Growing up, I went to church camp every summer since the 4th grade. The first year I went to camp, I accepted Jesus into my heart. Honestly, this first camp was not all that great. (For our evening activity, we would go snipe hunting! Yep, look it up.) However, Jesus met me there, so it holds a special place in my heart. The year after that and on through my high school years, I went to a camp in Michigan. I looked forward to camp every year. I loved the activities camp had to offer (horse-back riding, canoeing, etc.). Deep down though, the thing I really loved about camp was returning to a place where I felt close to God. I loved getting away from my hectic schedule and going to a place where I would have daily quiet times with God and times where I would learn more about God’s love through the teachings. It seemed like every year at camp, I would make a renewed commitment to follow Jesus closer and get back to doing devotions…again. I knew it was not camp that was calling me, but it was God calling me to draw closer to him and even though I tried and failed many times, I continued gaining ground in my relationship with Jesus each year. Let this be an encouragement to you parents of Ignite Camp kids, God is working in the hearts of these kids, even though it is not always visible.
For two years in college, I was a camp counselor at this same camp in Michigan. I loved speaking into the kids’ lives and seeing the joy on their faces as they encountered this same Jesus that I had grown to love. When I was given the opportunity at Eagle to go to Ignite Camp as a leader, I jumped at the chance.
I understood the impact camp can have on one’s life.
The things I love about Ignite Camp are getting to hang out with a great group of kids for the week. I love the anticipation of waiting for that first night of worship when they can freely praise the name of Jesus. The speakers have always been amazing. The messages can lead to deeper discussions in cabin time at night. It is so incredible to see their eyes open to a new truth or see them release a stronghold that has been keeping them back. It is also encouraging to see them encourage each other. The friendship bonds that develop through camp can be strong as we encounter God together.
As a parent of two daughters, camp was a priority when they were able to attend. There are lots of things that can pull for our kids’ attention, but learning more about God, drawing closer to Him and building solid friendships with both leaders and other students trumps all the others. In the long run, I knew that Jesus is the only thing that will last, so church camp had to come first.