De-Rumorizing Camp
An Honest Response To Questions
Regarding Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca
“I hear camp is like being in church all day.”
"I hear the music is all messed up.”
“The kids don’t have any fun at camp.”
So what exactly is going on at camp? What kind of music are they doing? Is camp just all-day churchy stuff? Let’s take a look at some of these concerns and provide some real answers to these questions.
Do kids really have fun at camp?
Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca was founded to be a Lutheran Camp. Unlike secular camps, Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca’s programs are rooted in LC-MS doctrine and practice. Each summer, a Biblical theme is chosen and becomes the focus of the worship times and Bible study. The rest of the time is typical summer camp. The study is real study, the fun is real fun. Anyone who says it’s like church all day has not been to camp! The best way to explain this is to look at a typical camper’s day.
A typical camper’s day starts with a morning devotion led by the pastor of the week, flag raising, and breakfast. Everyone does chores at camp, and that follows breakfast. Pathfinders, Trailblazers, Explorers, and Discovery campers then head off to Bible Study, where they don’t just open their Bibles and stare at them; the staff uses puppets and drama to bring the story to life. The goal of Bible study is to teach one aspect of the week’s theme. The Gospel is clearly presented and campers hear once again of Jesus’ saving death and resurrection. Bible study lasts for about an hour, but it depends on questions and discussion. Campers are actively engaged in this activity. Bible study at camp is not some passive enterprise.
After Bible study, the cabin groups explore an area of camp, such as canoeing or archery. The focus is on friendship, teamwork, and fun. Lunch follows the cabin activity, and then it’s back outside where each camper chooses his or her activity for the afternoon. This can include horseback riding, target practice with air rifles, rock wall climbing, archery, or (a new favorite with all the campers) human foosball. The day continues with swimming, canteen visits, afternoon devotion, dinner, all-camp events (generally a huge game such as “Eagle’s Nest” or “Boofer” or cabin skit night) and then the hilarity of campfire. As campfire winds down, the pastor of the week leads a brief evening devotion, and then it’s back to the cabins and to sleep - -or not, depending on the amount of chattering.
Real fun. Real study. To quote one camper, “I wish camp was every week of the summer!” Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca is all the wonder and joy and fun of summer camp rooted in the solid foundation of Christ.
I hear all kinds of things about music. What is going on?
Camp music is very simple. LSB, the Lutheran Service Book, is used during morning and afternoon devotions. Hymns are specifically selected to match the program theme and reinforce its message. Guitars accompany the hymn singing, lending a special “camp feel” during this time. Secular, or “fun” songs, are sung during other times of the day. Worship music is used during devotional times and secular tunes are used during times of play and fun.
What is happening at campfire times?
At camp, campfire is the day’s concluding activity for the entire residential crowd. It’s how the
day is “wrapped up.” Campfire starts out with general mayhem and goofiness. Secular camp songs are bellowed out, generally getting louder and more raucous as the evening progresses. This is a time to be silly with the staff and scream and yell and have a great time. The counselors perform a skit, met with peals of laughter, and it’s up to the pastor of the week to interpret the skit in the context of the day’s theme. After about 20 minutes of outdoor hoopla, it’s time to calm everyone down and focus again. The atmosphere quiets. The pastor of the week reminds campers once again who they are in Christ and closes the day with prayer. Campfire time concludes as campers link arms to sing a benedictory song with the guitars.
What do parents and kids have to say who attended this summer’s camp program?
Below is just a sample of the many comments received on this year’s evaluations.
"We are so blessed to have this camp available to our family. This was our first camping experience and we hope to continue to support Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca in the future."
"We love Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca! Keep on doing an outstanding job!"
"Excellent! This was more than a camp experience with a daily Bible study. The campers' faith was fed several times a day... devotions with Bible readings and catechism review, singing of hymns, Martin Luther's prayer before meals with the Lord's Prayer, Bible studies, etc... Thank You!!"
"Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca is truly a gem in our district and a wonderful mission outreach."
Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca is a marvelous place for children of all ages. It is a unique mission in our district. Every camper experiences the activities and delights of a typical summer camp wrapped in the essentials of Lutheranism, namely, God’s grace and mercy in Jesus Christ.f questions still remain regarding program or activities, please contact Rev. Terry Small, the Executive Director, Daniel Sanchez, the Program Director, or any camp board member
