Ten Reasons You Should Send Your Kid to Camp
And One Reason You Might Want to Go, Too!
By Pastor Karl Bastian, Kidology.org
There’s something almost magical about summer camp. The crackling campfire, the chorus of frogs at night, the sound of kids laughing as they run between cabins and canoes. But it’s not just the scenery or the s’mores that make camp so valuable—it’s what happens in kids while they’re at camp.
If you’ve been on the fence about sending your child to summer camp, here are ten compelling reasons to make it happen this year. It’s more than just a break for them (and maybe for you)—it’s an investment in their heart, their mind, their friendships, and their faith.
1. Camp gets kids into God’s creation.
In our digital world, kids are constantly surrounded by screens. Camp pulls the plug—literally—and immerses them in God’s handiwork. From towering trees to twinkling stars, nature has a way of pointing us back to the Creator.
As Romans 1:20 reminds us, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…”
When kids hike a trail, catch a frog, or sit quietly under a tree, they’re not just having fun—they’re encountering God in His natural sanctuary.
2. Camp gives kids a break from the noise.
Let’s face it: life is loud. Social media, school drama, constant notifications… sometimes kids don’t even realize how much noise they live with until they step away.
Camp offers space for solitude and silence. Like Jesus, who “very early in the morning… went off to a solitary place, where He prayed” (Mark 1:35), our kids need a quiet place to hear God’s voice and reflect on their lives.
3. Camp teaches teamwork and community.
Camp cabins are like mini-societies. Whether your child is an only child or one of many, living in close quarters with others teaches compromise, cooperation, and camaraderie.
Games, skits, and team challenges all teach the value of being part of something bigger than themselves. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Camp is full of those sharpening moments.
4. Camp introduces new experiences.
From archery to zip lines to making your own tie-dye shirt (that may or may not turn out tie-dye-colored), camp is packed with opportunities kids might never get at home.
Trying something new builds confidence—and who knows? Camp might just uncover a hidden talent or lifelong hobby.
5. Camp strengthens kids’ faith.
At camp, Jesus isn’t just a Sunday topic—He’s part of daily life. Chapel services, cabin devotions, and meaningful conversations with counselors all help kids grow spiritually in a concentrated, hands-on way.
Acts 2:42 gives us a picture of early believers: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” That’s camp in a nutshell.
And for many kids, it’s at camp where they make a personal decision to follow Jesus or take their faith deeper than ever before.
6. Camp fosters independence.
Camp is often a child’s first time away from home for more than a sleepover. And while it may feel daunting (for both of you!), it’s a great chance for kids to learn responsibility, decision-making, and self-confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
You’ll be amazed how much your child grows in just a few days.
7. Camp builds discipline and routine.
Yes, they’ll stay up late. Yes, they’ll forget to put on deodorant at least once. But camp also instills structure—there’s a schedule to follow, responsibilities to own, and group expectations to meet.
In a world that often coddles kids, camp lovingly challenges them to rise to the occasion—and they usually do!
8. Camp models good sportsmanship.
From cabin competitions to silly relay races, camp is full of chances to cheer for others, win with grace, and lose with humility. In a time when comparison and rivalry are rampant, these lessons are critical.
Philippians 2:3 reminds us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Sportsmanship is one more way faith is lived out at camp.
9. Camp creates lifelong friendships.
There’s something about camp that forges deep connections quickly. Maybe it’s the shared adventures, the late-night cabin chats, or the mutual horror of campfire mystery meat—but kids leave camp with new friends they’ll never forget.
Many adults can trace a life-long friendship, or even a calling to ministry or missions, back to a week at camp.
10. Camp helps kids connect with God in a personal way.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, camp opens the door for kids to hear God calling their name.
Acts 17:27 tells us God “is not far from any one of us.” Camp creates the space where kids can hear that truth—sometimes for the first time.
Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” Camp is a place where seeking feels natural, and God often feels very near.
Bonus Reason:
Maybe YOU should go, too!
Every year, adults who volunteer as camp counselors, leaders, or support staff end up just as changed as the kids.
You’ll see God work in young lives. You’ll laugh, sing, and maybe cry around the campfire. You’ll rediscover the joy of childlike faith and the power of unplugged moments.
If you want to be a part of something eternal—something that impacts kids for years to come—consider joining your church’s camp team. Whether you lead devotions, help with games, or just serve snacks, your presence could be the very thing God uses to reach a child’s heart.
As Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” Summer camp is one of the best places to do just that.
By Pastor Karl Bastian, Kidology.org
