Pre-Camp Devotionals

Get ready for your session at Camp Deer Run with these devotional thoughts. There is one short Devo for each day of the week leading up to your camper’s session! Each devo contains a short video from a staff member, a written devotional thought, and some discussion questions.

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Pre-Camp Devos

Camp is almost here! As you prepare for your session, we encourage you to participate in this seven day devotional series in the week before you come to Camp. These short devotional thoughts are intended for you to discuss together as a family. Each day includes a scripture, a devotional thought, and a couple of discussion questions.

The topics revolve around what we believe are the most important aspects of the Camp Deer Run experience, and what will make their time here so different from their day to day life. 

Camp Deer Run is a place where:

·      God comes first

·      Prayer never ceases

·      Godly friendship thrives

·      Stillness speaks

·      Fun and Faith combine

·      Creation reveals the Creator

·      Worship permeates everything

Please take the time to talk through each devotional with your campers each day of the week leading up to their session. It will be so beneficial to preparing them for their time at Camp, but also to open up a conversation as a family about their experience at Deer Run that will be able to continue after they come home!

Enjoy!

Day 1 - God Comes First

SCRIPTURE:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-6


DEVOTIONAL:

This is a verse that we hear often. It’s a common memory verse. It’s the basis for countless worship songs and hymns. It strikes at the core of all Christian faith and life. These words come from Moses, as He speaks to the Israelites before their entry into the Promised Land. Behind them, there has been a long journey – from slavery to freedom a promise of a land of their own that is very good. But along that journey there has been temptation, and the Israelites have time and time again lost sight of their covenant with God and forgotten the salvation that He delivered to them. Because of that, they spent 40 years wandering in the desert instead of going straight to the new homeland that God had promised.


It’s a lesson to all of us that when we lose sight of God, when we forget about Him and His Word, when our focus drifts away from Him, we end up wandering in a desert instead of enjoying the good things He intended for us.


At Camp Deer Run, we leave behind many of the things in our day to day lives that distract us from God. We leave behind the phones, the TVs, the social media, the stress of school or work, the trials and struggles that we carry with us. When you step through the gates as your session begins, you can leave all of it behind you and just focus on God, pure and simple.
When we set those burdens down, and remove all the distractions that are keeping us from seeing God clearly and putting Him first in our lives, we come closer to Him, we grow deeper in our relationship with Him, we feel His love. And when we know His love for us and understand that we are His beloved children, our love for Him grows too.


But Camp doesn’t have some kind of magic forcefield around it that makes you leave your worries at the door. It’s definitely easier at Camp to leave those things behind. There’s so much fun to be had, so much nature to enjoy, and so many friends to surround you. But at the end of the day, it’s still up to you to let go of the things that distract you from God and to put Him first. Sometimes that’s hard to do, and sometimes it takes a little while to figure it out. That’s ok!


As you prepare for Camp, we just want you to know that God wants to have a relationship with you. God knows you. God loves you. And He wants you to keep your focus on Him, because He doesn’t want you to be lost in the desert. He wants to lead you to the Promised Land!

 

DISCUSSION:


What are some of the things that make it hardest for you to focus on God at home?


Can you leave that behind when you go to Camp? How?


Camp Deer Run is all about seeing God in everything, not just worship or Bible lessons, but in the games and activities and friends and fun. How do you keep your focus on God in all of these different situations?

Day 2 - Pray All The Time

SCRIPTURE:

 

Rejoice always,  pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

DEVOTIONAL:

 

We live in a busy chaotic world. We are constantly engaging in something that is competing for our attention. If we’re not careful, it can be easy to let our relationship with God go on the backburner of our lives. If there is no communication in a relationship, then the relationship will struggle.

In verse eighteen, Paul tells us that rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks is what God’s will is for us who are in Christ. How awesome is it to have a God that desires our companionship? At Camp, we strive to place God in the center of our program. Not only do we start and end our day in prayer, but we take time throughout our day to give thanks and reflect on God. Our trust in God grows as we learn to go to Him in all that we do.

Our hope is that from your time at Camp, you’ll see the value in going to our Heavenly Father in prayer. You are His beloved child, and He is there for you in every season of your life. Prayer never ceases at Camp and it should never cease in our daily lives outside of Camp either.

The distractions of this world won’t bring everlasting peace, so let’s rejoice in the Lord, pray continually, and give thanks to the Father for being the ultimate peacemaker of our lives!

 

DISCUSSION:

 

What do you think it means to pray continuously?

 

How can you make reminders for yourself to be in prayer more often?

 

Do you always pray the same way? For example, silently in your head? Or only when you’re laying in bed? Think of some different ways to pray, like writing prayers in a journal, talking to God out loud, praying passages of scripture (psalms is a great place to start), or something else you come up with! Pick a couple (parents, you too!) to practice before Camp! Share your experience with each other!

Day 3 - Godly Friendships Thrive

SCRIPTURE:

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10: 24-25

 

DEVOTIONAL:

As I read these verses, I am reminded of the joy to be found in walking alongside friends as we pursue God together! The passage in 1 Thessalonians speaks about being ready for the Day of the Lord that is coming, and being prepared for that time by encouraging and building one another up in our walk with the Lord, as we pursue righteousness together. The passage from Hebrews speaks to the same idea—we can draw near to the Lord together, as we have the full assurance of our faith. We wait together for the Lord to return, and in the meantime, we work hand in hand with our brother and sisters in Christ to build one another up to love and good works! 

 

Wow—what an amazing blessing to know that we are not alone and that we have friends who are also pursuing the Lord with us!

 

In a world that can often make me feel alone, I am comforted by the friends that I made during my time at Camp. I can look back and see the ways the Lord helped me grow closer to the people I Camped and worked on staff with, and they are still some of my greatest friends to this day! During my time at Camp, in the midst of ball games, belly flops in Killi Creek, cookouts, outCamping, horseback riding, and canteen, God was forming deeply rooted friendships between me and the people in my cabin/group. We shared so many fun memories, and most importantly, we shared a developing love of God as we learned more about Him through time in His creation and in His Word together. 

 

It is my hope and prayer that you will be blessed with deep, Godly friendships through your time at Camp this summer! I want to encourage you to be excited about meeting new people and learning more about God together, and remember that you are not alone! There are people who are walking alongside you on this journey of faith, and it is an incredible blessing to be God’s beloved children together!

 

DISCUSSION:

 

What are some ways you can be intentional about forming God-centered friendships during your time at Camp? In your everyday life?

 

What experiences or moments at Camp have helped you connect deeply with others? What about at home? How have those friendships influenced your walk with God?

Day 4 - Stillness Speaks

SCRIPTURE:

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Psalm 46:10-11

 

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.”

Mark 1:35

 

DEVOTIONAL:

Camp is wild. It’s fast, fun, sweaty, silly, messy, muddy, and everything in between. There’s always something to do, always some fun to be had. But there’s one time each day where all of that comes to a halt. The whistle blows, Quiet Time begins, and the chaos of Camp becomes stillness. For 15 minutes, everyone at Camp stops everything to sit outside in quiet solitude with God.

 

It almost seems like it wouldn’t fit in with Camp. It’s too quiet, too slow, too boring. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Because when the songs and laughter and screams fade away, the silence is filled with wind in the trees and the lazy buzz of cicadas and the songs of countless birds. The silence isn’t silent at all.

 

In that stillness, God speaks. He speaks through the sounds of His creation. He speaks through the silence in our minds. He speaks through Scripture, whether it’s a new verse you’ve never heard before or an familiar one seen in a new light. He speaks to us in the stillness.

 

Psalm 46:10-11 instructs us to stop with all the stress and business and anxiety, and just be still. We are constantly struggling and straining to earn our righteousness or save ourselves. The struggle is in vain. Only God can save, and only God can protect. What He wants for us more than anything is to know that the one who saves is also the one who loves you deeply. He’ll do all the fighting for us if we will just be still. 

 

We see a perfect example of this stillness in the life of Jesus. Time and time again through the gospels, Jesus leaves the chaos to spend time alone with God. People would hear about His miracles and flock to see Him, to hear Him, to be healed by Him, maybe even to be fed by Him. But before or after these moments of crowding and chaos, Jesus would go off alone to a quiet place to pray.

 

That’s what we’re doing at Camp when we slow down for Quiet Time and other moments of stillness throughout the session. We’re setting our struggles and anxieties and cares at the feet of our Savior, trusting Him to provide, protect, and save us. We’re taking intentional time to slow down amidst the chaos to hear His voice, to feel His presence, to know His love, and in turn, to love Him more.

 

DISCUSSION:

 

Are you in the habit of taking a Quiet Time with God at home?

 

You’re probably really busy, that’s the norm in our modern world. How can you find time to slow down and be still with God daily?

Day 5 - Fun and Faith Combine

SCRIPTURE:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Philippians 4:4

 

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalm 16:11

 

DEVOTIONAL:

As you prepare to come to Camp, two types of things probably come to mind. On one hand, there are things like seeing Camp friends and making new ones, playing capture the flag or dodge ball, belly flopping in the creek – nonstop fun! On the other hand are things like Hymn Time, Group Bible, Worship, or Quiet Time surrounded by God’s creation. Both categories are exciting, both experiences are gifts from God. But they’re not actually as separate as we might think!

 

God never intended for us to keep worship, prayer, or Bible study separate from the rest of our lives. Our walk with God should be intertwined with everything we do! We don’t only think of Him when we’re in a church pew. We don’t limit our prayer to mealtimes and bedtime. Our God does not fit inside a box, you can’t just pack Him away until next Sunday! If you’re a follower of Jesus, He is going to be present in EVERY part of your life – the fun and the solemn, the joy and the pain.

 

As followers of Christ, we have peace knowing that we get to spend eternity with God in heaven. Because of Jesus, we have a reason to rejoice always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances! Camp is a place where fun and faith go hand in hand. At Camp, you learn that a life following Christ is anything but boring. The world tries to tell us it’s no fun to be a Christian. You have to follow rules and get up early for church and there’s no fun involved. Camp Deer Run begs to differ!

 

I want to encourage you to take advantage of the time you’ll have at Camp to worship and spend time with God – not only during bible studies or worship, but while you have fun and experience the joy God wants for you! God loves seeing you have pure fun with your friends at Camp, because it brings you closer to Him! And He loves the time that you spend with Him.

 

At Camp, it’s easy to see fun and faith going hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean that it’s only possible at Camp. If anything, it’s proof that fun and faith can work together at home too!

 

Not only is it possible, it’s important. If your faith is all sermons and rules and punishments, then there’s something missing. There is meant to be joy in our walk with Jesus! He loves us deeply, and He wants us to have life and have it to the full!

 

I encourage you to really look for, appreciate, and soak in the pure, simple joy that comes with spending time with God here at Camp, and take that experience home with you to pursue it there too.

 

DISCUSSION:

 

What’s something fun that helps you feel the joy of following Jesus?

 

Have you ever felt like fun and faith have to be separate? Why?

  1. How can you experience fun and faith together at home?

Day 6 - Creation Reveals the Creator

SCRIPTURE: 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Psalm 19:1

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”

Romans 1:20a

DEVOTIONAL:

At Camp Deer Run, it’s hard not to notice the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you’re riding horses on a trail in the middle of the woods, playing in Killi Creek, standing under a sky full of stars during night devo, or playing ball games on the ballfield as the sun sets behind the trees—creation is everywhere, and it’s speaking.

Romans 1 tells us that God’s invisible qualities—His power, His nature—are made visible through what He has created. That means every tree, every bird call, every star in the sky is doing more than just existing—it’s revealing the Creator! Creation isn’t just the backdrop to our everyday lives, it’s a form of communication. At Camp, that message is loud and clear: God is real, He is near, and He loves you.

Psalm 19 reminds us that the heavens declare God’s glory. They’re not just pretty—they’re proclaiming something powerful. Every star, every tree, every ripple of water is pointing us back to the Creator. And when we take time to pay attention, especially in a place like Camp, we begin to see just how near and present God really is.

Think about it: the rhythm of the creek, the strength of the trees, the colors of the sunset, and even the sounds of frogs and crickets at night—they all reflect a God who is creative, powerful, intentional, and close. Creation isn’t random. It was crafted by the hands of a God who wanted to be known. And here at Camp, we get to experience that every single day.

So, in a week, when you’re walking to and from the ballfield, or looking up at the stars at night, take a deep breath and really look. The same God who made all of this made you too. And He’s inviting you to know Him more deeply through the beauty of the world He made.

DISCUSSION:

What part of God’s creation at Camp reminds you most of His beauty or power?

Why do you think it’s easier to notice God at Camp than it is in your day-to-day life?

Psalm 19 says creation proclaims God’s glory. What do you think creation is saying about who God is?

Day 7 - Worship Permeates Everything

SCRIPTURE:

“Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”

Hebrews 13:15

“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

Psalm 113:3

DEVOTIONAL:

What do you think of when you hear the word worship? Most of us probably think of going to church or a youth group gathering. We think of worship as some kind of organized church event with a few songs, a few scriptures, a few prayers, a lesson.

It’s very true that these things are worship. But if that’s all we think worship is, then we’re missing out! It’s like going to see a painting in a museum, but only looking at one small corner of the canvas. Worship is so much more! It’s time to take a step back and see the full picture!

At Camp, worship permeates every part of the day (permeates just means that it’s weaved into everything, there’s nothing we do that can’t also be a way to worship). God calls us to a whole life of worship, not just one day of the week. Psalm 113:3 says that God should be praised all day long, from start to finish.

So the first thing we do every day at Camp is Flagpole Devo, a short moment for the whole Camp to gather together to start the day in worship. The last thing we do before bed is Night Devo, one last time to praise God together before we go to sleep. And every moment in between, we can live out praise and worship in every game and activity and conversation.

As we run on the ballfields, splash in the creek, ride horses, or whatever we’re doing, we are worshiping Him with our joy, our gratitude, and our fellowship to each other. The writer of Hebrews tells us that because of Jesus, we don’t live under the old law that requires us to go to a priest to offer a sacrifice to atone for our sins. He made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf! Instead, the sacrifice we offer, the only sacrifice that God desires from us, is a continual sacrifice of praise. He wants to be present in every part of our lives, and for His praise to always be on our minds, in our hearts, and on our lips.

Camp is a perfect place to practice this lifestyle of constant worship, surrounded and encouraged by Christians friends and mentors. During your session, we encourage you to keep this idea of continual worship on your mind. Not that at all times you have to be bowing in prayer or singing a hymn, but that at all times your life praises God through your words, your behavior, your attitude, and your focus on Him.

Camp is almost here! We can’t wait to have you here, and we are so excited to see the ways that God uses all of the things we’ve talked about in these devos – and so much more – to show you His love for you and inspire a life of worship!

DISCUSSION:

At Camp, you’ll get used to starting and ending your day praising God. How can you practice these same habits at home?

What are some reminders you can use to keep worship on your mind throughout the day?