Many christian camps have a continuous trend on their grounds. Buildings are built every so often, new outdoor activities are set up for the people who come. The question is; are these trends good?
I'm sure most people would agree that a camp that keeps up with the latest trend is going to bring in more groups. Their is something about trends that draw people away from the old and into the new. I see it all the time whether it's some new clothing item to the latest new cereal. However, trends can be dangerous.
I see how Hidden Acres operates and what trends grow within camp. I believe that the trend of building is seen on a regular basis. I do not see this trend as a danger. However, as camp goes about these changes it is important to keep in mind the purpose of each building and the cost.
So many people in the world today think that whatever they want they should be able to have. Every day businesses feed that lie to everyone. Commercials tell kids that they need the latest toy or game. I feel that even though camp may have a trend for new buildings that they go about it in the right way.
The latest edition to camp was the Inn. People at camp thought about the new building, prayed about the new building, and raised the money to pay for the building. Many buildings around camp are built with the funds from an individual or family. This action shows us at camp that people appreciate the camp's influence on those who attend Hidden Acres.
I see the leaders at camp use what God has given the camp to further His kingdom. Sometimes debate goes on between the decision of a new building and the opinions of the people coming to stay on the grounds. The buildings at camp are built with the intention of accommodating the guests, having sufficient funds, and to further the kingdom of God.
God does amazing work here and I think that the trend of adding new buildings is a trend worth considering for any camp. Though, I think that through God's will, prayer, and the sufficient funds brought about by good stewardship, camp is able to provide these new buildings.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Blog # 9 International CCCA Camp
From my searching of oversea camps related to CCCA, I came across the CCI Russia page. It sounds similar to camps within the states, but is more of a leadership training based ministry.
This camp is focused on training those to go and spread the gospel to the lost. In doing so they offer materials and resources to strengthen the growth in their new leaders. I think this camp differs from what we in the U.S. are used to. Many people come to christian camps in the U.S. in order to get together with church groups, family, and other retreaters. It seems that CCI Russia has a greater purpose in training the people about God more than just a family get away.
The site wasn't too detailed in telling what facilities they have their, but I expect it is not as convenient as our buildings and facilities.
This assignment has given me a taste at the way oversea camps yearn to spread the word of Christ in their countries.
This camp is focused on training those to go and spread the gospel to the lost. In doing so they offer materials and resources to strengthen the growth in their new leaders. I think this camp differs from what we in the U.S. are used to. Many people come to christian camps in the U.S. in order to get together with church groups, family, and other retreaters. It seems that CCI Russia has a greater purpose in training the people about God more than just a family get away.
The site wasn't too detailed in telling what facilities they have their, but I expect it is not as convenient as our buildings and facilities.
This assignment has given me a taste at the way oversea camps yearn to spread the word of Christ in their countries.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Blog # 8 Philosophical Tension. separation vs. accomodation
A philosophical tension that camps experience is between separation vs. accommodation.
Ministry has different presuppositions, which is the view of a given situation, different core values, the foundations of beliefs that an individual or a group does not stray away from, and different ministry methods, the way a group or individual focuses their core values to meet their goals.
All of these areas link together leading to an appropriate ministry activity. An appropriate ministry activity is the working purpose that is a result of presuppositions, core values, and a ministry method. However, when a philosophical tension arises, the conflict between two parties presuppositions, it makes it difficult for the links to work.
When a camp looks at separation it tries to keep the incoming campers apart from the world and it's fads. One such issue would be allowing retreaters the use of their phones. It seems that in today's society cell phones are a distraction for people. Camps want to keep as many distractions from their retreaters as they can in order to allow a focus on God and His creation.
On the other hand many camps tend to allow retreaters to bring their technology as the camp offers the many comforts of home. This would be accommodation for the retreaters. Accommodation gives the retreaters comfort that they experience daily. However, this comfort may not give retreaters the attraction to God, but on worldly expectations.
I believe that an appropriate ministry activity in this situation would result in an outdoor setting allowing a separation from the normal, but also allowing the retreaters comfort in the buildings provided. The Lord will work according to His plan and I think camp needs to allow a separation from the world and make the guests feel comfortable about the separation.
Ministry has different presuppositions, which is the view of a given situation, different core values, the foundations of beliefs that an individual or a group does not stray away from, and different ministry methods, the way a group or individual focuses their core values to meet their goals.
All of these areas link together leading to an appropriate ministry activity. An appropriate ministry activity is the working purpose that is a result of presuppositions, core values, and a ministry method. However, when a philosophical tension arises, the conflict between two parties presuppositions, it makes it difficult for the links to work.
When a camp looks at separation it tries to keep the incoming campers apart from the world and it's fads. One such issue would be allowing retreaters the use of their phones. It seems that in today's society cell phones are a distraction for people. Camps want to keep as many distractions from their retreaters as they can in order to allow a focus on God and His creation.
On the other hand many camps tend to allow retreaters to bring their technology as the camp offers the many comforts of home. This would be accommodation for the retreaters. Accommodation gives the retreaters comfort that they experience daily. However, this comfort may not give retreaters the attraction to God, but on worldly expectations.
I believe that an appropriate ministry activity in this situation would result in an outdoor setting allowing a separation from the normal, but also allowing the retreaters comfort in the buildings provided. The Lord will work according to His plan and I think camp needs to allow a separation from the world and make the guests feel comfortable about the separation.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Blog #7 How do I see God through natrue?
These last few days I was able to enjoy the beauty of God's handiwork. The Launch students went on a camping trip to Backbone State Park in Iowa. It was an enjoyable excursion. I took time to just experience God in everything. It was amazing to see God's hand everywhere.
The first beauty I came across on this trip was the vast colors of leaves throughout the park. I though to myself someone must care that we enjoy our time here on earth through seeing the diverse trees and leaf colors. Fall is my favortie season, because I love the temperature that surrounds me. God is so careful and percise in how His creation prepares for the next chapter of it's life. God has to have a purpose for placing all that He has done on this earth.
The next great outdoor attraction I saw was the many vultures in that area. A few of us students came upon around 40 or so vultures near a stream. It was amazing to see all the vultures fly off together. I was reminded in how God provides for all of His creatures.
Hiking around the park, I came upon many rocky clifs. I climbed on a few of them and crawled through some other openings. My first reaction was am I still in Iowa? I was very surprised to find all the beautiful areas that we did in this flat farming state.
This was a great chance for me to look at God in everything. I learned how much He does care for us and loves us.
The first beauty I came across on this trip was the vast colors of leaves throughout the park. I though to myself someone must care that we enjoy our time here on earth through seeing the diverse trees and leaf colors. Fall is my favortie season, because I love the temperature that surrounds me. God is so careful and percise in how His creation prepares for the next chapter of it's life. God has to have a purpose for placing all that He has done on this earth.
The next great outdoor attraction I saw was the many vultures in that area. A few of us students came upon around 40 or so vultures near a stream. It was amazing to see all the vultures fly off together. I was reminded in how God provides for all of His creatures.
Hiking around the park, I came upon many rocky clifs. I climbed on a few of them and crawled through some other openings. My first reaction was am I still in Iowa? I was very surprised to find all the beautiful areas that we did in this flat farming state.
This was a great chance for me to look at God in everything. I learned how much He does care for us and loves us.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Assignment # 6: Look up a camp that is associated with CCI and give a description of that camp.
Pine Lake Christian Camp is located in Eldora, Iowa. Like many other christian camps around the country this camp it offers an outdoor environment for the families, retreaters, and campers that attend Pine Lake throughout the year. Pine Lake is owned by an estimated 220 Baptist churches.
Though, Pine Lake opened in 1957 it became a member of CCCA in 1960. Pine Lake holds 49 acres and invites youth and adults to enjoy the campgrounds. The camp was bought for $5,000 that was raised after the prayers of members of the IBC Annual Meeting. By the end of the meeting the money was raised. During the these last years the camp has 34 current buildings and borders 585 acres of Pine Lake's State Park.
Pine Lake Christian Camp offers a variety of activities to the campers who come. A large swimming pool, high ropes course, basketball, volley ball, lake activities, and a game field awaits those interested in experiencing Pine Lake's camp. Pine Lake Christian Camp wants the people who come to get away from the worldly distractions and come closer to a realization in God and His Son Jesus Christ. People experience God's creation as they walk around the camp and see His amazing beauty.
The camp uses the Bible towards every aspects of it's work. Pine Lake is an environment that allows people to experience God.
Though, Pine Lake opened in 1957 it became a member of CCCA in 1960. Pine Lake holds 49 acres and invites youth and adults to enjoy the campgrounds. The camp was bought for $5,000 that was raised after the prayers of members of the IBC Annual Meeting. By the end of the meeting the money was raised. During the these last years the camp has 34 current buildings and borders 585 acres of Pine Lake's State Park.
Pine Lake Christian Camp offers a variety of activities to the campers who come. A large swimming pool, high ropes course, basketball, volley ball, lake activities, and a game field awaits those interested in experiencing Pine Lake's camp. Pine Lake Christian Camp wants the people who come to get away from the worldly distractions and come closer to a realization in God and His Son Jesus Christ. People experience God's creation as they walk around the camp and see His amazing beauty.
The camp uses the Bible towards every aspects of it's work. Pine Lake is an environment that allows people to experience God.
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