Growing up as a competitive athlete, I understand the excitement of playing sports and the challenges that come along with it. Our student athletes are facing things like long afterschool practices, team drama, families stretched much too thin following games and practices. But when you begin to think about the emotional and spiritual challenges facing our young competitors – comparison to other athletes, pride, pressure from parents, fear of failure – it can be overwhelming. Our culture has always valued the world of athletics, but we are beginning to see that the messages that are sent through the venue of sports are not always positive.
With all this in mind, how can we stand up to give our kids the right perspective? Of course we all want our kids to be the best athletes they can be! We as parents are their number one fans. We drive them to practice, wash those stinky uniforms, drive across the state to watch 40-second races (thanks Dad!),we hug them after the winning hit or the losing error. Because we believe in our kids the way we do, it is our responsibility to help them grow not only in their athletic abilities but in their character as well. As parents, let’s stand up and give our kids the best chance they have to succeed in sports, and in life. But how?
The good news is, when selecting a summer camp for you child you do not have to sacrifice excellent athletic training or spiritual and character development. There are camps that truly focus on BOTH. Christian sports camp can provide a time of “inspiration and perspiration” where athletes learn to reach their full potential through comprehensive athletic, spiritual, character, and leadership training. In the world of sports ministry, camps are using the platform of sports to reach the “total athlete” giving kids the opportunity to improve athletically, grow relationally, and encounter Jesus Christ powerfully!
Case Keenum of the St. Louis Rams and former University of Houston standout quarterback, says it was at a Christian sports camp as a high school athlete where he began to hear language like “Doing Sports God’s Way,” and playing for an “Audience of One.” It was in that environment where he says, “I was around amazing athletes from all across the country, but I was also being challenged to play with integrity, to have a great attitude, to be coachable and humble. I saw guys be fiercely competitive and aggressive on the field, and yet completely humble and give glory to God for their gifts. I believe it was that summer that set my life on a path to greatness. I will not play football forever, but the character that was instilled in me at that camp has shaped the rest of my life.”
In my years of working at faith based sports camps I have consistently seen kids walk away from campas well-rounded, hard working, motivated kids who live lives of integrity and character on and off the field of play. Integrating Christian principles into the world of sports is a powerful tool to connect with kids where they are. Taking the passion for sports that so many children have – research has shown over 21 million youth (age 6-18) participate in an organized sport in our nation each year – and connecting it with a positive message is a powerful tool to reach the next generation.
Top 5 reasons to choose a faith based sports camp:
1. The chance to improve athletically, connect relationally, encounter Jesus Christ powerfully
2. Learn leadership skills for your athletic career and everyday life
3. Hear inspiration from college and professional athletes
4. Interact with other young people who are in the same walk of life
5. Be challenged to play for an “Audience of One” – Jesus Christ!
– Lauren Robbins,
FCA Southwest Regional Camp Coordinator
