I love bible camps! I should say, we love bible camps! Games, chapel, tuck-shop, teams, crafts, water activities, bible learning, friends, campers, counselors, camp speakers, singing, dining-hall, decisions for Christ and, of course, those camp-fires. My wife and I enjoyed years of bible camps, with our children in tow, throughout the provinces of Maritime Canada and the state of Maine in the Northeastern United States. Usually I was the camp speaker for the teens or the family camps. Memories were made and lives were changed for good and for God. Our own children grew in Christ and at camp they learned to serve Him with their lives. Some relationships were made that have stood the test of time, with those to whom Christ was Lord. Camp counselors became Christian friends and mentors. There is something transformative about getting away from the routine and into the fresh air and activities of Christian camping. I have many happy flashbacks of bible camp days!
Both Fort McMurray and Anzac shall be the locales for these opportunities. It will take three things for these to thrive: campers, camp volunteers, and scholarship donations. There is a role for all – you are needed and wanted.
Jesus also knew the value of calling his followers apart from the busyness of everyday life into places of change and refreshment (even though one of those times turned unexpectedly into a camping session where thousands were fed with a lad’s five barley loaves and two small fish)! Their times were seasons of intentional spiritual renewal.
NorthLife church is now planning for two bible ‘day-camps’ and two vacation bible school experiences this summer. Both Fort McMurray and Anzac shall be the locales for these opportunities. It will take three things for these to thrive: campers, camp volunteers, and scholarship donations. There is a role for all – you are needed and wanted. NorthLife Christian camping is dipping its toes into the waters of spiritual renewal (pun intended). There is no greater investment than investment in the lives of the up and coming generation. We who have “been there and done that” need to now give ourselves to ensure that those who come after have equal opportunities to experience the forever fun of those times when God is honored in a Christian context. Stay tuned!