Recently my wife Jeanne and I had the privilege of taking six youngsters from our church camping at The Oaks. The trip wound up being a great example of the difference camping can make in kids’ lives. Out of six campers only two of them live with both mom and dad. One of the girls lives with her mom and sister at her mom’s boyfriend’s house. Her mom has been drug-free for three years now so the two girls are experiencing more stability now than they have in the past. Two others, a half-brother and sister, are being raised by the boy’s grandmother. These kids need the support of caring people around them.
The night hike was the highlight of the campout. One can hardly imagine the consternation exhibited by young people today upon the realization that they are expected to brave the perils of the wilderness at night without flashlights. One of the girls rebelled and, initially, refused to go. In the end, when given the alternative of staying at the campsite alone, they all came.
The hike was a little scary. It was also beautiful beyond description. The air was cool and silent. The full moon, framed by fir trees towering above our heads, shone across the fog-filled valleys giving them an eerie yet graceful glow.
We walked in silence, then paused to soak in the beauty of God’s creation. That is when it happened. The kids began to open and share with us things they had never felt free to talk about. Not necessarily big things, just things. We experienced something that is rare today: authentic fellowship, communication and acceptance between young people and adults.
After the night hike, we had devotions. Devotions that meant something because the Holy Spirit was moving. We spoke of God’s love and the peace and joy of walking with Him. We spoke of things the campers will not soon forget. We spoke of things that lead campers to make enduring commitments to Christ. That is the difference camp makes.