Your Gift Changes Everything!
A kid at camp builds friendships, gains confidence, and learns about God’s love!
A kid at camp builds friendships, gains confidence, and learns about God’s love!
Summer camp is a transformative experience, especially when it's at a place as spiritually enriching as Miracle Ranch in Port Orchard, near Seattle, Washington. Campers leave with hearts full of joy, spirits lifted, and faith strengthened by the shared experiences with peers and mentors alike. However, returning home can bring a new onslaught of challenges, distractions, and "hurried-ness" that can begin to unplug campers from the "camp high." Once your child is back in the routine of daily life, it can be challenging to maintain that strengthened faith, the discipline of starting the day with bible reading and prayer, and fellowship with other children.
A "camp high," or spiritual high as it is also referred to, is when a child goes to camp and experiences God in a unique and fresh way. It could be that the child is experiencing God for the first time or is renewing their life and rededicating it to Jesus. In many ways, camp is like plugging back into a charger. When a phone is dead or nearing death, it doesn't work and functions slower. But when the phone is plugged in, it works faster and more efficiently.
We are the same in our relationship with God. Life isn't perfect when plugged into the Holy Spirit, but it runs more efficiently. We are more in tune with what God wants for our lives. When not plugged into the Holy Spirit, we suffer, get lost, stumble around, and, in some spiritual cases, die.
At Miracle Ranch, we want campers to avoid joining us for summer camps and then going home and returning to their former way of life. We want their decisions to last and to surround them with an encouraging community to assist them. There are numerous ways to continue nurturing your child's spiritual journey beyond the campfire. Here's how your child can stay plugged into their faith after departing from the hallowed grounds of Miracle Ranch.
One of the first steps to consider is joining a church as a family and encouraging your child to join the youth group. Youth groups provide a fantastic platform for young people to come together, share their thoughts, discuss their faith, worship, and support each other under the guidance of a youth pastor or leader. Attending a youth group is like bringing a piece of camp home with you. The camaraderie and shared experiences can mirror those of summer camp, fostering an environment where faith can flourish.
In camp, your child’s cabin mates or group leaders might have been their accountability partners, encouraging their faith journey. Why stop there? Your child should seek out friends from camp or their local community who are committed to growing in their faith. Regular check-ins with accountability partners can help your child stay on track with their bible reading plan, share struggles openly, and celebrate accomplishments together.
While this may seem obvious, its importance cannot be overstated. Attending church offers spiritual nourishment through the teachings and embeds your child within a community of like-minded individuals. Attending church together as a family allows your child to see you worship, study the Bible, take notes, and listen to a pastor. If your family does not practice family worship at home, attending church allows your child to watch and learn from you. This community will be instrumental in your and your child's spiritual growth, providing worship, fellowship, and service opportunities. If possible, continue to attend the church associated with Miracle Ranch or find a local church that aligns well with the teachings and values instilled in your child during camp. Our team has a list of churches we recommend in the area if you are searching for a church home.
Service projects are a practical application of faith, embodying the principle of loving your neighbor as yourself. Look for opportunities around your city or town to contribute, whether volunteering at a local food bank, participating in clean-up drives, or helping at a senior center. These activities benefit those in need and reinforce the values of compassion and empathy within you, strengthening your faith in the process.
Bible studies offer an intimate setting to deepen your child’s understanding of Scripture and how it applies to their life. Whether a church-hosted group or a casual gathering at a friend's house, participating in Bible studies allows for rich discussions, insightful perspectives, and personal growth. It's an effective way to keep the lessons and parables learned at Miracle Ranch fresh in their mind and relevant to daily life. If they are having trouble finding a Bible study to attend, encourage them to start their own Bible study. They could begin with their accountability partners. Matthew 18:20 says, "Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."
Integrating personal routines such as daily prayer, journaling, or Scripture reading into your child’s schedule can significantly enhance their spiritual well-being. Set aside a specific time each day for these practices to ensure consistency. Usually, the start of the day is best for this because it sets our focus on Jesus as soon as we wake up, but with most campers, early mornings are tough. As long as they take the time to prioritize Jesus during their day, that is the most crucial part of a spiritual routine. These moments of personal reflection and connection with God are vital for sustaining their faith journey beyond the summer camp experience.
The bonds formed at Miracle Ranch are unique and should be cherished. With technology, it's easier than ever to stay in touch. Organize regular meet-ups, video calls, or group chats with camp friends to share experiences, offer support, and encourage each other in your faith journeys.
Reflect on your experiences, the lessons learned, and how you've grown since attending Miracle Ranch. Setting spiritual goals, such as reading through the Bible, volunteering a certain number of hours, or even leading a small group, can provide direction and purpose in your child’s post-camp faith journey. Journaling is an incredibly helpful way to write down these experiences, and reflecting on those entries down the road can be helpful and encouraging as they continue deepening their faith.
Lastly, recognize that challenges to your child’s faith will arise. It's natural and part of the growth process. The devil wants us to fail and forget the life change that happens in our hearts and minds. When your child faces doubts or obstacles, they should view them as opportunities to strengthen their resolve and deepen their understanding. Invite Jesus into the struggles and ask him to renew their heart and mind. Seek guidance from mentors, engage in meaningful conversations with their support group, and pray for wisdom and strength.
Transitioning from the immersive spiritual environment of Miracle Ranch back to everyday life can seem daunting. But with these strategies, your child can continue to nurture their faith, remain connected to the vibrant community of believers, and live out the teachings and values reinforced at camp. Remember, your child’s faith journey doesn't pause when summer camp ends; it merely enters a new, exciting phase of growth and discovery. Embrace it with an open heart and curious mind, and watch as your child’s faith flourishes in ways you never imagined.
