If you’ve ever tried to explain the impact of time at camp, you know how difficult it is to put into words. How do you describe the unique way God works when you step outside of your daily routine and dedicate time for reflection, investing in relationships, and spending time in creation? Camp isn’t just a place with fun activities — it’s a place where our faith is lived out and refined in ways that go beyond simple explanations.
Recently I came across the concept of “sacred playgrounds” that deeply resonated with my own experience as both a camper and a summer staffer at Glorieta. In the book Sacred Playgrounds: Christian Summer Camp in Theological Perspective, researcher Jacob Sorenson explores how play, faith, and community intersect in the camp context to create lasting impacts.
When you think of a playground, what do you imagine? I’m guessing it includes some combination of swings, slides, or monkey bars, like what we usually see in parks. But playgrounds can be any place where we experience play, which Sorenson describes as “an unstructured, joyful encounter in which relationship is fostered and creativity is encouraged.” Play is not just about having fun. Research shows that play is essential for relationship building and overall well-being. Although play is important for kids, it’s not just for them! People of all ages benefit from the stress relief and community building that play brings.
Essential Features of Play at Camp
How does outdoor adventure at camp embody the spirit of a sacred playground? I see it most clearly through risk-taking, exploration, and imagination.
Risk-Taking
One of the most powerful ways campers grow at Glorieta is by stepping outside their comfort zones. Whether they’re trying a new activity for the first time like Mountain Scooters or Archery Tag, or conquering a fear of heights on the Flylines, campers are encouraged to take risks. In turn, these experiences stretch them physically, mentally, and spiritually in ways that were not possible before.
Risk-taking is an important part of faith! It invites us to trust in what we cannot see, lean on God’s strength when we are weak, and believe in His plan even when we are uncertain. Adventure at camp mirrors this faith journey. When a camper takes that first leap off the zipline platform or reaches the top of a rock wall after multiple attempts, they experience firsthand the power of perseverance and courage. Relationships are deepened when peers, friends, or family members can share these moments together. Ultimately, risk-taking increases resilience and confidence, shaping not just the camp experience, but a camper’s faith long after they leave.
Exploration
Camp creates a space where people of all ages can explore with a childlike sense of wonder. There’s something captivating about the rainbows that follow afternoon rainstorms at Glorieta, or the brightness of the stars in the night sky away from the pollution of city lights. Our extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails also offers endless opportunities to explore. These moments of exploration remind us of God’s vastness and the beauty of His creation.
Time spent in nature often invites us into moments of stillness and personal reflection. When we are in awe of God and the beauty that surrounds us, we have the chance to slow down and consider our own lives. As a camper finds a quiet spot to dig into scripture or journal, they are engaging in a form of exploration that deepens their connection with God. Discovery at camp goes beyond just exploring new trails. It’s also about exploring faith, purpose, and our identity in Christ.
Imagination
Creativity is inherently welcomed on playgrounds. One of our core values as staff at Glorieta is to dream big, and our outdoor adventure activities put imagination on full display. At camp, what otherwise would not be possible in everyday life becomes the next adventure waiting to be had. You can rappel down our tallest building (Holcomb Rappel), soar across deep canyons (High Five Zipline), climb to the tops of the trees (Arbor Climb) and cross the roughest of rock faces (Via Ferrata obstacle course).
Campers are also stretched to use their imaginations during group development activities. They’re challenged to work together to meet an objective and imagine their peers’ perspectives. During the activity debrief at the end, campers reflect on what they have experienced and make connections to their daily lives. The mental flexibility and creativity to see a problem or situation from a new light translates to many situations once a camper returns home. Just as Jesus used parables to teach deep spiritual truths, campers use play to explore faith in ways that make it more personal and meaningful to them.
Join the Adventure — Experience a Sacred Playground
The concept of a sacred playground beautifully captures what makes summer camp so transformative. Play isn’t separate from faith. It’s often the very way we experience God’s character and presence in new ways. In Sacred Playgrounds, Sorenson also reminds us that “People never lose their longing for a playground… [they] may look different, but we never outgrow them.” Adults might be more likely to prefer a golf course, a gym, or a library as their playground, but there is a quality of play that is innately human, regardless of age. Camp abounds with opportunities for play for all ages. It is a place where risk-taking builds faith, creativity creates connections, and exploration leads to discovery.
If you’ve experienced the impact of camp firsthand, you know it’s more than just a week of activities — it’s a place where God moves in powerful ways. I invite you to continue seeing camp as more than just an escape from the everyday. It’s a playground where faith comes to life. We hope to see you here soon and ready to experience a place where play isn’t just fun — it’s sacred.
