5 Fun & Meaningful Ways to Debrief Summer Camp with your Camper

Camp is over, your camper is home - and suddenly you're staring at a pile of laundry, a half-empty water bottle, and someone who may or may not have slept in the past 48 hours. What now?

While we can't help you wash that mystery-stained hoodie, we can help you guide your camper through some post-camp reflection that keeps their focus on the Lord Jesus going strong. 

Here are 5 fun and meaningful ways to help your camper unpack all that God did at Lake Geneva Youth Camp this summer:

1. Start with Stories, Not Interrogations 

Resist the urge to rapid-fire questions like it's a spiritual pop quiz. Instead, try lighthearted questions to ease them in: 

• "What was the weirdest thing you ate?"
• "Who made you laugh the hardest?"
• "What surprised you most about God this week?"

2. Celebrate What God Did - Big or Small

Whether your camper made a decision to follow Jesus, renewed their faith, or just asked a lot of big questions - that's worth celebrating!

Let them know you're proud of them for showing up, engaging, and seeking God. Every camper's journey looks different. The goal isn't perfection - it's progress. 

3. Plug into a Local Church - Seriously, It's Vital

We can't say this loud enough: Spiritual growth happens best in the context of a local church. 

Camp is a launchpad - but ongoing faith formation happens through consistent worship, teaching, and community. If your camper doesn't already attend a church regularly, now is the perfect time to find one together. And if they do, help them re-engage with a new purpose!

Want your camper to keep growing? Help them show up on Sundays. We recommend solid churches on our Camp Resource Page.

4. Lean into Camp Friendships (the Good Kind!)

One of the best parts of camp? The friendships. Encourage your camper to stay connected with the other campers they bonded with. These friendships can be powerful sources of accountability, encouragement, and joy.

If they want to keep in touch with a counselor or staff member, make sure it's done with your awareness and permission, and through appropriate channels. We love our staff, but adult-to-minor communication should always include a parent or guardian. (Safety first, always.)

5. Use Camp Resources to Keep Growing

We've created some awesome tools to help campers keep learning and walking with Jesus beyond camp. From devotionals to journaling guides, it's designed with their summer experience in mind. 

www.lgyc.org/camp-resources

Use these as a family, in a small group, or just pass them along to your camper for their personal time with God. 

Final Thought: Camp May Be Over, But the Journey Isn't

Summer camp can be powerful spark - but your love, encouragement, and direction are the fuel that keeps the fire burning. Let's help your camper take what God started and build on it for the long haul. 

We're cheering you one - and we're here if you need anything along the way.