Multiply the Experience
Make Camp Last All Year
Use What Happened at Camp Back Home
Space probes launched in specific windows of time are able to utilize the incredible momentum of moving planets and moons to get sling-shot-like assistance, propelling them deeper into space and on their way to fulfilling their mission.
Success of a camp event is not only defined by all the great things that happen to people during camp but the event’s goodness is also found in the manner in which explorers are nurtured after camp. Camp is just the launch with a lot of good relationship momentum. The rest of the mission is yet to be accomplished.
We ask these questions, “What value is a mountain top experience if the explorers are doomed to disaster when they arrive back in their neighborhood?” and, “How can the relationships between the guides and the explorers be further developed?
Our answer, “Camp doesn’t have to stop.”
The camp event is a stepping stone to something larger. Having built good relationships during camp, you can now continue to encourage the camper at church and in the community setting.
Disciplers are multipliers. They multiply God’s love. They multiply themselves. They multiply the God encounters. They multiply the professions of faith in Christ. They multiply trust and growth.
Look in a mirror and see yourself as a multiplier.
The challenge is to keep the momentum going for a year by doing at least one follow up procedure with your campers. That is the minimum. But maybe you can do a bit more. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about your own style of follow-up.
Confirming and Expanding Momentum
After you get back home from camp:
- At church, continue to grow the relationship. Be present in your explorers' lives. Listen by asking.
- At church, be affirming. Value them. Recognize their presence. Affirm their character.
- At church, challenge them to a higher expectation. Demonstrate Christ in your Christianity. Invite the explorers to participate in their faith with responsibility.
- Check in a few times with your explorers. When you see them, politely ask real questions about how they are doing.
- Let these new friends (your explorers) see that you still care. Demonstrate that you were sincere at camp and that they are important.
- Invite the adventure team to an event you are attending. A sporting event, a musical event, a picnic, an outdoor excursion, etc.
- Celebrate together. Get together on weekends, birthdays, or holidays.
Informal / Formal
Below are some follow-up ideas framed in a couple of perspectives. Plan for both. The informal approach to interacting is in the moment, casual, and without the need for a higher authority to give permission. Formal interaction may be expected, a part of already assumed or granted responsibilities, or “classic Christian” activities that are a part of church culture.
Continue the Camp Theme
Informal: You, personally, continue the devotional theme from camp.
Formal: Continue the devotional theme from camp. Invite explorers to do the same. Give guidance as needed.
Pray
Informal: Pray for your adventure team.
Formal: Tell someone in your team this week that you prayed for them. Ask if they have any prayer requests.
Informal: While talking with people from the team, pray for a need or request at the moment.
Lead
Formal: In your church, continue the same responsibilities you had before camp.
Informal: In your church, continue the same responsibilities you had before camp. Only now, invite your explorers to assist.
Events
Formal: Prior to the camp event, activities were planned by a committee.
Informal: (With ongoing permission...) After camp, you and your co-guide can plan mini-activities to stay connected with your explorers.
Bible Study
Formal: With the pastor’s approval, host a Bible study at church with your co-guide for the explorers and anyone else they want to bring.
Informal: With the pastor’s approval, host a Bible study in a home with your co-guide for the explorers and anyone else they want to bring.
Camp can produce a mountain-top experience. Capitalize on the great memories and profound commitments made by the explorers. Do discipleship.
Question:
In physics, if inertia is a property of resistance, something to be overcome, then, momentum is the movement, the un-resistance. What things do you think that a camp experience will assist in to bring forward movement, momentum, to personal and church ministry?
Select all that may apply:
1) People will know each other better.
2) I, as a guide, may earn trust of others.
3) Explorers may experience the mix of both fun and seriousness and understand that following Christ involves both.
4) Memories will be made that could strengthen relationships.
5) Learning new skills together could create bonds of friendship.
6) Habits relating to morning devotions may be created or reinforced.
7) Because camp is experiential, explorers may realize that Christianity is not only something to be learned but a lifestyle to be lived, not only Bible verses to be memorized but to be obeyed.
_ _ _
Answer: We believe all of the above are not only possible but probable. The growth that happens at camp can continue after camp. Nurture the growth.
Go to the next section: Orientation/prayer-partner
