If you’re a parent or grandparent you know that as you care for and feed your kids they continue to grow physically and there are times they experience a growth spurt that seems crazy, but excites you and them.   The only thing that’s not exciting about this kind of growth spurt is having to buy new clothes & shoes every time you turn around or keeping the animals fed (ha)!

I know you care deeply about the physical well-being of your kids and I hope you care even more about their spiritual well-being!   I was a Student Pastor for nearly 15 years and have been serving in full-time ministry for over 38 years.  One thing I know is that your kids need to experience some spiritual growth spurts too and a primary place that happens is at Camp!

Our children’s and student ministries pour into your kids year round.   We consistently encourage your kids to grow in their relationship with Jesus, or take their first step to believe in and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior.    We get excited when your kids/students take any next step in a relationship with Jesus, and I’ve seen most spiritual growth spurts take place at Camp (or on a special weekend emphasis like Rush / Disciple Now).

When your kids/students can get away from the majority of distractions they face daily and focus on Jesus with others, Jesus does something amazing in their lives!  I believe God’s Spirit does something in them that isn’t duplicated in other environments and the kids/students who don’t participate can’t fully understand what they missed.   There’s just no substitute for being part of what God does when a group of kids/students come together and focus on Jesus and what He wants for them.

That’s why TO GO OR NOT TO GO shouldn’t be the question.   It was never really a question in our home.  We wanted our kids/students TO GO regardless of cost and regardless of whether it interfered with their involvement in other things during the summer.

Listen, I got to pray with my oldest son Jeremy as he invited Jesus into his life as a result of a weekend experience that was like camp.  Our daughter Julie made a decision to invite Jesus into her life at CAMP.   As a Student Pastor, I saw 1000’s of kids make lifelong decisions to trust Jesus or take their next step in following Jesus at CAMPS.    So I believe CAMP is one of the greatest investments you can make in the lives of your kids/students!  We believe this so much that we’ll do everything we can to help make CAMP possible for your kids/students if you’re facing obstacles that might prevent them from participating.

If you have specific questions you can always contact our Children’s Pastor Jeremy Rutledge or our Student Pastor Corbin Garner at Grace (940-969-2427) and you can find additonal information at http://www.gf.church/whatshappening

Parents, Grandparents, & Guardians I hope you’ll make CAMP a priority in the life of your kids/students this summer!

Bless you – Pastor BJ

BTW – the photo is an oldie!