OWTH
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have shifted has been JACK IS A Camps CHRISTINA SUNZ my perspective of a huge part presence and life and LEADER God’s HAS BEEN ofhasmydefinitely have influenced my ON A faith hugely. I have A CAMPER been a core of to understand I am still a SUNZ come ON A SUNZ why God’s presence as Christian. Some CAMP something that can CAMP of the things
also be communal—to share our faith together between leaders, campers and camp parents. It’s an inter-generational faith—and this way of fellowship was completely new to me! The Bible studies are great—worldviews was the last one. Understanding more of the Christian faith, and hearing the diversity of camper’s experiences has widened my lens of what it means to be a Christian. I was challenged to grow in the understanding of different people’s relationships with God, and that they are as diverse as the people who follow him! Camps provide a very supportive environment to explore those questions together. Physically being in creation is a more immersive way of experiencing God and His character and shows a more realistic picture of who He is. I treasure my time in the outdoors, and camps have given me a taste for seeking that time with God outside of camp. It’s also an encouraging environment for me to practically grow in my skills! I like the way I’m able to apply the theories I’m learning from my courses, take on new leadership challenges and have good constructive feedback.
I appreciate about camps include meeting godly leaders who encourage me; living in community; building deeper relationships in smaller camps; learning about SUNZ camps history; leaders’ stories of their experiences as campers; loving and not being judgmental; morning prayers and the focus on God first thing in the day; evening prayers that pull everyone back together for a similar goal; and singing and worshipping God together. All these things serve to unite everyone in a really special way. I found our studies on prayer at the last camp quite practical. We were shown different types of prayer that you can apply to all parts of your day. I found it really helpful and have taken it on. Being out in creation, often in remote areas, makes you admire God. Most of my outdoor experience has been on SU camps and it’s such a cool opportunity to learn from experienced people. It has given me some direction in where I want to work—with camps, outdoors, with people and with God!
JULY 2022 19
