(Our summer camp season is upon us! It's such a wonderful time of year. This morning I ran across the following article I'd written for an issue of Twin Rocks' Sandpiper newsletter a few years back. It seems appropriate to reprint it here now in the blog. Please be in prayer for our summer. Thanks!)
At Twin Rocks we’re proud of our camps. We believe we’ve hit upon an impressive formula that works – a philosophy of camp that cares about the unique needs of every camper, and offers an environment conducive to making important decisions about life. Each camp is geared to a particular age group, but all follow a similar recipe:
- Make camp fun. Twin Rocks abounds with exciting activities: Archery, foosball, extreme swing, miniature golf, Frisbee golf, skim boarding and wave jumping at the ocean; swimming, boating, and kayaking at the lake; volleyball, arts & crafts, music, skits, overnight campouts, and much more. Kids at camp have the chance to try dozens of adventures not readily available to them back home.
- Let campers interact with nature. One of life’s best ways to see God is by observing the things God has created. When youth walk through a forest or watch the waves at the beach, they glimpse the Lord’s creativity, power, and loving character. When kids explore the intricacies of our world during nature class, they behold an awesome God. Twin Rocks Friends Camp is located in an idyllic setting: 120 forested acres bordered by mountain, lake, and stream – one block from a picturesque
- Treat every camper as special. A caring cabin counselor ensures a young person’s success at camp. For the week, counselors take on the job of friend, parent, confidante, older sibling, and role model. Counselors meet one-on-one with each person in their cabin, getting each camper’s assessment about the week and offering to pray with them. This individual attention helps campers see themselves as special, uniquely designed by their Creator.
- Build friendships. Twin Rocks camps are ‘counselor-centered,’ which means we focus most of our programming within individual cabin groups. Initiative games and discussion questions help small groups bond together in community. As youth begin to trust one another, conversations move to a deeper level, enabling heartfelt discussions about life’s important issues. Large ‘all camp’ sessions are followed by small group discussions, giving campers the chance to dialogue about a speaker’s message with their peers. At teen camps, co-ed discussion groups help individuals develop healthy, respectful relationships with members of the opposite sex.
- Instill Annual Traditions. Buddy Fires, Night Owls, Opal & Pearl, Hobo Stoves, Norah Auction, Exploratories, Lugs & Luggles,
- Fabulous Food & Facilities. Twin Rocks likes happy campers, so we work extra hard to excel with our ‘infrastructure’: Accommodations are comfortable – nearly all are carpeted and have attached restrooms; and the food is tasty and well-balanced, pleasing even the most particular of palettes.
- Please Parents. We work hard to look at camp through the eyes of a parent: Is camp safe? Will my son make any friends? Can the camp deal caringly and confidentially with homesickness and bed wetting? Twin Rocks is accredited with the American Camp Association, having passed a rigorous 157-point inspection that ensures a safe and properly-programmed camp. Counselors and staff are carefully selected, screened, and trained. A registered nurse is on-site at all times. Lifeguards patrol swimming and boating areas. Top bunks have rails. And photos are posted on Twin Rocks’ website throughout the week, giving parents a chance to catch the flavor of camp from a distance.
- Tell campers about Jesus. Twin Rocks is a Christian camp, and we happily share with campers the good news of Jesus Christ. We present non-Christians with an opportunity to give their lives to Christ, doing so in a way that honors each person’s right to make their own decisions about life. And we provide tools to help Christians grow in their faith. Daily ‘solo’ times give youth the chance to be alone to read Scripture, journal, talk to God, and experience the joy of regularly interacting with the Lord. Camp is an out-of-the-ordinary, memorable place, so it’s an ideal setting for making important life decisions and setting new life patterns.
