Raising Resilient Kids—One Campfire at a Time

Let’s be honest—parenting can feel like a juggling act with flaming torches… while riding a unicycle… blindfolded. And somewhere in that whirlwind, we’re all asking the same question: How do I help my child grow up to be strong, confident, and able to handle whatever life throws their way?

The answer might surprise you: send them to camp.

Yep. A place with muddy sneakers, cabin chants, and questionable campfire cooking (seriously, who thought marshmallows and pickles was a good combo?). But behind all that fun and chaos lies one of the most powerful environments for helping kids develop something they’ll need for the rest of their lives: resilience.

The Bible has a lot to say about pressing on through challenges. Take the Apostle Paul, for example. He didn’t coast through life with ease—he ran the race with endurance, even when it felt like he was running uphill, barefoot, in the rain. (Okay, maybe not literally barefoot, but you get the idea.)

In Philippians 3:12–14, Paul writes:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me… I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Resilience isn’t about being perfect or never falling—it’s about getting up, pressing on, and learning to trust God through the process. Camp just so happens to be a fantastic place for kids to practice this very thing.

Camp offers a right mix of independence, challenge, and support. Whether it’s conquering the climbing wall, missing home (just a little), or learning how to make a bed without Mom’s help (spoiler: they figure it out… sort of), camp nudges kids out of their comfort zones in all the right ways.

And the best part? They don’t face those challenges alone. Faith-based camps weave God’s Word and grace into every moment—morning devotionals, fireside worship, even during the wildest game of capture-the-flag. It’s a place where kids can mess up, try again, and discover that their identity is found not in getting it all right but in the One who walks with them through it all.

According to the American Camp Association, camp plays a significant role in helping kids develop resilience. One study found that camp environments—especially those built around encouragement, peer interaction, and healthy challenges—help kids develop critical coping skills and confidence.

It turns out that falling out of a canoe (don’t worry, they’ll be fine) or having to speak up in a cabin discussion are actually great ways for kids to build the kind of grit that will serve them long after camp ends.

We know—it’s tough to let your child head off into the great unknown of camp life. Will they eat enough? Will they shower? Will they remember to wear sunscreen? (Let’s be real, probably not every day.)

But take heart. In stepping away from the comforts of home, your child steps into a world designed to help them grow. They’ll gain independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of who they are in Christ. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll even learn to like broccoli. (Okay, probably not. We’re working on it.)

Resilience isn’t something we can hand our kids like a packed lunch or a clean pair of socks. It’s something they have to experience, build, and live out. Christian camp is one of the best training grounds for that journey.

At the end of the day, we press on with our kids—not because the path is easy, but because the One who calls us is faithful. And through it all, we can trust that He’s growing something eternal in their hearts.