6 Ways to Build on Student Camp Experiences

There are some tangible ways student leaders in your church can continue fostering relationships they built with students while at camp.

By Travis Agnew

The student camp was officially over. I had delivered the final sermon. The band had just finished the closing song. Any strength left in the students’ vocal cords was utilized for one last shout to commemorate an incredible week.

Before we made the trek to the parking lot, a young student and his intentional chaperone stopped me for a short but meaningful conversation. “You’ve made such an impact on my life,” the student said. “I’ll never forget it.”

I wanted to explain the theological ramifications of what transpired at camp. I wasn’t the one making the impact. It was the Word of God and the Spirit of God. But I understood what he meant.

I also considered telling him he would probably forget camp—at least my part of it. Within hours, he would most likely forget those intentionally-crafted statements spoken passionately on the stage and displayed artistically in the slides.

But instead of deflecting his encouraging words, I decided to point out something significant to this new believer. “You are so kind to share that with me, but can I introduce you to someone who will make a bigger impact than me?”

As I pulled his youth leader to my side, I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and said, “I made an impact, but he will continue to make one. He’s the real hero. And you don’t have to wait until next summer to learn from him.”

I don’t know if the student believed me, but I could not think of more accurate words to say. While student camp may catalyze change, the church is the biblical hope to continue such change.

Your student ministry leaders are a critical part of God’s work in students’ lives. While you have seen Him use camp in powerful ways, consider how to ensure those moments turn into milestones. Here are some tangible ways student leaders in your church can continue fostering relationships they built with students while at camp.

1. Clarify existing opportunities

Your church may not be as hyped as your camp experience, and it’s not supposed to be. But what you have available should be life-changing. Consider your church’s regular environments conducive to your students’ development. Explain why these gatherings are important, and ask students to meet with you there. Allow the camp to be an annual event that catalyzes your church’s weekly environments.

“Allow summer camp to be an annual event that catalyzes your church’s weekly environments.” — @TravisAgnew Share on X

2. Establish relational rhythms

Plan to meet with students at your church campus, but consider how you can connect at other times as well. Gather the students in your small group at a fun event where they can experience healthy interaction and deepen existing relationships.

You don’t prioritize it until you plan for it. It’s not a bad idea to establish a rhythm of text messages, either. Set reminders to check on those students you are discipling and send them encouraging, motivational messages as they seek to pursue Jesus.

3. Design follow-up plans

Students grow closer to Christ at camp because there is an intentional plan set by the leaders and a specific set of opportunities to make positive steps. The dip after camp typically happens because of suddenly applying the spiritual brakes to the previous momentum.

Students often leave for camp spiritually dry due to apathy, get supercharged during the week due to intentionality, and then return to the former stagnation due to unclarity. It is rare for someone to tell students what they need to do next. Don’t allow that excuse to be present with your students.

“It is rare for someone to tell students what they need to do next. Don’t allow that excuse to be present with your students.” — @TravisAgnew Share on X

Provide them with a Bible reading plan that is sustainable. Create action steps in the first few weeks. Don’t let their motivation die because they lack somewhere to aim it.

4. Define potential landmines

As you get to know your students, you will notice trouble areas that could stunt their growth. It could be a sin that so easily entangled them before camp or a trend you see once you get home. Don’t be afraid to speak the truth in love to warn them about dangers.

Your students might be defiant or simply ignorant regarding another way to live. Show them from Scripture and experience why the issue is dangerous, and help keep students accountable as they move forward.

5. Engage the family unit

Your plan to disciple a student must involve the family. Even if the family isn’t supportive or particularly helpful, you still need to have an intentional connection with them.

Many students struggle to live for Jesus when they only hear people talking about spiritual things in youth group for an hour a week but hear or see conflicting messages within the home the rest of the week. If there is some spiritual eagerness on behalf of the family, use it to the student’s advantage.

Don’t try to replace the family, but assist them in doing what God has called them to do. In an ideal situation, view yourself as a supplement and not a substitute to the family unit.

“Don’t try to replace the family, but assist them in doing what God has called them to do.” — @TravisAgnew Share on X

6. Connect helpful relationships

In addition to your meaningful role in a student’s life, the likelihood of ongoing maturity multiplies when other mentors and partners are engaged. The chances of success are minimal if a student doesn’t have close relationships within the student ministry. Many students have shallow associations with students at church while maintaining deep bonds with friends at school. Help them see that the people closest to them must be the ones closest to God.

Faithful impact

These steps can strengthen your relationships with students and encourage their relationship with Jesus. I often conclude time with student camp chaperones by asking them to envision the person who has made the most profound spiritual impact on their lives. I then ask them to shout out the characteristics of those individuals.

Do you know what I always hear? Intentional. Patient. Consistent.

Do you know what I never hear? Good preacher. Powerful musician. Fun personality.

The point I communicate to them and hope I can convince you of is that commitment rather than skills make the impact. The leaders that impacted you had traits you can portray just as well. Your students probably won’t take home the engaging camp pastor, the dynamic worship band, or the energetic camp staff, but they do have you. And that, my friends, is the type of person that can change a student’s life.

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.