Camps as Catalyst for Family Faith Practices
about the project
The Rhythms of Faith Project seeks to empower parents and caregivers in family faith formation by leveraging the power of camp experiences.
This project is a 5-year, nationwide, cross-denominational initiative coordinated by Wheaton College’s Center for Leadership Development (HoneyRock), in partnership with Sacred Playgrounds, and generously funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The project seeks faith formation through partnership: partnership among parents/caregivers; partnership among camps, congregations, and the home; partnership among practitioners and the academy; partnership among different Christian traditions. We bring together scholars and practitioners from Lutheran, United Methodist, and Evangelical traditions, drawing experience from camp, clergy, and academia.
Project Updates
Regular project updates sharing what we’ve been working on, what we’re learning, and where we’re going next.
In Rhythm · Early Summer 2024
Welcome to In Rhythm, the project updates newsletter for the Rhythms of Faith Project. These updates include the latest findings from the current phase of the project, what the project team has been working on, and what’s ahead for the project, including ways camps...
Project Launch Episode on the Sacred Playgrounds Podcast
Our brand new project, Rhythms of Faith launches with waves of energy and anticipation of what we'll learn and the impact those learnings will have. Funded by a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, we're partnering with Wheaton College and Honeyrock, their...
Reports & Findings
As we move forward through each phase of the project, we’ll share all we’re learning along the way.
Faith Come Alive at Camp Wapo
Welcome to Wapo I arrived at Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp at around 4:00 PM on June 19 after a long drive through the mixed fields and forests of Wisconsin. Turning onto 74th Avenue between two large signs took me down a lakeside road of lavish summer homes. I...
Finding Acceptance at Camp Glisson
Yea, Sparrowwood!The joy was palpable, the compassion unmistakable. Hundreds of raucous, sweaty teenagers formed a receptive, snaking tunnel stretching out the doors and down the sidewalk in front of the large, un-air-conditioned rec center. The Sparrowwood campers...
Building Bridges at East Bay
As I perused the map and reflected on my tour of East Bay Camp, I was struck by how separate and yet how interconnected everything was. Each area of camp is distinct, serving unique purposes and with a unique story, and yet they are connected, both literally by foot...
more about the project
Together, we will develop a model program that enables camps to be training centers that equip parents and congregations to maximize the impact of camp-like experiences in developing resilient faith and maturity in their youth.
Throughout human history, God has used time away in temporary community to deepen faith, renew the people of God, and equip them for impact in critical historic moments. Prophets, kings, the nation of Israel, families, and Jesus’ own disciples were transformed and prepared through Spirit-led times away. Christian camping, at its core, performs a similar role in today’s world. The key characteristics and lasting impacts of Christian camping experiences are well- established, with a growing body of literature and scholarship confirming their value and potential. Rhythms of Faith will build on this research and seek to deepen the impacts of camp experiences.
This project will capitalize on the power of camp by equipping families and churches to deepen resilient faith in youth through an evidence-based action-research process. The project team will identify program elements, rhythms, faith practices, and training processes that impact youth directly and improve the partnership between camps, churches, and families. So often, the powerful faith experiences of camp are not understood, transferred to, or capitalized on by the permanent systems. We seek to help parents maximize the impact of these deeply transformational experiences and continue the lessons learned and growth into everyday life.
Once tested and refined, this program will be shared with the Christian camp movement, through denominational training, in churches and with families across the country and around the world. The project team’s visibility, reputation, and prolific writing at the national and international level ensure global impact. As a result of this project, we hope that camps, in partnership with churches and parents, can become a more effective and pervasive catalyst for enduring faith formation, maturity, and leadership development in today’s youth and emerging adults.
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Congregation
Home
Our Outdoor Ministry Partners
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) is an association of outdoor ministry organizations, professionals, board members, businesses, and students connected to Lutheran camping, conferences, and retreats.
Christian Camp and Conference Association
CCCA exists to maximize ministry for member camps and conference centers. CCCA works to equip members to provide camp experiences that allow campers to escape their hectic everyday lives, get a clearer picture of God’s love for them, and discover their purpose and passion.
United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries
The United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Association resources, advocates, inspires, and networks to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of camp and retreat ministries.
Project Leadership Team
Meet the team guiding this project, along with our Project Advisory Board, and in partnership with a talented support team.
Jake Sorenson, Ph.D.
Project Co-Director & Director of Research
Founder & Lead Researcher · Sacred Playgrounds
Rob Ribbe, Ph.D.
Project Co-Director & Director of Training
Associate Professor · A. Duane Litfin School of Mission, Ministry, & Leadership · Wheaton College
Rachael Botting, Ph.D.
Project Associate Director
Program Assistant & Adjunct Faculty for Outdoor Adventure Leadership · Wheaton College
Generously funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.