The games we play at Summer Camp are just ridiculous. Epic on a scale that is impossible at home...therefore, you should go to camp!
9. Hone Your Paddling Skills...
C'mon, who doesn't like canoeing!
8. "Luxury" Dormitories
We do summer camp in style in scenic Forsyth, GA. Seated in a former cow pasture, Camp Timberlake is resplendent with wildlife and nature and all the comforts of home. (If 40 people sleep in your bedroom that is.)
7. Sanctioned Stupidity
Let's be honest, some of the things we do at camp are stupid. Mud Fights, Grits Wrestling, Bobbing For Apples in Baked Beans, Fishing Baby Ruth's out of Mountain Dew, etc. The great part about summer camp is that it's supervised by competent leaders at all times who know just when to call it off. (BONUS FOR PARENTS, your students don't have to do crazy messy things on your property!)
6. "Gourmet Food"
The discerning palate will be treated to a culinary master class that features a light dough topped with a tomato based sauce and a sausage-like meat topping (pizza) as well as French classics such as chien de maïs. (Copy and Paste that into freetranslation.com to get the answer)
5. Disconnection from the Outside World
The world of kids and students is packed with distractions: media and entertainment that are constantly begging for our attention. One of the greatest parts of Summer Camp is pulling the plug on those things for a week and resetting your brain.
4. (Non-Romantic) Relationships that Last a Lifetime
I know that some of my most meaningful friendships were forged at Summer Camp. And the advent of social media like Twitter and Facebook only makes it easier to stay connected and keep up with your new buddies!
3. Awesome Worship!
The worship is excellent at camp every year and this year will be no different. The great thing about worship at camp is that there is no schedule or agenda. If service gets over at 11, 12, or 1 doesn't matter as long as we've had as much time as we need to seek the face of God.
2. Intense Encounters With God
I can't quantify it, but there is something special about that patch of red dirt we go to every year for camp. Maybe it's the disconnection from concerns and distractions at home, maybe it's the camaraderie, maybe it's the atmosphere of worship over the whole campus, but God shows up at summer camp. I can tell you the names of numerous ministers and missionaries (myself included) who were called into ministry at the altar in summer camp. The numbers of those who have received salvation and have been filled with the Holy Spirit are off the charts. It will change your life.
1. What Happens at Camp DOESN'T Stay at Camp
The change that the Holy Spirit stirs in your life at summer camp doesn't (or at least shouldn't) evaporate when you catch the bus ride home. It lingers. It stays with you. It empowers you to continue to reach lost people in your local community and around the world.
Like I said, you should go to camp!
If you're part of UpRising at Evangel Community Church we're going to camp the week of June 11th-15th. You can get an application at the information center or on Wednesday nights. The cost is $145 and is due on May 28th. If you're reading this and you aren't part of our ministry in Georgia, check here for info on GA Summer Camps! Can't wait to see you there!
