|
The regular update from Christian Camping International
The global connectors of Christian camp, conference and activity providers.
| |
|
What is God doing in your life this week?
Dear friends,
I’m re-reading sections of God of Adventure, authored by former CCI Board member Bruce Dunning. A chapter is dedicated to the truth that “Christian Adventure Always Involves Risk.” What I love about this topic is that it is not reserved only for adventure-recreation activities but includes the adventure of being a Christian—of following Jesus Christ into the wide open of His mission. When Jesus says, “follow me,” he is calling us to the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the unreturnable.
Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “A man’s mind stretched by new ideas may never return to its original dimensions.” We can say the same about the heart of a Christian who steps out in faith, trusting in Jesus. A heart stretched by faith and new experiences may never return to its original dimensions. Through taking faith-filled risks to trust God and share the good news of His Kingdom through camping, you and I will never be quite the same.
This morning, I was on an adventure with the Lord, hiking through the Santa Cruz mountains. I stopped at the top of a cliff to view the rolling ridges that lead to the Pacific Ocean. I asked the Lord to calm my worries about the finances needed to meet the needs and opportunities within the CCI network. Just then, a lone raven landed atop a tree at eye level directly before me. I smiled as I recalled the words of Jesus, who said, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” I continued on, encouraged to take steps of faith into the unknown.
Embrace the risk of stepping out into the wide open with Jesus. This is how we grow as followers and leaders. Don’t worry. Take that step of faith, and your heart and mind will expand and form into a new shape—one that is ready for the adventure ahead!
Together in Christ,
|  | |
|
Global Conferences and Connections
As always, our Associations have been busy over the last month...
| |
CCI Nepal held their Regional Conference in Itahari where 60 participants joined together for training and fellowship. | |
|
A few weeks ago, the CCI team in Armenia, supported by CCI/Ukraine, hosted a seminar for 80 women in Christian leadership.
This year's seminar focused on two qualities of God:
*God Who Sees Me* - reminding the participants that He sees and hears every detail of our lives.
*God the Comforter* - emphasizing that He comforts us so we can comfort others.
Over the summer, many of these dedicated women will be involved in camps for children and youth.
| |
Over the past year CCI Argentina have been running a training program for the CCI América Latina diploma - this has involved regular online training sessions and training camps to grow and develop their leaders. The program ended with the leaders running their own camp weekend together 'Sow in Me', which was attended by 35 pre-teens (10-14 year olds). We send our congratulations to all the graduates! | |
|
Please do be in prayer for CVA as they hold their Annual Conference at the end of the month celebrating 50 years of their Association.
Their focus will be on Isaiah 40:31:
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
| |
|
Camp Giving Campaign
Christian Camping International (CCI) invites you to be part of a powerful global movement by donating to our work.
We aim to rally at least 50 Camps and 50 individual donors from around the world to support CCI Worldwide, emphasising the immense value of our shared mission.
Whether you are a camp director, camp leader or an individual with a passion for the CCI ministry, you are part of a large, global community dedicated to reaching people for Christ through the unique ministry of Christian Camping.
By joining forces, we strengthen our collective efforts and showcase the unity and diversity of our global network.
If you are a camp director, as a token of our gratitude, we will feature all contributing camps on our website and social media, celebrating your commitment and encouraging others to join this vital cause.
Together, let's expand our reach and deepen our impact for Christ.
| |
And if you still haven't been prompted to give, then do listen to Steven Miers explain why his camp 'Christian Youth Camps' in New Zealand has decided to give to CCI... | |
|
"Financially supporting Christian camping around the world is a part of
our obedience to God and helps us to focus on what we can do for others
rather than what others can do for us"
| |
We are incredibly grateful to those camps that have already given to the work of CCI Worldwide: | |
|
Send us your Stories!
Hopefully you will have noticed that we have started posting stories on our social media and on our website of 'Stories from Camps around the World'.
Being so familiar with this ministry, we are all well aware of the incredible value of Christian Camping as a unique and effective tool in the hands of God for reaching people for Christ, but seeing the effect it has on others around the world is such an encouragement.
We would love to be able to share your stories on our social media platforms, stories of how you have seen camps influence an individual or group, or maybe you have a story of how camp has influenced you.
We would love to hear your story and to share it with others as a reminder of how God uses this ministry for His purposes. If you have a story to share then please fill in this form or contact Vicki and let's work together to encourage and inspire our community!
| |
|
Campfire Conversations
Next month's Campfire Conversations session is being led by Timothy Connors and the team from our Indian Association - ICCA (Indian Christian Camping Association)
ICCA will be sharing with us on 'The Voice of Christian Camping in India: Hurdles, trials and collaborations through a challenging socio-political landscape - an Indian Perspective.’
Please do join us to hear about this important topic, to find out about what their experiences are and to know how we can pray specifically for our friends in India.
Details for this session can be found on the CCI Events page of our website.
We would love to see you there!
| |
|
Prayer & Fellowship
We are looking forward to meeting together next month when Alexander Kharitonov from Russia will be leading our time together.
Whether you are an Association Leader, someone involved in a Christian camp, a volunteer or someone with a heart for the Christian Camping ministry, then we would love for you to join with us to share, pray and to connect with others from around the world
Details for this session can be found on the CCI Events page of our website.
We would love to see you there!
| | |
|
|
CCI EcoCare
CCI EcoCare aims to encourage the care of God’s creation within the ministries of CCI members.
| |
|
EcoCare tip for July:
Start a community garden where campers can learn about sustainable agriculture and the importance of local food systems.
| | | |
|
Congratulations to the following camps and organisations for completing the CCI EcoCare Assessment and joining CCI EcoCare:
| |
|
Do visit the CCI EcoCare pages of our website for more information about CCI EcoCare and our EcoCare Assessment Tool.
If you have any questions about CCI EcoCare or if you’d like to become more involved and explore becoming a rep for your Association, please do get in touch.
| |
|
Book Corner
God of Adventure: Exploring How God Teaches Through Adventure and Calls Us to Do the Same by Bruce Dunning.
God of Adventure is a profound exploration of the spiritual significance of adventure in the Christian life. Bruce Dunning, with his extensive background in outdoor ministry and Christian camping, presents a compelling case for the integration of adventure into faith-based activities, emphasizing how these experiences can foster spiritual growth and deeper connections with God.
The book artfully illustrates how the elements of adventure—risk, challenge, and discovery—mirror the spiritual journey of Christians. Just as physical adventures require trust, courage, and perseverance, so too does our walk with God.
The book is richly interwoven with scriptural references, demonstrating how God used adventures and challenges throughout the Bible to teach and mold His people. Parallels are drawn between biblical adventures and modern-day experiences, providing a robust theological framework for understanding adventure as a divine tool.
The book is peppered with personal anecdotes and testimonies from those in the Christian camping community and these stories serve to inspire and illustrate the transformative power of adventure in a faith context.
Practical Takeaways for Camp Leaders:
-
Program Design: Incorporate activities that challenge physical and spiritual limits, fostering reliance on God and building community.
-
Leadership Development: Use adventure-based experiences to develop leadership skills and spiritual maturity in both campers and staff.
-
Faith Integration: Seamlessly weave spiritual lessons into adventure activities, making each challenge an opportunity for spiritual reflection and growth.
"God of Adventure" is a must-read for anyone involved in Christian camping and outdoor ministry. Bruce Dunning offers a well-rounded and inspiring perspective on how adventures can serve as powerful tools for spiritual formation. His book is a valuable resource that will equip camp leaders to create meaningful, faith-building experiences that resonate with campers long after they leave the campgrounds.
| |
|
Coming Up...
- CCI Latin America's final training for 'New Pathways' (09 July-05 August)
- CCI Worldwide Zoom Board Meeting (16 July)
- CCI GLP Combined Session on Zoom (24 July)
- CVA National Conference 'Uplift' (29 July-02 August)
- CCI Sierra Leone Annual Conference (06-08 August)
- CCI Argentina XV National Campaconvencion (16-19 August)
- CCI EcoCare Reps Zoom Meeting (22 August)
| |
|
Please email us with any prayer and praise requests or any items for our
global calendar of events info@cciworldwide.org
| |
|
Romans 8:28 (AMP)
And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
| |
Donate to CCI
Donating to CCI is a practical way for you to support this unique and valuable ministry, helping to introduce young people around the world to Christ.
To make a donation use the QR code,
or click here.
| |
| | | |
