My wife and I are parents of summer camp age kids (K-12). Like all parents, we think about the challenges and opportunities we’ve seen, and want our children to be ready for all of it. Even more, however, we hope they are ready for whatever their future world looks like.
Our kids are going to need technical skills and expertise, sure. Even more, though, they need what modern managers call “soft skills.” For any future, in any job, it’s those old-world people skills that are (and will be) most important to lead people, manage systems, and connect with the wonderful diversity our kids are encountering – the skills “screen-based childhoods” do not make room for.
Resilience (grit!), patience, wisdom, intuition, compassion – these are some of the strengths my grandparents used when they conquered fascism overseas, fought back two world powers, and then rebuilt our country following WWII. In all things they had endurance of faith that they, just like our kids, are “created to be” together in daily relationship with the One who made us, forgives us, and renews us to serve each other in love, as we walk together with Christ.
This is why as parents, summer Bible camp is first priority along with weekly worship when it comes to our kids’ scheduling. Our kids are insports; it’s fun and good, but we know Bible camp is always far more impactful than a few additional sessions of ball. Camp goes deep. It’s more than an hour or two. In fact, every year, every week of camp, our kids learn & practice skills in natural ways that are only possible when the experience is “immersive.” With the supportive community and well-led cabin groups, research shows accredited overnight camp programs give kids lasting superpowers of empathy as compared to kids not given the opportunity.
At Sugar Creek it’s about making friendships, but it doesn’t stop there. Camp teaches kids how to cultivate life-giving relationships, guided by scripture, rooted in God’s love.
Camp counts more than ever. Today youth and young adults suffer more crippling anxiety than any other generation. Yet at camp they grow in healthy confidence. Our college-age staff feel this blessing too. They often talk about new leadership 2025 YOUTH abilities and vocational clarity after each summer at Bible camp. It’s because camp guides young people to try new things (like ride a horse), do hard things (like paddle on against the waves), and gain pride from daily affirmations in a Spirit-led and Bible-fed community. The best part is that as parents, we trust God to be present in the word, in prayer, in action, and like Jesus with his young disciples, God is even present in the wilderness. In a safe, adventurous setting, God’s loving and guiding Holy Spirit assures our beloved kids that they are never truly alone.
I believe all faithful parents want this for their kids… if they only knew of the powerful and unique ways Bible camp provides it. That’s where you and I come in – to be God’s hands, blessing thousands more to come learn to change the world for the better. We need to invite every parent and every child in your church, family, and community to sign up for that blessing. We need to invest in Bible camp. Let’s make it first priority to offer kids lasting skills for faith and life.
Jesse Klosterboer, Executive Director
