Most parents I talk to love to send their kids to summer camp, because of the profound effect it has on their life. The only problem in the whole equation is that the majority of the parents are going to welcome their kids home, having no idea what happened that week.
The reality is that most of the decisions that are made at camp end up forgotten. I believe with all my heart that one of the areas the church has been lacking in is the area of partnering with the family. There are people working hard to fix this issue, but the truth remains – we have no clue how to help our students enter the “real life”again after camp.
There are a couple things that every family can do to prepare to receive their kids back home after camp, so that the decisions they made can stick.
1. Listen. Every student comes home with something different. It might be a desire to read the Bible more, to change who they hang around with, to toss out some bad habits, or they may have made a decision to take the next step in their faith in Christ!
What I’m about to say is probably the most important thing you’ll read concerning your post-camp student: Don’t squash their enthusiasm!Since the whole family unit can’t always go to camp together, it’s understandable that you haven’t experienced what they experienced. Don’t let that get in the way of their journey with Jesus. There’s a good chance that they may have just experienced a major turning point in their entire life!
If you have reservations about their take-aways, tread lightly. Wait a couple days before you respond. Sleep on it. Pray about it.
And ask yourself this very important question: Are you nervous about their decision because you think it’s a misinterpretation of Scripture or because it’s a little too radical for your taste?
2. Support. Every student needs a support system at home. After you’ve heard about their week, ask them how you can help them in their journey. Be ready for them to have no idea. All they might know is that they need to act better or be closer to God. They might not know how to articulate their desires or even how to put feet on their decisions. But support them. The best way to help your student activate their faith is to be a 24/7 support for them.
3. Partner. This is probably the most difficult thing to do for a couple reasons. You weren’t at camp with them. You have your agendas (whether you know it or not). You have your plans, hopes, and dreams. Do your best to jump in the journey with them to help them put wheels on their decisions.
And never, ever forget: Keep them connected in the local church! So many students go to camp because it’s fun. If you don’t invest in the relationships that were created at camp, you’ll notice most of the decisions will fade fast. Relationships are key. Get your student to church!