We live in a world full of turmoil and immorality; it seems that everywhere you look, sin abounds. This is especially tragic for teenagers, who are bombarded and pressured by the culture on every side as they try to determine what they will do for the rest of their lives.
It’s no wonder that so many young people are dealing with serious problems that no one should ever have to go through. Thankfully, there is a solution- Jesus Christ- and Christian camps are just one of many ways in which we can show these troubled teens the light of the truth. Here are some specifics on how they can help:
They provide a safe haven to run to
There are very few places on this earth where we can feel safe, sheltered from the noise of the outside world. Christian camps seek to create a positive environment and to be a place where teenagers can have pure, innocent fun while learning about the love of the Savior. At Christian camps, teens don’t have to fear abuse, violence, or peer pressure. They don’t have to be crippled by their past or be afraid of the future. They can simply rest in the presence of God, of adults who care, and of other teens who are just as broken as they are.
They offer healing (real healing)
When someone has spent a long time bearing the weight of all life’s trials, the one thing that they long for is an escape. Sadly, many of these teens find their escape in alcohol, drugs, or worse- death. Christian camps show youths of all backgrounds that the greatest escape can be found in the freedom of Jesus Christ. They show that we can find healing not only physically, but spiritually, as well. We need to be healed not just from the problems themselves, but also from the inner damage that they can cause. This is God’s promise to us: “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish” (Jeremiah 31:25). When anyone comes to Him for healing, they will never be denied.
They connect teens with the help that they need
Far too many troubled teens actually want to seek help but are completely unsure of where to start. Fortunately, many leaders of Christian camps expect these kinds of situations to show up, and the chances are that through their experience with teenagers, they know at least one person who can help. They may even desire to get involved themselves. No matter what happens, no teen who shows up should leave in the same shape they came. No teen should have to experience a few days of happiness only to go back to a life that they hate. A Christian camp can provide a troubled teen with the resources and communications they need to help make a change and start living a life full of joy in Jesus.
