This summer, children and youth from all around Central Florida came to Camp Wingmann for an experience that will impact them for a long time to come. More accurately, a combination of experiences worked together to help them learn how to “make it matter.”

“Make It Matter” was this year’s theme for Camp Wingmann’s annual Summer Camps, based on Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we may walk in them.”

“The theme is important because the world around us tries to identify our purpose in life, but when we allow God to do it, we allow ourselves to live according to our design,” said Camp Director Joshua “J.J.” Joseph. “I think that is a life that matters and makes the most impact. ‘Make it Matter’ reads to me, ‘Make life matter by living the life God designed you for.'”

Each day in camp began and ended with time in the chapel. Campers, counselors, volunteers and staff all gathered for morning devotions and Compline for worship through singing, Bible readings, devotional conversations and prayers.

“Chapel is about worshipping God,” said The Rev. Mark Lafler, rector of St. Edward’s, Mount Dora. “Through prayer and scripture we find purpose and power to make it matter. Starting the day and ending the day gathered together for worship is the best way to bookend the day of magnifying Jesus in what we say and do.”

After morning chapel, the early part of each day was filled with activities. Campers rotated through experiences such as swimming, tubing and archery, and games such as nine-square in the air and gaga ball. They also participated in team- and character-building activities on the ropes course. In addition, each camper selected a special activity to work on for the week, which focused on art, drama, cooking, sports and other options. Not only were these activities part of what made the camp experience fun, but they also ended up being some of the greatest confidence- and character-building opportunities children had throughout the week.

Every afternoon, campers also attended the program gathering, in which they explored the week’s theme and key verse. A different volunteer from one of the churches in the Diocese of Central Florida led the program each week, and they all had their own approach as to how to explore the topic. Regardless, using Ephesians 2:10 as their foundation, campers explored ideas such as understanding that they get their identity from Christ, seeing how God created each of us with different gifts and plans for how we use those gifts, and recognizing and exploring ways they can make a difference in the world around them.

Finally, all of this was cemented in their hearts and minds through the interpersonal experiences they had throughout the week. Whether through conversations over meals, downtime in their cabins or just walking through every aspect of camp life together, campers had incredible opportunities to connect with the counselors and each other.

Not surprisingly, a large majority of the counselors grew up as Camp Wingmann campers. The counselor-in-training program also gets older youth to participate alongside other counselors and grow in their leadership. And every one of the counselors and CITs seemed to be there because of a desire to pour into young people the same thing that was poured into them. Many young campers walked away from camp saying that they want to be just like their counselors when they get older. Likewise, most campers left feeling as though they had a bunch of new best friends in their fellow campers.

Altogether, Camp Wingmann has left its mark on young people from all around Central Florida –  and beyond –  this summer. Campers return home inspired to “Make It Matter” in the world around them, and ready to return for Winter Camp and next year’s Summer Camps. Learn more about upcoming camp opportunities at campwingmann.org.