With All Your Heart: Serving at Camp

Adeline Moll  |  The Voice of Zion May 2026 - Camp Matters Article --

The 2026 Camp Theme follows the LLC Operating Theme for the year and comes from Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto God.” This was the focus of the 2026 Camp Work presentation shared with congregations. In that presentation, we are reminded why we have camps and how we serve one another with the gifts God has given.

Service Belongs to Everyone

When we think of serving at camp, certain roles naturally come to mind – counselors, teachers, directors, and kitchen workers. Yet the presentation also reminds us that camp participants serve as well. Sometimes this service is tangible: playing the piano, helping with cleaning, or assisting in practical ways.

Participants also serve by being friendly, by including others, and by showing kindness to fellow campers. Many of us can remember arriving at a camp feeling uncertain – perhaps not knowing many people or wondering how the days would unfold. A simple invitation to join a game, a conversation, or even a warm smile can ease that uncertainty. These small acts matter. Creating a welcoming atmosphere is not just the responsibility of staff; it belongs especially to each participant.

As you send your children to youth camps this summer, remind them that they are serving their fellow believers by including those who are alone, welcoming others, respecting the staff, and participating in lessons. Willing participation and kindness help create a fulfilling camp experience for everyone.

A Willing Heart to Serve

God calls us to willing service. In Isaiah the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:8). We, too, have that heart. We often look forward to going to camp to serve.

When we prepare to serve at camp, it is good to ask ourselves: What are my intentions? A counselor may sign up alongside friends, anticipating a fun time together at camp. Yet it is worth pausing to consider whether we are going primarily to serve the students or simply to enjoy time with friends. Our first desire should be to serve. In doing so, we often find that we ourselves are uplifted.

Even with willing hearts, we may feel our lackings. We might hesitate to agree to go to camp as a counselor, teacher, or director because we feel we lack the gifts we see in others. Scripture reminds us, through Peter, that each of us should use whatever gifts we have received to serve others (1 Pet. 4:10). God has given the necessary gifts to His congregation. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others. We can use the gifts God has given us and trust that others will fill where we lack. When we go to camp, we can trust that God has provided all the gifts that are needed – among both staff and participants.

Gifts Given, Strength Supplied

It may appear in some tasks, like working in the kitchen, that there aren’t many special gifts required. It’s true that most people can follow a recipe, wipe the tables, and wash the dishes. Yet someone still needs to do it. It is a gift to have a willing heart that steps in where help is needed and does the work joyfully. Temporal food is necessary at camp, and campers notice when they go through the food line and are met with a happy smile. 

In the end, we remember that none of our gifts come from ourselves. They come from God. We do not serve in our own strength but in the strength He provides. At camp – and in all of life – we care for our brothers and sisters in faith, and they in turn care for us. Through that mutual care, we receive encouragement to continue endeavoring in faith. Many of us who have served at camp have experienced meaningful friendships, shared laughter, and time spent with fellow believers. Most importantly, we have received strength and encouragement for our faith – support that carries us forward long after camp ends and often brings us back again.

God does not require great service; He requires faithful service. As we go to camp – and as we serve in other ways in God’s kingdom – we do so with willing hearts, remembering the words of Colossians: “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as unto God.”  

This article was written in conjunction with a Camp Work presentation kept by Keith Kariniemi.