Summer Missions Camp: A Week That Changes Everything
What if one week could change everything? A week where children unplug, step into adventure, discover God’s heart for the world, and realize they are a part of His mission? This is missions camp.
As a missions discipleship leader, you have the opportunity to help children and families prepare for this life-changing experience. Your guidance can ensure campers experience all the fun, growth, and spiritual impact missions camp has to offer.
Missions Camp
WMU state and associational camps provide a fantastic experience for campers, not only filled with fun, but also missions learning! These camps typically include:
- Campfires and s’mores
- Swimming and outdoor activities
- Fun songs and team games
- Caring and supportive counselors
- Engaging worship
- Sound biblical teaching
- Mission study
- Interactions with missionaries
But what sets missions camps apart from others is their missions focus. This type of camp enhances what churches do throughout the year and is a great way to introduce children to missions discipleship through full immersion.
You can find out more about WMU state and associational missions camps by contacting your state WMU office or Baptist convention and asking where the nearest camp is located.
Benefits of Camp
Camp offers children spiritual, relational, and lifestyle growth.
Spiritual: Hearing the gospel message, learning about missions and the Great Commission, and recognizing their role in God’s plan.
Relational: Building new friendships with peers and interacting with strong Christian leaders and mentors, including cabin leaders and program guests.
Lifestyle: Begin learning independence, having time to reflect, and making life-changing, eternally significant decisions.
Preparation for Camp
Preparation helps leaders and parents feel confident in supporting children’s readiness and growth for camp. Children enjoying camp is key to gaining its benefits and reflection maximizes that growth.
Your role in guiding families and preparing children is crucial to ensuring every camper experiences the full impact of missions camp.
Tips for Preparing Families and Children
Invite children and friends — Encourage children in your missions discipleship groups to attend camp and invite their friends. A simple step like talking to families after church, during group time, or sending a note home can make a big difference.
Assist with packing — Make sure families know what to bring and leave behind, ensuring every camper has what they need.
Overnight stays — Encourage parents to have their child practice an overnight stay away from them, either with a trusted family member, close friend, or at a church sleepover. This will help them also practice managing their personal needs independently.
Prepare for cabin life — Cover topics such as respecting others, sharing space, and communicating with leaders when needs arise.
Tips for Supporting Parents
There can be mixed feelings when a child is away at camp. As a leader, remind families to
- Reassure children that parents will be fine and are excited for them to attend camp.
- Know their children are in safe hands and that every minute of their day is planned.
- Plan activities for themselves while their child is away to help lessen possible loneliness.
- Include positive and encouraging messages if writing their child.
Providing Reflection
Campers may return home changed. Often, they will have gained independence or developed new habits, such as making their bed or having a quiet time. They will have experienced God through nature, worship, and Bible study. Children will also have formed deeper relationships and, through missions camp, a stronger understanding of missions.
Leaders should encourage parents to support, nurture, and celebrate these changes. Be ready to listen to every detail of their child’s experience and help them reflect by asking open-ended questions.
A missions discipleship leader’s role in promoting and facilitating missions camp participation makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. By preparing effectively, encouraging children to enjoy camp life to the fullest, and helping them reflect afterward, you could help this one week change everything for a child.
by Cindy Skelton