Camp Training Day Jottings

DV (?!) I'm going to bore and scare some of the camp leaders with some of the following:

Our aims, vision, ethos, values, ways of working etc.

Some things I want to say!

Strapline: The Best Week of the Year! SERIOUS FUN!

Primarily “spiritual” aims – in the context of a great, safe, fun holiday – what will they remember?

A motto text for camp / ministry: Colossians 1:28-29

Case studies… Some real dreams (prayers):

-          the members who comes to Christ in repentance and faith for the first time

-          the members who takes strides forward with Jesus – e.g. Bible reading – the next X

-          the family that’s turned around by the witness of Jemima’s changed life

-          the leaders who discovers new passions and gifts

-          the churches that flourishes

God knows what impact camp can have - only eternity will reveal it – Mark 4:20

COMMITMENTS (stating the obvious and the impossible!):

Jesus as Lord and Saviour, the Gospel, for the glory of God

Bible – the authoritative infallible Word of God (CPAS basis of faith in handbook)

Prayer is vital

The power of the Spirit indispensable for real inner transformation – resurrections! – miracles!

To the Members – genuine love and concern, e.g. listen to them

To local Churches, “imperfect” as they may be

To Families and to honouring parents

To the team, service, self-sacrifice – look out for and help one another, pray & communicate

Doing what you have been asked to do promptly and well (e.g. not needing chasing)

No supermen or women – mutual dependence

Grace, forgiveness, kindness, help one another

To God’s sufficient grace, his strength in our weakness (2 Cor 19:9)

Gospel unity – “in essential, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love” – in diversity

(One body, many parts; different gifts)

Growing as leaders – a culture of training, trying new things, constructive feedback

Striving for excellence without being neurotic – doing the best we can – (godly mediocrity)

Hard work, Rest, Play, fun, laughter – be prepared for a tiring week – day off before & after camp – time off each day? – time off in the week?

Camp, Safety, Reputation, Child protection

All year round (postcard, reunion, pray), Long-term? Camp next year?!

AIMS:

Mission, Maturity, Ministry; Making Disciples who will make disciples who will make disciples….

Evangelism, Nurture, Service; Self-starters; Teach a man to fish

(Don’t assume “Josiah Christian” is unconverted and needs a crisis experience)

Help everyone to take the next step with Jesus

WAYS OF WORKING:

CPAS Ventures, Overall leader, planning team, adjutant, dorm leaders

EXPECTATIONS OF LEADERS:

Read the Handbook and act on it!

Be committed to the commitments above

Try to be godly, have a sense of humour, take responsibility, prepared flexibility – be prepared!

(First camp can be a bit bewildering)

We are all weak sinners saved by grace not by our performance!

Look after yourself and look out for others; communicate

Ask if you are unsure / need help / have any questions!  Pray! Enjoy!