5 Lessons Children Learn About God While Camping

5 Lessons Children Learn About God While Camping

Our family went camping the weekend of August 5th-7th. This was our first time camping at Kittatinny camping grounds in Barryville, NY. I wanted to share the experience with my kids. I remember as a child going fishing with my grandfather and thoughts of having him help me fish has never left me. Sleeping outdoors, using outdoors showers and dealing with climate changes with two toddlers on your arm can feel overwhelming. I loved this experience for my kids because I wanted to teach them that God is everywhere! Here are some ways my kids learned more about God through camping.

Find God In Nature

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. Genesis 1:20

It’s not everyday you wake up to the sound of crickets and watch trees blowing in the wind. This is the time to reflect on his creation. During my son’s time at camp he recognized the beauty in what God created and he didn’t kill not one insect during this time.

Worship God At All Times

Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Isaiah 12:5. 

While in church service my kids enjoyed worshiping God in the outside air. This was the only time when they can run around and praise God without being told to be silent or stop running.

Life Is Fun Without Technology

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 5:16

I made sure I told my son that he was not to have any iPad during this time at camp and would you believe he didn’t even ask for his iPad the whole time?

Family Bonding Is Important

For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God. 1 Timothy 3:5

Tovelle got to walk on a mile hike with his father and males who were camping he enjoyed being with his dad and they even saw a bear.

God Did Not Give Us The Spirit Of Fear

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

My son is afraid of the dark I was concerned because when we got there it was pitch black dark. I thought in my head this will not go well but would you believe he was excited to be in the dark. They took our flashlights and began running around.

Learn To Adjust

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

My kids enjoyed brushing their teeth outside with just a cup of water. They never complained about not having an iPad, television, hot water, softer bed, they actually took a bath in a pan outside and they said it was really cool. Kids can be complainers but they didn’t speak a word of what was back home and when they got home they didn’t say I miss you iPad or bed they just went back to their normal schedule.

Team Building

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

We arrived at the camp site after sunset and both Tovelle and Tahlia helped to set up the tent by flashing the light where it was needed.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how my kids were going to respond to being on this trip. I prayed we wouldn’t have to leave early because Tahlia and Tovelle had a temper tantrum. To my very surprise they loved every minute of the time in the outdoors. As I watched how they interacted with their environment I noticed in the morning my son would just lay down and look up at the sky as he could be thinking of his next big invention (who says a mom can’t dream) I thought to myself this is a great environment for them to be in.

Of all the lessons learned I think the biggest one for me was how quickly they adjusted to being in the dark, using the potty outside, and sleeping with bugs. They taught me a valuable lesson to and that’s to never underestimate your child’s potential.

After seeing how much fun my family has if you would like to come you can its is hosted by United Church of God 7th Day under the leadership of Pastor G. Crayton and First Lady D. Crayton.

You can visit their website at http://www.unitedcog7.org