Philosophy
We believe that the Christian camp experience is one of the most effective Christian ministries there is. The camp experience can play a major part in the development and shaping of individuals and in encouraging their participation in the kingdom of God. Our philosophy of Christian camping is as follows:
A Christ-centred Camp
The program at Camp Peniel must be viewed as a whole experience where we strive to achieve a 24 hour environment of spiritual emphasis. Everything we do, planned or unplanned, has an impact on everyone involved. We want to demonstrate the relationship between faith in Jesus Christ and all aspects of life. We strive to make Christ the centre of all that we do.
A Unique Environment
Camp is a place where you can meet God and experience His presence in natural surroundings. We seek to take away the normal distractions of today’s world and to provide a compassionate, caring, fun and safe atmosphere in which God is glorified through every activity.
Importance of Fun
We believe that laughter and fun are an integral part of life. The camp experience is one in which great and lasting memories can be made. It is true that fun is a foundational part of this experience! We want people to see that life with God is exciting!
Relational Focus
God is eternally relational (as Father, Son and Spirit) and is also in relationship with His creation, including human beings. The relationship between Christ and his Church is represented in scripture as the relationship between a bridegroom (being Christ) and a bride (being the church). As such, we place a heavy emphasis on building relationships as outlined in scripture, including the marriage relationship between one man and one woman as the basis of family. It is through these relationships that the love of God is shown, the gospel is presented and discipleship takes place.
The Camper1
We see the camper as a person of infinite worth, created in the image of God. Campers are our special guests and we want to treat them with the highest respect and care. Through the camp ministry, we seek to apply the gospel to humanity’s total being, beginning with the restoration of their relationship to God. We want to teach the campers that God is their God at all times, no matter what they are doing. We must never lose sight of the fact that they are the reason why camp exists.
Camp Leaders
It is important that each staff member fulfills their responsibilities so that the impact of camp can be effective and lasting. As such, we are committed to a high standard of training and staff development.
Our leadership development program has three basic elements: (a) SHIFT (Leadership Development Program); (b) ROOTS (Staff Training Program) and (c) ongoing weekly staff training. During ROOTS, Junior staff work alongside more experienced staff to gain knowledge and develop skills in their area of responsibility.
Camp Leaders have an exceptional opportunity to experience life in community. Together, with campers, they play, work out problems, share discoveries, discuss life and worship together. All of these circumstances present teachable moments which can build confidence in the cabin leader and develop in everyone an understanding of themselves and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
All staff are expected to act in accordance with biblical standards.
The Importance of the Spiritual Life Leader
Camp Peniel believes that it is of vital importance to have leaders of strong faith and character who provide spiritual leadership for campers and staff. The Spiritual Life Leader is here to clearly present the Word of God, be a catalyst for further discussion and growth and be an excellent role model.
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1 The term “camper” is defined as anyone, no matter what their age, who participates in any of our camping programs.
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