In the cold months of winter, Central already is thinking about summer—Summer Bible Camp, that is. Leaders are identified, meetings start to happen, ideas begin to generate. Although Summer Bible Camp is all about the kids, this ministry is a whole-church effort that demonstrates the love, generosity, creativity and energy of our church—and the goodness of the God we serve.
Kathie Phillips and Amy Davidson lead this wonderful ministry, citing it not only as a way to grow the faith of our youngest members, but also as a powerful outreach to families outside the church. SBC is organized around a theme—this year Rainforest Falls and Exploring the Nature of God—and consists of crafts, songs, Bible stories, snacks and games. Each day, there is a Bible Point and memory verse, driving kids toward the Word of God, and giving them an opportunity to share “God sightings” in their everyday lives.
This year’s camp served 100 children and brought a ton of fun experiences for our campers, all reinforcing the love of God and the day’s teachings. In Imagination Station (crafts and science), we explored arts and science each day, with activities that emphasized the Bible Points. Daily snacks were amazing creations that reflect the theme and reinforce Bible points. Our songs praised God for who he is and taught children how loved and precious they are in God’s family. Games taught teamwork and drew out lots of laughs but also underscored the daily themes in fun ways. Bible stories were acted out and made real for our campers, to see and experience God’s word. A sensory room, the Rainforest Retreat, was set up for campers who felt overstimulated or needed a break.
Most importantly, in all aspects of SBC, there is prayer. The whole church is asked to pray for the campers, families and volunteers. This makes the whole church part of this effort, and ensures that all elements of the programming are prayed over. Stephanie Kraft took the lead on hosting a prayer room which ministered to parents, staff, campers or volunteers. Each day of camp started with a volunteer huddle which included praying for the day’s activities. We even engaged our ministry and mission partners in praying for our SBC.
None of this could happen without over 90 youth and adult volunteers who gave of their time before, during and after camp. Before SBC, Kim Meagher engaged volunteers of all ages in “Camp Kim,” itself a ministry, creating hundreds of themed decorations, quickly transforming the entire church into a magnificent rainforest filled with resplendent birds, sleepy sloths, raging waterfalls, and tropical giant trees.
In the weeks leading up to camp, our congregation generously gave materials, craft supplies and monetary donations toward the operation of camp, making everything possible. Preparing for and running camp engaged a whole cadre of youth and adult volunteers, who worked with children as Crew Leaders or on the Imagination Station, Worship, Games, Snack, Bible Story, and Preschool teams. Other volunteers served on the Security Team, ensuring the health and safety of all participants. Pastor Jeremy and his wife Sarah presented the Bible in action to the children each day, while Patti Dixon entertained them with a skit about the Bible Point. Our maintenance team flexibly opened up the facilities and faithfully cleaned up the glitter, snacks and fun from the day, ensuring the space is ready for the next day of learning and adventure.
The outcome of all of this is truly God-ordained. Kids learn about who God is, explore their identity in Christ, and hear the Gospel. Youth and adult volunteers collaborate and work together, spanning generational gaps and building community. New and returning volunteers find their place in serving at Central. People are prayed with and prayed for, and new connections are formed. Volunteers see the value of their contributions and enjoy their time bringing faith to our youngest generation.
The beautiful thing about SBC is that everyone can find their place in supporting this special experience. Whether by donating money or materials, praying for camp, volunteering with the children, or setting up or breaking down, each contribution is vital in coordinating all the moving pieces that make this week so special and meaningful. It truly takes a village, and Central shows up to be that village for Summer Bible Camp!
