Many young people encounter their call in a camp, conference, or retreat setting. We see this in both the stories of faithful adults who experienced God’s call as a young person, as well as in direct experiences in the faith formation of youth and young adults.

Advantages that Christian camps offer:

• Camps and retreats have an advantage because they are generally able to focus on young people in programming, worship style, activities, and culture. They are community experiences with other young seekers and faith leaders that provide experiential learning and help young people find their place in God’s story.
• “Places set apart” (like camp and mission trips) often open young people to new experiences, allowing space for God’s voice to be heard.
• God’s creation experienced in nature is an inspiring and powerful connection point for people of all ages; young people often feel closer to God through the natural, awe-inspiring environments of a camp or retreat.
• Camps and retreats frequently feature “near-peer” young leaders, who serve as faith-oriented role models and mentors for youth.
• Serving on staff or as a volunteer in a camp setting is often an opportunity to explore one’s faith, practice Christian leadership, and test a sense of God’s call. Many camps offer leadership training or CIT (Counselor-in-Training) opportunities for young people as a stepping stone from being a camper to becoming a leader.

Recommended Resources:

• How camping helps kids, from Sacred Playgrounds
• Five advantages of Christian summer youth camp
• The benefits of working at camp:
  • Why former camp counselors make excellent hires
  • Camp is a real job