Category Archives: Camps

Summer youth camps are an exciting time for both teens and parents.

Camps, Parents Ministry

Packing for Summer Youth Camp

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Summer youth camp is an exciting time for both teens and parents. But along with the excitement there may be some anxiety and fear as well. It is much easier for parents to send a teen off to youth camp that has had the camp experience before. But it may create a lot of fear and anxiety for a younger teen that has never been away from home and has never been apart from his or her parents for so many days. Of course there will also be other teens who can’t wait for the chance to get away from home for a few days. And most parents can appreciate a little break away from the teens for a few days. Even so, a little concern and anxiety on the part of parents is also to be expected. Parents must keep in mind that a well-planned youth camp has great staff and leaders to take care of your youth during their stay.

Packing List for Summer Youth Camp

One of the first things you need to do is time to start making a packing list for the camp. It is important to know what can be taken and what must be left behind. Most camps will provide you a list of items that need to be packed. Some camps require certain clothing and some special equipment. They also may prohibit certain items. When packing for camp, these lists are a great place to start. Another good resource to discover what to pack is to talk to the camp staff. The camp staff will be familiar with the weather, the terrain or requirements for any outdoor camp activities, and they can also offer tips that will make the summer youth camp experience much more enjoyable. If you know parents who have sent their teen to the camp before, they can also be a great resource for packing tips. The key is to find out as much information as you can, then prepare your own packing list.

Summer Youth Camp Recreation Activities

Many summer youth camps offer a variety of recreational activities in addition to the standard camp program. Homesickness is a part of the “first time away from home” camp, but the more activities that suit the desires of your teen, the better. Look through the recreation options with your teen and discuss them. Let the youth negotiate which activities they wish to participate in. Some activities may require special permission from parents. If, for some reason, any activity is off-limits to your youth you will need to make that clear to the camp staff and put it in writing. Some recreational activities may also require youth to pack special equipment or clothing. Most camp registration forms will have a section of the form for parents to complete regarding the recreational activities and permission for the youth to participate in them.

Health Concerns and Safety

If your teen has any health concerns such as allergies, asthma, etc. be sure that the youth camp staff is aware of these. Again, most summer youth camp registration forms will have a section for you to provide this information. Also be sure that any medications your youth needs are sent to the camp along with them. You may be able to pack them in their bag, but some camps will not allow a teen to keep their medications in and around the bunk. If possible, place the medications in the original containers, then pack them all together in a clear plastic bag that is properly labeled. This would not apply to emergency inhalers, but it is something to clear up with the camp staff before your teen leaves for summer youth camp.

Clothing

Don’t wait until the week before the your teen is leaving for summer youth camp to start planning your packing. It is also vital to include your teen in the packing process in order for them to be familiar with what they are taking. Some clothing may need to be bought in advance. It’s also a good idea to label the clothing discretely inside on the tags with your teen’s name or at least their initials. Labeling should extend to everything the youth is packing. Clothing, bathing suits, towels, cameras and anything else that is going into that bag, plus the bag itself. If the summer youth camp has sports activities, field trips or religious services, you will need to also pack the clothing for these functions. There may also be special guidelines such as a one-piece swimsuit for girls, no speedos for the boys, etc. I remember one youth pastor telling the youth to place their swimsuit on the stove-top burner and if it doesn’t cover it completely, just turn on the burner and go buy something more modest. If the summer youth camp offers crafting opportunities, you may want to send along some clothes that are not new. Painting and crafts can be messy and are not the easiest thing to remove from clothes. Also, don’t forget rain gear. Summer youth camps don’t curtail every activity just because it may be raining.

Packing

A large duffel bag may be the best way to pack everything inside for the camp. Many of them now come with wheels and are easier to transport and to store once they are empty. The age of your teen needs to be taken into consideration. If your teen is going to summer youth camp on a bus or public transportation, it will be important to have something they can handle. Wheels will help. Personal items should be packed in a separate bag within the larger bag. Toiletries should be in a handy bag that can be taken to the bathing facilities. Items such as toothbrush, soap, towels and washcloths, comb, brush, shampoo should be stored in this bag for packing. Keep the soap in a traveling soap dish as well as the toothbrush in a toothbrush holder. It may not come home that way, but at least it is a good start. In fact, you should probably expect the loss of a few items at the youth camp. Expect it and pack accordingly. Then you won’t be upset if something doesn’t return or it is returned in a less than ideal condition.

Little Extras

Pack some self-addressed postcards that will help your teen remember to drop a note home. This will prevent them from using their spending money on postage and allow them to keep in touch with you during their absence. You might also add some personal notes of encouragement in their belongings. Even though it was many years ago that I attended a summer youth camp as a camper, I still remember the little notes of encouragement my mom packed in my belongings. They were tucked away in shirt pockets, pants pockets, and many other unexpected places that didn’t embarrass me as a youth, but reminded me that my family loved me and missed me. Some other things to consider packing, with the permission of the camp staff, are cameras, CD/MP3 players, and games. Books are a great addition for evenings when the campfire is over, as well.

With a little advance planning, packing for and attending summer youth camp can be a great experience for youth and parents alike.


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Camps

Youth Camp Checklist

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First Draft

Form a youth camp planning committee

  • Who needs to be involved in the planning for the youth camp? (i.e. parents, youth workers, youth, pastoral staff, others?)
  • What are the roles in the planning and preparation for the youth camp and who will be responsible for each role?

 

Decide your Goals for the Youth Camp

  • What is the purpose for the youth camp.
  • Who is the Target group? Who do you want to attend the youth camp? (age group, Christians / seekers, friends of youth, etc.)
  • Write a clear description of the youth camp and its goals.

 

Plan the Details for the Youth Camp

  • What is the official name of the youth camp? Does the camp name clearly communicate the purpose and content?
  • What is the theme of the youth camp? How can the theme be incorporated into all aspects of the youth camp?
  • Do you need a youth camp curriculum?
  • When is the date and Time of the youth camp?
  • Where is the venue for the youth camp? (Camp Facility, church, community center, camp center, multiple locations?) What are the directions to the venue? Is there a map available? About how long will it take travel there? Is it difficult to find?

 

Tentative Youth Camp Schedule / Program

  • What activities will fill the time during the youth camp? OVER PLAN and have ALTERNATIVES.
    (e.g. Icebreakers, Bible study, Recreation, Outdoor games, Indoor games, Movies, Large Group Games, Sports, Discussions, Community Service, etc.) If you are using an outside venue, doing an on site inspection in advance will help you better prepare for youth camp games and activities.
  • Set a bed-time and a wake-up time. Don’t expect the teens to actually sleep when they are supposed to during a camp, but do have have a time when everyone will wind down with quiet activities and an opportunity with lights-out and no loud talking for those to sleep who might wish to do so. Also set a wake-up time, especially if you’ll be serving breakfast in the morning. Many teens usually won’t sleep the first and the last nights of a youth camp.

 

Youth Camp Finances

  • What is the budget for the youth camp?
  • What’s the expected actual cost of the youth camp and activities?
    • Camp Speaker Costs (Transport, Honorarium, Accommodation, Food)
    • Camp Facility Costs (Accomodation, Meeting Rooms, Equipment)
    • Camp Staffing Costs (Volunteer accomodation and food, transport, etc)
    • Transportation of youth to the camp facility
    • Curriculum, handouts, t-shirts and other items for youth camp participants
    • Camp Craft supplies
    • Special Equipment / Recreation Equipment
  • Are there sponsors / sources of supplies or food for the youth camp?
  • What is the actual cost to of the youth camp to participants? Subsidized cost?
  • Are there scholarships available?
  • Does the cost change for early or late sign-ups?
  • Does the cost go down if youth get their friends to sign up for the camp? Are there multiple levels of discounts tied to the number of friends who sign up for the youth camp?
  • When is the first deposit due for the youth camp?
  • When is the final payment due for the youth camp?
  • Is there a cancellation Fee?

 

Youth Camp Arrangements

  • Reservation of Venue?
  • Recruit Adult chaperons / volunteers for the youth camp – A good rule of thumb is to have one chaperon (parent/youth pastor/leader) for every eight youth that attend the camp. (Some groups may require more or less supervision)
  • Are there to be Special speakers / special items or programs utilizing outside people? Select and invite guest speakers in advance.
  • Do you have someone trained in first aid or medicine on site in case of an injury.
  • What food will be available at the youth camp? Dinner? Snacks? Breakfast? Quantity? Meals and snacks should be designed to meet the needs of all attendees. Are there any special dietary requirements or restrictions? Snacks?
  • Transportation requirements for the youth camp?
  • What do participants need to bring to the youth camp? (sleeping bag, pillow, snacks, games, swim suit, towel, toothbrush and toothpaste, comfortable clothing and shoes?)
  • What contact information is available for parents of youth attending the youth camp?
  • Have you created a list of contact information for those responsible for major roles and duties at the youth camp?
  • Do you have the address and contact of nearest medical emergency aid?
  • Sleeping Arrangements for the youth camp – Provide separate rooms for guys and gals sleeping arrangements. Rooms need to have someone as a monitor.
  • What time should youth arrive at the camp or church and be picked up? Where do parents drop their kids off and pick them up?
  • What rules will be enforced at the youth camp?
  • Create an ‘Incident Report’ form for any injuries, accidents or security breaches that occur during the youth camp?

 

Youth Camp Publicity

  • Verbal Announcements
    • Announcements during services
    • Skits?
    • Pre-camp Meetings
    • Phone Calls
  • Printed Publicity
    • Promotional fliers
    • Church Bulletin
    • Church / youth Calendar or events
    • Invitations
    • Sign-up form / Permission slips
    • Postcards to invite friends
    • Posters / Bulletin Boards
    • Website / emails / Text Messages
    • Local newspaper

 

Equipment and Resources Needed for the Youth Camp

  • Are the tables and chairs available in the meeting rooms sufficient?
  • What is the capacity of the sleeping area(s)?
  • Sound system? Music?
  • Special lighting?
  • Special equipment?
  • Board games, sports equipment, materials for games?
  • Parking space? Drop off and pick-up point for parents?
  • Security?
  • Requisition forms for supplies, Checkout / return out form for any equipment or supplies that are borrowed?

 

Final Youth Camp Preparations

  • Finalise Program schedule for the camp
  • Create Camp Attendee list – Permission slips must be signed by parents / guardians before teens are allowed to attend the camp. Keep the contact information together in a folder and available at all times in case of an emergency. Make a master copy and a standby copy.
  • Create Staff / Volunteer list
  • Create a list of Emergency contacts (Fire, medical, and police department numbers)
  • What is the name, address and phone number of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility? (This information should be included on your health form/parent release.). What is the most direct route from the camp venue?
  • What are the venue management contacts?
  • Prepare a Parent’s contact list.
  • Prepare a Volunteer list with assigned roles and contact numbers?
  • What transportation arrangements are required. Contact numbers?

 

Youth Camp Volunteer Training

  • Screen Volunteers
  • Meet with volunteers as a group before the youth camp.
  • List responsibilities and contact numbers for each youth camp volunteer including a ‘Chain of Command’ – who reports to whom, who makes final decisions?
  • Make sure youth camp volunteers are clear on the rules.
  • Familiarize youth camp volunteers with the layout of the venue – especially exits, potential problem areas or hazards.
  • Assign people in your team to be responsible for cleaning up any spills/ broken glass as soon as it happens?
  • Trouble shoot with youth camp volunteers. What things could happen during the youth camp and how should the volunteers respond?
  • Have people and vehicles on standby to travel with youth in case of emergency.
  • Instruct youth camp volunteers in how to complete the ‘Incident Report’ form for any injuries, accidents or security breaches that occur during the youth camp and what information is needed. They need to get signatures of any eyewitnesses.
  • Go through the entire youth camp schedule. What resources are needed for each item on the schedule and who is responsible to make sure they are ready?
  • Remind Youth Camp Volunteers that they must be flexible and ready to help out as needed.

 

Youth Camp Setup

  • Have people available to arrive early and stay a little longer after the camp ends.
  • Make a list of things need to be set up in advance before the campers arrive.
  • Make a list of things need to be done after the campers leave.

 

First Day of the Youth Camp

  • Set up for games / activities
  • Delivery and storage of food and supplies if you ar epreparing your own meals.
  • Post the rules in the venue where you’re hosting the youth camp. Go over the camp rules as soon as the teens arrive. Make your expectations clear. This will help reduce conflicts that might arise during the youth camp.
  • Identify key volunteers to participants, especially the medical person.
  • Are all areas of your venue (including outdoor areas) adequately lit – especially for night time events?
  • Are floor surfaces clear of trip hazards and electrical cords?
  • Are all security, staff and volunteers easily identified with either a uniform, t-shirt, ID badge or cap?
  • Are Emergency/Fire exits clear of any obstructions and will they have adults monitoring them?
  • Are there first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers? If so, where are they located?
  • Are all exits monitored?
  • Prepare a secure area to store any valuables until they are collected at the end of the youth camp.
  • Clean up – It’s important to leave the camp facility in the same shape as you found it. Involve everyone in this process on a daily basis.

 

After the Youth Camp

  • Return rental or borrowed items
  • Thank everyone who made the youth camp possible
  • Meet with the youth camp planning committee and evaluate. Ask: What worked well? What could we have done differently? What did we learn from this process?
  • Review any incident reports completed and see what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents happening at the next youth camp.
  • Complete and file a written event summary including any resources and suggestions for future planning of youth camps.

 

Special Cautions for a Youth Camp

  • Over-plan your activities so the teens won’t get bored during the youth camp.
  • Plan Bibles studies and spiritual discussions at the beginning of the day when people are most alert and decisions are not clouded by lack of sleep or sugar highs! Early evenings, before gets too late, are also prime time for worship and meetings.
  • Schedule recreation and fun activities during mid-day when attention is waining and people are easily distracted.
  • Be sure to have some high energy activities to help youth expend any pent up energy as well as rest times for them to relax and wind down.
  • If youth are of driving age it is recommended they not be allowed to drive home from the youth camp as they might not get enough sleep to take care on the roads.

 

This document is a guide only. It contains general information and is not intended to represent a comprehensive checklist.

Announcements, Camps

Fruit of the Spirit – Camp Curriculum / Bible Study Series

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Announcing…

Fruit of the Spirit

We hope you’ve had a great start to your summer vacation, I know we have! We’ve been working hard to see how we can support you during this season. We know you’ll probably have your hands full with upcoming camps and planning how you can fill the hearts and minds of your youth with activities that will engage them physically and spiritually to truly enable them to worship God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength!

As you may know, we have a whole range of Bible study and Camp curricula that you may have already discovered while browsing our site – “The Great Adventure”, “Jonah: A Whale of a Tale”, and “Who Do You Say That I Am?”.

Today, we’ll be launching a brand new Bible Study series and Camp Curriculum that we’re totally excited about. It features a brand new full color Teacher and Student Guides with a brand new format that we’re sure you will have a blast using.

Introducing, “The Fruit of the Spirit”
Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study Series for Youth Camp or Youth Bible Study

This Bible Study and Camp Curriculum covers, in 7 1-hour sessions, what it takes to grow spiritually in Christ, the goal of which is to be fruitful in our Christian walk – to live a life worthy of God’s calling.

Your youth will learn about:

  • Heart Preparation – “The Good Soil”
    (Matthew 13: 3-9, 18-23; Luke 8:5-15; Mark 4:3-20)
  • Sin & Confession “Pulling Weeds”
    (Matthew 13:22; James 1:13-18; I John 1:9-10)
  • The Seeds You Sow Determine the Harvest You Reap – “Planting Seeds”
    (Galatians 6:6-9)
  • Abiding in Christ – “Drawing from the Source”
    (John 15:1-17)
  • Cultivating Spiritual Fruit – “The Fruitful Life”
    (II Peter 1:2-8)
  • Deciding Between Good and Best – “Pruning”
    (Matthew 22:25-29; I Cor 13:4-7)
  • Your Spiritual His-tree and Destiny – “Tree-mendous Fruit”
    (Matthew 22:25-29; I Cor 13:4-7)

If you’ve already worked out what your summer youth camp theme and topics will be, don’t worry! This curriculum is designed to be used not only for camps but for your Bible Studies, Sunday School or Small Groups.

However you choose to use it, our hope is that through this series, your youth will gain a fresh understanding of walking along this spiritual journey and grow into believers who will impact their families, schools, communities, country, and world for God’s glory!

To find out more about how can nurture the Fruit of the Spirit in the life of your students, click on the link below:
Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study Series for Youth Camp or Youth Bible Study

This will be the first of our Bible Study Curricula that will feature this new format, and so, we warmly welcome any feedback you can give us on how you liked using it or how it can be further improved. Our wish is to better serve you in your work with the next generation of committed believers in the spirit of excellence.

with YOUth on my Heart
Ken

Announcements, Camps

Who Do You Say that I Am?

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WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?

Who Do You Say that I Am Bible Study materials

Jesus first asked the disciples, “Who do others say that I am?” It was easy for them to answer because it required no conviction, no commitment, and no risk. But then he follows that question with another, “Who do YOU say that I am?”

It was a simple but profound question and one that each of us must still answer today. Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Then Jesus responded, “Blessed are you… For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” It was a defining moment for Peter and he would spend the rest of his life figuring out what that answer meant for who he was and how he lived.

It is God, in His grace that reveals the truth of Himself to us. And when, though His grace, we can come to accept His revelation of truth, then our perspective, in fact our entire life will change. Like Peter, we will spend the rest of our lives figuring out what Jesus means to who we are and how we live.

I am please to announce
a new Bible Study / Youth Camp series entitled
“Who Do You Say that I Am?“

MY OBJECTIVE

In the lessons and activities for this new Bible Study series / youth camp curriculum, my objective is to bring each participant, teacher and student, into a functional personal relationship with Jesus Christ so that each person KNOWS who Christ is to him or her.

This is an update of one of my most successful Bible Studies that I prepared for a large international church a number of years ago. While written a few years ago, the truth of who Jesus is, has never changed. God used this series to bring many youth to salvation and a closer walk with Christ and I know God wants to do the same with your youth.

These lessons are designed to help each participant get to know Jesus Christ in a more intimate fashion by looking at who He was, not only by His own statements, but also through the eyes of several Biblical characters.

And it is my prayer that God might reveal the truth of himself to each student and teacher so that they not only come into a close relationship with Christ, but also live to become a reflection of Him in the way they live their lives.

THE LESSONS

There are 7 Primary Bible study Sessions in the series, but you can pick and choose from these for a shorter youth camp or series:

    • Jesus the Life Saver
      Matthew tells the story of Peter and Jesus walking on water. Peter, like us, has gotten “in over his head”, beyond his ability to handle the situation, and in his moment of desperation is crying, “Jesus! Save me!” Just like Peter, we’ve all been in “hot water”, crying out for God to save us. Through Christ’s response, a power change takes place not only Peter, but also in the rest of the disciples.
    • Jesus, My Friend
      Imagine the thought of being friends with the Son of God! Awesome! But entirely and utterly possible and real to everyday life. John, the writer of the book of John, had a very special friendship relationship with Jesus Christ. Five times in the book of John, he refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” He obviously was absolutely sure of Jesus’ love for him. In a Gallup pole of teens in the USA, “meaningful relationships” was one of the top five items that youth listed as needs. What could be more meaningful than to have a relationship with the Creator of the universe!
    • Jesus, Fear Slayer
      God is well aware that we all experience fear. There are 365 “Fear Nots” in the Bible – one for every day of the year. Fear is not uncommon to any of us. We’ve all been there. Done that. But if there are 365 “Fear Nots” in the Bible, should fear rule our lives? No! But how do we deal with the reality of fear in our lives? We can look at the disciples in the boat as a model for dealing with fears.
    • Jesus, the Healer
      Christ’s cleansing is immediate and lasting, but the healing may take a long time… the scars may be with us, not because we haven’t been healed, but because we are not at peace with ourselves. Christ cleanses and heals us instantaneously, but our response is often like that after we have twisted an ankle… we may be healed, but we are afraid to use it… afraid to put our weight on it, not able to trust ourselves.. So often our wounds are also self inflicted. We keep wearing that sandal that causes blisters… eating that food that causes heartburn… grabbing that thistle, but afraid to let go… crying out for the thorns, but desiring to have that rose… A relationship that is abusive seems better than no relationship… negative attention is better than no attention… and hurt is better then dealing with the problem face to face… In this lesson we want to remove the thorns so that festered wounds can begin to heal…but also realize that if the wound has festered a lot of ugly stuff may need to come out…
    • Jesus, The Obedient
      Jesus has been teaching the people through parables and illustrations. He has taught of love for enemies, self-evaluation before we judge others, of how actions reveal the heart of person, and of putting our faith into practice. After these teachings he went to Capernaum. There a Centurion, with a sick servant, sends some Jewish elders to seek Christ’s help! And through that encounter we learn much about what it means to be obedient. Christ would later be tested with the ultimate in obedience as he was obedient even to death on a cross.
    • Jesus, The Spirit-Powered Man
      Jesus returns to Nazareth after having been tempted in the desert. News has spread about him to the entire countryside. Through Him, people discover that the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives will make a visible difference. What a difference a Spirit controlled life will make to our witness to the world!
  • Jesus, The Cleanser
    We begin immediately before the Passover feast, the time when Jews celebrate their deliverance from slavery to the Egyptians, the time when the blood of a lamb, is slaughtered as a symbol of God’s covering over of sin, of God’s forgiveness. Christ will soon be that lamb, his life poured out in suffering, his death upon the cross as the Lamb of God, taking away the sins of the world. Christ has just predicted his death, He is about to predict his betrayal by one of these men whose feet he is to now wash.

Click here to get a free sample and find out more.

Camps

The Great Adventure

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The Chorus of the song “The Great Adventure” by Steven Curtis Chapman goes like this:

Saddle up your horses we’ve got a trail to blaze
Through the wild blue yonder of God’s amazing grace
Let’s follow our leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other – this is The Great Adventure

A western cowboy theme is a popular one for youth camps and is a great metaphor for the Christian Journey. Check out the “Great Adventure” Youth Camp curriculum from Creative Youth Ideas. Here are some of the topics found in this tested and fun filled Bible study series:

  • Saddle Up: The Journey of Faith
    Genesis 12:1-5
    In order to begin the “Great Adventure” we must “Saddle Up” our faith. We must pack our bags and prepare for the journey. We put a blanket on it, cinch the saddle straps, step in the stirrups to mount it, then spur it forward. Only God knows where our faith will then take us! Abram, before he was called Abraham, began a similar adventure.
  • Pony Express: The Bible as a Letter from God
    Various Scriptures
    The Pony Express delivered the mail in the early days of the West. Mail was loaded into saddle bags and carried by riders upon horses. The Bible is like one of those saddle bags in that it contains letters. Yet the letters in it are to God’s people, written by God and delivered by his prophets, disciples, and other men that He chose. To read the Bible is to read God’s letters to YOU!
  • Jail Break: Freedom from Sin
    Luke 4:16-22 and Isaiah 6:1-6
    The jailhouse was a common feature in most towns of the Old West. Wanted Posters were placed around the town with the photos of famous outlaws and bandits. It was the local sheriff’s duty, with his star badge to make sure all the lawbreakers were captured and locked away. In the Kingdom of God, all of us are lawbreakers as well. But Christ didn’t put on the sheriff’s badge, six-shooter, and cowboy hat to lock us away. In fact he came to set all prisoners free!
  • Trailblazing: The Wide and Narrow Paths
    Matthew 7:13-14
    As the first wagon trains and settlers traveled west, they not only cut the trail and found the mountain passes, but also marked them clearly so that others would be able to follow them. Known as trailblazing, the markers might be as simple as a pile of stones or a hatchet chop to a tree that would help others to find the correct route on their journey. Christ also taught us how to find the route to God. Are you willing to follow the trail?
  • Tracking: Knowing God’s Will
    Romans 12:1-2 and others
    Where am I going? How do get there? What signs mark the path? What direction should I take? It is important that each of us discover the path that God wants us to take in life. There will be challenges and adventure. The struggles will be tough, but the rewards will outweigh anything we could ever imagine. Every Christian must learn to recognize the call of God, to recognize the signs along his path, and to follow God’s directions for his individual life.
  • The Blacksmith’s Shop: Tools to be Used by God
    Isaiah 64:8
    The blacksmith begins to pound, envisioning what the tool was planned for, making it sharper, more durable, useful. The pounding and melting down of the metal is not comfortable or easy. Change is never easy, but over time the scars are removed, the cracks are filled, and the impurities are burned away. The dull becomes sharp. The crooked becomes straight. The weak becomes strong. The useless become the useful. Then we are plunged into water and the moldable becomes the strong tool to be used!
  • The Christian Frontier: Becoming Christlike
    Romans 8:29; Selected Passages
    What is the new frontier for new believers? In actuality it is as much the journey as the destination, but the ultimate aim for all believers is to become Christlike in character, attitudes and actions.
  • Gold Rush: Salvation
    John 3:1-21
    No story of the wild west would be complete without the tales of the gold rush. Many men gave up everything to find it. For Christians, heaven is described as having streets of “gold.” In John 3:1-21 God gives Nicodemus directions to get to the streets of Gold. Those same directions are a map for us today, to find the greatest treasure mankind has ever known!

Find out how you can download your copy right now.
Just click here to find out more
You can even get a free sample of the first study “Saddle Up” for FREE!

Camps

A Whale of a Tale

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I. God says “effect”, Jonah says “defect.” (1:1-3)
Looking at Jonah.

1. Why did God send Jonah to Ninevah?
a. for a vacation.
b. so Jonah could get away from his family
c. God had something for him to accomplish
d. To test Jonah’s obedience
e. To punish Jonah’s disobedience
f. Jonah had some free time to waste.
g. God didn’t send Jonah, this is an allegory
h. God wanted to give the Ninevites a chance to bake Jonah in the sun.
i. God needed a messenger & chose Jonah
j. God needed some fishbait!
k. to direct the Ninevites away from their path toward destruction.
l. Jonah could get his relationship right w/ God

2. How do you think Jonah felt after hearing “the word of the Lord” instructing him to go to Ninevah?
a. betrayed
b. confused
c. scared
d. Why me?
e. angry
f. skeptical
g. confident
h. uncomfortable
i. unenthusiastic
j. unprepared
k. unqualified
l. unnecessary
m. content where he is
n. incapable of the task
o. “I’ll make a fool of myself”
p. “I don’t want to make waves.”
q. “I don’t see why it’s necessary.”
r. Other:___________________
jonah.jpg

3. Tarshish was about 2000 miles in the opposite direction of Ninevah. Why do you think Jonah ran way?
a. He was afraid of what would happen if he obeyed God.
b. He was afraid it would end his life if he obeyed
c. He thought he could get away from God.
d. He thought if he was gone, God might forget
e. He wasn’t ready to trust God that much yet
f. He was afraid of what friends would think
g. He thought God made a mistake.
h. He was rebellious.
i. He remembered something he had forgotten to do.
j. Obeying God was too difficult.
k. He didn’t want to give things up
l. He forgot about God’s task.

4. What do you think Jonah thought the consequences of his actions would be on himself? God? Ninevah?Others?

Looking at Ourselves
5. How do we as Christians hear “the word of the Lord” today?

6. Why is it important for Christians to hear and know what God is saying?

7. Is hearing God’s word and knowing God’s Word enough? Explain.

8. Why did you come to this camp?
a. for a vacation.
b. to get away from your family?
c. because God had something for you to get accomplished here?
d. because God wants to test you?
e. because God wants to punish you.
f. You had some free time to waste
g. You’re not really here. You’re day daydreaming
h. You wanted a chance to bake in the sun.
i. God needed a messenger and you were his choice
j. You came as fishbait!
k. to direct you away from your path toward destruction
l. So you could get your relationship right with God
m. Other ____________________________

9. What are some Ninevah’s to which God might send Christians today?

10. How do you feel after hearing “the word of the Lord” to go to your “Ninevah?”

11. How do people run away from God today?

12. In what areas of your life are you now running from God?

13. When you run away from what God wants you to do, why do you run away?

14. What do you think the consequences of your actions are on yourself? God? Others? Have there been times in the past when you ran away from something? What were the consequences?

15. Can someone really run away from God? Explain. (Psalm 139:7ff)

16. God wants to have an effect on the world using you in your “Ninevah”. Are you defecting from God’s plan for your life? God says effect, what do you say?

Click here to download the Teacher’s Guide for this first point in the Camp Bible study.

Click here to find out about the Camp Curriculum “A Whale of a Tale” on the book of Jonah.

Camps

Sealed Orders

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Try this idea, the next time you have a youth camp or overnight retreat

  1. Before breakfast, require each youth to find a quiet place where they can be alone outside with their Bible.
  2. For the “Sealed Orders”, type up personal devotions for each morning and give youth a one page sealed personal devotion.
  3. Youth must read the scripture passage, the text on the paper and then answer the open ended questions in the devotion. They get 30 minutes and they must use this entire time to have their devotion and listed to God.
  4. After breakfast and clean up they come together in pre-defined small groups with a leader and talk about their devotions (all devotions are the same), this set time is also 30 minutes.