Teaching children this foundational Bible truth is the core of Rosedale Baptist Church Creation Camp each July. During the summer months, when God’s creation is in full display, the children take a concentrated look at God the Creator and His creation and then go outside to explore the creation around them.
“First and foremost, we teach the Word of God and present the Gospel every day they are there,” said Dexter Minton, Creation Camp director. “We show them the wonders of creation and some animals that show God’s work in creating them, and then go off in different groups to learn and enjoy creation firsthand.”
Minton experienced this type of camp as a youth in 2004 when his youth director took a group to camp. Bringing it to Rosedale Baptist was the result and 20 years later, they are still teaching children about God and His nature.
Following worship and Bible study, the campers enjoy biking, hiking, caving, rock climbing/repelling, and fishing. “Biking is the most favorite,” Minton commented. “With rides on the Virginia Creeper Trail—depending on the age—the ride is up to 17 miles.”
“My children have been attending this camp since they were all able to,” commented parent and leader Lauren Blevins. “The excitement they experience from first learning about creation and then getting outside to explore it is such a joy for my heart. They hold God’s truth in their hearts and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of God’s creation partly due to the Creation Camp. When children can understand that the God we serve is so mighty, great, and powerful and can speak the entire universe into existence, they can also begin to understand that the same God came to earth as a man, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, and was buried, then three days later rose again, all to save us from our sins; they can stand firm in the truth the Word of God holds.”
Across our nation, summer brings more outreach opportunities to reach children and their families through camps and Vacation Bible Schools. Rosedale will continue to hold VBS and Creation Camp to change the lives of every child that comes.
