It is not enough to say that camp was, quite literally, a Great Adventure this past summer. Interacting with children and watching them get to experience Jesus on their own is beyond what a simple camping trip can offer.
It is not enough to say that camp was, quite literally, a Great Adventure this past summer. Interacting with children and watching them get to experience Jesus on their own is beyond what a simple camping trip can offer.
Perhaps it’s the way that Camp Akita incorporates worship into everything that kept me motivated and encouraged as we worked day and night to create this Jesus-filled environment for our campers. Morning, noon and night I watched campers as they were encouraged to enjoy the beauty that God provides at camp while providing support to them as they sought to find who Jesus is to them. From praying with their friends, gazing at the night sky as praises are sung, to learning about the many forms of life that coexist within this beautiful creation, everything points to our Creator. It is a learning experience unlike any other.
I recall a particular camper making known that they felt seen at camp. By the end of the week, this camper was overwhelmed with the care and love brought by the staff and the environment created, and she teared up knowing she would be leaving soon. Campers had been reflecting on the daily skits given by camp staff that depicted the character of Jesus. They portrayed how much Jesus cares deeply for each camper, so much so that His life was given as a sacrifice for every last one. This specific camper had mentioned to her counselor that camp had taught her that she is not as invisible as she initially believed when she arrived, rather that she is loved and cared for by more than just her family and friends at home. She mattered to camp staff; she matters even still. She mattered so much that interactions she had with each camper and staff member only strengthened what a one-hour skit introduced. The visual was tied with camp experiences to produce a Jesus that she knew loved her and she loved in return.
This upcoming summer is set to not only remind campers that they matter but to teach them to be set free from lies—much like those this camper arrived with. Camp Akita is where children get to step into a safe space and learn freely what it means to live and experience the joys of dwelling with Jesus all day long and learning about His love for each of them individually. We can live in hope and victory from the lies that try to hold us captive, that is the lesson. You won’t regret sending your child to Camp Akita; send them and prepare to hear about the wonderful ways Jesus showed up. This is the summer to be motivated, encouraged and Set Free.
Location: Camp Akita, 1684 Knox Rd 1200 N, Gilson IL 61436
Contact: Stacey DePluzer, camp director
Email: youthdept@ilcsda.org or summeratakita@ilcsda.org
Phone: 630-716-3555
Theme: "Set Free" | Galatians 5:1
Stacey DePluzzer is the Illinois Conference camp director.
