Interview: How to Do Kids’ Discipleship in the Woods
Creation care does more than conservation. It cultivates faith formation, says A Rocha.
In the world of high-energy, high-entertainment Vacation Bible Schools and summer kids camps, “Wild Wonder” stands out as an un-flashy alternative, incorporating quiet activities like bird watching and nature observation alongside music and games. Developed by the Christian conservation organization A Rocha USA, Wild Wonder’s new program explores environmental stewardship and spiritual formation in the context of the outdoors.
“The main vision behind the camp is that we want kids to know they are beloved creations,” says A Rocha’s curriculum manager Flo Oakes. “We call it creation care camp, but we are God’s creations and we want kids to know that God loves us each deeply.”
CT spoke with Oakes to learn more about Wild Wonder’s unique approach to discipleship in the woods.
As the name suggests, igniting a sense of wonder within kids is a central part of your vision. How, specifically, do you go about that?
A few years ago I met one of my favorite authors, Wendell Berry. I’ll never forget one thing he said: “Why should the butterfly be so extravagant?” That sentence has shaped so many things for me. It’s the heart of wondering over God’s creation.
A lot of the camp program is based on what I’ve experienced, translated to a kid level. For myself, when I’m in a place of doubt spiritually—which is also something kids can experience—my favorite place to visit is the butterfly and chrysalis exhibit at our zoo. The monarch butterfly chrysalis is mint green and it looks like someone took a paintbrush and painted gold dots all around the top. It evokes an emotional response in me because it’s like God is revealing himself ...
from Christianity Today Magazine https://ift.tt/2G55VCp
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