Social Settings: Re-engage/re-appraise - Part 1

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecc 4:12
 
Both of our daughters had an incredible experience at T Bar M camp this year. As parents, we seek to do the “heavy lifting” of spiritual instruction in our home (Deut 6), but camp continues to be a spiritual high point in their year. What we seek to instill in the mundane of each day becomes brightly textured during camp. We are blessed and grateful to have this partnership in our lives. 
 
We got an interesting phone call this morning from our neighbor across the street. Their daughter, Kate, and our Molly are in the same class at school. They play well together and work on classroom assignments. What about the spiritual dimension to their young friendship? Does it go beyond "Wimpy Diaries" and homework? 
 
Our neighbor called today to tell us about Kate’s experience at her church’s summer camp. At the end of the session, they had an opportunity to light a candle on behalf of a friend who has been a positive spiritual influence during the past year. Kate lit a candle on behalf of Molly. Kate told her mom that Molly seemed to understand her religious beliefs and helped her stay positive in her own faith. As a parent, you know that we were blessed to hear this story.
 
As the new school year approaches, two thoughts come to mind. First, don’t underestimate the impact that your child can have on his or her peers. We worry so much about negative social settings that could hurt our children. Turn the tables around and consider how your child can be a positive influence on others. Fortunately, Kate is a wonderful girl and friend for Molly, but imagine how firmly they can stand together as the “heat” of social pressure turns up at school. 
 
Secondly, this story helped me see the year-round value of our children’s summer camp experience. Like buttresses on a castle, camp reinforces and strengthens those upright walls of faith – helping to keep them straight and true. I hung up the phone thinking of yet another way that camp has influenced families far beyond the scope of our own household, and I offered a simple prayer of thanks for all the Lord is doing through camp to influence people toward Jesus Christ. 

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Camper Corner: What was the most important spiritual insight you took away from camp this year? Who at your school might also benefit from what you have learned?