Why should my child go to camp

Why should my child go to camp? This is a question I hear often. Maybe not in this exact phrase but something like it. I am a huge advocate for camp for several reasons.

Camp is a chance for the children to get away from the television, video games, and other things and have fun with their friends in a setting that is geared towards them. Kids will complain that they can't handle a week away from their video games but really, they can. Kids are always amazed at how fast the time goes by when they are having fun.

Second, Camp is a great opportunity for a child to develop a hunger and passion for God. Every day at camp kids have devotions as a cabin. Then in the evening kids service kids experience God in whole new ways. They spend time in worship, learning about God and praying at the alter. My personal greatest spiritual growth has happened at camp.

I know what you are thinking. My child doesn't do well away from me. I was the same way as a child. I believe it is so important for your child to be at camp that if they can't be away from you I would encourage you to go as well. My mom went to camp my first year because I was afraid to be away from her. I got called to the ministry my first year at camp!

Another obstacle to parents not encouraging their child to go to camp is the cost. Don't let the cost determine if your child is going. Find a way to raise the money needed for camp. Talk to relatives or those in the church to see if they can help. My parents always just thought about the food money they would save by getting me out of the house for a week.

Kids camp is only one week long, but the experience that your child has a camp will last a lifetime. Encourage your child to go to camp and make a way for them to do it. The relationships they build with others and the relationship they build with God will last forever.