for it.

Jesus, theCreator of the uni-verse, traveled withHis disciples,spending much ofthe time in the out-doors. He minis-tered to physicalneeds as He cookedfor His disciples, fedcrowds, and restored

the sick to health. Hedevoted attention to spiri-

tual growth as He gave manymessages using nature to

demonstrate eternal truths.Likewise, Jesus helped His disci-ples develop mentally and socially.

Camp powerfully communi-cates spiritual truths and spursspiritual growth among campersas they spend time in the midst ofGod’s creation, participate in Biblestudies, experience teachablemoments, worship, relax, andtake time to reflect.

The activities at camp providemany opportunities to teachtruths. When we are engaged inarchery, swimming, canoeing, andcrafts, we have opportunities tolearn how to treat others fairly, toexercise control over our bodies,to create, and to play. Andthrough such activities, whileshowing respect for the bodiesGod has created, we grow physi-cally strong, skilled, and healthy.

Camp engages the mind aswell. The stimulation of a newenvironment, unfamiliar people,different activities, and a changedschedule facilitate mental growth.

3. Relationship BuildingThe activities of daily camp lifeteach valuable social skills. Campis foremost a highly relationalexperience. At a Christian camp,spiritual mentors are always pres-ent. They are visual examples ofhow to live when tired, be kindwhen others are not, control anger,discipline with love, ask for for-giveness, grow spiritually, deal with

temptation, and live in community. Further, a relationship with

Jesus Christ is held as the mostsignificant relationship to culti-vate, and the one that bringsmeaning and healing to all otherrelationships.

Youth campers often returnhome talking about their coun-selors and what they did with theyoung people they got to know.Counselors are their heroes, models, and friends. The 24-hour,living relationship with campersallows counselors in a typicalweek of camp to have more timeto minister to campers than youthpastors have in a year, and asmuch quality time as parents have in six months.

The bonding that occursthrough living, playing, worship-ing, facing challenges, and learn-ing together internalizes valuestaught and translates experienceinto character formation. Whereasyoung people view parents as ageneration removed, they seecounselors as contemporaries who understand their needs.

Youth and adults aspire to be like those slightly older whomodel success to them. Whenthese models take an interest inthem and share their lives,campers emulate their behaviors.Parents wonder at changes thatoccur in behavior and appearanceof their children upon their returnfrom camp, only to recognizethose same features when theymeet their kids’ counselors.

The influence for change isgreat at camp, where relationshipsare valued. Jesus, our model forministry, discipled His 12 by liv-ing and traveling with them in arelational ministry.

4. Memory MakingTemporariness makes camp aunique experience and a memory-making opportunity. Because campis a contrast to everyday life, andbecause this contrast heightenscampers’ senses, time takes on newmeaning. Campers live more in thepsychological present. Events atcamp become more engaging,alive, and vivid; they are filled withenergy and totally absorb campers.

Camp powerfully communicates spiritual truthsand spurs spiritual growth

among campers as they spendtime in the midst of

God’s creation.

Because most camp experiences arebeyond the traditional and familiar,they provide moments that rendercampers ready for learning.

Struggling with new games,adventure activities, wildernesstrips, difficult peers, wet, cold,heat, darkness, disappointments,camp duties, and separation fromhome and friends add to the vari-ety and intensity of these experi-ences. These teachable momentsopen doors of opportunity forcamp leaders to present spiritualtruth.

Spiritual truth comes frommany sources: modeling by coun-selors and other staff or campers,recall of past truths learned andsongs heard, intentional reflectionon the experience led by coun-selors or other staff, and regularspiritual input at Bible studies,chapel, and so forth. A sensitivityto the Holy Spirit’s prompting anda heart to see campers learnthrough each special experienceare key to intentionally usingthese ideal moments to teach.

Jesus taught in this manner.He used special events and situa-tions that prepared His disciplesfor learning: the hungry 5,000,the storm on Galilee, the demon-possessed man, those in need ofhealing, the barren fig tree, a vistaof Jerusalem, the 10 lepers, thedeath of a friend, a beggar, and soforth. His messages usually flowedout of the life experiences andaccompanying felt needs of Hisstudents, and then He carefullyaddressed deeper needs.

The products of heightenedsenses, total engagement, andreadiness to learn—combinedwith spiritual truths attached tothese memory-making experi-ences—are life-shaping memories.

God used this process withthe Old Testament Hebrews. They never forgot the crossing ofthe Red Sea, the water from therock, the military battles won andlost—and the spiritual truths presented on these and otheroccasions. Their memories wererefreshed through yearly feastsand ceremonies, tassels sewn ingarments, stones of remembrance,and the like.

Jesus used this process withHis disciples. They never forgotthe miraculous experiences Heshared with them, or the truthsHe attached to such experiences,often related through parables.

Camp is a distinct andintense experience that will for-ever stand out from other lifeexperiences in campers’ memo-ries. It offers the opportunity toattach spiritual truths to memory-making experiences. After theyhave long since returned home,when memories of camp return,campers also remember the spiri-tual truths and are moved torespond to those truths.

5. Leadership DevelopmentA camp counselor (or cabin leader)is a leader in the making. Campsare ideal nurturing environmentsfor developing leaders for churchand society.

Where else are young peoplegiven the opportunity for leader-ship development? To build leader-ship skills, people must be givenresponsibility for others and be mentored in the process of ministering and leading. Veryfew opportunities exist for youngpeople to be given significantresponsibility for others, especiallyresponsibility to minister to others.If structured properly, with focusedtraining present, a camp can provide that ideal opportunity.

A camp cabin unit of 6 to 10campers provides an ideal groupthrough which the cabin leader/counselor can learn leadershipskills. But the cabin leader/coun-selor must be given the opportunityto lead—to make decisions, and tosucceed or fail in those decisions.

Cabin leaders/counselors needto be given as much responsibilityas they can handle to stretch themand provide a chance for them totry out their leadership styles. Theyalso need support when they fail,and continuous feedback frompeers and mentors to learn fromtheir mistakes.

Emerging leaders need to discover three proofs—proof ofself, proof of learning, and proofof God. Camp can provide anideal crucible to test one’s capabil-

ities and exposeweaknesses, andto sort out andprove whatthey’ve learnedis consistentwith reality andactually works.It’s a chance todiscover God in adeeper way, and tosee His faithfulness toHis promises in tough situa-tions. Jesus’ three-year “travelcamp” experience with His disciples did just that.

The 2007 CCCA IndustrySurvey of Christian Camps andConferences noted that two in fivecamp executive directors hadcommitted their lives to full-timeministry at camp, and 22 percenthad become Christians during acamp experience. Clearly, campis a worthwhile investment.

Camp is a powerful tool for ministry and leadership development because it closelyfollows a pattern of ministry used by our Lord and embracesfive closely held values consistentwith His ministry.

The Values of Christian Camping: In the United StatesAsk about the values of Christiancamping, and you’ll get a host ofresponses. The following are a sam-pling of what campers, parents, pas-tors, and Christian camping leadersfrom across the United States appre-ciate about camp ministry.

F Appreciation for God’s creativework in nature

F Unhurried time to contem-plate the truth of God’s Word

F Relaxation and renewal in apleasant and supportive envi-ronment

—Dr. Dick Turner, coordinator of acamp outdoor education program

F Christian community is lived.

F Campers learn independence,and how to manage their livesaway from home.

When we areengaged in archery, swim-ming, canoeing, and crafts,

we have opportunities to learnhow to treat others fairly, toexercise control over ourbodies, to create, and

to play.

F A thankful spirit is fosteredwhere the essentials of life arein different supply.

—Barb Anderson, parent of campersand third-generation camper

F Chance to move out of thecomfort zone—to bestretched, to be challenged,and to develop a deeper trust in God

F Solitude and community: a balance that reveals thevalue and necessity of both

F Opportunity for action andreflection, and learning howto balance the two and reflecton our lives to learn fromexperience

—Lizzie Gosden, wilderness leader,United States and South Africa

F Commitment to a biblicallifestyle

F Respect for other cultures

F The value of the learningprocess

—Dr. David Klopfenstein, who for-merly oversaw an extensive campingministry for inner-city youth

F Environment and structure tolearn and live out Christianvalues with an anchor inGod’s Word

F Opportunity to learn aboutand enjoy God’s createdworld, to understand how God’s creation fits into His plan

F A foundation for life in expe-riences, relationships, andmemories on which to build

—Sam Gray, former president ofChristian Service Brigade, with 50 years of involvement in Christiancamping

F A wholesome, interactivelearning environment awayfrom daily hassles, struggles,and worldly influences forreflection, listening to God,refreshment, and much,much more

F An experience that integratesreal living and godly encour-agement to be Christ-like in an affirming, Christ-centered community that lives the gospel inday-to-day situations

F Allows people to experi-ence a non-status,accepting environmentwhere they are not distin-guished by profession,money, and so forth

—Timber-lee Christian Center (EastTroy, Wisc.) staff

F Deepening our relationshipwith God

F Testing and strengthening our Christian walk and faith

F Learning how to worktogether as a team to getsomething done

—Hannah Gentry, multi-yearcamper

F Establishment of devotionsand prayer life

F Setting, attempting, andachieving goals that mightnot have been accomplishedelsewhere

F Developing an appreciationfor the environment and nat-ural beauty of God’s creation

—Harry Agabedis, educationaladministrator

F Seeing our problems againstthe backdrop of God’s cre-ation and might

F Learning things about our-selves through the stress ofwilderness experiences

F Developing new, practicalskills that we can use for alifetime

—Rev. John Casey, pastor

The Values of ChristianCamping: Around the WorldChristian camping is a movementthrough which God has chosen toextend His kingdom into every

part of the world. Christian campsexist in more than 90 countries.Christian Camping Internationalconnects many countries throughan alliance of organized nationaland regional associations.

Here international leadersaddress the key values ofChristian camping:

Bob McKemey, former direc-tor of Okutama Bible Chalet inJapan, says camping is the greatesttool of the church for doing evangelism in the pagan culture of Japan.

Janet Hardie, director ofRocklands Centre in South Africa,says camping has been a majortool for reconciliation of racialtensions for the youth and adultsof South Africa.

Dinho Pereira, veteran camp-ing leader in Brazil, says Christiancamps attract youth who are notpermitted by their religious back-ground to attend evangelicalchurches.

Tim Long, former director of Carey Park Christian Camp inNew Zealand, sees camping as ameans of producing strong moralleaders for a rapidly decayingsociety.

Alexander Kharitonov, Ph.D.,president of CCI/Russia, desiresthat camping help reclaim forChrist people who have livedunder an atheistic philosophy for decades. -

All Scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984International Bible Society. Used by per-mission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

P.O. Box 62189Colorado Springs, CO 80962-2189

Phone: (719) 260-9400

Fax: (719) 260-6398

E-mail: info@ccca.org

Web: www.ccca.org

Five Values ofChristian

Camping(CCCA FocusSeries 6); copy-

right © 1995, 2001,2009 by CCCA. Focus

Series monographs may not bereproduced without permission.

Other helpful Focus Series monographs include Camping andthe Church and Time out forRenewal.

The more than 20 titles in theFocus Series may be combined togive you the best possible price. A quantity discount is available fororders of more than 50 copies.

Prices subject to change withoutnotice. For more information, acurrent list of CCCA resourcesand prices, please contact us.

Cover photo is courtesy of Rusty Ellisonat Camp Cedarmore and is for illustrativepurposes only. People pictured have noconnection with the topic of this FocusSeries. Other photo: Index Open.

6

[Camp is a] chance tomove out of the comfort

zone—to be stretched, to bechallenged, and to develop a

deeper trust in God.