Written by: Anna Blazes
Camping Ministries Assistant
Camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn and grow. This growth can be seen in many ways, one of them being in relational growth.
This past summer I had the occasion to invite a young girl named Joanna* to come to camp for the first time. After the week was over, she shared with me that she had a wonderful experience. However, it was not until months later that I learned about another exciting impact that camp had on her life.
During her week of camp here at Joy El she made a good friend in her cabin named Rachel*. Since the conclusion of camp, the two girls have been writing letters back and forth to each other.
This fall, they even had the opportunity for their families to meet up for a play date and are planning to continue to build their friendship that started at camp. Joanna’s mom shared how thankful she is for the Christ-centered friendship that has been made between the two girls, as Joanna was in need of a new friend.
Hearing Joanna’s story made me think about how powerful friendships are, and reminded me of the benefits of children experiencing authentic Christ-centered community and building relationships while at camp. Life is truly better when we do it together.
We are grateful for the opportunity to minister to children and their parents, and to provide opportunities for them to have a personal encounter with God.
*Names changed and children not represented in photo