5 Words or Less...

Some of the more impactful conversations in my ministry have happened during the in between. In between the breaks of a conference, in between the sessions of a program that I am leading, on a walk with a summer staffer in between the dining hall and their cabin, in between all the moments of doing.

Recently, on a car ride in between North Carolina and Indiana, I came across one of these in between conversations. We were discussing the relationship roles of camp ministry and parish ministry. Trying to get a grasp on how these partner ministries relate and how to get pastors engaged and excited about what our ministry can provide to both the Church at large and to individual church families. 

We came across a familiar lament speaking to how we often feel as if our presence seems to feel threatening to some ministers that we come across.  That is when a prior "in between" conversation was brought to light. Pastor Bill Yonkers who was a speaker at our annual conference posed this question to those sitting around a meal table with him. 

What do you want a pastor to be able to say about the role of camp? 

This got us excited. We started listing the many positive roles that camp plays in the lives of people. A time and a place to "get away," the chance to be influenced by the faith of others, a place where they can begin to put their faith into practice, a chance to see God in his creation, experiential benefits of critical thinking, relationship building, self-knowledge...the list went on and on with a collection of benefits that seemed to be invaluable. How could a pastor not want this for himself and those he served? Why don't all pastors see these benefits already?

Then I remembered something that another speaker at the conference, Rev. Scott Bruzek, said to us. If you can't explain something in 5 words or less then you don't have a good grasp on it. So therein lies our challenge. 

What is the role of camp...in 5 words or less?

Through our conversation in the car it was said that camp returns people stronger and involved. I grasped hold of that one. It was easy for me to remember and to convey. Sure, I can expand on the how of each of those is true but those 5 words got me excited to go share with others just what camp can do in their life. So now it's your turn, go on give it a try. 5 words or less, "The role of camp is..."

Camp Recognized As Key to Emotional Intelligence

Why should kids go to camp? According to a March 15 report entitled Camp's secret weapon: The buzz about emotional intelligence and your child on http://www.stltoday.com/  (the Web site of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch), the friendships, new experiences and character-building activities develop emotional intelligence, a factor that is a more important indicator of adult happiness and success than IQ scores. Camp gives young people the opportunity to learn about themselves, develop confidence, discover strengths and meet challenges in an environment of loving guidance where academics aren’t the focus. Research shows that skills such as listening, cooperation, empathy, sharing and self-control — all emphasized at camp — are key to kids’ school success and healthy relationships, and later, positive contributions to their community and fulfilling careers. Read the full article by clicking here.