Clash Camp ‘26
"Are you one of the lifeguards?"
I'm standing with about twenty-five middle schoolers, six counselors, and two security volunteers outside in the 90-plus-degree Florida sun. I'm watching the events unfold as they wait to go into the camp's water park. Some are snapping towels, two girls are doing other girls' braids, and some are just sweating profusely. It's the calm before the storm — because once they open the gates, the next three days will be continual motion, worship, competition, and time with God.
I deeply love Summer Camp!
One of my greatest joys in my years as a pastor is taking groups of youth and children to camp. This year marks my thirtieth year of Grace Family Church's camps, going back to VBS days at Wekiva Assembly long ago. There's something special about taking a young person — of any age — out of their routine and putting them in a microscope and a microwave for their faith.
The microscope is the opportunity to really figure out what they believe about God. Yes, even a grade-school child can have a relationship with God. They can decide for themselves who Jesus is to them, and how they'll live their lives because of that decision. I often use the phrase, "There is no age requirement" in the Bible. Nowhere does it say you have to reach a certain status, age, or level of accomplishment to know and be used by God. Summer Camp is where the light bulb "turns on" for so many young people. Why? Because they're not distracted by school, sports, activities — all good things, but not focused on their relationship with God. Lives are changed and impacted because of the opportunity to focus on Jesus.
The microwave is the accelerated growth opportunity that comes with Summer Camp. In the "distraction-free" environment camp offers, a young person can see significant growth in their gifts, talents, and relationship with God. It isn't just about discovering that relationship — it's a place to use those gifts in a protected environment, and for God to speak to them in a unique way. I can point to the exact spot my seven-year-old son stood on a pew, hand on my shoulder, watching the youth band lead the service in worship. He leaned over and said, "Dad, I want to do that one day!" Today, he not only leads worship each week — he oversees all of worship for our church. That's the power of creating an environment where a young person can experience God in a way that crystallizes and solidifies His call on their life.
At this stage of my ministry, I'm not involved in the details or inner workings of camp. That's bittersweet — it's a great feeling to be part of the team behind such a momentous event, yet I actually get more joy now watching this generation of leadership and volunteers execute the vision they have for Summer Camp. Our leadership is an amazing blend of experience and relevance, reaching this generation right where they are in their lives. I'm blown away by their creativity and their ability to cut through the cultural noise and bring God's Word to these kids. They do some of the craziest things... and I love it. Anyone who volunteers at camp is a superhero. It's a lot of work with kids who are amped up by the experience — counselors, security, war games, production, service support, the camp store. I try to thank each one, because they're a blessing. All of this is led by our executive pastors, Jeanna and Jerry White. When they received the baton to lead this movement, they took it with great hearts and enthusiasm, elevating the foundation to a very high level of excellence and authenticity.
As one camper was leaving to go home today, I was asked: "Two words to describe what you love about camp?" Easy. "Life-transforming."
That's the whole point. Let's go!
