There’s Nothing Like a Campfire

A Comprehensive Field Guide to

Youth Camp

At night, the cicadas lead a choir of crickets, frogs, katydids, and plenty more living organisms. They all sing with a sureness of themselves. It’s a steadiness that registers in the key of peace and carries so effortlessly through the open windows of every cabin. Their hymn settles the dust that so often lays on anything that was left outside overnight. It’s a better written song than anything I’ve ever heard. The purest worship. They’re simply eating, breathing, calling for a mate. Doing exactly what they were created to do. They’re living. After camp, you’ll realize that something is missing when you lay down to go to sleep. It’s the hum. The lullaby. 

By morning, the dew has floated so gently down on the grass, it’s as if each blade has been hand dipped in the lake, and placed back in its original spot. The Chac and sock, Croc and sock, and Stock and sock wearer better be careful. Don’t walk too swiftly. That early morning trudge from the campfire to breakfast can lead to a soggy foot. 

If by chance you’re a breakfast eater, camp yields a high volume of caloric variety that is sure to please any sweet or savory craving. Pancakes, biscuits, sausage, bacon, yogurt...but wait. One item stands out from the pack. It's the cheese toast. I can’t explain it. A slice of perfectly processed and homingized American cheese placed strategically on a slice of white bread, toasted until a golden brown. It’s midweek, you’re tired, your team isn't doing great, but it’s cheese toast day. My my. It might be what gets you over the hump. It might lead to your salvation. There, I guess I did explain it. If it’s not the cheese toast it’ll be the bacon. Grab an extra piece. You’ll burn the calories off by noon anyway. I will say this though about the bacon, you’ll be thirsty during Bible study. Your mind will wonder somewhere between questioning existence and blue Gatorade made from that cool clear Indian Spring water. You ‘ll overcome it though because you're committed. 

Look, the choice is yours. I’ve known campers who didn’t wear shoes all week, did not nap once, and asked for prayer every night during ministry time. They squeezed every ounce out of camp that it had to offer. That does not have to be you, but what I’m saying is, you get what you put into it. 

Your lungs will be warmly reminded of what fresh air truly is. Your sense of smell, taste, and vision will all be enhanced. You’ll think “Wow, so that is what living looks like.” But, fresher than the air that you will breathe this week, will be your overwhelming sense of place in this world: A child of the Creator of it all. The Lord.