In According to Columbia University researcher Dr. Lisa Miller, “Natural spirituality, in fact, appears to be the single most significant factor in children’s health and their ability to thrive.” We see it all the time. How often have we experienced our children having spiritual insights and deep questions that would have never occurred to us? Surely this is what Jesus meant when it said we must all be like children to get even a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.
Children welcome the moments of spiritual insight that come at camp as much as they love the pure fun of games and recreation. What makes camp particularly powerful is that we share both. One moment there is the laughter of skits, shenanigans, and camaraderie. The next moment there is the glow of the campfire, hugs with passing the peace, and an awesome choir of crickets.
Again, Dr. Miller: “….spirituality supports the child through the challenging developmental passage of adolescence.” Camp builds resilience and character. A thoughtfully organized week with cool, spiritually-tuned in college-age counselors, recreation, sacred moments, service to others, connection to creation, good nutrition, healthy exercise, wholesome conversations….I can’t think of a much better formula for helping parents raise amazing, spiritually grounded kids.