Looking back to when I was a child at Bible camp and now as a middle-aged adult, there are certainly different perspectives one has. As a camper, I did not think the heat, the shared bathhouse, and the hard seats were that big of a deal, as I do now. Even though I enjoyed being at camp this year, it was certainly from a different perspective. However, not everything changes because of age. There are three things that I observed that can greatly benefit anyone who comes to Bible camp of any age.
The first benefit has to do with the scenery. One can become closer to God by being in the midst of his beautiful creation. There is something about the mountains, trees, fresh air, and a lake that inspires a sense of awe from the creature toward the Creator. I believe David felt this as he wrote about such things in the Psalms. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him (Psalm 8:3,4, NKJV)? God wants us to consider the beauty of the outdoors, as it will strengthen our faith: Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they (Matthew 6:26)?
Another benefit of Bible camp is that one can become closer to God by being in the midst of brotherly fellowship. Some people make life-long friends at camp, and they look forward to being together again the next year. Think of spending a week where there are no electronic gadgets to pull you away from others, where you eat and play together, worship together, and sleep in the same bunkhouse. Being together in such a way naturally prompts communication. There is a lot of talking, laughing, and eye contact. It reminds me of what the early church must have looked like: So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people (Acts 2:46-47b).
Finally, being at camp helps one become closer to God through daily study of his word. It is called Bible camp for a reason. Everyday has planned time for the study of the Bible and worship to God. It is no accident that some are baptized at camp, while others remain faithful to God as they grow into adults. For faith comes by hearing and studying the Bible (Romans 10:17). Do not underestimate the power of God's word, even in the absence of comforts we are accustomed to by being at home. For God said, For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the Sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:10-11).
I cherish the memories of those days as a young camper. But even now as a cabin counselor, though initially out of my comfort zone, Bible camp ended up being enjoyable and edifying. Perhaps you or your children might consider going to Bible camp next year. If you do, I strongly believe you and they will become closer to God. That alone is worth it.
Brotherly, Jamie
