ⓒ 2014 WATV

The 2014 Summer Student Camp began with the start of the vacation. The student camp of the Church of God, called the flower of vacation for its popularity, gives middle and high schoolers a respite from their school work, helping them grow in faith and build upright character. The student camp is also welcomed by the parents because their children make plans for themselves according to the camp schedule keeping the rhythm of life, and spend more meaningful and a healthier vacation.

The Churches of God throughout Korea held the student camp with programs designed according to each church’s need and the programs mainly focused on Bible studies, personality education, field trips, and volunteer services.

For Bible studies, students were not only taught by the pastoral staff but they also took the lead in many programs such as the Bible Preaching Contest, the Bible Seminar, and the Bible Quiz Contests. Those student-directed programs made learning the truth in the Bible easy and interesting.

The Etiquette and Personality Education based on the words of the Bible is continually held in churches. Since last year Winter Students Camp, outside specialists were invited to give a lecture for the personality education and the students attended the program to prevent school violence and the fire safety education. This time, parents participated in this program as well. Invited speakers from various circles offered practical knowledge from their own experiences so that the students who were concerned about their career could build constructive plans for their future. The lecturers also emphasized on the roles of the family and the parents which were the foundation of teenager’s emotional nourishment.

The students had all sorts of field trips and activities such as a painting and writing contest, a calligraphy class, a handicraft class, a cooking contest, and an athletic meeting. Through diverse activities, they were able to find their aptitude and dreams, and feel the joy of cooperation. They also had a fruitful time, overcoming the summer heat by visiting museums, science halls, historic sites, and by actively participating in volunteer services for senior care centers and street cleanups.

“I’ve experienced many things that I couldn’t afford some time to do during school semesters. I also feel good after volunteering,” “I liked the time spent with my friends and parents. It was a short but precious time,” “I laughed a lot after a long time. I feel like I got rid of all my stresses,” said the students after the camps.

As we live in a loveless and competitive society, even teenagers tend to lack sensitivity. The student camp has served as a place for communication among family members and friends, enabling them to be considerate of others and help their neighbors. The Church of God is going to gradually expand the student camp programs where the teenagers can obtain goodness, resembling God, share love between family members, and build a close friendship.

ⓒ 2014 WATV