Why Choose a Christian Camp?
With so many different types of summer camps out there, what makes choosing a Christian camp better than the rest? While secular camp life is great, a Christ-Centered camp may be the way to go, especially if your child wants to dig deeper into their faith.
By including faith-based programming into the mix of typical camp fun, you can rest assured that your child will grow not only as a leader but in the Christian Walk as well.
1. “Where Two or More Are Gathered…”
There is something incredibly powerful about coming together as believers with a common purpose. Whether that be prayer and worship or simply playing a team sport, the Bible is right on when it says that “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:20.
The camp environment is a wonderful way to allow your child to explore their faith with others within the confines of healthy boundaries. This exploration of faith at camp cultivates a community separate from their school and family life that lives on. In fact, according to the National Study of Youth and Religion, almost 40% of teens ages 13-17 have attended a religious summer camp.
This special community of young believers is allowed to disconnect and go after their faith together. Not only does this build stronger believers, but it also helps establish a sense of belonging and acceptance. Summer camps, Christian and otherwise, are heralded because it allows children to have a safe place to learn and grow both individually as well as part of a community.
2. The Outdoor Effect
Getting outdoors and away from devices is a huge deal for children, as studies show that being outside in nature relaxes the mind and reduces stress, muscle tension, and heart rates. As we age, these things are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease. By getting your children outside at an early age and teaching them to embrace an outdoor life, these risk factors can be greatly mitigated.
Beyond that, the outdoors spark great wonder and appreciation for God’s creation, which can lower the risk of depression and speed up psychological stress recovery. Our mental and spiritual wellness are inexplicably linked and, when ignored, can lead to severe mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
The outdoor effect is in full swing at a Christian camp, as most programming includes outside time and at least time away from your child's “digital life.” This digital life is where children, especially teenagers, spend most of their time.
The younger generations are spending less time outside than any other group of kids. Sending your kid to a Christian summer camp could be the best decision you make for your child.
3. From Children to Leaders
One of the most valuable things that camp life offers is the ability for children to be able to safely live somewhat independently. Children must learn how to live in proximity to others without family support and make real decisions daily. While these decisions may be scary at first, this aspect of camp life can be a game changer for the maturity of your child.
By fostering a spirit of independence at a Christian camp, your child can learn to embrace the leader in them. This is a huge factor in why camps are so successful at training strong, independent children. Simply put, giving a child an opportunity to learn to lead is likely the greatest strength of camps, especially Christ-Centered camps.
4. Learn Every Day
A unique part of camp life is the fact that great camps have dynamic programming in which your child can learn new skills and test them in a safe environment. All of this while building friendships in a beautiful setting. Whether it be learning how to build a fire through arts and crafts, or backcountry adventure, learning is a central part of the camp experience.
Camp can also strengthen your child's soft skills such as:
- Networking
- Enthusiasm and Attitude
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
- Professionalism
- Communication
While these skills can be learned in the classroom, the summer camp experience emboldens your child to pursue adventure, making these skills vital to their success throughout their time at camp.
These are just a few reasons why you should consider choosing a Christian Camp for your child's next summer camp experience. If you are looking for a great camp that espouses Christ-centered programming, then we encourage you to check out High Peak Camp.
High Peak Camp is a Salvation Army Christian camp with a mission to use nature and the great outdoors as a setting to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, teach environmental awareness, encourage pro-social behavior and safely provide an opportunity to every camper for fun and adventure. To learn more about High Peak Camp, contact us today!