Youth Camp! Why is it important.

Every summer, a quiet miracle unfolds beyond the reach of video games and social media. It happens in worship circles around the campfire, during heartfelt talks under the stars, and amidst the joy of kids who discover that faith isn’t just something your parents and pastor talk about, it’s something You own.

As Christian parents, we carry the hope that our children will grow into vibrant, purposeful followers of Christ. As Pastors, we hope that our church kids and teens continue to attend and serve in church well into their adult years. But for young

people, spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident or in an environment created for adults. It flourishes in environments designed to ignite transformation in kids and teens. And that’s what youth camp is all about. Camp isn’t just a place, it’s a spark for transformation. Let’s explore those sparks.

First Spark: An Encounter God

Corum Deo is a Latin phrase meaning "before the face of God" or "in the presence of God". It is living your entire life with a constant awareness of God's presence, authority, and glory. Camp creates a space for kids and teens to encounter God in a personal, distraction-free environment. In the quiet of nature and the excitement of group worship, many experience Corum Deo. Spiritual awakenings that shape their identity for years to come. Some meet Christ for the first time, others deepen their walk, and a few will receive God's call into the ministry. Studies show that camp-induced spiritual growth can last for years, shaping lifelong practices of living in the presence of God.

Second Spark: The Gift of Belonging & Identity

One of camp’s most profound gifts is belonging. Surrounded by peers and mentors who share their Christian values, campers build relationships that reinforce their walk with God. The encouragement and guidance they receive at camp often continues long after the final ride home. At youth camp, kids explore who they are in Christ. They wrestle with doubts, ask deep questions, and hear truths that affirm their worth and purpose. In an age of comparison and confusion, camp offers clarity: You are known, loved, and called. You are a child of God.

Third Spark: Development of Character & Life Skills

Through team activities, worship, and cabin conversations, youth camp builds character. Kids learn to take initiative, navigate new friendships, and work together all while growing in empathy, resilience, integrity, and humility. These are life skills rooted in Christlike values, not just social development. While this noisy world contradicts these values, camp is a place that reinforces and developes these values. It is a safe space for campers to express their fears, receive biblical answers, and to practice living in God's presence.

Fourth Spark: A Launching Pad

Camp doesn’t just shape hearts, it activates them. Many campers return eager to learn more about God, serve in church, lead worship, and invest in younger youth. It’s a launching pad for tomorrow’s leaders, rooted in today’s discipleship. Each camper has a God planned future and it is our job as parents, pastors, youth workers, and mentors to give them as many opportunities as possible to activate their hearts for God.

While moments of spiritual awakening can occasionally occur in adult-focused settings like Sunday worship, revivals, or special church events, camp offers a unique and vital space tailored for kids and teens. To fully embrace these youth-centered environments, we must actively encourage, and sometimes lovingly insist, that our children and teens take part in every camp opportunity, even when they resist. Because eternal life isn’t inherited through a parent’s faith, it’s discovered through their own personal relationship with God.

Sending your child to youth camp isn’t just a summer decision, it’s a spiritual investment. And for families committed to raising kids who live Coram Deo, before the face of God, there may be no better place to begin.