As a Christian family, you may have seen your child grow closer to the Lord as he or she has grown, only to find that they suddenly have lost interest in church activities.  It’s possible that your teenager has made a choice to follow a worldly group of friends instead of standing up for what they believe.  They may have been living a life of compromise for quite awhile before you even catch on.  If this sounds like your situation, then perhaps your teen could benefit from church summer camp. 

Parents whose teenagers have attended the summer camp run by Student Life Ministries say it was just what their high school student needed to get back on the right track.  Spending a week with a bunch of other teenagers from around the country, all of whom are dealing with the same issues of peer pressure and pop culture, can be the spark that lights them on fire for the Lord.  Unlike many other church summer camp programs, which take kids from the same youth group to a week-long Bible camp, the summer camps run by Student Life Ministries are open to individuals and groups.  Your teenager might want to bring a friend from their high school youth group, or just go to the camp on their own.  Either way, they are certain to meet a number of like-minded friends who are seeking spiritual refreshment and fun. 

If you’ve never sent your child to a church summer camp, mission trip, or weekend youth retreat, you may be surprised at the power of this experience.  In this type of environment, kids are encouraged to open up to their leaders and friends, get to know Christ in a more personal way, and learn the skills they need to stand up against peer pressure.  They will get in the habit of taking their cares to Jesus in prayer, reading the Bible daily, and leaning on the love and support of other Christians.  Instead of getting satisfaction from the “things of this world”, they will delight in the “things of the spirit” and most importantly, their lives will take begin to take on a shape and a purpose.

Student Life Ministries’ week-long church summer camps may be just what your teenager needs to rekindle his or her relationship with Jesus Christ.  Most are held on the campuses of the nation’s best Christian universities, which makes them ideal for kids who are trying to choose a college.  If your teen is struggling with high school peer pressure, find out how the summer camps by Student Life can change your student’s life.