The two words together probably sound very serious to some, or "Christian Camp" could sound like fun to another. Either way, I'd recommend going because they are life-changing.
If you're interested in going to camp, imagine this:
You wake up each morning to your new dorm mates, but by the end of the camp, they end up becoming your new friends. You get fed, breakfast, lunch, and dinner surrounded by other people your age who are interested in learning about God and have come to have fun. Your daily schedule includes fun games, spending time in nature, and time away from screens. Your summer was probably going to be a boring one but ended up being memorable because of the Christian camps, you went to one and had so much fun that you decided to go to more.
If you're interested in helping out/serving as a camp leader, imagine this:
You're heart is set on helping God by reaching the souls of children with the Good News. You sign up and spend your mornings in prayer. Praying that the daily activites go well, that the kids learn something about God and the seed is planted in their lives. You meet all kinds of God's servants from all around Ireland and have meaningful and fun conversations. Seeing the kids enjoy themselves in a wholesome setting puts a smile on your face and encourages you each day. The work is tiring but the Lord's strength keeps you going and it becomes an inside joke within all of the leaders. You learn so much about kids of all ages and the work that goes on behind running camps. You leave in awe of God's goodness and a memorable experience added to your year!
Growing up, I'd never heard of Christian Camps until I hit my teens and heard a few of my friends talking about them. Their parents were forcing them to go, but they would sneak out at night and get up to all kinds of bad things. Hearing that made me not want to go because that did NOT sound like fun to me. But little did I know that not all camps were like that. Especially if they hold Christian values.
Either way, I've always liked the idea of camping, the clear night sky, and seeing all of the stars God has made. A bonfire warming everybody up while we sing songs and relish the fun day we've had while sipping on our hot drinks. I wanted to experience that, but by the time I reached my late 20s, I thought it was too late.
But God has a funny way of making even the dreams you think are impossible come to life.
One day my brother told me about a Christian camp and showed me the flyer for it. When I saw the age range from 23-35, I screamed. I could actually go to one, so I booked the days off and made it down by myself and got there with no expectations, my pillow, a bag of clothes, one pair of shoes (which I would later regret), and my bible.
The next few days would change my life for the better. We played fun games, did arts and crafts, had mid-day and evening sessions about God, and had camp competitions. Every da,y there was something to do and something to look forward to the next day. I ended up leaving the camp with a word from God, new friends, and fun memories I didn't think I'd have. One of them was a scavenger hunt at night in the middle of a forest. I also got to live out the dream I had of singing songs around the campfire under the stars. God is so good, and so was the food!
If you've never been to a Christian camp, it's never too late to go to one. Or maybe you used to go to them but no longer do, and you're thinking about going back. I would go for it!
It's a fun and wholesome experience. Especially during the summer, it gives you something to look forward to and allows you to carve out time to spend with God and other Christians. You come back home on fire for God and with a new perspective on His goodness and character!
I was speaking to someone who runs Christian camps for kids, and they said the amazing part is when everyone is singing and praising God, all the voices together just leave you in awe. That was my favorite part too!
After this camp, I had no idea that the following year God would make a way and position me as a camp leader amongst so many kids. It's been a blessing to serve Him in this way, not to mention that it's incredibly fun to learn about God through the minds of kids and care for them.
Have I changed your mind? Here are some camps below that you can attend, depending on your age!
If I haven't convinced you but it might be of interest to those you know, share this blog post with friends and family members who would like to send their kids to a Christian camp near you so they can make fun memories and new friends!
🟢 = Registration Open 🟠= Registration Closed, try next year! 🔴 = Already Over
For Young Adults
🟠MOVE ~ 28th July - 1st August ~ 14 to 18 years old.
🟢 PULSE ~ 4th - 8th August ~ 12 to 18 years old. (pulse@ccireland.ie)
🔴 SUMMER SOUL ~ 29th June to 5th July ~ 1st Year to 6th Year Students
For Kids (Under 12)
🟢 LIVE IT OUT ~ 21st July to 23rd July ~ 6 to 12 years old.
🟢 KIDS CAMP ~ 29th July to 1st August ~ 5 to 12 years old.
🟢 KIDS CAMP DROGHEDA ~ 28th July to 30th July ~ 4 to 10 years old.
🟢 CCI KIDS ~ 30th October to 1st November ~ contact for more details: info@ccireland.ie
🟢 BCM - JUNIOR CAMP ~ 27th July to 1st August ~ 8 to 11-year-olds.
For Adults
🟠IMPACT ~ 25th August to 28th ~ 23 to 35 years old. (Registration Closed)
🔴 ARISE ~ 7th to 9th March ~ (Will be back 2026)
A reminder that if you've missed the registration or you're seeing this past the date,
it's okay as most camps happen every year,
now you know which ones you can go to and which ones to look out for next year!
Camp organizations to look out for:
There are even camps internationally...
🟢 UK - EMERGE - August (15th - 18th) - 11 to 18 years old.
I'll update this list frequently, finding you the best camps to visit too!
I may not know all of them, but if you're aware of any and would like to add to the list, please comment below.
In the meantime,
I pray that your summer is long,
that it's filled with lots of fresh air,
good food and conversations,
and most importantly Godly-living!
Love & Peace,
Renate.
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God bless you!