Next week we will have close to 200 children descend upon CPC for Music Camp like locusts on a seven-year hunt. To feed this hungry throng, we will have goldfish, pretzels, snow cones, cotton candy, pizza, hot dogs and anything else we can muster to control their appetites. We will sing songs, play games, and give them every opportunity to make a memory. We will challenge this rambunctious group with the task of learning and presenting a musical in a week’s time. And, Lord willing, we will continue to attempt this amazing feat year after year.
Why do we put ourselves through this year after year? (I’m being facetious, as I know most who help put together Music Camp love every moment of it!) What is the benefit of this annual event? I have a few observations to share.
Yesterday my children passed the time on a car ride by trying to name all of Jacob’s sons. Ellie remembered more than the boys because she remembered who played each part in last year’s program.
One Sunday as I sang a song from a previous Music Camp, I looked out on the congregation to see Annagrace singing and doing the motions we had taught to go along with the song.
Children who don’t attend CPC have seen me at ballgames or the grocery store and have stopped me to say hello or talk about something that happened during our week together.
I remember growing up learning songs and stories in my own church’s VBS, and I now use that knowledge for God’s glory.
Music Camp is a very fun week for all involved, but if that was why we did it every year then we would be missing the point. During this week, the knowledge of who God is and how that impacts us is poured into the children through the drama that is presented, the music that is learned, the Bible classes that are taught, the missionaries that are introduced, and the love that is shown to the children in His name.
Children leave Music Camp with seeds sown that the Lord will water, cultivate, and bring to fruition. We load them up with “nutri-tious food” so they don’t have to survive on the “junk food” that is out there. That is why my children play the name game in the car or sing along to a song learned in Music Camp. Hopefully, every time those children see me in the grocery store they are reminded of the truths they learned that week. We sow the seed, and He brings in the harvest.
And speaking of parables, this year’s Music Camp is Parablelooza! A game show and musical wrapped into one amazing week. We will concentrate on several of Jesus’ parables by playing a game related to the parable, having the parable acted out, and then having the parable read. The games are goofy, the songs are fun, and our focus is clear: to help these children know Christ.
Music Camp is from 8:30 - 12:15 Monday through Wednesday, and 8:30 - 2:00 Thursday and Friday. It’s not too late to sign up your child, grandchild, a neighbor’s child, or a friend’s child. Registration forms are available online or in the church lobby, and the cost is $25. Please pray that the Lord uses Music Camp to show His glory.
Jeremy Gaines