If there is anything Pine Cove has taught me as a mom, it is that kids having fun is about a whole lot more than just kids having fun. It is difficult today to process all that is going on in our lives and to juggle our responsibilities, activities, and relationships. The loads that we carry can leave each of us feeling overwhelmed and even anxious.
This is true for adults and our children, of every age. And just as importantly, to play, cavort, and revel in roars of laughter! Some children will gravitate towards such suggestions, while some will attempt to avoid it at all costs, but how a parent encourages their child to interact with others is key. As parents we do not want hesitation to be a pathway to anxiety, which is a growing problem among children. I have one shy child and one more bold child; I have learned the importance of helping each find their way in the world through interaction with others.
Think of that someone else and go have fun! Pine Cove surrounds their campers with awesome, energetic, caring, Christ-centered, very cool young adults modeling how to confidently, and happily, be in this world and not of this world.
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. My greatest satisfaction after my kids attended a Pine Cove camp was their newfound choice of role models: Pine Cove counselors. Camp IS big fun, but it is about so much more than fun. The hilarious skits, silly camp names, and seriously fun activities all work together to break down walls with campers, grow in fellowship together, and more readily open up hearts to receive the truth of the Gospel.
In the midst of the romping fun that surrounds Pine Cove, the Gospel is lived out person-to-person, and kids and youth cannot help but be drawn to such pure-hearted service, wrapped in the love of Christ, and brought to life through all-out serious fun. I remember the high value of my kids witnessing a young adultβsomeone they truly admiredβwalking and talking what they had heard their whole lives from us as parents.
