Have you ever been to a Christian camp? If not, I highly recommend going. Some of my favorite memories and friendships were formed at Church Camp. After working at three Christian camps, and discussing camp experiences with friends, I learned that there are a few common denominators that characterize the Christian camp experience. So here are 10 things you will experience at church camp.
1. The skits
Some of the funniest skits I've ever seen were produced at camp. Whether it's because of an inside joke, a clever Christian parody, or the perfect cast. Church camp skits are always a hoot.
2. Messy games
"Messy games" refers to the chocolate syrup beach ball, the water slide that gets muddy, the shaving cream wars, and everything in-between. They don't always seem like a good idea, but it always makes for a good story.
3. Gaga Ball or Carpet Ball
These non-traditional active games are Christian camp phenomenons! While you can show off your basketball skills year round, you only get one week to master your Gaga Ball game and impress your crush! Speaking of crushes...
4. Romance
What is it about the late night games and the worship songs that suddenly make everyone feel like they're the lead character in a romantic comedy? I have no answer, but I can tell you one thing: the romance always awakens on Wednesday night, right after vespers.
5. Taco Day
It's so simple - and even though you can get tacos any other day of the year, taco day bonds campers in a way that spaghetti day never will.
6. Pranks
Whether it's camper vs. camper or counselor vs. counselor, a summer at church camp doesn't pass without at least a few practical jokes. These are technically against the rules, but grace is extended in surprising large amounts at church camp - for the sake of laughter.
7. Spiritual high
With a great speaker, a week away from the bombarding lies of media, and constant time with other Christians - spiritual highs are a given! Spend a week at church camp and you're likely to buy a devotional, clean the house for your mom, and then sponsor 3 Compassion children all in the next week. It may not last very long, but what a beautiful thing the spiritual high is!
8. That one counselor that the campers are in love with
Sometimes he sings, sometimes he's funny, sometimes he's just got great eyes - but I can guarantee you, that when this guy prays, his words are pieced together so eloquently that you can feel God Himself smiling right at you. Spoiler alert: He's got a girlfriend, and she most likely works at this camp too.
9. Camp songs
From the worship song you had never heard before (it will be your favorite song by the end of the week) to the silly "repeat after me" songs you sing on the bus, camp is filled with unique musical selections that make your experience special. You'll be bugging your family with these tunes for the next few months. That is-- if you haven't lost your voice.
10. Lifelong friends
Thanks to the deep, late night conversations, probed by the spiritual theme of the camp, friendships form so easily at camp. There's a freedom that comes from a new setting and new experiences away from your life at home, and that freedom is followed by a new level of vulnerability that you may not have thought you were capable of achieving. You may not see them the rest of the school year, but you sure remember them- and when you do see them again, you pick up right where you left off.
Church camp holds such a special place in my heart. It's one of the first places I felt loved by my peers, where I felt my call to ministry, and most importantly, where I made some amazing friends.
*Dedicated to my friends at Sylvan Hills Christian Service Camp, Camp Wonderland, and Pondy.
