Someone once said that they achieved more spiritual growth at a week of camp than in a years worth of attendance at Sunday School.  Perhaps that was an overstatement and I don't want to discount the value of Sunday School.  But similar statements have been made that speak of what sometimes seems like an unexplainable power present in going to camp.  Few would argue the fact that as a tool for evangelism and discipleship, there are few programs that can rival camp.  Is there another program on the planet that can have such an impact when given just a few days to work with?  The fact is, historically nothing even comes close.  Here are eight reasons why we think camp is such a great tool, and in particular, why El Porvenir stands at the top of the pack.

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When analyzing or praising the effectiveness of any tool that God has given the church, we must remind ourselves that this tool, El Porvenir Christian Camp, exists for only one reason:  to support the church and its mission on earth.  That mission is of course God's mission of raising up disciples of Jesus Christ across the globe.  We in no way want to minimize the many other tools that God has used and continues to use.  That being said, it is my belief that El Porvenir Christian Camp excels in such a way that we should take notice.  Missionary Bob Mckerney gives eight reasons why Christian Camping is so effective.  Much of the following is adapted from his observations.  EPCC is a shining example of why camping ministry will continue to be an effective tool for many many years to come!

 1.  Concentration.  Camping at El Porvenir Christian Camp is effective, first, because it is a concentrated ministry of God's Word.  Truth is taught, explained, demonstrated and reinforced over and over - and in many different ways.  Chapel messages, morning devotions, discussions, counseling sessions, Bible studies, drama, testimonies, music and campfires are some of the most obvious.  Add to that the less structured witness of Christian staff and campers, and this sheer concentration, all taken together, has tremendous power to affect change.

 2. Time.  Camp life is a 24-hour-a-day experience of living together over a period of several days.  Unlike the classroom where you attend and then return to your "other life", nights at camp seem to be God designed to allow campers to unpack what they have soaked in throughout the day.  People often need an extended period of time to absorb truth and think through its implications.  They also need time to build meaningful relationships and open up.  And most need time to make major, life-changing decisions.  Camp provides the environment necessary to do just that.

 3. Group Living.  At camp, the message is not only presented, but modeled.  Though there is a body of truth we Christians believe, Christianity is not only facts to be learned, but truth to be lived (love, submission, trust, forgiveness).  It is primarily a living relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but it is lived out in the context of human relationships (friends, enemies, family, authorities).  The skilled counselor sees quarrels, winning and losing, loneliness, or just having fun as opportunities for imparting biblical principles every bit as valid as the formal teaching times.  Sharing, for example, is better taught with eight hungry kids around a platter of spaghetti than in a dozen sermons.  This may be the closest we come to emulating Christ's ministry of discipling.

 4. Awayness.  The camp setting and environment at EPCC also contribute to our effectiveness.  Camping takes people away from the noise, demands, routines, and pressures of daily life.  It removes them from the constant onslaught of the world's influence which comes via TV, magazines, family, friends, unsaved teachers, etc.  Fewer distractions equals enhanced focus and effectiveness.

 5. Purpose.  Another factor which contributes greatly to the effectiveness of a camping program is what is called "single purpose administration".  Not only is the camper removed from a godless society with all of its influence, but he is brought into a safe, wholesome, Christ-centered environment of caring, acceptance, fun, learning, and relaxation.  The use of time, the content and methods of teaching or recreation, who is placed in what room, what campers are to bring or leave home, the meals, the facilities, and much more - all are under the control of the leadership, and all are planned to achieve a specific purpose.   This purpose is to effect change in the individual with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  When so many things are working toward a common goal, compounded with a lack of distractions, there is great impact.  In this case, it is impact for Christ's Kingdom and His children.

 6. Staff.  EPCC is a place where growing Christians can influence others with teaching, listening, sharing, playing together, warning, or just showing love and acceptance.  The role of the counselor will vary depending on the situation.  He or she becomes at times everything from hero, judge, or policeman, to teacher, friend, or object of a prank.  But always he or she is a living demonstration of the truth of the Gospel.  The number one priority in planning for a camp is staff selection.  Why?  Because example is at the heart of discipleship.   Campers can close their hearts to our proclamation, but not to the impact of a sincere and radiant Christian example.  We take staff (paid or volunteer) seriously at EPCC and we don't settle for less than the very best.

 7. Nature.  God's creation is often called the second Bible.  The Apostle Paul in Romans chapter one alludes to something close to that statement.  God not only speaks through nature, but uses it to open our hearts.  Take a walk through a forest glade, along the beach, or by a quiet stream.  Sit by a lake or climb to a mountain peak.  You will find that your heart becomes more receptive to God's truth.  Thoughts of eternity, the meaning of life, or the greatness of God come flooding over us.  Look out your window right now.  What can you see of God's creation?  You will probably find it already mentioned in the Bible.  Think of how much Jesus used nature in his teaching.  Camping, more than any other method, brings us into close contact with nature. 

 8. Fun.  "How was camp?" we ask.  "It was great; we all had a good time," they reply.  Is that the measure of a "good" or "successful" camp?  No, of course not.  Yet, on the other hand, one can have a successful seminar or meeting without fun, but not a successful camp.  Camping by its nature should be a fun-filled experience.  This, more than any other reason, is why campers attend.  And therein lies the secret of its effectiveness.  People who are genuinely enjoying themselves have open hearts - to those around them and to their message.  This is especially true for youth.

 Any one of the factors mentioned above makes EPCC an effective place to do ministry.  But taken together they overlap and reinforce each other and result in a ministry almost unparalleled in effectiveness.  That is why we are so passionate about the ministry at El Porvenir Christian Camp.  That is why so many people are still talking about the week of camp they went to last year, or 10 years ago, or 50 years ago.  We're not ashamed to say it around here...we love camp.  And its not hard to see why.