LIFE Camp was founded to complement local evangelistic camps with a camp geared exclusively for Christian kids, and focused on discipleship. The name stands for “Living In Faith Effectively”. By gearing LIFE Camp toward kids with some Christian background we are able to dig a little bit deeper into the truths of the Bible and tackle questions such as, “How do I share my faith with unbelievers?” and “How do I live my life in accordance with Biblical principles?” We thought it would be helpful for young people to understand their faith in the context of both Biblical truths and the church in general throughout the world and throughout history. As such, we teach directly from the Bible, and we also teach about others in various times and countries who have applied the same truths to their lives. The list of people we have studied includes: Hudson Taylor, Billy Graham, William Tyndale, D.L. Moody, Harriet Tubman, Eric Liddell and many others. We also look at a hymn every day and explore the story behind the hymn to try to bring to life the stories behind the great hymns of the faith.
The first year of LIFE Camp was a real challenge as we had to start from scratch building a program, a curriculum and a staff. We managed to gather a cadre of talented, like-minded people who shared the vision of launching this camp, and to convince some parents that we were, in fact, legitimate. Our first camp had twelve kids, aged eight through twelve, and thirteen staff. Certainly, a staff to camper ratio of 1.08 to 1 ensured that each kid had plenty of attention! It was a very intimate setting with such a small group, and it turned out to be a real blessing to all involved.
Since that first year, Aaron Porter has moved on, first to be a director of Child Evangelism Fellowship, SLO and then to an Associate Pastor position at First Baptist Church, SLO. Aaron has continued to be involved in LIFE Camp by being an evening chapel speaker at camp. Jake has moved to the East Coast to work various finance jobs, but has remained actively involved in directing LIFE Camp, doing most of the work from a distance but returning for a week each summer to administer the camp. The Chapel has been unwavering in its support of the camp, and Paul and Debbie Stanley have continued to be supportive through lending logistical support, counsel, moral support and telling potential campers and parents about what we do. We have grown over the last nine years through word of mouth. God has blessed this ministry with many great committed volunteers to minister to the kids each summer including counselors, cooks, kitchen helpers, nurses, life guards, teachers, etc.
LIFE Camp has expanded to include junior high and is now for believing children who have completed third through eighth grade in the most recently completed school year. We are excited to see God blessing and expanding this ministry as we can reach more children and be a tool to strengthen their faith. Especially exciting is seeing kids who were campers for many years come back as staffers to give back to the ministry that was a blessing to them. In looking back at the history of LIFE Camp we are filled with awe for the Lord and His provision. We are grateful for where God has brought us so far, and are looking forward to where He will lead us in the future.
