By Korey Breutzmann, Director of Programs
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” -Colossians 3:14
Vibe (n) - a sense or feeling about a person, place, or thing
Rooted in God’s love, our vibes are woven into our lives, connecting us to others and guiding our actions. As Paul writes to the Colossians, love binds us together through virtues like kindness, humbleness, calmness, steadfastness, and forgiveness. These qualities strengthen our relationships, reflecting God’s love in every interaction and aligning us with the vibes that create the good life that God wants for all of us.
As campers explore this message at camp, they discover stories of individuals embodying Christ-like vibes that illustrate God’s love in action. As God’s love joins us together, strengthening us even when we feel worn down, campers also name that embodying these vibes has its challenges. Campers practice how to share love sustainably and passionately. Through this journey, campers come to understand their place in God’s kingdom and feel empowered to give off those Christ-like vibes!
- Kindness: 1 Kings 17:8-16
On the first day, campers explore how love shapes who we are, both inside and out, through acts of kindness. Rooted in God’s love, we are called not only to empathize with the experiences of others but also to respond with action. Through the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, campers will learn how love moves us to care for those in need, even in challenging times. When we live boldly as love in action, God multiplies that love, spreading it throughout the world. - Humbleness: Luke 19:1-10
On the second day, campers explore what it means to love others through humbleness. Through the story of Zacchaeus, they learn how humility means serving others by putting their needs first and recognizing their limitations. By humbling himself and making amends, Zacchaeus joins God’s work of restoration, a model for how we can also restore what others have lost. Campers explore how humbleness vibes with God’s justice and mercy. - Calmness: Matthew 8:23-27
On the third day, campers witness how Jesus remained calm during a storm. Campers learn that self-care is essential to living out God’s love. Through prayer, friendship, and reflection, they practice noticing God’s presence in all circumstances. As they continue their week at camp, they carry these messages with them, understanding that nurturing their well-being is a holy act that enables them to live and share God’s love sustainably. - Steadfastness: Jeremiah 1:4-10
On the fourth day, campers hear the story of the Prophet Jeremiah, who was called by God as a child just like some of our young campers. It’s essential to recognize that doubts are part of the journey—Jeremiah certainly did! Yet, even in moments of uncertainty, God equips us to express love with a peace that transcends understanding. - Forgiveness: Genesis 45:1-10
On the final day, campers celebrate how love vibes us into a community rooted in grace and forgiveness. Through the stories of Joseph forgiving his brothers, campers see how God’s love connects us, calling us to forgive and be forgiven. As campers prepare to go home, they reflect on how they can continue to express all these vibes—embracing them as individuals, fostering them within their communities, and sharing them in the broader world.
We hope you learned a bit about how we can continue to vibe with and show Christ's love to all the world. Thank you for being a part of camp this summer, and we hope to see you at camp again soon!
