CHRISTIAN CAMPING:
Camp Leaders Taking Steps to Protect Kids
By Kimberlee Norris and Gregory Love
When the school year winds down and temperatures heat up, parents begin to think about summer activities for their children. As one of the most iconic summer pastimes in America, summer camp is at the top of the list.
In evaluating Christian camps, parents often look at programs offered, the location of the facility, and overall cost. But a critical element parents should consider is this: What is this camp doing to protect my child from sexual abuse?
Why are children at risk at some summer camps?
Whenever children are gathered, the risk of sexual abuse is real. Though summer camps fill an important role in American culture, camps, even Christian camps, are not without risk. Campers spend significant time with camp staff members and volunteers— generally with no direct parental supervision. Commonly, campers do not have direct access to simple communication with a parent. Parents enrolling a child into camp expect their child to be instructed and supervised by camp personnel; at the same time, children are taught and expected to respect and obey staff members and counselors. Many campers grow to respect, trust and even idolize camp counselors and staff members. This tie is even stronger when perceived spiritual ties exist. Campers are commonly taught to demonstrate‘ camp loyalty’— putting the camp and fellow campers over personal needs or concerns. This combination of factors can create an environment that can be manipulated by a person with ill intent. In some contexts, basic camp activities introduce circumstances that might increase the opportunity for inappropriate or predatory behavior. Risk increases when an activity involves changing of clothes, use of showers and changing rooms, and overnight stays; all are common camp experiences. There is heightened risk when camp activities involve touch and physical contact, such as sports camps( especially when the sport involves contact, body positioning, spotting and lifting) and activities involving harnesses or personal safety equipment worn on the body. Risk increases when a camp features water activities, shared rooms, group bathrooms or showers, and facilities or geography offering areas less easily seen or supervised. Christian parents often think sexual abuse doesn’ t happen in faithbased contexts such as church or Christian camps, but sexual abuse is no respecter of any religious denomination or creed; it isn’ t limited to any racial, ethnic or socio-economic class. Sexual abuse can happen anywhere.
What can camps do to prevent sexual abuse?
The current camp climate is such that parents and stakeholders desire greater assurance of camper protection and safety. In response, MinistrySafe is working with Christian Camp and Conference
20 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | MARCH / APRIL 2026