Things I Learned at Jr. Camp

1. Never underestimate the power of deodorant...especially in 115 degree heat.

2. Some children wear all the clothes in the suitcase during the first 2 days.

3. Some children will spend all their money in the first 2 days.

4. One child will look you in the eye and say thank you...and that child probably will not be the one you think it will be.

5. 4-6th grade girls will not claim their dirty underwear off the floor unless you hold the underwear up with a stick and publicly describe the underwear.

6. Some counselors were meant to go to camp. Others should stay at home and take their happy pills.

7. Clean cabin award incentive should not be giant pixie sticks. That's not really incentive for the counselors to motivate the children to clean.

8. Watching children worship in their environment is beautiful.

9. Leading a child to the Lord is breathtaking....everytime. What a privilege and a blessing to be able to share Christ with ready hearts.

I've worked with kids for years in one capacity or another. I'm more convinced than ever that parents and churches have a huge responsibility to train generations to know God and His Word for their lives. It would be great if we lived in a world where every parent did their job of teaching and that church was just a reinforcement of what is being taught at home. But let's face it. We live in a sin drenched world where parents don't do this. Even Christian parents don't do this, much less a godless people. Instead of just worrying about our own kids...which would be the easy things to do....we need to have compassion and extend grace to children who walk through our doors, who play with our kids in the neighborhood, who are in our schools, who play on our kid's soccer team. As the church for this generation, we need to step up and love and lead and reinforce and guide and partner with families who need what God has given us.

I'm thankful for the children's ministry of our church. It's comforting to me to know that my kids can go to a safe place to learn about God. God has gifted people to be teachers who can share effectively the messages of His Word. I'm thankful that He gave us these helpers for our family. It's just another way He provides. I'm glad I'm not in this alone. I'm thankful that, while I am very aware of my responsibilities as a parent raising children in this world, that God, in His grace, partnered my family with a church that takes children seriously, creates a fun place for learning and fellowship and exposure to gifted teachers who just might be the ones that say those words or present that message in a way that my kids are drawn closer to Christ. And I'm ok with that. Because in the end....the glory and praise is to the Father.