Message: Nurturing Lives through Camp / John 15:1-8

In Korea, during the summer, I always found myself in places where Bible schools or camps were held. When I was young, I had very enjoyable and transformative experiences there as a participant. After entering seminary, I organized and facilitated one-week youth camps as a youth pastor. Also, I volunteered for several years as the director of camps organized by a Christian environmental organization. Therefore, summers in Korea were always busy but also very exciting. Through those events, I was able to deepen fellowship and understand how significant those moments were in the lives of children and youth.

My experience with the United Church of Canada’s camping ministry was two years ago when I participated as an assistant chaplain at Camp McDougall to learn about their camp program. Although the youth camps here are not exactly the same as those in Korea, experiencing that camp made me realize how important it is.

For this Camp Sunday, I am going to reflect on the ministry of the United Church camps in today's sermon. Since I don't have much experience in this area, today's message is mainly based on materials from the Camping Sunday Services of the United Church of Canada in 2018 and 2020.

Camps have a strong history in Canada and in the United Church. We are in a place in history where we now have second-, third-, and even fourth-generation campers going to the same camp their family members went to. We are in a place where we are welcoming many new Canadians to our camps; where camps are welcoming, nurturing, caring, and compassionate places for all people to come and have fun, learn about our connections with each other, and grow.

At camp, we teach our staff that camp changes lives. This comes up in leadership training, in staff training before campers arrive, and in so many conversations leading up to camp. It isn’t until camp staff go through a summer and reflect at the end that it really sinks in just how much of an impact camp has on our community.

Our community of United Church Camps across Canada serves thousands of children and families, many of whom would not be able to experience camp without the support of our broader church communities. Churches, UCWs, special interest groups, church leaders, and individuals like you provide support, financial and otherwise, without which these life-changing experiences may not occur. 

In today’s scripture passage, Jesus compares himself to a vine, with productive, fruit-growing branches. Neither the branches nor the fruit will survive without the life-giving vine. Neither will they thrive without God. The pulsing life of our faith is the vine that encourages our good works, our understanding, and our love that encompasses God’s creation.

At church camps, campers and counsellors work to bear the following fruit: They create, play games, exercise, lead and follow. They make new friends, help others, problem-solve together, sing. They explore nature even as they interact with it. They add to their understandings of diversity, equality, fairness, and faith. They become productive, growing branches that receive sustenance from the vine of Christ’s example and guidance.

It is a great blessing that we have Camp Kagama in our local community. This camp was established in 1936 with the purpose of providing a safe place for youth to build friendships and enjoy the beauty of creation. More than 23,000 campers have visited the camp on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and shared this experience. Here are some notes from the campers last year:

“I enjoyed Kagama because the food was great, I made new friends, and it was a good environment to feel safe in. Even if I didn’t feel comfortable, they would help by offering alternative activity choices.”

“It’s my first time at a camp, and I had the best experience possible.”

“I love this place because I make a lot of friends. It’s really fun with all the staff.”

“I just wanted to say that I love Camp Kagama so much. I think it is an awesome place for kids to have a break from home.”

As you can see, the camping ministry is very precious to our young generation. It provides them with a great opportunity to reflect on God’s word and wisdom from creation, as well as God’s image reflected in other people. Therefore, supporting Camp Kagama with our prayers and actions is one of our important missions.

So let’s sit outside, together, around the campfire of our imagination. You will realize that the warmth you feel doesn’t come only from the fire, but also from your connections with those around you, and a growing understanding of your place in the universe. Your smiles, your songs, your thoughts become a prayer of gratitude to Creator God. And something inside you wants this to last forever.

Thanks be to God. Amen.


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