Many camps are perfect for sissies. Â The experience they offer is shallow, hollow, bland, and comfortable. Â At the end of each session, campers leave with little more than a nice memory. Â Such a waste of time.
As most of you know, I have been the Executive Director of Ministries for Pine Cove for quite some time now. Â As I announced months ago, I am in the last few months of my time here…as a staffer.
This summer begins a new place for me. Â I will – for the first time ever – be a parent of a camper. Â As I laughingly told our board of directors in my last meeting with them, “I’ve been working for 15 years to get everything in place to make my son’s first experience at camp an awesome one.”
Bottom line: Â I want my son to have the best week of his entire year while at camp. Â
If this is going to happen, the experience can’t be too easy.
Kids need to be challenged, not coddled. Â Deep down, they are craving for someone to expect more out of them, but also to show them how to get there. Â They need to feel the pangs of insecurity as they meet other kids, and the thrill of confidence when they realize they have “what it takes.”
So parents, can I give you a little “insider” tip? Â Here it is…
Let them.
Let your kids put down their video games and spend some time in the woods this summer. Â Let them feel a little uncomfortable as they meet their counselor for the first time. Â Let them find out how good they are at shooting a BB gun, or riding a horse. Â Most of all, let them consider who God is and who they are.
Believe me, I’ll be that parent this summer staring through the pool gate as my son does his swim check on the first day of camp. Â I’ll be checking out the staff to see how sharp they look. Â I’ll look for trash on the property, to see if the staff are on top of the small things. Â Most of all, I’ll be shaking the hand of my son’s counselor, staring him square in the eyes and reminding him how much my son means to me.
But at the end of the day, my son will be at camp.
Are you concerned that the dynamics of camp are too much for your child? Â You ought to check out this article by Michael Ungar, Ph.D. Â In it, he gives some great reasons why camp makes kids more resilient. Â I agree with most of what he says.
If you are looking to send your child to a summer camp this summer, I’d encourage you to look for one that is Christ-centered, and safely dangerous. Â You’d be amazed at what God does in the hearts of people during a short stint at summer camp.
To celebrate the ending of my time at Pine Cove, I will be giving away one free week of camp on this blog every week during the month of May. Â That is a $900 prize! Â In order to enter your child into this random drawing, you need to:
As part of this original post, I gave away a free week of camp at Pine Cove. Â Dede Ramirez was picked randomly from the people who commented below. Â Once she finished jumping up and down, she let her son know he would be a camper this summer. Â Keep watching as I give away spots to camp periodically.
I love the words “safely dangerous”. We have three boys and find that we are always looking for a “safely dangerous” option for them to explore, grow, and learn who they are and who they want to be in Christ. I’m obviously a little biased to Pine Cove since I was a counselor there years ago (SO many years ago). I had the privilege of seeing hearts transformed, confidence built, and lots exploring to be had along the way. I would love that opportunity for our boys at some point in their childhood. Thanks for allowing that to possibly become a reality!
Yeah, “safely dangerous” was the best way I could describe it. Parents should be looking for camps that are safe, yet understand the need to give kids the opportunity to be stretched. It is a dynamic tension.
Glad to know you are looking to send those boys to camp at some point.
We want our kids to attend Christian camps that give them great examples of teenage role models! Our oldest son went to a Pine Cove base camp last year and loved it!
Base Camps is a new ministry of Pine Cove. Yet, in only its third year, we will be doing Base Camps at 44 different church locations throughout the south, welcoming 5,000 campers to them. Incredible!
We looked for a saffe, loving environment with a strong Christian foundation. Camp, to us, was about fun as well as personal growth and fellowship. Pine Cove was all of that and more. My kids can’t wait to return this summer!
Glad to hear that!
Helps build new relationships, self-esteem building, in control of own life and choices, fairness, belonging, and great outdoor activities to develop physically.
I am the mother of 3 daughters and my oldest is leaving for college this summer. I am looking for something for my youngest daughter that will help her make friends and more independent. I have looked at Pine Cove for several years and wanted to send my girls but haven’t been able to. I think that Pine Cove offers a great experience not only for the “safely dangerous” but also those kids looking for the independence and the christian camp experience.
Amy, if you end up not winning this week, keep trying for the next few weeks. I will put up a new post each week and attach a free week of camp to it. As well, if you look on the bottom Pine Cove’s main page, you will see a tab labeled “scholarship form”. Last year, PC was able to give away over 1 million dollars in scholarship money. I encourage everyone to apply for one.
Some of the most important things I look for in a camp for my kids are an engaged, godly staff and counselors that are called to be counselors, challenging and out-of-the box approach activities, recommendations from friends, location, and price. Our youngest son has never been to camp and would love the opportunity.
You are exactly right. This is why Pine Cove interviewed almost 3,000 college students this year, and hired only a fraction of them. We say “our staff is our program.” Hopefully that young son of yours will be able to attend this summer.
I would love to see my kids experience and observe others live out their faith in exciting, life refreshing, engaging, and stretching ways…..so they can learn and grow in the knowledge that life with Jesus is just the same and worth it all!
I’m a single mom of four. I guess I’m a bit biased when choosing a summer camp for my children. As a child I attended ranch several years (even the Christmas get togethers) and also went every year to the family camp with my father. I would never even look into another camp. I have been telling my children about pine cove since they were little. They now are 10, 8, 7 and 3. We follow you guys on Facebook and watch your videos on YouTube. We jam to your music from iTunes. Due to finances we haven’t yet been able to attend. Hopefully next summer we will be able to. In fact Opee you were a counselor when I used to go, lol. I love how much fun we had learning about God. If I was to look for a camp that would be number one. As a child I developed a wonderful love for God and had positive Christian counselors to look up to. My friends and I all wanted to be just like our counselors. Many of my friends ended up having the amazing opportunity to do just that. You guys are wonderful and thank you so much for giving me such great memories and molding the woman I am now.
Great to read about how long your relationship with people from Pine Cove goes. We’ve got to get your kids in camp. I’m sure they’ve heard all too many stories from mom about the good ole days….
Thank you do much for your reply. I have been trying for the past few days to figure out how to share this page so that I could be entered in the drawing. I use my cell phone to access Facebook and that may be the problem. There is not a place on my phone that says share. Hate that I’m not more Internet savy, lol. Anyways hope everyone at pinecove has an awesome summer and hope to see you guys real soon!
I’m looking to send my daughter to her second sleep-away camp. I’m looking for faith-based camp but one with awesome, crazy, challenging activities! I want her to get sweaty, dirty, wet, tired, and laugh till her tummy hurts. I’m looking for an adventure for her where she can experience God’s love through the staff and God’s beauty and toughness through the environment!
What a great line, “…and laugh till her tummy hurts.”
Our hope, as you wrote, is that girls like yours can experience “God’s love through the staff.”
I look for a camp that will challenge my son and also instill the beliefs that I hold. I want him to have fun, but I want him to learn about God while having that fun. I want him to make new friends and have wonderful adventures.
I am looking for a camp for my three boys that will teach them more about loving God. Not just going to church and being told about God. I want them to see these amazing young counselors and the examples they set for the kids during a week. I want a camp that makes my kids feel safe, loved, amazingly created by God and special in His eyes.
Yes, Kristi. It seems that we live in the “land of the religious lost.” People can talk about God well, but struggle in talking to Him or walking with Him.
Pine Cove is the first and only camp we have tried. Our kids are all 10 and under, so we haven’t thought much about camp until recently. Fun is a must, of course. As parents, we look for strong leadership in the counselors and that the camp is dedicated to safety. One of the things I love about Pine Cove is that you can feel the presence of God everywhere you turn. A camp where God is priority is so important!
Honestly, this is a really hard question to answer as a former Pine Cove camper AND staffer. I love that Pine Cove is not a “church camp”. I have so many friends who have wonderful memories of bonding with their youth group friends at church camp, but I loved bonding with people that I didn’t know! I loved going pot-luck as a camper. One year there were four foster kids in my cabin, and 5 different races represented. I made life long friendships in that cabin that freshmen year at the Shores. I gave my life over to Jesus at the Ranch. My life was dramatically changed and my walk with the Lord sharpened in the Baby Ruth program. So. What do I look for in a camp for my family? A camp that can get you our of your comfort zone. A camp that will point you to Jesus no matter what. A camp that will not just change you, but DRAMATICALLY change you. I truly believe that the most important aspect though is WHO is teaching, loving, mentoring, and playing hard with the campers. The finest women and men I have ever known are those that I met serving along side of at Pine Cove. Whether it be Cove Kids, Day Camp, or weekend retreats, I have never met more amazing people.
Thank you, Hannah, for such a power comment here. I’m glad to read how different people through your years at Pine Cove had such a distinct impact on you.
My son went last summer…he enjoyed it very much…it would be an honor if he were able to go again 🙂 One thing I loved about PC is the compassion they showed my son. He wasn’t able to participate in some of the activities last summer due to the nasty headaches he gets from time to time. However, he still enjoyed it very much. This kind of compassion is what I would want and/or look for in a camp. That kind of compassion (love) is just like Christ, and I/we are truly blessed to have had that experience in our 1st time of summer/overnight camp. Thank you, and may God’s blessings continue to pour upon you (Pine Cove/staff) as you share His love with others.
One of my daughters went to Pine Cove for the first time last summer. She fainted from dehydration and the nurse called me right away. I was even allowed to talk to her so that I would have peace of mind that she was ok. She of course sounded mad at me because I had made her go in the first place. I had to make myself leave her there because I knew God was going to work a miracle in her life and He did. When I dropped her off, she told me that she was NOT going to have fun, that she was NOT going to talk to any of the girls in her cabin, and she was NOT going to like it. I am thankful to say that she had THE best time in her life and she accepted Christ into her heart and I saw a new creation in God when I picked her up. She also let go of the anger she had been holding onto since my husband/her daddy died when she was four. She said that is what had kept her from accepting Christ into her heart all these years. I know first and foremost that happened because of God but also because of the staff and counselors who work there and listen to God and follow His lead in leading our children to Him. I cannot thank Pine Cove enough for taking care of her and for always listening to Him and allowing God to work through them. That is what matters most when I think of sending my girls to camp!
Wow. What a story. I might have to read this to our staff in a few weeks.
I have seen many girls like your daughter on “opening day.” It is really fun to watch how they “thaw out” over the period of the week.
I honestly thank God for what He did in her life while she was at camp.
Two of my three kids (my youngest is almost ready!!) have been to pinecove mulitple times. I think what first attracted us to pinecove (above other camps) was it’s reputation – we knew college kids that were counselors there and knew how godly they were not just at camp, but every day in every aspect of their lives. Each counselor we’ve encountered along the way has had that same strong faith walk. So – I would say above facilities, activities and location – the staff is what keeps bringing us back!!
The staff is the program. You are so right.
I went to camp as a preteen and teenager. Those were the best weeks of my life! It was wonderful to be in a God centered environment, with others who believed in things just as you did. It was an amazing (and scary) experience being without my parents, but fostering friendships that would last a lifetime. I desire that for my daughter. I want her to explore God, explore nature, explore challenges, and explore friendships. Everyone should have the experience to go to a Christian camp!
Glad to read how great your summer camp experience was growing up.
I look for intent. There are lots camps and even lots of Christian camps. But outside of keeping a kid alive, preferrablly without poison ivy or a blistering sunburn what their intent?? Do they want my child to leave with a new found evangelical focus? Do they want my child to leave saying they had so much fun and I can’t wait to go back? Did they want my kids to build strong relationships with their counselors or cabin mates? These are all great intentions and I think Pine Cove achieves them all without making them their primary goals. However, my children leave with a deeper understanding of who God is and how much He loves them. And I feel like if any camp, or group, or person that intentionally strives to drive that point home is humbly working under God’s direction and for His kingdom.
Good word, Lisa. Intent. I like that. I guess another way to say that would be, “What is their goal?” or “What is their mission?”
That’s a great idea for what to look for.
When I look for a camp for my kids I want one where they will learn and grow and have fun. But also one that makes me feel at ease so even though they are far away from me I know they are well taken care of. As a parent of a child who has attended for several years now I feel Pine Cove gives me and them that. She waits all year for that one week at Pine Cove and starts planning for it the minute the week is up. And I know that that week will be extrordinary for her and I can breath knowing they take wonderful care of her.
Thanks for your kind feedback, Sharon.
I want a camp for my kids that has high recommendations from other children attending. The kids that continue to go back to the same camp each summer because they have had the time of their lives, is the type of camp that I want my children to attend. I want them to have fun and make friendships that will last a lifetime. I want their faith to be nurtured and for them to feel welcome.
That is such a benefit to where we are in culture today. Everything has a “review” mechanism. I was just looking for some Spanish tutoring software for my son the other day. After reading many reviews, I changed my mind 3 or 4 times. Getting recommendations from others is so good.
In a summer camp, we look for a place that will give our daughters the chance to experience all kinds of things they’ve never done before — being on their own away from home and having new adventures every day, while following a counselor who is a few steps ahead of them in life and learning from it all about Jesus’ love for them.
We have a saying that counselors meet kids where they are and bring them to new places. It is as you said – having an example to follow is so important for kids.
It isn’t my kids I’m worried about. It’s implicitly trusting the counselors and staff, many of whom I have never met before. Looking them in the eye tells me little about them except the color of their iris. I don’t believe that anyone can ascertain someone else’s character by staring at them.
I went to camps as a teen, have been a counselor, and have sent my own kids to camp. Every summer there was at least one ‘incident’ of serious misbehavior amongst the campers or the staff that made us just throw in the towel on camp- it is simply not worth it to us. Many of these incidents were swept under the rug, and parents never notified of what happened, even when it concerned their own child. (serious meaning immoral or illegal)
If you feel it necessary to go the camp route, that’s fine. But my dh and I take our kids hiking and camping, they have challenging chores and many responsibilities, (we are remodeling our basement together), they have many opportunities to work with others on important projects (they train puppies to become service dogs), and we take ‘technology’ breaks throughout the year. I don’t find it all that helpful or life-changing to parcel that aspect of parenting out for one week a year.
I can’t thank you enough for posting this comment, Susan. I think many people are thinking the way you are, so I’m glad you brought it front and center in this discussion.
I think your concern is dead on, but I must admit, I disagree with your conclusion.
My comment about looking the counselor in the eyes is not because I think I can see down into their soul to know if they are good or bad. Quite the contrary. Looking them in the eyes is about letting them know I care, I’m aware of what could happen (good or bad), and that “I’m watching.” This is important for anyone working with kids to know.
You are so right about ‘incidents’ happening at camp. I’ve read too many stories about this. These type of incidents have occurred at schools, or with coaches, or karate instructors, or even pastors. That does not mean we should try to separate and insulate our kids from the world. We should, though, move forward with caution and with eyes wide open.
I’m glad you will be spending some good time with your kids doing other things this summer. I hope to be doing many of what you listed with mine as well. A child attending a week of summer camp can be a huge part of that same summer experience. This is not an outsourcing of parenting responsibilities, but rather a great tool in helping parents raise well-rounded kids.
Thanks so much for your kind response. My opinions are obviously based on my own experiences, and I’ll grant that they are not indicative of every Christian camp in America. But 30 years as a youth worker ain’t nothing to sneeze at. 😉
I do love the idea of kids experiencing activities that are ‘safely dangerous’. I am all for putting more and varied tools in the parental toolbox. However, the incidents of which I speak are not minor oopsies. Parents want kids to have a healthy, even transformative experience at camp, but I don’t think they want that transformation to be the result of physical abuse or rape, or hearing their counselor explain various sex acts in detail, or having their head held under water until they passed out, or being called names because they exhibited some fear at jumping off a high diving board for the first time.
Let’s just come out and say it- predators love churches. It is very VERY important that churches and parents make sure that proper background checks have been done on all staff and counselors, and that there is accountability for anyone who does something immoral, illegal, or truly dangerous, and not, as you put it, safely dangerous.
I’d also like to see more churches emphasize the importance of daily discipleship in the home. Unless the child goes back to a home where the spiritual ground that has been plowed is further nurtured, any decisions made for God, or building up of character, is likely to fizzle out after they plug back in to the tv, computer, and iPod. I counsel with far too many parents who view camp as a magic bullet, but studies have shown that a child’s overall well-being is closely linked with parental example and involvement. We simply must do BOTH- address the needs of the child, but challenge parents to step up to the plate and ‘endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ’.
I appreciate your writings and your efforts, and I completely agree that kids need to experience hard things and be challenged to explore above and beyond what they believe they are capable of. I’m just going further to say that is it absolutely necessary that parents do this too, and that we be careful to put our faith in the power of the Word and the Spirit, and not on a ‘camp experience’.
A Christ-centered, fun-filled week that removes our girls from the comforts of home.
The number one thing I look for in a summer camp are the Godly principals they plan to instill in my child for the time he is there…this includes the modeling these principles from the camp counselors, directors, facility management staff, etc. In regards to incidents that can take place over the time my child is there, I COVER them with prayer all week and trust God. I know things happen and we can’t control everything, but if our motives and priorities are right to seek the kingdom, first, He will take care of the rest!
The other thing I look for are opportunities to experience adventures I just can’t provide for them. I want them to do activities and try all sorts of new things. As a single mom, I just can’t provide these experiences! It is a joy to give them the chance to learn new things!
All good reasons, Dede. Great point about prayer. Internally, staff are praying for kids by name. I wish more families would do the same for their kids while they’re at camp.
The most important things I would look for in a summer camp would be: that Christ is being taught first and foremost. And then that there are activities that my child would be interested in; and maybe a couple of things that (s)he doesn’t think (s)he would be interested in, but would be encouraged to try anyway … adventurously getting out of that comfort zone! 🙂
For us, the thing that first attracts me to a camp is the price. I’m being honest here…it’s probably not the smartest way to go, but it’s true. I also consider the recommendations of friends, activities available, and distance from home. My “bargain shopping” didn’t turn out so well as we had a less-than-stellar camp experience last year, so I’ve learned my lesson!
Good point, Jennifer. I don’t want to say, “You get what you pay for,” because I don’t necessarily agree with that. However, many camps have scholarship programs. Last year, people donated over $1 million dollars to Pine Cove to help provide scholarships to campers. If you look at the bottom of PC website, you will see a tab labeled “scholarships.” I encourage everyone to apply for them.
I look for counselors who have a genuine PASSION for Christ. And couple that with a person who my kid thinks is SO COOL, that they want to be exactly like them!
and the older the camper, the tougher it is for one to think their counselor is cool…at first.
I don’t have kids, but when I Recommend places I always say to look at the staff, the mission and the leadership.
I grew up going to only Christ-centered camps and met some of the most influential people of my life there. These same people I have not forgotten and I have only fond memories. My father died when I was 11 and I had a really hard time talking about things with my family then so camp provided the support I needed. To know these people were praying for me and that they truly cared meant the world to me as a pre-teen going through all of my emotions. I think a Christ-centered camp is essential to the growth of a child. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to others who you relate to than your parents about certain issues and I want someone who keeps God at the center of their life giving my child advice or support. Also, the outdoor activities that help each child gain the confidence to do things they might never try on their own but with their group they will. This only stretches their talents and help shape them as well. I look for the location. Is it in driving distance to where we live that is manageable with gas prices the way they are. How long has the camp been around? What are others camp goers saying about the camp? These are just a few of the things I look for when choosing a camp for my children.
Great insight, Julie. Thanks for listing those reasons.
Adventure..Spiritually, emotionally and physically. To experience Jesus with ALL her senses and leave ready to share and serve.
A camp that points our children to the Lord and challenges them spiritually as well as proviing a fun and safe week for them.
A staff committed to spiritual growth, safety and lots of fun.
I always look for a Christ-centered camp with staff who have been working there for a long time. That to me always says a good camp to work for and to spend a summer at.
Interesting. I would have never guessed parents are looking at that. Good eye!
A camp that has Jesus at it center and will allow the kids to grow spiritually and emotionally.
I have to say that I look for great leadership to be able to teach my kids the word of God in a way that they can relate to. To make them comfortable enough to open their hearts comfortably and with out conviction. Kids go through so much and to let them see kids that love Jesus and have “made it through” is so very important.
Christ filled staff.
Honestly? Price is probably the most important, but I also consider recommendations from past campers, available activities, which friends may also be attending, and how far away from home it is.
Kevin, I thought my first post didn’t work, so I posted again and now I can’t figure out how to delete it! I’m not trying to hijack your blog, I promise! -Jennifer Pate
There are so many things to consider! A Christ filled camp, price and distance. I went to Pine Cove back in the 80’s and loved it. It is also where I accepted Christ as a teenager and would love for my kids to experience those same things I did.
A safe environment where my child can learn to live out her belief in Christ outside of the home and among peers! And lots of fun!!
that there will be activities and situations to “toughen up” my daughter…cause she kinda needs it. Of course, that these activities be fun and challenging and she meet kids from all different backgrounds.
This is the first year my boys are going to camp, and really the first time they are going to be away from home. I chose Pine Cove because our family has spent many summers there. Although camps can spend tons of money on marketing their programs, nothing comes close to personal recommendations. Knowing someone I know has experienced Pine Cove – and recommended it, is what matters most to me. I also chose Pine Cove because I think it will give my boys a safe place to be challenged and encouraged to grow into men of character and integrity.