Feb 27, 2020
By Donna Bond
Shiloh SDB Church, NJ
“I HATE camping,” a now-departed, well-respected SDB pastor (not my relative) declared, “but it’s a good way to show children how Christians live.” (No doubt it was in his job description and I hasten to add, camping is NOT vacation for a pastor/director!)
I became aware of the importance of church camping when we moved to White Cloud, MI. I was surprised to learn that my dad was willing to drive two hours each way to ensure I would be in Junior Camp at Camp Holston near Battle Creek. If he were otherwise occupied, another family would make room for me in their fully-occupied sedan.
I am not an avid outdoors person, but I have slept in seven SDB-owned camps, and visited two more—as camper, retreater, SCSCer and PreConner. Perhaps this is why our Editor thought I might answer the question: “What is the impact of camping on our churches and denomination?”
To quote another now-departed SDB pastor who IS related to me, “…the real strength of ministry comes from laity.” He further asserts that “…no camp can function without the hundreds of donated hours. From cooks, counselors, recreational leaders, and bus drivers—to the spiritual and financial assistance of the churches and the cooperation of families who provide the campers—all are equally important in the grand scheme of SDB camping.”1 To Dad’s list, I would add medical personnel, water safety instructors and child protection agents.
The impact of camping experiences on our own youth is incalculable. Skills learned by campers that produce capable church leaders include: teamwork, vesper planning, alone-with-God time, scheduling, tolerance, face-to-face interaction, “adventurous” cuisine…the list is endless. Adults who want to contribute to ministry can find their niches in church- or Association-owned camping programs.
Additionally, unchurched community children are exposed to the Gospel. Forty years after Charles Bond retired, middle-aged former campers ask me, “Are you related to Pastor Bond?” No doubt the same can be said for many of our pastors and other camp staff members. The camping program provides one means of fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
1 Sanford, Don A., “Camps: Extension of pastors and laity,” The Sabbath Recorder, (Janesville, WI) May 2006, 12.
