Summer Camp
Is CAMP Worth the Cost?
A worthy question during these challenging economic times - See how
you respond to this article by Michael Staires.
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"The Wall Street Journal published an article today (3-12-09) by Anjali Athavaley entitled, Cutting Back on the Kum Ba Yah. The premise of the article is that in today's difficult economic times, many families are having to make some tough decisions and not send their kids to camp, opting for less expensive options.
I certainly agree with the premise. Times are tough and just like Starbucks, Wal-Mart and Home Depot, many camps and conference centers are feeling the consumer spending pinch. However, a week at camp for a kid or a family is much more than a simple consumer spending decision.
Ms. Athavaley writes, For many families, camp is an annual tradition that teaches kids independence, keeps them busy during the slow summer months and gives parents some alone-time in the house.
If those are the only reasons that parents (or churches) are sending their kids to camp, then now, when money is tight, is definitely the time to re-evaluate. That kind of luxury is one that can no longer be afforded.
However, a week at a Christian camp or conference center is so much more than that. Camp is a place where kids can try on their own walk with God. Camp is a place where kids learn not only who they are, but the wonder of who God created them to be. Camp is a place where kids and families can discover the richness of God's creation together. Through the temporary community of camp, they build strong life-long relationships at camp that simply couldn't be forged any other way.
Camp is a place where a family can really connect sometimes for the first time. They can eat together, sleep in the same cabin, play together and learn together. And the big benefit is that they can take these things home with them. Within the Christian camping community there are family camps that routinely host generations of families each week of the summer. It has become a cornerstone of their family dynamic and they wouldn't skip it.
When a kid goes to camp she learns what Gods voice sounds like. In the stillness of a starry night she recognizes that small quiet voice on the inside that affirms, encourages, directs, leads and loves. Then, when she's back home and once again caught up in the busyness and noise of life, she can much more easily recognize that voice when it beckons.
Yes, camp is much more than a place to keep kids busy or to give parents some alone-time in the house. Camp is a place where decisions are made, life courses are charted and set. Ask any group of folks involved in full-time ministry where they made the decision to serve God full time and invariably the majority will say that it was at camp or on a retreat. God uses the powerful tool of His creation to reveal His nature to us in ways we cannot ignore.
So, is it worth the cost? To a Christian parent, what's the worth of providing your child with an experience that would put them side by side with a caring counselor that will model the Christian life in front of him daily? If the peer group and role models are primary shapers of our kids lives, then what's it worth to take your child to such a positive place? How expensive is the alternative of not providing those positive experiences and role models? "
The camps that Ms Athavaley cites in her article are very expensive private camps. She gives the example of a camp that costs $12,100 for two kids, or $3,100 for four weeks of camp, or $6,100 per child or $4,700 for two weeks for two kids. Admittedly, many of these camps are very exclusive multi-week camps.
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But by contrast, the typical cost of a (week at Camp Lutherhaven) is $265! That's 5 days of packed outdoor adventure and fun, 15 meals, 5 nights, and an opportunity for your child to grow in phenomenal ways. Not only does a Christian camp experience offer a child or a family far more impact and significance, they do it at a much better price! At Camp Lutherhaven, we're committed to keeping camp affordable so every family has a chance to experience an adventure of their own. You can check out our different programs here and if finances are a challenge for you, please check out our campership scholarship program. We believe finances should not stand in the way of a camp experience.
On the flip side, if you're in a place to help others financially, why not partner with us and help send a child to camp? Donations can be made at anytime to our Campership Fund.
Lutherhaven offers your child valuable gifts including the opportunity to develop independence, self-worth, friendships, leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, responsibility, and most of all, a vibrant, life-long faith in Jesus. Our summer camp programs not only provide all the well-known camp activities like swimming, boating, low ropes courses, crafts, archery, and much, much more; they also can give a child a life-changing experience with Jesus Christ!
And so yah, we think it's worth the cost!