Many Alabama Baptists have happy memories of summer camp. Silly songs, arts and crafts, Bible studies, swimming in the pool and late-night giggles with new friends made for an unforgettable week every summer.
Yet the nostalgia of yesteryear often is interrupted by a panicked thought: would today’s media-
saturated kids actually enjoy a week away from television, tablets and telephones?
The answer has proven surprising to many. It seems children don’t just survive their week away, they seem to come home more alive, more excited and empowered to try new things and more spiritually rooted and
gospel-focused than ever before.
Today’s generation responds to the hands-on, interactive approach that WorldSong Missions Place has taken with their Missions Adventure Camp. The camp in Cook Springs has purposefully combined missions and adventure to create a well-rounded experience for campers. WorldSong is a ministry of Alabama Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU).
More than just exposure
Camp Director Hope Stephens explains that there are still the silly songs and camper bonding of days gone by, but now there is so much more.
“[The campers] get more than just a glancing exposure to missions; they get to taste food from the lands they study, dress in native dress, learn a few words in their language and hear firsthand stories from real, live missionaries at ‘Culture Camp’ every day,” she said. “And then they learn how they don’t have to leave home or even wait until they grow up to be on mission right where they live.”
Cabin leaders are intentional with every moment they have with their girls (and boys during co-ed week). One returning leader, “Miss Kate,” said her favorite thing about being a leader is using everyday ways to share the gospel and seeing the campers make the connection that missionaries do the same thing.
“While they’re making a fun craft, they’re learning all about how these everyday items can be used to start up a conversation about Christ,” she said.
Aside from the missions-centered activities and lessons, the campers at WorldSong fall in love with the adventure side of Missions Adventure Camp from the very first day. Program director Kaley Stephens has designed activities that “teach us we’re capable of so much more through Christ; we can go beyond the limits we have set for ourselves in our minds,” she said.
Inspirational growth
“Just seeing [the campers’] confidence grow and self-image develop over the course of a week is so inspirational,” Stephens said.
Adventure activities include a rock wall, zip line, canoeing, archery, overnight primitive camping and more. Stephens said camp is a great way to introduce children to new and fun things safely and parents can know their children are safe and cared for without having to spend a fortune for them to have a great time. And the fact that they’re learning about Christ and His mission is icing on the cake.
Missions Adventure Camp takes place weekly throughout the summer starting June 8 and running through July 24 at WorldSong Missions Place just off of I-20.
(WMU)
For a complete schedule and registration information, visit www.alabamawmu.org.
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