Camp Ministry is important.

I just had to say it again. For those of you who have frequented LeadBiblically.com, you have heard my praises and petitions for ministries that connect people with God’s handiwork (i.e. wilderness).

Take them from creation to the Cross. I firmly believe that exploring and interacting with creation, can greatly impact one’s journey toward salvation.

Match this with the importance of reaching children and youth with the Gospel, and guess what? Camp Ministry is important.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working at and/or with a variety of Bible camps all over Canada and Alaska. Furthermore, I have met so many “camp people” throughout my time in ministry.

Throughout these experiences, 5 qualities have always surfaced as vital to a Bible camp’s success.

1. Evangelism

This may seem obvious, since most Bible camps begin with evangelism at the core of their vision. However, if we’re not careful, our camps can slip into one of two scenarios.

The first, where camp becomes too exclusive. This situation leads to a haven for church kids, doing church things. After a few years of this, no one remembers what its like to speak with a child who didn’t grow up in the church.

The mission and vision become nice words in a brochure.

The second scenario is where a camp becomes too all-inclusive (usually to increase camper numbers). This situation leads to accepting every spiritual belief or thought that a camper (or staff member) wants to roll with. Soon the mission and vision crumble.

An invitation to our camp should always carry an invitation to the Cross.

2. Discipleship

The realty is that campers do find Jesus at camp (or have found Him outside of camp). We want these young Believer’s to continue to grow in their faith. Our Bible camps are great places to nature and develop young Believers.

We automatically think of formal chapel, cabin devos or campfire times, but there are so many more options.

Each and every hike, paddle or craft can carry an opportunity to invest in discipleship. Spiritual mentorship and coaching becomes an ongoing process throughout each day of camp.

Intentional conversations can produce amazing fruit.

3. Staffing

When crunch time comes at the end of May, we start looking for any warm body to fill a position. This kind of desperation employment will lead to an array of problems (and heartache).

Staffing conversations need to begin at the end of Summer and early Fall. Seek out those all-star staffers who have excelled not just in camp-life or outdoor pursuits, but in their relationships (with Christ, campers and other staff).

In addition, provide events (parties, get-togethers, training workshops, etc.) throughout the Winter. Keep stoking those relational fires, so that your staff can’t wait to sign-up for their Summer positions.

Focusing on staff relationships throughout the year will always pay off.

4. Safety

A ministry to campers is also a ministry to moms. (Do you want me to repeat that?) When a parent walks through your facility, they will make a assessment on whether or not their child will be safe in your care.

This isn’t just about having first-aid kits and fire extinguishers present in the cabins!

Equipment that are unkept and facilities that have debris (i.e. old equipment, building materials, etc.) laying around, will send a message that your camp is unsanitary and unsafe.

Moreover, hopefully your staff have been trained in hygiene, first-aid and abuse prevention. If so, it will show through their conversations with parents. Their interactions (not yours) will set the tonne for the campers well-being.

Providing moms with a sense of security will provide us with repeat campers.

5. Fun

We can get all previous 4 qualities right and still have an empty camp. If our camps aren’t fun, the campers will never want to come back.

Furthermore, they’ll never spread the word to the friends. This is tragic, because spreading the word about a fun camp can be considered the first step toward our first goal of evangelism.

Camps are not fun if they’re regimented boot-camps with no imagination or surprise. On the other end of the spectrum, camps are also not fun if they are hap-hazard and disorganised, where campers wait around with no direction.

Though it may not be our primary goal, a fun camp is a successful camp.

How does this all fit together?

In my estimation, the best way to look at these qualities is through questions; 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. As you answer “yes” to each question, move on toward the prize!

1. Does our camp provide fun?
2. Does our camp provide safety (and cleanliness)?
3. Does our camp provide qualified staff?
4. Does our camp provide daily discipleship?
5. Does our camp provide opportunities to receive Jesus?

These are tough questions to ask. Don’t get over-sensitive. We need to be honest with ourselves and start making the necessary changes.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts:

What other qualities for Camp Ministry would you add to this list?