Inclusivity is a huge part of life these days, in all aspects possible. One place where inclusivity thrives is in Christian communities. As they say, all are welcome, and this applies to camps too. Even if someone is still trying to understand their faith, or is questioning faiths, there’s a lot of different ways to push inclusivity.
The gates are opened on the helm of inclusivity, and many Christian communities need to remember this. You want to celebrate diversity in all aspects of camp, and that includes the attendees.
Diversity Programs in Christian Camps
Everyone has their own story and background, and their own codes and creeds. Instead of focusing on differences, promoting cultural exchange is important.
Attendees that are a different skin color aren’t seen as different, but instead similar to their peers, crafted in the eyes of God.
Cultural exchange at camps can vary. Sometimes, sitting down and talking, sharing facts about yourself, is good enough.
Other times, if you have someone who comes from a unique location, they can exchange their culture with others through food and different games.
The goal of this is to make people feel included and accepted at camp.
Breaking down Barriers, and Instilling unity
The goal of Christian camps isn’t to just be for Christians only. Sometimes, non-Christians can go to these camps. One camper had this to say about the inclusivity of camps.
“I am a Hispanic that hasn’t really practiced Christianity. My whole family is, but I’ve had trouble connecting my faith with others. I decided to attend a Christian camp, and there I learned so much about faith and fellowship. Even though I was the only Hispanic in my group of friends there, I felt like a member of the team. They always included me, and I felt happy every time I went.”
Here is another testimonial from someone who is disabled, ands went to a Christian camp.
“I was born unable to walk and have been in a wheelchair. Everywhere I go, I’m always regarded as different because of this. I’ve always had a strong connection to faith, but I never went to a Christian camp. I went, and I met a lot of people even though they didn’t have a wheelchair, I learned about someone who had similar disabilities. One of them was deaf and used a hearing aid. The other wore glasses. Another one of them had trouble playing sports. We all had a similar connection to our desire to serve in the eyes of the lord. Together, we worked and built a stronger faith. Now, they’re some of my best friends.”
Breaking Down Barriers
Many times, we focus on the barriers we put up. There's so much emphasis on the barriers, rather than the welcoming and understanding of the different world around us.
But with Christina camps, the goal should always be to be welcoming. In a world where people always focus on differences, strengthening similarities is of utmost importance.
The best way to bring unity amongst different cultures, and to include these people in you camps, is to understand that yes you’re different, but at the end of the day you’re crafted in the eyes of the Lord. Your differences should not hold you back, but instead should be celebrated.
Remember, you can include others. Get to know and learn from the other person. Jesus sat with all types of people, so championing diversity and better understanding is a great way to foster a better wellness in many different ways, and to cultivate a strong fellowship too.
