We made a major philosophy shift this summer to respond to the increasing difficulty of welcoming and ministering to campers with behavioral challenges without compromising the safe and wholesome atmosphere of camp. Parents and campers were given positive behavior expectations during the registration process and upon arrival at camp these expectations were highlighted in the training of "Agents of Honor." Cabin groups, which were renamed as popular spy agencies from movies and comics, each had a daily mission to complete that emphasized above and beyond behaviors, and individual campers who were excelling in their behavior were named as agents of the day and got to participate in the always popular vesper games. This successfully re-focused the attention on those with correct behavior, as opposed to those with negative behavior monopolizing our attention. We were pleased with the results and trust the new atmosphere will allow us to grow in attendance and be more effective in ministry.
The Agents of Honor theme also anchored our scripture lessons as we focused on our identity in Christ. In Christ we are forgiven, adopted, cleansed and safe & secure. Despite the image of God in each of us being tarnished by sin, through faith we are restored to a relationship with God and can be even known as friends of God.
