Youth Ministry doesn’t get any better than a missions trip or camp. In fact, if I could do only two things, missions and camps are all I would do because of the impact they’ve had on my life. But, what is camp and missions trips without the downtime and the struggle of September through May?
I did a missions trip to Florida where a team of students did outdoor work during the day and skits at night. Camp and missions together? It was just too much. I have no idea how I recovered.
I took a few days, not prepping for anything. I sat in my office all day working on menial tasks like organizing my desk and putting pictures in frames.
Physical activity helps clear my mind. Wash the van and getting it detailed worked because it involved no emotional capital. Beside, the van was a hot mess, do you feel me?
The following Wednesday, I shared a message I used on the missions trip because, honestly, I didn’t have the brain power.
I went to the movies to see new Batman animated movie, The Killing Joke with my teenage son. Re-connecting with family was a big way for me to adjust.
I think 30 days is enough time to adjust to life after camp so I wouldn’t plan any event for those days. I did plan a 30 Days After Camp Reunion to see where we were students were in their relationship with God, His Word, and His Church.
That’s it. That’s my plan.
- Take it slow.
- Do something physical.
- Spend time with family.
- Don’t plan any activities for 30 days (except for maybe a Camp Reunion)
- Re-vist what God did in the hearts of kids.
- Dream for the future.
- Listen for what’s next.
- Reflect on what God did in you at camp as much as what God did in the lives of your kids.