There are some key ways pastors can undergird their kids or student group camp experience and be seen as enthusiastic supporters.
By Kyle Cravens
Your group will be off to camp soon, and your support while they’re there is vital. It will reinforce the power of the camp experience in students’ lives and exhibit your belief in students and your investment in their faith journey. When students and adults feel supported, their experience will be even better. Here are some ways you can undergird the camp experience and be seen as an enthusiastic supporter.
1. Be present
Attend if you can, even if it’s for a short time. It may be for just a day. If you cannot make it to camp, be present for send-off to commission them and pray over them. Also, consider joining a church group meeting time via Zoom or FaceTime to let students see and hear from you.
2. Pray for them
Pray for students and adults by name. Start this before they leave for camp but especially while they’re at camp. Pray specifically for those who need to come to salvation in Christ or who are dealing with hard situations. Pray over your leaders for wisdom, discernment, words to say, rest, and health.
“Pray for students and adults by name. Start this before they leave for camp but especially while they’re at camp.” — Kyle Cravens Share on X3. Send encouragement
Write a personal note of encouragement to each student and adult attending and give it to them before they leave. This step will speak volumes to your students and show them you really care. It may take time, but it will pay huge dividends.
4. Study along with them
Follow along with the daily themes and study. By doing this, you will know what your students are studying and hearing at camp, and you will know better how to pray for them. You’ll also be able to connect with them once they’re home about the things they learned and hold them accountable.
5. Support your student minister and adults
Check in with your student minister and adults to see how the week is going. Text them encouragement each morning. Send them a treat. Camp is demanding and can be exhausting for adults. Your support will mean so much.
“Camp is demanding and can be exhausting for adults. Your support will mean so much.” — Kyle Cravens Share on X6. Be available
Be on call in case a situation arises when your student minister needs you and your guidance. This could range from a student reporting an incident situation back home that will need follow-up to behavior issues where help is needed in knowing how to handle it.
7. Invite others in your church to participate
Ask church volunteers, maybe in the senior adult area, to prepare and send a care package of snacks, fun items, and encouraging notes to camp to be given out mid-session.
Camp is designed to be a life-changing experience where students are away from the normal day-to-day so they can focus on God and their relationship with Him. This experience is dependent upon congregational support and recognition, and it starts with you as the senior pastor. Don’t miss this opportunity. Your students and adults will never forget that you were there for them during this significant time in their lives.
For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.
Kyle Cravens
Kyle serves as team leader and a camp coordinator for FUGE Camps. He has been with Lifeway and FUGE Camps full-time for 23 years and served 5 summers on FUGE Camps staff. He is husband to Danette and father to a teenage son Colin. Kyle and his family attend Rolling Hills Church in Franklin, TN where he leads a small group of parents of teens.
