What makes Rock-N-Water, Rock-N-Water?
If you’ve ever been to Rock-N-Water maybe you will have realized that it is not just another summer adventure/rafting camp. Yes, we do all the same fun river adventures (and more!) that all the other camps do. But what is it that makes Rock-N-Water stand out amidst all the other rafting companies? What is the “secret sauce” that keeps people coming back and choosing this camp to be their summer destination?
Well, I want to suggest to you all that it’s something quite simple. Our mission statement is that; “Rock-N-Water exists to help people see, know, and experience God” and we are able to do that by recognizing that Christ is at the center. In every activity we do, we strive to do it for the Lord and use it as an opportunity to point others to Christ. Mainstream culture would tell us to keep Christ and the Gospel out of our adventures and camp. If you simply take Christ out of the picture, it widens the range of business and expands the audience to the secular world. Which seems, in the worlds eye’s, a very wise move to make. But this is not the route we have chosen to take with this camp. Why? Well, to say it simply, God has told us not to take that route. As Christians, we have a calling to bring Christ into everything we do and this does not exclude our adventuring.
Let’s take a look at this idea a little further.
Why do we want to have Christ in the center of this camp?
First and foremost, we recognize and honor Christ as the center of our camp because of the command Jesus gave us in the great commission.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Rock-N-Water is a Christian camp, and if we fail to keep Christ and the truth of the Gospel in our programs, then we are failing in the greatest mission on earth. Adventure is fun but, we as the children of God, have a higher calling to tell the world about their need for a Savior and Christ.
We strive to bring God’s glory and praise into every aspect of this camp so that we may be faithful to the calling that we have as God’s children. We also have Christ as the center of our camp because it is a way for us to show this world that Christ doesn’t have to be put on the back burner when you go out on adventures in the world. The truth of God’s word is applicable for every aspect of life, even rafting, rock climbing, and all the other fun adventures we do.
What it looks like in the spring
In the Spring Rock-N-Water has a very amazing and immersive living history program called 49er fun (Click for more info about our 49er fun trips!). 4th graders come to our camp to learn about the Gold Rush by camping and doing hands-on activities that are from the 1800s. During this camp, the staff all have a character from the 1800s that they are playing to create a believable time-traveling experience for the 4th graders. If you’ve ever come for a 49er fun trip you probably saw that it truly does live up to its name in being fun. But maybe you also noticed that having fun and learning history isn’t the only thing on the agenda.
The theme of the 49er fun program is “God is greater than Gold”. Each trip that comes in spring will hear this simple, but profound truth. Scripture and Bible verses are woven into each of the activities we do at camp. For example, during the rope station, your guide will most likely share with you a verse from Ecclesiastes (“though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12) and demonstrate how the rope can be a reminder of how important it is for us to have a strong connection with the Lord. Another example is the quiet time each guide will lead you on. Each day you come to camp, there will be a time of quiet for you to meet with the Lord in nature (“Be still and know that I am the Lord” Psalm 46:10).
These are only a few of the ways you will see us keeping Christ at the center of this camp during the 49er fun program. Each staff at camp during the spring has a desire to share the truth with you and sometimes this simply looks like serving you food, enjoying conversations with you, and teaching your kids about the gold rush in a fun way. With each 49er fun trip, our goal and prayer is that you will not only leave knowing more about the gold rush but also about our God who is the ultimate treasure to be seeking after.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
What it looks like in the summer
The Summer definitely looks a bit different from the spring. Our summer programs can range anywhere from a rafting trip, to a rock-climbing trip. They can be one day long or a whole week-long (Click here for more info about summer camps). But with each group that comes, our goal and aim is the same; to help you see and experience God during your stay with us. This often will look like having gospel-inspired conversations while out on adventures and during campfires. Each day the guides will lead you in a quiet time. The guide will share a short devotion and then give you time in God’s creation to be still and pray. One fun fact about Rock-N-Water is that we have Bible verses written down on each of our paddles. When you’re out on the river, you can read the Bible verses together and talk about their meanings. Often time guides will use this as a fun way to get some conversation going about the Bible.
Just like in the Spring, all the Summer staff at camp love the Lord. They are here because they want to live out the calling that Jesus gives us to share the Gospel. Whether it takes its form in serving you, cooking for you, having a fun conversation with you, or playing a game of volleyball with you, we are actively keeping Christ at the center of your camp experience.
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-4
What this means for you
What this means for you is that when you come to camp, you are not just another camper. God shows us in His word that He values each and every individual and that is our mission too. When you come to camp you are valued and loved. Our desire is to serve you with the love of Christ and to be living examples to you of Christ and the Gospel.
This is Rock-N-Waters “secret sauce”. This is what makes us different from other camps and this is why we hope and pray you to continue to keep coming. Each time you come to camp and bring others to this camp you give us the opportunity to live out the Gospel and fulfill the calling that Christ has given to each one of His followers. To help you see, know, and experience God!
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