Partners in Ministry
One of our hopes for the future of camping is that more camps would reach across the void of self-sustaining and seek to offer the best ministry as partners. We got to witness an excellent example of that kind of collaboration at Colby Ranch and Camp Wrightwood. We already knew that we would love working with the staff at these camps (because they're just that cool), but we were amazed by the serenity of the locations and the unique partnerships they maintain. Colby and Wrightwood offer space for ministry to take place, rather than just offering camp "the way they do it." Hope for the Journey is a camp offered at Colby for those living with HIV, and No Estan Solos offers refuge and FUN for unaccompanied migrant children fleeing violent, insecure situations. We were touched by the story of Camp Brave Trails, a Colby/Wrightwood partnership that is providing a safe place for LGBTQ youth to develop a voice and be genuinely loved. At Wrightwood, the staff is providing campers with ways to explore their faith and decide for themselves what they believe. These camps are finding ways to glorify God while also meeting the needs and caring for the wounds of their community.
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It occurred to me during a recent stuck-in-the-truck conversation that I’ve never seen a Christian camp in a Buzzfeed or Upworthy video. I’ve never seen the article “check out this camp that’s instilling confidence, interpersonal skills, and hope in kids today” while scrolling my Facebook. I've never seen a feel-good filler during the evening news that was about a Christian camp. The platforms exist and people want that kind of content, so where are we? Camp people know what we have to offer is life-altering. Our stories are inspiring. Camp is doing the good work. So how do we get a seat at the table?