JUNE 5-7, 2016 | 1st – 5th Grades
We just finished a planning meeting for Quest Camp – a three day, two night summer camp adventure for grade school students in our church and community. We will be traveling to Lake Sallateeska, about one hour from Troy, IL for the event. The setting is great, the activities are really fun, and the food is good. Harvest will be leading worship and the kids will love the opportunity to connect with God and each other. Children will be well cared for by the excellent children’s ministry staff from the church, but there is a family registration rate if parents would like to attend.
Quest Camp will be directed by Natalie Carlson, Director of Children’s Ministry at Troy UMC. She, along with the team, will be putting together the program, crafts, recreation, and devotions. Harvest Ministry will be leading in worship, leading small groups and helping with the lessons. Kids will enjoy music, swimming, boating, nature hikes, the arcade room, miniature golf, a bonfire, small groups and more.
If you are from Troy UMC or the surrounding community and you have a child in first – fifth grades, you need to register them for Quest Camp.
I believe in summer church camps for kids and students. Here are my reasons:
1) Students need time away to hear the voice of God – Schedules are busy and getting away for a few days with an eternal perspective can have transforming power in the life of a student.
2) Memories are built – If you want to build memories for the rest of the school year, go to camp. The opportunities for fun and growth as a group are endless. Nicknames, classic stories and jokes that live on forever often begin at camp. Think about it – three days of camp (60 hours) is equivalent to nearly a year of weekly Sunday school (if you met an hour each Sunday). Not that camp takes the place of Sunday School, but it is such a valuable addition to faith formation.
3) Relationships are formed – Camp gives students opportunities to build relationships with peers and leaders in faith. Many times it gives students opportunities to serve and lead within the church
4) The gospel message is received with fresh ears – So often, students need to hear a different person share the same message. There is a distinct difference between discipleship and evangelism. The local church ministry disciples students year in and year out. Camp allows students to hear (or be reminded of) the foundation of the gospel message and experience the power in it.
5) Lives are changed – I have seen it hundreds of times. I have heard it in hundreds of testimonies. And I was one of those kids whose life was changed during camp. You might have been too. I know that there many vehicles to proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ and that camp is just one of them. And in a few decades, it might be something else. But for now, it’s still a good one. Make it a priority. Get people involved. Encourage, help raise money, take part in leadership, and do whatever you can to get your kids to camp!
I just heard there are twice as many kids registered for Quest this year! It’s great news and it’s going to be a great experience. If you are in the area, I encourage you to sign your child up for Troy UMC’s QUEST KIDS CAMP!
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