A conversation with Mike King
Parents are overwhelmed with possible summer options and activities for their kids. How do you choose where to spend limited time and money? Are summer camps still as important as they used to be? YF Family asked the hard questions of Youthfront President & CEO Mike King.
Today’s youth have so many different ways to explore their world and their faith. Is camp still a critical piece of a young person’s faith journey?
When I was a teenager, I went to Youthfront Camp and Jesus changed my life so much that I’ve dedicated my entire life’s work to youth ministry. After four decades of youth ministry, I still believe that Christian camp is one of the most transformational events a young person can experience.
There is a great African proverb that states it takes a village to raise a child. Christian camp provides a very safe and effective village for young people to learn and grow in their journey toward adulthood and a meaningful spiritual life. One of the tragedies of the current state of our cultural trends is the shift away from the value of Christian camp toward secular camps of all types (band camp, sports camp, cheerleading camp, debate camps, etc.).
There is nothing wrong with the many wonderful camp opportunities that are available for youth. The tragedy is replacing Christian camp with the other camps.
What does the research data tell us about the impact of Christian camp on adolescents?
Dr. Jacob Sorenson led a research project a few years ago to explore the impact camp makes on the spiritual formation of young people. His research findings revealed identifiable and overwhelmingly positive impacts of camp experiences. The dynamics that led to the positive impact were the relational, the participatory, and the faith-centered aspects of camp. Further findings pointed to the safe space camp creates for young people to be away from home and the opportunity to act upon their agency as a human being in a unique environment which is significantly different from the day-to-day realities of their normal world. Camp provides a mini-pilgrimage that helps young people shape their identities and encounter a living God.
The impact of Christian camp can carry a person through a lifetime commitment to follow God in the way of Jesus Christ. In fact, data shows that when practicing Christian adults are asked what was the most transformational impact on their spiritual lives, a majority cite Christian camp experiences that have stuck with them for their entire life.
Experiential learning in camps which focus on holistic and embodied pedagogical approaches to the education of young people are extremely effective in teaching values and life principles. Being surrounded by spiritual guides who make space for questions and dialogue, while acknowledging and respecting the human agency of the young person is a perfect environment to learn what it means to be a person of faith.
Can you describe what makes Youthfront’s camp experience unique?
Youthfront Camp provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to grow in their faith. They offer a break from the distractions and pressures of everyday life, allowing young people to focus on their relationship with God and their spiritual development. They learn from the Bible and experience worship and prayer in a supportive, encouraging environment where they can ask questions and explore their faith.
Sending your kids or grandkids to Youthfront Camp can be an excellent way for them to grow in their faith and develop important life skills. Youthfront Camp provides a unique environment where kids can experience God’s love and learn about the principles of Christianity in a fun and engaging way.
Youthfront Camp also offers children the opportunity to develop important life skills through activities such as outdoor adventure, team building, and leadership development. These experiences can help young people develop self-confidence, social skills, and a sense of responsibility and independence. Youthfront Camp also provides opportunities for young people to learn about serving others and making a positive impact in their communities.
Youthfront Camp can be a fun and memorable experience for young people. They offer a wide range of activities and experiences, from swimming and sports to campfires and games. Youthfront campers can make new friends, try new things, and create lasting memories that will stay with them for a lifetime!
You’re a grandfather now to 11 grandkids – what role can grandparents play?
Sending your grandkids to Youthfront Camp is an excellent way to invest in their spiritual growth and personal development by providing a safe and nurturing environment where they learn about God, develop important life skills, and have fun. You can help them foster a lifelong love of God and a commitment to living a Christ-centered life.
While attending the NFL Draft experience in Kansas City, I ran into a friend who was one of the first kids I worked with at Youthfront Camp 40-plus years ago. His grandparents were instrumental in launching our camp ministries. His parents were always coming as volunteer cabin leaders. His children all came to camp all through their teen years and even served on Summer Staff as college students. Now, he is looking forward to his grandkids coming to Youthfront Camp in a few years which will make five generations deeply shaped by summer camp. This example is not unusual. More than a quarter of a million people from Kansas City and the Midwest have had the Youthfront Camp experience. I hope you will do all you can to get your kids or grandkids there and, if you really want to live life to the full, consider coming to Youthfront Camp for a week as a volunteer!
About Mike King: As President & CEO of Youthfront, Mike brings more than 40 years of youth ministry experience. A pastor, author and frequent speaker, Mike leads an organization known for its scholarship and practice in bringing youth and families into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. His book, Presence-Centered Youth Ministry, shaped a revisioning of the theological approach to youth ministry and classical Christian practices. Mike earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary.
