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Dear Christ the King Church and friends,

Grace and peace be with you all during these summer days. This past week, I was privilege to accompany our elementary campers (and this week I am with our confirmation students at Beach Camp) during their adventures at camp at Lutherhill in La Grange, where we studied what it means to be, “In the Fire.” During this week with our campers, I was able to grow in relationship with the children that I normally do not get to do while at church. For that I thank you all for your support and for sending your children and youth to camp. But another question that I was asked by several members is why do I go camping with the students? It made me pause at first, but then I thought about the benefits of our campers and why I always encourage our families to send their children and youth to camp. Here are just a few benefits of camp:

  • FAITH: Campers explore faith through interactive bible studies, worships and cabin devotions outside in God’s creation. It encourages us to unplug, to rest, and engage their faith with a sense of wonder rather than certainty. This wonder ignites a passion for lifelong faith exploration.

  • AFFIRMATION: Lutherhill’s young adult staff are specially trained to engage campers in all camp activities while honoring their individual needs. While their top priority will always be safety, a close second is ensuring that all campers are valued and loved! We want all campers to know that they are beloved children of our God. As such, we have many high school students that serve on this leadership role throughout the years (this year we have five on staff).

  • COMMUNITY: Camp is structured to build meaningful relationships! Campers live together in cabins and are partnered with another cabin group to create a ‘village’. As a village, campers make decisions together, serve each other and share all the joys and challenges of camp. It’s a great way to practice living well with others.

  • ADVENTURE: All the camp activities keep campers fully engaged every day! Camp makes space to revel in God’s creation – whether it is being surrounded by live oak trees in La Grange, or the sandy beach in Galveston and starlight. Campers are encouraged to try new things and most of all have fun!

 

This past year, I have been challenged to call us to why we do the certain things that we do at church for our families so I will be writing future articles on why we do some of our other faith formation practices at church. And so I leave you all with our prayer that we began on Sunday, June 1 when we blessed our children and youth:

God of love, you invite us to come away to a quiet place. A place set apart for new learning, for new friends, and new experiences. Give us courage and energy, surround us with laughter and love. And in all these things, reveal the great love of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Take care and God Bless,

Deacon Ben Remmert
Dir. Of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry