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Church Camp

I believe in church kids and youth camps. 

Maybe it’s because this is where I experienced so many spiritual encounters at a young age. We waited on a move from God. Our hearts were eager and open to it. Never underestimate the power of pausing in the altars. The power comes in the pause.


Perhaps it has to do with how I was given freedom to develop artistically for Christ through music and drama. This integral part of my DNA was nurtured and given a place in the church setting.


No, there’s so much more to camp than just being away from home. Maybe the reason it’s so great is because I saw and felt seen by others who were like me. Kids and teenagers who wanted to live out their life for Jesus as best they could. There’s strength in numbers, and time at camp was like a refilling station for my spiritual self.


I don’t know why I love youth and kids camp so much. Maybe it’s because of the friendships that were forged during my core memory years that still exist today. I met Pastor Chuck at camp. I also met his wife, Miranda. I never dreamed he’d become a pastor and marry that girl who could rock a bucket hat like nobody’s business. 


If I’m honest, many significant friendships came from my days spent in Marianna, Florida at youth camp. I still have contact with a lot of these people. They will never know how much their friendship has meant. Church camp family held me close and kept me close to Jesus when my world fell apart as a teenager. These brothers and sisters and spiritual fathers and mothers prayed hard and did spiritual battle for me when I couldn’t do it for myself. The memories we made along the way are some of my most treasured.


God knew I needed camp. He knew I needed the people who would pour into my life and have an impact on me in so many ways. He knew I needed to see others who love Him like I do and be strengthened by the fact that I am not alone in my walk. God knew that my creative self would be cared for at camp. He wanted me to experience His presence in such a special way and knew that camp would give me time with Him.


There are many reasons that I love camp. I’m thankful it was a part of my growing up. I’m excited that my son is now enjoying the same things about it that I once did. It’s a joy to take kids and watch them experience the same presence of God that drew me in so many times. And it’s like a family reunion when you are once again with the friends from years ago as you work together to do for this generation what was done for ours. I hope next year that more of our kids will be able to attend and have the same experience with camp that I grew up enjoying. 


I’m a camp nerd. Unashamedly.



© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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