The sound of waves crashing on the beach, the roar of V8 engines, the delighted squeals of kids falling out of tubes, the gritty feeling as you roll over and find you have brought most of the beach into bed with you. Some people pay good money for holidays such as these. However when you are on camps with a total of 110 kids it suddenly stops being a holiday and becomes suffering for the sake of the gospel.
So besides figuring out if I was in the designated flirting area or if the canteen was open I made some decisions or rather insights into camping ministry.
1. The Cooks are just as crucial as most of the leaders especially if you have a younger leadership team. Often especially on larger camps the cooks are the first to pick up on kids who aren't fitting in and have an ability to get along side the kids and get them to open up to them. Maybe because they are parents themselves (In most cases) or rather because they are giving something to the kids (food) with out asking in return but a good set of cooks can make a camp go from a good camp to an excellent camp. That's excluding the food itself which often sets the mood of the camp.
2. Some times we try too hard to cater the camp to what we think the kids want to hear. This leads to camps that are all games/ small devotions. We tend to think that as the kids are 'trouble' kids we try to cater the camp to subtly introduce Christ. However since they have signed up for a Scripture union camp or Willows Presbyterian camp they know they are going to get God stuff and so often are ready or at least willing to talk about God. And even if they aren't who are we to limit the Spirits work in the guys and girls.
3. 'Preach Christ all times. When necessary use words.' - There are 2 types of leaders respected by kids. The ones who are respected as an authoritive figure (usually a bit older or have regular contact with kids (Youth Pastor or Chaplin). Or the 2nd is some one the kids respect because the person has earned their respect. The first can't be earned on camp but the second can be. But it takes hard work especially on the first couple of days. This isn't earned by ordering the guys and girls around but rather getting in there and getting your hands dirty. If its a camping camp don't just tell them to set their tents, get up get in and help them. But don't do it for them- teach them. If you are trusted to teach small things you will be trusted to teach big things.
There are of course many other essential parts to a camp and I would interested in hearing what you think needs to be added to my list. Maybe then we can publish a book.
