It’s Never Too Early To Start Planning For Summer

More than 1,600 children and youth took part in NTC summer camps in 2019

It may only be the beginning of January, but parents already are looking for ways to keep their children occupied during the summer months. Camps are one of those options by offering youth opportunities to experience life away from their families and meet new people.

“Camp also offers the opportunity for young people to meet and interact with others who are facing some of the same challenges and questions that they may currently be asking,” said Joseph Bradley, who oversees the Camping and Retreat Ministries for the North Texas Conference.

What campers learn can help them throughout their entire lives. According to the American Camp Association, there is “at least preliminary evidence that camp learning lasts beyond camp and likely plays a role in college, career and overall readiness.”

Christian-based camps provide a faith experience that other camps don’t, Bradley said.

“Summer camp is important to a young person’s faith development because it is one of few places that offers an immersive experience designed to help young people grow in their faith,“ he said.

The good news is that the NTC offers many camps throughout the summer to help with life skills and faith formation in a fun – and distinctively Wesleyan – way. In the summer of 2019, the conference hosted 1,664 children and youth.

Each camp offered by the NTC provides unique experiences. Campers are provided with a place to learn and deepen their faith in a safe, nurturing environment. Older campers have the ability to take part in leadership roles.

• Bridgeport Camp and Conference Center offers a traditional camping experience. Children as young as third grade through high school participate in worship, small groups and have fun in a grace-filled environment.   
• Prothro Camp offers SEEK Camp for campers who are physically and/or mentally challenged to learn about love, friendship, sharing, caring and living in a Christian community.
• Go Camp works with host churches to provide a camp experience to children in underserved communities who may not have every experience camp before.

Go Camp Director Katie Pryor describes how her campers learned about faith and taught her a little along the way. Pryor admitted to a camper she was a little scared on the ropes course. The camper reminded her, “it's ok, don't look down, and believe in God and you'll be fine.”

Registration for Bridgeport Camp opens Jan. 9, and registration for SEEK Camp opens Feb. 17.

More information on Go Camp. Are you interested in working at Go Camp this summer?

Published: Wednesday, January 8, 2020