The three of us girls were thrilled with the opportunity to once again help with the Redby Bible camp this summer, assisting a group from New York. The great thing about this camp is that the kids that come are the ones that we have the privilege of working with at the weekly Kid’s Club during the school year at Redby Community Church.

There’s something about camp that strengthens relationships unlike Sunday school, VBS, or Kid’s Club.  At camp, you get to live with the kids for a week.  You don’t have to start over each day with relationship building.  You aren’t disconnected from their lives that week.  Some of them have some pretty difficult challenges in life.  It is so special to see them smile, laugh, and have a good time.

Yes, your campers may get out of hand every once in a while (such as singing at the top of their lungs in the cabin after midnight instead of going to sleep, turning the water off in the bathroom, or hiding from the counselors).  They may even get mad at you for enforcing the rules.

All that to say that camp is exhausting – in a good way.  Days are packed full of singing, gospel messages, games, swimming, and just hanging out and talking.  It all comes down to building relationships, showing them the love of Christ, and speaking the truth of God’s Word into their lives… the quantity and quality of time you can spend as you minister to these kids at camp is priceless.

And when you see them again, the relationship barriers that have been there before are often broken down.  They come and sit next to you in church, snuggle in for a hug, and stay after Sunday school to just talk with you and reminisce about camp.  What a privilege it is to share the love of Jesus with these precious children!

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.”

Mark 10:13-16