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What’s so Special About Camp?

I feel very fortunate and blessed to work at a place that is surrounded by natural beauty.  I have always considered Kawkawa to be a sort of oasis, an escape from the reality of the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.  Our Guest groups often fall in love with Kawkawa because the setting is so serene and peaceful and is a perfect location for slowing down, contemplating and reflecting on the Creator.

Recently I have been considering what makes camp so special for our summer campers.  This is not a simple question to answer.  The variety of activities, the amazing summer staff we hire and the tasty food we offer often come to mind as we consider why kids fall in love with camp. 

A local pastor shared with me a statistic that I find alarming but also sheds light on not only why kids find camp so special but also why the camp experience can be so crucial for today’s youth.  Research has demonstrated that in 2019 the average 13-year-old faces more anxiety, stress and apprehension in their life than an adult in the 1960s who would have been hospitalised for treatment.  Peer pressure, media pressure and social media pressures that our young people face cannot be underestimated.  These children and teens are saturated with the ideal life and body of the celebrities like never before.  They live in an online world where their identity has to match up to the perfect life portrayed by their friends and peers’ online profiles.

I believe this environment has contributed to creating a generation that is lonely (they only know how to communicate online), stressed and experiencing a lack of self-esteem.  Meanwhile as well-intentioned parents wanting to protect our children from the dangers of today’s society we bubble wrap them.  It is no longer deemed safe for our kids to play in the park or walk to sports field to play and experience the outdoors (not that many of our urban neighbourhoods have much green space left anymore, anyway).

I personally believe that unless drastic and intentional measure are taken with our teens during these turbulent and formative years their personal and spiritual growth will be dramatically hindered.

Why is Camp Different?

I return to my initial question.  “what makes camp special?”  Having considered the society that our young people are growing up in and the pressures they face (so much more could be written on this) camp offers an alternative.  Our programming is intentional in preparing a place and time where many of these young people can thrive.  What follows are a few of the steps we take to try and counteract many of these pressures that are so often overwhelming for our young people.

  1.  We encourage disconnecting so kids can connect

At Kawkawa we have a technology free policy.  While we recognise the many benefits of cell phones and computers we believe that young people can get a lot more out of camp when their mind is fully engaged in the life of camp and not the goings on elsewhere.  Disengaging from electronic and social media communication gives kids opportunity to engage in meaningful face to face communication, make friends and feel connect. 

  • We try to create a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

Online and often in school and elsewhere today’s youth biggest struggle is ensuring they fit it and meet expectations.  Online we often see incongruence between the online person and the real person.  At Kawkawa we have tried to create an environment and train our staff to value each camper and find ways to ensure they feel accepted, cared for and heard.  I am often amazed and encouraged by the steps some of our staff will go to, to connect with the children who are on the fringes.

  • Camp equips campers for life.

I used to think that camp provided an escape from real life for kids from difficult backgrounds however the longer I have been in this ministry I feel that camp isn’t about providing an escape from real life but rather it is more about equipping young people and providing tools for real life for all kids.  So much of what we do at camp is about communication, relationships, co-operation, skill advancement and developing a work ethic.  Campers have opportunities to challenge themselves through many of the activities and games that we present but also through enrolling in Work Crew and Leaders in Training Programs as they reach the appropriate age.

  • The beautiful camp environment allows campers to see God in new ways.

Nature is one of the best witnesses of the existence of God and His creative works.  At Kawkawa we have a vibrant and exciting program but we also encourage our campers to slow down, look around and observe what God is doing.  I already indicated my feeling of being blessed being able to work in such a serene and beautiful environment surrounded by a lake, mountains and beautiful forest, but I believe that this setting also plays an important role in declaring the reality of God.  Many of the truths and teachings in our campfires, chapels and devotion times are backed up or supported by what surrounds us.  We are so privileged to see so many campers each year take one step closer to Christ.

As I have explored these positives about camp I see a parallel between what makes camp so special for campers and why I enjoy being part of this ministry so much.  I believe that all our teens need a camp experience and there is nothing more rewarding when I get to witness these young people, so full of potential fully embracing the opportunity.  With camp 5 months away I am already excited about the experience campers will have this summer, how they will grow in confidence, the relationships they may develop and most of all the way they may grow and develop in their spiritual journey.