Inspire the future: The power of working with kids

By: Vonda DenBoer Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

I was blessed to be able to attend some of four different reunions this year: Loaves and Fishes; Erie Beach; Noronto; and McGowan’s Lake. What I witnessed was a lot of children. There were fun times with games and swimming. And there were class times with story, craft and life lessons. At Noronto, one youth, along with her dad, hosted a trivia night. At Loaves and Fishes, the youth presented their poem to the adult class that reflected the theme of Heal the Earth.  At Erie Beach the youth hosted a talent show. Our lifeguards were youth.  Some of our campfire leaders were youth or young adults. Our youth helped with KP and sports and crafts. The importance of this cannot be overstated.

When I was a youth, I taught Sunday school, helped with Skylarks and Orioles, shared my testimony of attending my first World Conference, voted in business meetings, played piano and read scriptures in worship services. I am sure many of you did some of the same things. We did not know we were in training for public speaking or leadership or possible priesthood ministry. We did not know how these skills would help us in our vocations. But in my career, there was a time I had to go on a radio show and talk about the work done by my organization. I was terrified but I drew strength from the times I was asked to share my experiences at camps or reunions or conferences. And I was able to do it.
 
Our children are precious. In addition to the story of Jesus, the importance of baptism, how to walk the Christian way, we teach other important things in the process. What we teach them or what opportunities we provide them to develop skills will be valuable in whatever their chosen field. Developing self-esteem, confidence and how to deal with disappointment and conflict are life skills everyone can benefit from. And if we give them enough opportunities in our camps and congregations, maybe, just maybe, there is a future pastor, future apostle, future missionary, future teacher, future doctor, future handyman, future camp director or future Youth Service Corps volunteer. And the world will be blessed.
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So, as you reflect on our camping season, please think about ways you can help next year. Maybe you can invite kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews or friends. Maybe you can co-teach a class with a youth to mentor them. Maybe you can help sponsor a family to come to camp. Maybe you can offer to give someone a ride to camp or offer your tent or trailer to someone who needs accommodation. Maybe you can help plan or organize. Maybe attending is not possible for you but you can pray and uplift the leadership team. There are many ways in which we uphold our camping ministry. I hope you find ways that are meaningful to you. And I hope the children come because they remember how great 2024 was for them at camp.