God is the author of all creation and we revel in his power as we learn about the natural world. Human beings are a unique part of God’s creation, made in his image. One of the things that sets us apart from other creatures is our ability to use fire.
BG Nature Camp is an outdoor-based program that uses tools of wilderness survival and nature study to communicate the truth of the Gospel. This program is for children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade. This was our third year of Nature Camp. Over the two weeks, we hosted 60 campers, and were supported by 30 volunteers on-site and behind the scenes.
This year our focus was biblical stories where God revealed himself through fire to human beings made in his image. Each day we repeated the truth that God made us, and God loves us. In each story, we learned that Jesus is our hope, freedom, truth, and life.
After hearing about the angel with a fiery sword, or Moses’ encounter with a burning bush, or the Israelites following the pillar of fire through the wilderness, the students would leave the main lawn and head into the woods with their groups. At their camp sites, they learned first-hand about the power of fire, and how to safely handle and work around it. They practiced building and tending fires.
The campers would gather around their fires to retell and reflect upon the morning story, and draw or write in their nature journals. In these journals were beautiful illustrations of four of the Bible stories, copied from original pieces done by our BG artist team. (Be sure to check out the original artwork in the BG lobby!)
The students also had the challenge of starting fire with primitive friction kits. Fire is powerful indeed, and can be elusive as well! It is a great teaching tool, leaving strong images in our memories.
We pray that the experiences at Nature Camp will lodge memories of fire and stories of God’s love deep in the hearts of the campers. Thank you for your support!