This past week, I was blessed to join four Esperanza youth and over 100 youth from across the Grand Canyon Synod in participating in Lutheran Campformation at Camp Pinerock in Prescott. Of those youth, about 30 were high school and young adult counselors and the rest were students entering 6th through 10th grade. Esperanza sent three campers and one counselor, as well as myself, to Campformation this year.
The theme of this year’s Campformation program was “Legends,” and we examined legendary stories of faith and courage from scripture. Over the course of the week, the youth made friendships, sang and danced in praise and celebration, and enjoyed numerous activities such as ropes courses, team building, archery, and so much more. I was blessed by accompanying these youth and joining in collaboration with congregation leaders from over 20 other Grand Canyon Synod congregations and ministries.
I truly could feel the Holy Spirit moving in the lives of our youth in the work of the camp counselors and leaders throughout the week. Our counselor was recruited to join musical leadership for the week — and stepped up and thrived in that role. She also acted as an amazing leader for the campers in her cabin, as well as in supporting those who attended the camp from Esperanza. Youth who were less likely to make the first move in introducing themselves and their interests were approached by others and welcomed for who they were. Intentional times of prayer and conversation became holy spaces of learning for everyone, including the adult leaders.
I can honestly say that Campformation is a holy experience for all who participate. From the community that is formed, with many long-lasting friendships created, to the Spirit-filled worship and learning experiences, Campformation is forming hearts and minds to become leaders in our church, not just in a few years but right now. If you’d like to learn more about the camp program, and how our youth experienced it for themselves, I invite you to spend some time in conversation with our youth in the next few weeks. The stories they can tell reveal that God is alive and is at work in the youth of our church.
Pastor Chris