Every youth camp director’s dream is to execute an event that excites, engages, and delivers. They want to plan a week that will become the topic of every conversation- before, during and after. So what, exactly, makes youth camp so epic that you never want to miss one?
Adventure
What truly sets youth camp apart from typical Sunday-morning worship is the sense of adventure that comes with it. When you go to youth camp, there’s no telling what crazy experiences you might have or what memories you might make. The various activities that are planned are sure to challenge your mind, push you outside your comfort zone, and leave you wanting more. No matter what you do, you can be assured that you won’t be bored.
Community
There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by people your age and being forced to interact with them for a week. Usually, from day to day, we tend to stick to our own friend groups and shove everyone else into the background of our lives. That mindset dehumanizes the people around us, however. Each and every person is a soul in need of the grace of God, and often we forget that simple fact. Youth camp brings teens of all backgrounds together to grow together in the faith. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” That kind of community is something that can’t be replicated at home.
Rejuvenation
Do you ever just feel like you need a break from the real world? Like you’re trapped in a cage of controversy, vulgarity, and downright stupidity? Retreats and youth camps in particular are meant to provide you with a temporary escape, a way for you to renew and restore your mind so that you can go back into the world with the light of Jesus as your guide. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Too much time spent in the presence of evil can make it difficult to live righteously. So it goes without saying that the top reason youth camp is so epic is that it connects people to God in a world that continually rejects Him. And who would want to miss an encounter with the God of the Universe?
