Relationship as defined by google.... the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. This definition is one of the driving forces at Gimli Bible Camp. Its not about high thrills (Unless we have 5' waves at swim time), its not about the super activities (Slingshot and Archery can get extreme depending on the leader), its not about the nice cabins (Hello painted OSB!), its not about the skilled camp staff (We love our 14+ high school students dearly!) but it comes down to relationship.
During our teen week, guess what one of our skills is?! Yep, you probably didn't guess it, but I bet you were close.... Chill Skill! That's right, a whole skill block to chill out with friends and cabin leaders. As i've been reading my Generation Z book by Tim Elmore, a statement in their really stuck out why this skill is needed and popular. Our kids and teens actually need some 'boredom' in their days. Its that space that allows their brains to evaluate the day, the good and bad, to recharge, and to learn. Attention spans are down to 8 seconds, I have a hard time believing this, but the average Generation Z surrounds themselves with 5 screens often at the same time (TV, Computer, Laptop, Smart Phone, Tablet)
When we get kids and teens out to camp, and our summer missionaries start building relationships with these kids, its such a good thing! Building relationships means building trust. Building relationships means building for the long term, not just the week. Building relationships means that Jesus is working through us show the campers he wants a relationship with them to. Building relationships that allow the campers to have melt downs, freak-outs, tantrums, knowing their in a safe place to do so, and will still be loved and cared for regardless of their actions.
The greatest Commandment: Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a]38 This is the first and greatest commandment.39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Below I have a trailer for the Bible Series called Chosen. It is very well down and has moved me to tears at times. It has helped me understand a lot better the relationship that my Saviour Jesus wants with me, and wow is it every life changing.
What are these pictures doing in-between the paragraphs today? Good thing you've asked! There ideas i've been brainstorming that would be good relationship building activities to do with our campers. If any of them strikes your fancy / your family/ extended family/ neighbour hood / church / youth group / ...etc... would like to donate the materials, the money, the time to assemble/build please let me know! Please let me know if you have any questions, ideas, etc! Blessings, have a very encouraging, thought provoking Easter weekend.
Episode 1 of season 2 of The Chosen comes out this weekend...!!
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