Off to Camp

As the school year winds down at college campuses across the nation my plans turn to the Bible camps. This summer my travels will take me to camps in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Here I will meet with prospective students as they are engaged in their summer calling to the camping ministry.

The Bible camps of the ELCA are marvelous places for shaping leaders for ministry. It is by working at a camp that an individual gets an opportunity to articulate and teach the faith to others and to be affirmed in that experience. It is that combination of practice and affirmation that is so vital for anyone seeking their future vocation.

In 2006 Luther Seminary surveyed students regarding their experience with formational events (Bible camps, mission trips and discernment events). Over 200 students took the survey. Some highlights:

• Close to 70% attended a camp
• Over 80% attended a Bible camp
• Over 50% worked at a camp
• Of those who worked at a camp, close to 50 percent considered the experience a factor in their call discernment.

So I am off to camp for the summer and excited to be among those engaged in this wonderful ministry and be in conversation with those whom the Holy Spirit may be calling to a vocation in ministry.