Christian Youth Camps Still Inspire Year-Long Faith

With over 16,000 public and privately-owned campgrounds across the country, many American families are using the last weeks before winter to travel in their RVs and enjoy the outdoors. But for increasing numbers of Christian youth, the teachings of religious summer camps stay with them all year round.

“Camping helps develop spiritual meanings and values that help the camp users strengthen their character,” said Norm Middag, founder of the Association of Adventist Camp Professionals. “Lifetime friendships are made through these experiences. And the main purpose of our camps is to provide an atmosphere where young and old alike can experience a new relationship with Jesus Christ.”

According to research from the National Study of Youth and Religion at the University of Notre Dame, nearly 40% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 have attended a religiously-affiliated summer camp at least once. Those numbers are higher among youth from Conservative Protestant (53%) or Mainline Protestant (48%) families.

Along with Bible-focused discussion groups and teaching, many Christian campers participate in traditional outdoor summer activities such as swimming, hiking, climbing, arts and crafts, and campfire cooking. There are 67 camps and conference centers run by Adventist church groups alone, which receive some 23,000 campers every year.

“Imagine a small child who stands in line waiting, clasping their pillow anxiously as the director hands out cabin assignments,” said Adventist camp ministry coordinator Bill Wood. “The child is ready for adventure, but they may not even realize that the adventure they will soon embark upon will show them the most amazing picture of Jesus they may ever encounter in their entire lives — a picture that will take them finally to live forever with Jesus in the kingdom of God.”

Many children and teens regard their camp experiences with extreme fondness.

“I’ve learned that God made the Earth and made mankind beautiful,” said 11-year-old first-time camper Benjamin Cunya. “My mom wanted me to come here and learn more about God. I’m glad I came.”