Our Summer Bible Camp (what we call our VBS program) wrapped up several weeks ago and I am still reflecting on the week that it was.
As I put the finishing touches on our team debrief and event summary, there are many things that stand out to me. One camper in particular made an impact on me that has changed me and how I’ll view kids with challenging behaviors.
During our Bible rotation on the first day, I observed a camper who was quite opinionated about what they were seeing and hearing. The Bible story was about how God created the world and people. Our senior pastor was dressed in a Bible-times costume as he and his wife led the story time, which included interactive elements.
The camper I observed had feedback on the story AND the costume and vocalized that feedback. I didn’t engage them, but remembering that a good percentage of our campers were not connected to a church, I thanked God that the camper was in the room and hearing Bible truths, possibly for the first time (even if they didn’t like the costume).
On the second day of camp, one of the camper’s adult leaders grabbed me because the camper was not following any of her instructions. I spoke to the camper briefly before having them rejoin their group. About 30 minutes passed before the same leader texted me that she took the camper to our sensory room because the camper needed a break. I met them there and sent the leader back to the rest of her group.
I began a conversation with the camper by saying, “It seems like you’re having a challenging day today.” Then they tried to change the subject, but I redirected them. I asked them why they thought it was a challenging day and their response was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. They responded, “Sometimes, I’m just not a good kid.”
I am thankful for the guidance of the Holy Spirit because without hesitation, I responded with, “Oh no! That’s not true. Sometimes you may not make the best choices but that doesn’t mean you’re a bad kid.” I was then able to recount the Bible story from Day 1 about how we’re all made in God’s image and how much God loved them. We continued our conversation while they did a few of the sensory activities before (again) rejoining their group.
Did the same camper still have behavioral challenges that week? Yes. But that encounter reminded me of a few things:
God brought that child to us for a reason. If all they walked away with was learning that they’re made in the image of God and that God deeply loves them, then all of the challenges that week were worth it.
Affirmation and truths from scripture should not be downplayed. Somewhere along the way, this camper believed that they weren’t a good kid. God’s Word tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139). I so wanted this camper to walk away knowing that.
Taking the time to see a kid, beyond their behavioral challenges, can be life-changing for you AND them. I think about my little friend often and continue to pray for them. Who knows what seeds were planted as a result of their week with us. I think back to seeing their playful smile when I saw them after that sensory room conversation. We became friends, even though we had to have a few hard conversations later in the week. God is writing a story for this camper’s life and I trust that every detail will shape them into the person God’s created them to be.
Each child who walks through the doors of our church, even the ones who require a little more love and attention, deserves to know that they are loved, welcomed, wanted, and seen. And if that’s what they walk away with after their time with us, I count that as a win.
(And side note: stay tuned for a detailed look at our Rainforest Falls Sensory Room…can’t wait to share!)
Let me know in the comments how an interaction with a child changed you for the better.