“For many, church camp can be a transformative experience.”
From lifelong friendships and encounters with God to late nights, long talks, epic water battles and even more epic worship, there’s a lot to love about church camp and this year’s Vineyard Columbus high school and middle school camps are no exception.
This year camp has a new format; High schoolers will attend from July 31 through Aug. 2 and middle schoolers will attend from Aug. 3 though Aug. 5, giving even more students the opportunity to participate. The theme is “Refuge” and student pastor Santos Chaparro said it’s the place to be this summer.
“Camp is just a really fun time,” he said. “It’s also a place that will challenge you and help you grow, and it’s a space for you to experience God.”
Izzy King, a former camper and current student leader, first attended camp in middle school. She said it was a life-changing experience and one she almost missed out on.
“The first time, I wasn’t going to go because of my anxiety,” she said. “But I knew someone else who was going so I went, and it ended up literally changing my life, as I know it has for so many others. It inspired me to want to serve and lead. I wouldn’t be who I am without those experiences.”
Izzy isn’t the only one who has experienced anxiety about attending camp for the first time. Chaparro said many students who have never been to camp have similar concerns, but almost all of them end up having a great time.
“There is a culture of friendship and people are more open to meeting people and making new friends at camp,” he said. “I would say all those concerns are valid but all you have to do is get there. When you get there, it will just click. It’s worth your time.”
According to Chaparro there is something for everyone at camp. There is time to be alone and time to hang out with other students, crazy games, deep discussions, great teaching, prayer, and incredible worship.
“The environment is just special,” he said. “We’re out in a field, under a massive tent. Before the sessions we have dance parties and the energy is carried over into worship. Everybody is just locked in, and everybody is engaged.”
One of the best reasons to go to camp, said Chaparro, is to make space to hear from God, which is not always easy to do in everyday life.
“I think people are surprised about the fact that God wants to speak to them,” he said. “Camp is a place where you’re creating that space to say I’m here and listening. People discover that he’s been speaking all along. People are met by the Lord in prayer and they realize they’re not alone in their struggles and that God speaks uniquely to their situation.”
Izzy is grateful for her camp experience, and it continues to have an impact on her life.
“I’m choosing to come to Vineyard because I love it,” she said. “I believe experiences like camp are so valuable.”
“If you’re not sure… I was the same way. But it’s only three days and it will be one of the best decisions you can make. I’m such an introvert and I was worried about being in groups all the time but it’s really nice.”
VC summer camp is happening at Camp Cotubic in Bellefontaine, Ohio. The cost is $280 (scholarships are also available) and registration closes on July 18. For more information email vcstudents@vineyardcolumbus.org or visit vineyardcolumbus.org/all-events.
