When Jim Rayburn suggested Young Life purchase its first camp property back in 1946 (Star Ranch), no one would have imagined that over the course of seventy years the camping program would grow like it has.
Young Life reports that each year, more than 100,000 kids around the world spend a week or a weekend at one of 29 owned or leased Young Life camps around the United States plus a number of international locations.
At every camp, and for every kind of kid who attends, the vision is the same: to get kids away from the pressures of everyday life, provide them the opportunity to think deeply about what really matters in life and give them an experience of a lifetime.
All images courtesy of GRSW Young Life.
With another camping season approaching, staff and leaders often ask: How do we get kids there—how do we fill our buses? And kids are asking: What is Young Life camp really like?
In Part 3 of our series on the 5 C’s of Young Life, Staff Associate Casey Blair from Grand Rapids SouthWest Young Life tells us Why We Do Camp.
Western Great Lakes Region (WGLR): Casey, many refer to camp as an experience of a lifetime. For someone who’s never been to Young Life camp, how do you begin to describe it?
Casey: I start by saying that it’s completely indescribable. With that disclaimer, Young Life camp will truly be the best week of your life for reasons you can’t understand until you’ve experienced it. Kids from across the country come to the most amazing camp imaginable to not only hear the story of Jesus, but also experience the joy of Jesus. Everything from the food to the music to the unpredictable events each day point kids to the extravagant love that only Jesus is capable of. And you do this with people that become some of the best friends you’ve ever had.
WGLR: What happens at YL camp to make kids feel so celebrated and loved?
Casey: Everything that happens at Young Life camp makes a kid feel like a hero because that’s how Jesus sees us. Kids get to play games with hundreds of people cheering for them whether they win or lose. Kids get to conquer their fears in a safe and supportive environment. It’s a full week where kids are loved by the people around them without any judgment or expectations.
WGLR: What is it about getting kids “out of their world” that provides the perfect environment for them to hear Christ’s message and come to know Him?
Casey: Life has so many distractions; it’s hard to avoid them—especially for high school and middle school students. Young Life camp takes kids away from the routine of life, which includes drama with peers, conflict within the family and so many other adolescent pressures. In this place of relief from life’s craziness, they get to hear the message of Christ and have the time of their lives.
WGLR: Some kids say that camp stretched them spiritually and physically. In what ways does this happen?
Casey: Camp stretches kids spiritually because, regardless of their upbringing, they are hearing about Jesus in a new way and wrestling with spiritual questions. Physically, camp can be an exhausting experience, which opens up room for a group of kids or leaders to really support each other. There are opportunities to face fears (like the high ropes course) and complete tasks that can only be done with a group. This not only pushes kids physically and helps them grow, but also builds community, breaks down walls and makes deeper conversations possible.
WGLR: What are the most important things leaders must do to get kids signed up for camp?
Casey: Building a relationship is the most important thing, and then committing to go to camp with them. It’s one thing for a leader to say, “Hey, there’s this awesome camp you should go to this summer; you will have so much fun!” But it’s a whole different story when a leader spends months at club, Campaigners, Wendy’s, basketball games and school plays becoming friends with a kid and then says, “Hey, I’m going on this amazing adventure to camp this summer and I want you to come with me.” That invitation is much harder to turn down.
WGLR: If camps are staffed with work crews, summer staff and assignment teams, what is the role of a Young Life leader at camp?
Casey: YL leaders are there to be the one-on-one connection. It’s amazing how many workers all participate in the great experience for kids, but Young Life leaders are the only ones who go home and maintain friendships with kids after camp. Leaders lead cabin time, have discussions about life and the Gospel, hear kids’ stories and have one-on-one talks with kids on a deeper level. Leaders are the closest, most consistent example of Jesus’ love.
WGLR: What kind of follow-up happens after camp?
Casey: Praying for kids as they return from camp is one of the first priorities. Oftentimes, teams will start a Campaigners group after camp to continue the conversation about Jesus. Leaders also make it a point to have conversations with kids as they continue to process their experience. Follow-up is so important because Jesus doesn’t just exist at camp; we want to help kids integrate their camp experience with the rest of their lives. For kids who make the decision to follow Jesus at camp, we welcome them into the faith community and walk closely alongside them as they begin their journey of following Jesus.
WGLR: What’s your favorite Young Life camp story?
Casey: It’s actually a story that Eric Zoodsma, area director of Grand Rapids SouthWest Young Life, shared with me. Here’s the story:
Michael came to Castaway with us in June and had the best week of his life. However, after club on our first night, I wasn’t sure that would be the case. Michael found everything he could to complain about—mainly that the music in club was too loud. He told me he was not coming to club ever again that week. One of our other leaders pulled Michael aside and talked with him. He offered him a pair of earplugs he brought for sleeping at night and told Michael he could use them during the singing at club. Throughout the week, we watched Michael open up and meet Jesus in a way he never had before—largely in part to some twenty-five cent earplugs, and a leader who cared enough to meet Michael right where he was at.
>> DID YOU KNOW?
- Timber Wolf Lake is a Young Life camp located in our region. Situated in the beautiful Northern Michigan woods, thousands of Young Life and WyldLife campers experience the best week of their lives at TWL each summer. Timber Wolf is used the rest of the year for Fall and Winter weekends and other retreats and conferences.
- Young Life provides sponsorship opportunities to ensure that every kid has the opportunity to go to camp. Contact your local area to find out how you can help send kids to camp this summer.
>> WILL YOU RESPOND?
- Join us in praying boldly for even more kids to sign up for camp this summer.
- Read the other articles in this series: Why We Do Contact Work and Why We Do Club
- Share this post using the social media icons below or subscribe at the top of the page to receive notifications in your inbox whenever there is a new post.
