Beach Camp Recap
May 5th, 2009 by Brett Wagner
What began 10 years ago as a small trip of several guys devoted to surfing and Jesus, has now morphed into an epic week of 100+ high school students, a dedicated cooking staff, and road trip extravaganza known simply as ‘Beach Camp.’
For many students, Beach Camp has become one of the highlights of the high school ministry. Because of the beauty of So-Cal beaches, the relaxed format of the week, solid Bible teaching, gourmet food, and time with friends, it stacks up to be quite a week.
This year we made reservations at San Clemente State Beach and caravanned down in the early morning on April 4. Although the drive pushes the 9 hour mark, there is nothing better than stepping out of a cramped van and breathing in the ocean air.
In reflecting on the week, several elements stand out as defining moments of the week.
1. Great Time with Friends
One of the great things about Beach Camp is that it kicks-off spring and all the joy that is associated with warmer weather, the end of school and the hope of summer vacation. You can almost see the student’s countenance change as we kick back in the warm sun and let go for a week. Long boards whizzing by, people playing cards, burying a friend in the sand, volleyball, football on the beach or even catching up with an old friend, all serve to make this week memorable.
It’s through great weeks like this that those who are new or feeling on the “outside” become part of the group. Friendships are formed, connections are made, and for some Beach Camp allows high school ministry to transition from “that church” to “my church.”
2. Rock Solid Teaching
Our theme for this year’s camp was “redemption”. Through the teaching of Bryan Johnston, James Class, Nathaniel Williams, Al Abdulla and myself, we explored the greatness of what it means to be ransomed, set free, forgiven and rescued through the cross of Jesus. I was so thankful to hear the reality of the gospel held up and applied through each of these sessions. I’m grateful to each speaker for their service to us in making much of Jesus.
3. Changed Lives
There is no greater joy than to talk with those who are honest about their struggles, questions and hurts and see Jesus meet them in that place and bring change. A change in thinking, a change in perspective, a change in worship, a changed life! Transformation is God’s goal, and is the result of hearing and responding to the gospel. so invigorating to see that transformation take place in people’s lives during a week like this. I was able to have several conversations with those who were convicted of particular sin, convinced of their need for Jesus, or stirred up to love Jesus with all their strength. Clearly, any desire to move away from sin and towards Jesus is a work of God. It is called transformation and it is beautiful to see.
Perhaps the greatest example of this work was finishing out the week by teaching on Ephesians 1:7. As we worked our way through the Scripture examining the cross, forgiveness and grace, it was evident the Holy Spirit was doing His work of drawing us to Jesus. Several students visibly responded to God’s call on their life and our closing time of worship was especially moving. A great end to a solid week.
The Big Picture
Reflecting on a week like this is a good reminder of why we do what we do. Beach Camp is not an end in-and-of itself. It is not an event for an events sake. The High School Ministry does not exist as an end in-and-of itself. For that matter, Crossroads Church does not exist unto itself – the goal is Jesus! Beach Camp is just another method to connect high school students with Jesus and the transforming power of the gospel. That is why we do what we do.
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