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Hitting a baseball in mid-air is notoriously difficult. As multi-sport professional athlete Deion Sanders famously put it when asked about the hardest thing to do in sports, it’s “...hitting that baseball. Any sport you can fail 7 out of 10 times at and still be considered great - that’s a hard sport.”
My 8-year old, Micah, loves baseball. And while he seems to have a knack for it, he wasn’t always good at it. I distinctly remember “pitching” to him in the yard early on, which was more me trying to hit his bat with my throw than the other way around. In those days, it was common for him to miss one, two, three, ten pitches in a row. It was also common for him to collapse in a heap of tears, frustration spilling out of every pore. Like a lot of kids, Micah is the kind of kid who wants to be good at everything right away. And when he’s not, the disappointment hits hard. Like many other kids, his instinct is to shut down when he hits a wall. During those hitting droughts, something would usually shift. With a few deep breaths, some quiet encouragement, and a promise that he didn’t have to get it right today - he just had to try again - he would pick the bat back up. Another swing. Another miss. But eventually: crack. The ball would sail past me. The grin on his face in those moments said everything. He didn’t just get better at baseball. He was getting better at doing hard things. He didn’t succeed because it was easy, but because he kept going when it wasn’t. That, in a nutshell, is resilience. As a parent, it’s hard to watch our children struggle. And when you’re thinking about sending them to overnight camp for the first time, the “what ifs” pile up fast:
But here’s the thing: Camp is built for that kind of growth. It’s one of the rare places where kids can swing and miss in a safe, supportive space - and eventually, with a little encouragement, connect in ways that surprise even them.
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That Awkward Moment Before the MagicOne of my favorite parts of camp is the very first day.
It might sound strange… After all, it’s often the most awkward part of the week. Campers standing in small clumps or off to the side, staff trying to remember names, everyone sizing each other up with polite smiles and uneasy greetings. But I love that moment. Because I know what’s about to happen. Within a few short hours, the nervous energy melts away. Silly games break the ice, stories are shared, and laughter starts to loosen up even the stiffest of campers. Guards go down, camaraderie builds, and before long, the same kids who couldn’t make eye contact at check-in are racing each other to dinner, singing songs and cracking jokes like lifelong friends. It’s a transformation I never get tired of watching. That’s the power of camp. From the very beginning, we work to create an environment where kids feel safe - not just physically, but emotionally. Campers and staff alike are invited to show up as their full, authentic selves, without fear of being laughed at, left out, or judged. We lead with vulnerability, build trust through play, and lay a foundation where real connections can grow. There’s a phrase every camper at Camp Lookout hears on the first day of camp: “We’re in the build-them-up business, not the tear-them-down business.” It’s not just a motto. It’s a filter we apply to everything we do. Before a child can grow in confidence, try something new, or explore their faith, they need to feel like they belong. Without that, none of the other good stuff can happen. Belonging is the bedrock of every life-changing camp experience. Let’s be real - summer camp isn’t an Instagram-perfect, glitter-filled retreat where every moment is magical. There will be bug bites. There might be some homesickness. There will definitely be dirt in places you didn’t think dirt could go.
But that’s the beauty of camp. In a world where kids are used to instant gratification, the pressure of school and activities, and rarely challenged to step outside their comfort zones, camp is one of the last places where they can just be kids. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes even hard - but that’s exactly what makes it so life-changing. So let’s talk about the parts of camp no one puts in the brochure. The scraped knees, the awkward first-day jitters, the rainy afternoons. Because those "imperfect" moments? They’re the ones that help kids build resilience, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime. Keep reading for the truth about summer camp - and why your child will be better for it. As parents, we all want the best for our kids - opportunities to learn, grow, and become their best selves. We cheer them on at soccer games, remind them to finish their homework (...again), and try to plan summer activities that feel worthwhile. But what if the best thing you could give your child this summer wasn’t another class or achievement-oriented program, but a place where they can grow in confidence, character, and faith while having the time of their lives?
Summer camp is more than just s’mores and silly songs (though those are great, too). It’s an environment designed to help kids build independence, make meaningful friendships, and explore who they are in a supportive and encouraging community. Whether they’re stepping onto the high ropes course for the first time, leading the group in a silly camp song, or engaging in deep conversation by the fire, camp is where kids find out what they’re truly capable of. If you’re a parent looking for a summer experience that goes beyond entertainment - one that fosters resilience, kindness, and spiritual growth - here’s why camp might be the perfect fit for your child. |
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3130 Highway 157 • Rising Fawn, GA 30738-2029 • Phone: (706) 820-1163 • Fax: (706) 820-9911
A ministry of Holston Conference Camping & Retreat Ministries
A ministry of Holston Conference Camping & Retreat Ministries