Very quickly after returning from an incredible week of camp, I realized just how challenging reality can be. Let me explain.
Challenge #1.
Everyone knows about the camp “highs”. You experience something that you can’t explain (Holy Spirit) and have this euphoric way about you. And then, real life. But why can’t that euphoria translate into real life?
Challenge #2.
Camp provides a platform for relational growth. Students come back tighter than they have ever been. But what about the ones who weren’t able to attend camp this year?
Challenge #3.
SOOO many decisions were made. From a decision to follow Christ, to a call to ministry, to re-dedications, to making a commitment to “go wherever God sends me.” So, how do we make sure the students follow through with those decisions?
A Solution to #1.
Yesterday we gave the students the opportunity to share what God taught them at camp. The setting: in front of the rest of the MS Ministry. Surprisingly, every student shared something. Why? Because they are so excited about what God did in their lives.
Students need to talk about it. Students need to be reminded of their decisions. Students need accountability to their decisions. The reason they come off the spiritual highs is because leadership/parents don’t continue the conversation. It’s more of a, “That’s awesome! By the way your grandma’s coming into town, and this year she’s sleeping in your room.” Very quickly we move the students back into their groove, almost negating what God did.
I encouraged the students to let the energy and excitement from camp overflow into their lives. Don’t hold back in worship. Share what God did in your life with the type of excitement you had the day after camp. And when you feel like you are losing the passion, remind yourself that God is REAL, and ALIVE, and MOVING. Do you want to be a part of it?
A Solution to #2.
I prefaced yesterday’s sharing time with this: “This isn’t a sharing time so that those of you who didn’t go will feel left out, but a time to celebrate what God did in the lives of these students, and so that we can ALL take that energy and move forward, changing the world with the Gospel.”
It’s important for them to hear the fun things that happened. It will make them want to come next year. But more importantly, it’s crucial that they hear how God moved in the hearts of their peers, and the action that will take place as a result. They can’t take part in the fun parts of camp, it’s too late. But the resulting action is something they can jump into with all their might, together, and truly change the world.
A Solution to #3.
Lake Ann Camp. I seriously can’t say enough about how incredible this place is.
Each week, the counselors sit down one-on-one with their campers to fill out what is called an “S.G.R.”, or “Student Growth Report.” They really dig in to where the students are spiritually, as well as what they want to do in response when they get home.
The best part about this? They send me a copy of every single one, less than a week after we get back. It lets me know who made a decision to follow Christ, who re-committed themselves, who wants to get baptized, and who wants to be discipled/mentored.
I take these very seriously. I’m a spreadsheet guy, and all of these end up in a master list with names, dates, and big bold X’s. I can see when kids trusted Christ, the date of their baptism, who is discipling/mentoring them, etc.
So, when I get the S.G.R.’s at the end of this week. I’ll enter them into my spreadsheet, send a copy to each of their small group leaders, and their parents. Back to solution #1, they need accountability.
THE solution to all 3.
PRAY. You won’t be able to keep up with this without His help. We should be on our knees daily, even when it comes to the nitty-gritty details.
Was this helpful? What are some of the challenges you face coming back from camps/retreats? What are some of your solutions?
NW Students 