Thoughts on Camp

What I’m Looking For In A Summer Camp Program

Ken Rawson

Director, Student Ministries

First United Methodist Church

 

 

 

Preface:  I’m just a customer.  I have no stake in either program.

 

 

Deeply Spiritual Experience

My life was radically changed at camp and I long for students to have the same experience I had.  The devotions in the notebook, devotions led by the counselors, initiative games and problem solving activities in the small groups, the emergent midday program, a worship experience that combines deep teaching by an outside speaker and a cutting edge worship band, along with debriefing the small group at night all illustrate YouthFront’s commitment to a deep and powerfully moving spiritual experience by the campers.

 

 

Quality Diverse Recreation

I want a camp that sells itself.  It is not even that YouthFront has so many things to do, but the quality of what they have.  It’s not that you can go fishing, but that ANYONE can catch a fish because the pond is so stocked.  It’s not that they have a pool, but that you can go swimming whenever you want during free time.  It’s not that they have a recreation room, but that it has 8 ping pong tables, 10 pool tables, etc.  That’s not to mention a waterslide, paintball, ropes course, basketball, volleyball, soccer fields and all the activities that go along with that, boating, the Blob, a café with Karaoke, and ATV rides.  

 

 

Turn Key Programming

When I come to camp, my sole responsibility is to have meaningful spiritual conversations with students.  YouthFront actually tries to regulate this!  They INTENTIONALLY challenge each counselor to spend QUALITY meaningful time in spiritual conversations daily with campers in their cabins.  By not having to plan ANYTHING, by not being responsible for any programming, I am freed up to love on students and share their experience with them.  YouthFront understands youth ministry in the local congregation and provides an incredible program to aid the youth leader in what they are trying to accomplish:  Coaching students along their journey with Christ.

 

 

 

Extra Things that I appreciate about YouthFront:

• Resort-like housing
• GOOD food
• Great price