It’s the last day of camp for 2026, and I’m reflecting on the summer as I sit here in my office. The fact that this is the first time I’ve written a blog post all summer long shows that a summer camp office is…an office. Boring in comparison to what’s going on out in camp every day! I never want to miss a second of the action, a potential conversation, an opportunity to get to know someone, or the general fun and excitement of being in an environment created for community. That happens out there, not in an office! But the reflection is important, so what has taken place here these past 10 weeks doesn’t go by like so much of life, where we march on to the next activity without thinking about the importance of the last one.
This summer has been special. A tremendously talented and energetic group of young people made up this staff, and they have done a wonderful job of befriending, mentoring, and instructing kids in skill classes, and most importantly, in spiritual matters, showing them what it means to follow Christ and have a relationship with Him. Maybe we shouldn’t worry so much about the next generation. Many of them are really on the right trajectory and will lead the ones coming behind them well!
The focus this summer was on 1 Corinthians 15:58: “There, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Having two weeks to encourage kids to be Immovable in their faith has been a great privilege! We’ve both intentionally talked but also shown through daily interactions how being immovable in this way is vital to living a life that is pleasing to the Lord. It creates the “purposeful and abundant living” Jesus came to give us and teaches us about in John 10:10.
It’s impossible to describe all that camp is. What comes out of a camp session is easy to see, however. Community is built, life-long friendships are created, walks with God begin or are strengthened, life and social skills are honed, independence and resilience are built, and kids learn that face-to-face conversation is much preferred to virtual relationships. We often say that a week’s worth of stuff happens here every day. It’s a created environment that accelerates growth! What a privilege to see this happen every single day. We love hearing from parents who see change in their kids when they get home.
The main event is almost over for this season, but we’re excited about upcoming opportunities to connect with each other this year! We are hosting a Family Camp where you can bring the entire family to experience Strong Rock! It’s going to be so much fun, and I already can’t wait for it to get here. Information about this weekend, which will be September 25-27, can be found under the Year Round Family Fun tab. Make plans to join us and bring your friends!
This summer has been amazing, and I am praising God that we got to do this again! Summer number 23 is officially in the books. We’re grateful for all of our camp families and the incredible staff who have served here. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Strong Rock this year, it’s been a summer to remember!