Church Camp: A Church Growth Tool

By Rev. Robert W. Boyle

December 22 , 2006

(COGAF News Article)  Youth are commonly referred to as the "Church of Tomorrow." In the event they indeed are the church of tomorrow, it's training time today.

Summer denominational Youth Camps are great tools to build the local congregation. It's a time when every child can attend an activity together and meet other children of like faith. In a camp setting they establish lifetime relationships within a common denomination.

1.  Summer Camps provide a spiritual setting with peers.

2.  Summer Camps provide fellowship with peers.

3.  Summer Camps provide discipline in peer settings.

4.  Summer Camps provide safe haven from electronic distractions.

Summer camps show children their world is bigger than their local youth group, local school or community. Summer camps give adults an opportunity to lead children into relationships that, when returning to the local church setting, will become a window of opportunity to train new leadership.

Summer camp must be a positive experience. This is the responsibility of adult participation. Trouble prone adults in summer camp settings defeat the purpose of the event. Summer camp throws adults and children into close proximity. In the event children hear complaining toward leadership at camp, they will then assume the church is fueled by negative input. Should children hear and see positive leadership from adults in the camp setting, they will return to render a positive influence in their local church.

Summer church camps are a building block for the new generation, the church of tomorrow. Summer church camp can produce loyal church leaders.

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Rev. Robert W. Boyle is the pastor of Happy Hill Church in Ramona, OK .

To see more information on COGAF Youth Camps, click here.

© 2006 COGAF News