The idea started small, and then we found ourselves engulfed in the thought of living the Jesus Revolution. Up to this point, we had gone about our business of doing camp as usual, but then a few staffers realized that we could do more. What if we, from our own pockets, give to help a camper come and learn what this Jesus Revolution was all about? Once the question was voiced, the Spirit nudged us along and we saw just how meaningful this could be for us as a team, and for that one camper.
Summer after summer, as staffers we do the best we can to put on an effective camp for the churches that entrust their campers to us. This past summer, we were introducing campers to the Jesus Revolution and inviting them to be a part. We sang songs, did Bible Study, worshipped, and had some great recreation and mission education time. For the most part, we figured our work was progressing well. Then a couple of staffers were reminded about a conversation we had earlier during our training week about campers who could not afford to come to camp. There were campers out there who would not have an opportunity to be with us simply because they did not have the money. What could we do?
We decided that the least we could do was to help one camper come to camp. It is important to note here that for the most part these staffers were young college-aged student themselves. We decided to practice what we preached, to show our faith by our works. The team was able to raise enough money to sponsor one camper. The joy we felt from being able to do this little thing was immeasurable. Many of the staffers themselves were campers at one point or the other, and they understood just how meaningful and impactful a week of camp could be. Our goal was to make the funds available so that a camper would come the following summer, but God had different plans. As soon as we made our intentions known, we were told that there was in fact a church with a student who would benefit from our giving.
God was present for us this past summer in diverse ways. Being able to give in a way that helped someone in need made us more aware of God’s presence and the ways God can use us to be a blessing. I love and respect the group of young people I had the opportunity to serve with this past summer. I love them for finding a meaningful way to live the Jesus Revolution. Giving matters, especially when we model Christ’s love by giving sacrificially to others of our resources and ourselves.
James Blay
PASSPORTkids! 2015 Director
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Help make camp accessible for more students by donating this Giving Tuesday to our camp scholarship fund.