More Than a Week at Camp

Every summer, our church packs up and heads to CentriKid at Timbercreek. On the surface, it looks like a week filled with swimming, games, recreation, and laughter. And it absolutely is.

But if you ask me what makes camp special, none of those things would be my first answer.

The most beautiful moments are often the quiet ones.

Sometimes they’re loud, too.

One of my favorite moments happens when a child rings the bell after accepting Jesus as Savior. That sound echoes across camp, and almost instantly cheers erupt from every direction. Hundreds of people celebrating a child they may never meet this side of heaven simply because another life has been changed by Jesus.

I never get tired of hearing that bell.

I also love looking around during worship. There is something powerful about seeing hundreds of children singing praises to God with joyful hearts. They don’t worry about who’s watching. They simply worship.

One of my favorite parts of the day is our church group time. After each session, we gather together to talk about what we’ve learned, ask questions, and encourage one another. Some of the sweetest conversations happen in those circles.

Of course, camp is also full of fun.

There is swim time with our church family, plenty of laughter, and activities that push children outside their comfort zones. One of my favorites is the rock-climbing wall. I love watching children who aren’t sure they can do it decide to try anyway. Their friends cheer them on from below, celebrating every little bit of progress. Whether they reach the top or not, they leave knowing they were brave enough to take the first step.

One small tradition I especially appreciate is how the boys are encouraged to let the girls go first. It may seem like a simple thing, but I love that camp intentionally teaches respect, kindness, and putting others before ourselves. Children are never too young to begin learning those lessons.

As wonderful as the activities are, they are not the reason I pray for camp every year.

My greatest prayer isn’t that the children have fun, although I hope they do.

It isn’t that they make new friends, although many will.

It isn’t even that they conquer a fear or create memories they’ll never forget.

My greatest prayer is that they encounter Jesus.

I pray their hearts are open to hearing Him.

I pray they understand how deeply He loves them.

I pray seeds are planted that will continue to grow long after camp is over.

Because when the swimsuits are unpacked, the camp shirts are folded away, and the excitement settles down, the only thing that truly lasts is what God has done in a child’s heart.

And that’s what makes camp worth every mile, every prayer, and every moment.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36