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One HUGE reason that I think a thoroughly robust Biblical Worldview student summer camp is so important: Godly Relationships shape worldviews.
Gen Z is HIGHLY relational and their worldview is influenced by their connections. Thus, a week at camp (or longer) gives students a focused opportunity to build relationships with Godly adults and peers that end up influencing their entire worldview and life.
A student's entire life can be changed in one week through the faithful proclamation of God's Word and a demonstration of love in the body of Christ. Yes, one should base their worldview on the truth God's ultimate authority and not on what others think; however, we should not discount the effective 'apologetic' of Godly and loving relationships in the body of Christ. Paul demonstrated this in 1 Thessalonians 2:8:
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Godly community is one of our greatest apologetics.
On the other extreme are many summer gatherings that emphasize the 'community' part and downplay the importance of giving students meat in sound teaching. It mainly becomes watered-down Christian Ted Talks with high energy games.
Why not both?
When on 4% of Gen Z that are professing Christians have a Biblical Worldview, we can't let pragmatism drive what we do, ie. saying that "what kids want > what they need."
No, "what students need Biblically > what they want."
Sometimes unregenerate students and/or parents want less bible and more fluff. On the other hand, sometimes regenerate students and parents may express less meat too, but they need to be discipled in the priority of seeking the kingdom and God's priorities (Matt. 6:33).
Plus, pursuing what honors God be truly delighting to the believer because God has implanted in him a new heart (Ezekiel 36) and he will want to grow in what God wants (Psalm 37:4)! Furthermore, why would a believer want less truth Biblical teaching in our chaotic age? What grows a believer in Christ? By knowing and obeying the truth of God's Word (John 17:17; 2 Tim 3:15-16).
(For more on this point, check out this article on "Gen Z & the Draw to Serious Faith" by Trevin Wax)
Yes, it's good to have fun at camps! We have a BLAST at our camp! Kangaroo court, ropes course, paintballing, climbing wall and more! This year we have actually made plans for more free time and opportunities for students to sign up for team sports.
Games can be an important ministry opportunity to get kids to open up, laugh and trust others more!
However, games should just be icing in the cake, not the main attraction.
The church can't merely offer a "Christian flavored social club" and then keep acting surprised when students disengage and "deconstruct" every few years.
The church is the "pillar and buttress of truth' (1 Tim 3:15) not the pillar of games and self-help Jesus talks.
The Engage camp is about Biblical TRUTH and Relationships. Don't pit those against each other. We have a blast together while we are focused on the Truth of God's Word.
We are in a war for the next generation and can't afford to play games with their souls.
Build relationships through prayer, games, conversations BUT give them the Truth of God's Word!
(note: there are MANY great Christian camps out there that strike the balance well. I'm merely reflecting on what I think ought to be guiding principles in a faithful camp that encourages Godly relationships and points students to the truth of God's Word)
We changed our ministry name from "Engage apologetics' to "Engage Truth" because I keep getting the false assumption that: apologetics is what some Christians do, but not all believers (contra 1 Peter 3:15). If we are TRUTH people, according to 1 Cor 13:6-7 and 2 Cor. 10:3-5, then we are just being a basic Christian. If we defend, clarify and apply the Total Truth of God's Word to all areas of life, we are just being a consistent Christian. Plus, what Christian wants to honestly argue, "oh, I'm not called to be about truth? I'm just a feelings Christian" (granted, many may function that way).
The reverse is true when it comes to ungodly relationships: Being close with ungodly friends and family is HIGHLY influential in shaping ones worldview. This is not hard to recognize as many people become gay affirming or change their view on the Bible in large part due to their relationships with others.
"Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Cor. 15:33
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers..." Psalm 1:1
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25
"One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Proverbs 12:26
"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
I pray you will consider joining us or sending your students to our 2024 Engage Truth Summer Camp! I truly believe it will be a life changing week!