CSSM MB Summer Missionary Manual - General 5
CABIN DEVOTIONS
The heart of the camping ministry is what happens during the cabin devotional period. Many times, more important than the content of the devotions are the dynamics of the interpersonal relating that happens in this crucial time. Let us consider how to make the best use of these 30-45 minutes.
Morning Devotions:
The primary goal of this time is to start the day with God.
Step 1: Gather your campers in a circle.
Step 2: Open in prayer.
Step 3. Read a brief devotional from those provided by your camp. (Mature
Christian campers can be asked to read this if you tell them a day ahead.)
Step 4. Lead in a time of prayer committing the day into God's hands
Evening Devotions:
It is suggested that the camp pastor/speaker prepare a devotional guide for the cabin leaders to use during the evening cabin devotional time. The guide should consist of a few questions directly related to the evening chapel message, which the campers have just heard. This guide should allow the cabin leader helping the camper apply the message to his or her life.
The primary goal of this time is the spiritual welfare of your campers. They have had a lot of Bible content given to them during the day.
Step 1: Take your campers straight from evening chapel to the cabin
devotion time or from whatever activity last at.
Step 2: With the aid of the prepared questions given to you by the Camp Pastor/Speaker
discuss the theme of the evening chapel.
Step 3: Bible Application: Make sure that the focus is not simply on more
knowledge but on what do we need to do to apply the message.
Step 4: Prayer for one another.
Step 6: Close in prayer and ask if anyone needs to talk to you personally. It
should be recognized that many spiritual decisions are made for Christ
during the evening cabin devotional time.
Snack time can follow only when the cabin leaders feel the spiritual needs of the campers have been adequately met for that day!
NOTE: GENERAL INFORMATION
The camp program includes cabin devotions both in the morning and in the evening. The purpose of this time is to acknowledge and worship the Lord God. Normally this takes place through reading The Bible and spending time in prayer.
The devotional booklets "LET'S GO ON WALKING WITH GOD" are made available to the camps so choosing them for the morning devotional time. The cabin leader has the privilege of calling all their cabin mates together in a circle and reading the portion of scripture suggested and then doing the learning activities in the devotional booklet together. They may end this time with those who wish to pray out loud committing their day to the Lord.
The evening time provides a special opportunity for the cabin leaders to guide their campers into a deeper understanding of the lessons they have been learning all day.
CHECK the back of the Training Manual for an example of an evening devotional activity called ‘Friendship Circle’ (#5) that is designed to help communicate one with another. It also gives an emphasis to certain qualities (characteristics) and gifts with the intent the camper will learn and appreciate themselves and others.