Sacred Playgrounds : Christian Summer Camp in Theological Perspective.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sorenson, Jacob.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Christian education, Outdoor--United States.

Christian education, Outdoor.

Church camps--United States.

Church camps.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (224 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Eugene : Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2021.

Summary:

"Sacred Playgrounds explores the wisdom of camping ministry for Christian education and faith formation, examining its rich history and fundamental characteristics with compelling stories, groundbreaking research, and theological grounding. Christian summer camp is an integral part of the ecology of faith formation in North America, though it has received surprisingly little attention in the scholarly community until now. Camping ministry is often dismissed as simple fun and games or a brief spiritual high that does not last. However, camp experiences often serve as deeply relational and immersive faith experiences that have lasting impacts on participants. Five fundamental characteristics combine dynamically in the effective camp experience: participatory, faith-centered, safe space, relational, and unplugged from home. Together, they open the space for participants to consider new understandings of God, to have time for deep self-reflection, and to build intentional Christian community. These camp experiences are essential components in a larger ecology of faith formation, including the home and congregation. The insight and evidence presented in this book demonstrate that the contributions of camping ministry must be taken seriously among scholars, Christian educators, and ministry professionals." --From publisher's description.

Contents:

Part 1. Welcome to camp

An invitation to play

The camp story

Toward a new understanding of summer camp

Part 2. The fundamentals of Christian summer camp

A new perspective : camp is unplugged from home

Taking the leap : camp is participatory

Faith at the center : camp is church, too

The face of the other : camp is relational

On belay : camp is a safe space

Taking us home

Appendix A : self-evaluation for camp directors and full-time staff.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9781532694646

1532694644

OCLC:

1507700273