Desire to Impact More Kids Leads to Change in Scholarship Camp Ministry

We at Awana recognize that camping has been an integral part of our ministry for more than 50 years. Last year, our camp ministry ministered to more than 7,500 young people. Throughout our history, tens of thousands of lives have been committed to God’s service in this unique setting.

But as Awana seeks new and innovative ways to help more boys and girls come to know, love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ, the question arose: How can we increase the potential of this incredible program to reach not just 7,500 kids but 75,000 or even 750,000? Imagine the impact we would have on our country and on our world!

As we dreamed this big dream, we soon realized that Awana headquarters and our missionaries would be unable to accomplish this alone and that God in His wisdom created the local church as His vehicle to achieve the Great Commission. The role of Awana became clear – to help the local church attain this purpose by providing excellent programs, products and training.

With this in mind, the Awana Board of Directors made some tough, God-honoring decisions about the camp ministry. Beginning in 2007, Awana will release our camp curriculum to any church that will use this material to reach youth with its life-changing message. Awana and our missionaries will no longer direct or administrate camps for junior-high students. In effect, Awana is transferring ownership of this ministry to churches and organizations that will help Awana reach and train untold millions of kids for Christ through our proven camp experience.

As we move forward with these changes, I ask you to join us in prayer. Much planning must be done in the next 12 months to prepare for this transition. Pray also with us that the 2006 camp season will be a celebration of God’s past faithfulness and anticipation of His handiwork through this future initiative. Pray as we develop the curriculum and other resources to empower local churches to influence kids in their community for eternity.

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions and additional answers concerning these changes. (This letter and the FAQs are also being mailed out to Awana-registered churches this week.) New information will be announced as it becomes available. If you have other questions, your local Awana missionary can help you.

Our missionaries, along with thousands of volunteers, have been the backbone of the Awana camp ministry. Camp is not dependent on any one person or group. Leadership of this great endeavor is being passed on to passionate and devoted leaders. We look to the future confident that God will continue to use Awana to expand His kingdom. Camp’s best days are just ahead.

Sincerely,

Brian Rhodes
Awana Executive Director of U.S. Ministries