by Deb Maxwell

As my children start to pack their bags for camp, I wanted to take a moment and say thank you. Resurrection has funded a week at camp for 1-2 members of my family for several years now. This has been invaluable to my children, our family, and our congregation.

I asked my children what it is that they get out of the experience at camp. They told me that it is neat to hear perspectives on God and experiences from the counselors at camp. They also love discovering different ways to connect with God. I feel so blessed to have children who like coming to church and want to be involved. I think camp and the way the congregation has embraced their enthusiasm has been a big part of that.

As parents, there are always difficult choices to be made. Do we send our kids to church camp or go on a family trip? Do we go to Girl Scout camp or church camp? I’m so grateful that the church provides financial support to families who want to send their children to church camp so we don’t have to make these kinds of stressful decisions.

When I was a teenager, my church helped my family to send me to Lutheran Summer Music Camp—a unique experience that combined advanced music study with faith. That experience strengthened my faith and musical skills, and I continue to use music to serve our church and community many years later. Investments in children and youth allow us to reap benefits for years into the future.

My children are in a transition phase where they are beginning to participate fully as confirmed (or soon to be confirmed) members in the congregation. They have been welcomed and encouraged on the church council, the children and youth board, the choir, congregational meetings, service leadership, and adult education classes. The support that the congregation provides to children and families is reaping good fruit in the ways my children are now beginning to take on leadership in the church. I’m excited to see the continued ways that our investment in children and youth strengthens our
community in the years to come.

Resurrection is building the future of the church by supporting youth and families, and you’re producing good fruit. Thank you!