Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a state-wide pastor’s fellowship focusing on the need to equip and encourage the next generation. It was a helpful and needed focus. To live without giving attention to those who follow us is dangerous and will produce incredible disappointment.
One of the breakout sessions was devoted to the subject of mentoring men for ministry. As the pastor giving the session spoke of the influence of mentoring in his own life, I could not help but recall those who gave themselves for my spiritual growth. They were not interested in simply creating a following, but instead, desired to strengthen and serve others as they themselves had been strengthened. That is what teens and pre-teens need from their pastor, youth pastor, deacons, teachers, and indeed, every adult in their church.
As I continued to listen to this pastor share his passion for mentoring, he pointed out that effective mentoring will require a strategy – a plan of action. In particular, he mentioned that it would require things such as initiative, time, activities, service, example, and communication. There are many places and opportunities that can provide a platform for these mentoring elements; but without question, camp is an ideal environment for mentoring.
Here at the Bill Rice Ranch, we believe that there should be no greater (human) influence on a young person at camp than the church that brought him. That is why we encourage and facilitate active involvement from church leadership and youth workers in the camp program. In fact, this is the reason that more than 10% of the average church group at the Ranch for a week of camp is made up of adults! We have a significant number of pastors who attend all or part of the week with the group they sent. Why? Because our focus on the church gives them opportunities with their own.
If you are a pastor, youth pastor, or church member looking for a time and place to effectively mentor young people, I suggest you consider a week of camp at the Bill Rice Ranch. If you wish to involve more of your church members in the ministry of mentoring the next generation, give them an extended time, such as a week at camp, to invest themselves with your youth.
Choosing to send your young people to Christian camp is a decision about influence — influence your church could be a part of if they were involved during the week of camp. Mentoring isn’t easy; but then, perhaps that is why so few are doing it. However, you and your church will make an eternal difference in the next generation if you make mentoring a priority. Here you will find camp designed to assist you in this important responsibility.