Youth Camp Junkies

[adriftconscious]

on July 22 I leave for the YMCA of the Rockies in Colorado for Rocky Mountain High. It happens once every three years, and I had a blast last time I went. This time, however, I'm feeling much trepidation. In fact, I almost don't want to go.

As most people do, I've changed A LOT since I last went to Rocky. When I went last time I was pretty new in "owning" my faith, and the way they affirmed and fed me the gospel made me feel good. Now, I'm afraid of that kind of sthingy feeding, because I feel like it actually stunts a lot of people's spiritual growth. To top that off, I really can't stand the kind of people that usually go to these youth camp things anymore. I went on a missions trip to Chicago last year with a different church than I attend and we helped some kids in the projects. The people I was with were in more danger of me snapping on them than they were of anyone in Chicago.

I guess I've just taken a very dim view of the whole youth camp system. It tells people everything's gonna be all happy Jesus and it doesn't ofer them any real answers to what to do when they get back fromt heir spiritual high. This just makes people dissillusioned, and I really don't want to end up that way. I have enough trouble reconciling the fact that I share my faith with some of the people I know, I don't need that.

I love Colorado-- the mountains are my favorite place on earth-- and I want to enjoy this and go into it with a clear mind. What's my problem? Can you guys give me any advice or help?


EDIT: Sthingy... lol. Forgot about the word block. funny.

[beautifulmess]

I understand where you're coming from. I went through similiar feelings during the last few youth group camps I attended. My best advice is to really watch yourself and the way you react to things. I wanted to see God work, but, like you, I didn't want to feel all warm and fuzzy for a moment then go back home and remain as I was before I left. I had to really guard my heart and watch my steps.

It's so easy to get swept up in false feelings when you're constantly surrounded by Christians and Christian things. Your faith is easy at camps and such because it's never tested. The most important thing to do is to pray and ask God to really speak to you in a clear way, so that you will know it's His voice and not just some emotional reaction to whatever song or sermon you're hearing at the time.

I hope these thoughts made some sense. I also hope you're able to enjoy your trip, in spite of your hesitation.  

[glatisant]

ITA with what beautifulmess posted.  Does your church/youth group provide any follow-up measures to strengthen what you guys learn in the camp?  Is there another person you know who's also going who may act as an accountability partner for times ahead spent in the "real world"?

On a lighter note...hope you're not offended, but your thread title reminded me of this LarkNews headline:
For VBS Addicts, It's a Hard Fall      

[adriftconscious]

On a lighter note...hope you're not offended, but your thread title reminded me of this LarkNews headline:
For VBS Addicts, It's a Hard Fall    

Its based off an Earthsuit lyric from the song Schizophreniac. The song skewers youth camp christians. great song, great cd.