Summer camp must-haves

Many of ec's readers will be heading off to camp sometime this summer. Just one look at those we follow on Twitter this morning told us that many students and student ministries are headed off to camp today. And the ec team is even heading to camp late next week.

With so many of us heading to summer church camps, sports camps, and various other kinds of camps, we've got a few tips to help you get ready:

• Have a packing plan.
Generally, well before you go to camp, you receive information about what you need to bring and what you should leave at home. You may not agree with the staff's advice and may even plot to ignore those packing lists, but you shouldn't. The camp organizers have reasons for telling to you bring some items and leave some at home. You may need closed toe shoes to participate in recreation activities. They may ask you to leave iPods at home because they might get broken or stolen. A camp might restrict cell phone usage so that they can have your undivided attention. So pay attention to the lists and abide by them. The camp staff isn't telling you not to bring stuff just so you won't have fun; they have your best interests in mind!

• Don't walk in blind.
If you're going to a sports, band, or some other kind of skills camp, it goes without saying: don't go in unprepared. Practice, learn the skills you're supposed to know before you get there, and decide beforehand what you want to get out of this experience. Don't just go in blind without practicing or caring what or if you learn anything. The same goes for church camp. That may seem surprising to you, but it's true. Don't just show up at camp expecting to be entertained. Before you go, take some time to prepare spiritually. Why are you going to camp? Do you want to have a fresh encounter with God? Well, get ready for it. Read Scripture. Pray. Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance as you read Scripture and plan for your trip. Get ready to hear from God even before you board the bus!

• Get out of your comfort zone.
There are going to be tons of new people to meet and greet at camp—and that may even include people within your group. Maybe meeting new people is hard for you, but stretch yourself a little. Meet new people and make new friends—you're all there for a common purpose, so surely you have something in common! Take time to get to know the new members of your group and those you've overlooked. You may just be surprised by the new friendships that come out of it. Camp is also a good time to rekindle relationships you've let fade. You've got dedicated time together with few interruptions; make the most of it!