I love Bible Camp volunteers! Not everyone is able to volunteer for camp, and it is certainly not a glamorous job. This just shows how important those are who sacrifice the time, energy and money for camp.
But, do you know who really loves camp volunteers? The kids. While they may not be the best at expressing this love during the week, they will usually surprise you when they’re finally leaving for home and run to you in tears for one last hug. Kids love their counselors.
For many of our young campers, it is their first time away from their parents, and it is their counselor who cheers them up, helps them be where they need to be and teaches them about the Bible before bed. It is a truly special thing.
Also, there is just as much a special connection that happens with the older campers. These kids come from many different backgrounds. Some go to church, many do not. Some have a mother and father at home, some do not. But, at camp they all get to have (what amounts to) a big brother or sister, or aunt or uncle that loves Jesus. They will forever have memories of at least once in their life when someone cared about their soul. These memories will last a lifetime.
It cannot be overstated how important it is that we take time for the kids. Our developmental years are crucial to shaping the lives we will live. If we want as many souls to go to heaven as possible, then we must be committed to teaching our kids to love the Lord.
God wants us to take time for the kids. Throughout the Scriptures, He reminds us of how precious they are to Him. The Bible tells us that children are our heritage (Psa. 127:3-5). That means that they carry on what we leave behind. This is true whether they are our kids or someone else’s. From parents, a child carries on the name and values instilled in them. From other adults, they carry on the examples and advice shared.
We need to love kids like Jesus loves kids. In Mark 10:13-14, we see this love. “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’” It was important to Jesus that the children spend time with Him, and when His disciples failed to bring them, they were rebuked.
Forever Camp is only one way that we can show the love of Christ to our children, but it is a great way. Perhaps you would like to make this kind of impact on our campers. How might the Lord use you to bring these little ones to Him?