Leveling Up at Home

This Sunday, our middle school and high school camps will launch their 23rd year—marking the beginning of another summer of purpose and transformation. Some of our original campers are now parents of teens themselves, sending their children to experience the same life-changing camp that once impacted them.

For over two decades, we have remained committed to providing a camp experience that is not only fun and memorable, but also deeply meaningful. Many students begin their spiritual journey at camp, and it’s not uncommon to see them wearing their camp T-shirts—proudly bearing the theme of their experience—long after their time at camp has passed.

Our camps are designed to help each student understand God, grow in self-awareness, build true friendships, and develop life skills.

Today’s newsletter will highlight how we want to help middle schoolers and teens “level up” at this year’s camp, along with giving parents a few ways to help their teens after they come home from camp.

“Level Up” by discovering a deeper, lasting identity

“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”

1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

The teen years are uniquely challenging, especially in a world where social media, school environments, and peer culture emphasize outward appearance, performance, and achievement. At our camps, we intentionally shift the focus to what matters most—what’s going on in the heart.

We want to change the narrative around what makes a person truly successful. While God acknowledges that people often judge by outward standards, he reminds us that he looks deeper at the condition of the heart. When teens are constantly measured by appearance and performance, it can lead to insecurity, isolation, superficial relationships, and even deceit—all masked by the illusion of success.

Our goal is to push back against our culture’s definition of success and help our teens discover a deeper, more lasting identity—one rooted in how God sees them.

How parents can “level up” at home

While our camps are incredibly effective at shifting the focus away from performance and appearance and toward the heart, the journey doesn’t end when campers return home. In fact, coming home is a powerful opportunity to continue that heart-centered growth.

Parents play a vital role in shaping an environment where this transformation can take root and flourish. Camp may ignite the heart focus, but it’s the home that nurtures it. When families embrace the same values of authenticity, grace, and spiritual growth, the impact of camp extends far beyond a summer event—it becomes a lasting influence in a teen’s life.

We want to share four ways that parents can create a transformative summer experience at home … written in “young people” slang (with definitions for those of us who need them—you’re welcome 😊).

1. Know your family vibe.

“Vibe” definition: the emotional atmosphere or mood surrounding a situation, person, or place.

Knowing your family vibe means being in tune with who you are as a family, understanding what the members of the family bring to the table, and recognizing both your strengths and areas for growth.

Before or after camp, a great exercise for parents would be to get everyone’s thoughts on your family vibe. Ask everyone what they think the strengths and weaknesses of the family are.

You may not agree with everyone’s perspective, and you may even feel they’re being unkind if they tell you something uncomfortable. But remember that getting participation is a win. Any time our kids are talking, we are winning, because talking reveals what’s stored in their hearts:

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Luke 6:45 NIV

2. Give your family dynamic a glow up.

“Glow up” definition: a significant transformation or improvement

What if you could work on one thing as a family that would change your dynamic? What would help you all to prioritize heart over behavior? What is something everyone would benefit from working on together?

One example might be focusing on motivation versus behavior. This means caring about and drawing out the “why” behind what you do, not just looking at actions. Another example might be valuing attachment over achievement and looking for ways to be more present with each other rather than filling our lives with activity.

Having conversations about how to grow together produces change. To help our teens embrace change and growth, we need to see change from God’s perspective—as progress, growth, spirituality, and a normal part of maturing:

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. [4] Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:3-4 NIV

3. Prioritize your squad.

“Squad” definition: a group of close friends with whom you have solidarity and a shared identity.

Prioritizing your squad means intentionally making time and space for friends and family; it means putting relationships first in your life.

Spiritual friendships are essential for helping our students prioritize heart over behavior. Parents can help by modeling this themselves. Do you prioritize spending time with spiritual friends?

Parents can also encourage teens to build deeper friendships with people who are committed to the same spiritual and emotional goals. When you’re looking at your summer schedule, make sure there is time available for you and your family to connect relationally with others. Be aware of who your teens are hanging out with. You can also help your teen be a friend by encouraging them to spend time serving those in need.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35 NIV

4. BeReal.

BeReal is a social media app designed to share genuine glimpses into your real life with the people you care about.

Being real—otherwise known as vulnerability—-is such a spiritually powerful and faith-building quality for all who practice it. Camp frees up our teens to understand their hearts better. As they grow in their awareness, vulnerability provides the vocabulary to express what they see.

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you.

2 Corinthians 6:11 NIV

Vulnerability is the act of opening wide our hearts. As a parent, you can help your teen by practicing vulnerability yourself and building a home where vulnerability is celebrated and welcomed. Ask yourself whether you like vulnerability and see it as a good thing, or whether you are scared to be vulnerable. Having conversations about the way you see vulnerability is a great way to get closer to your teen.

5. Relationship goals

Definition: This phrase refers to couples or marriages that set a positive example—something others aspire to emulate.

For the parents who are married, what is one area of change in your marriage that would inspire your family? One example of an inspiring decision you could make is to invite input from your teen or teens to better understand their perspective. They may be hesitant to share their thoughts with you, and might be surprised you asked. Whether they share anything or not, your question and your willingness to get feedback will percolate in their minds, opening the door for a future conversation when they are ready.

By opening yourself up to input and looking for ways to grow, you are setting a great example for your teens to follow:

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

Titus 2:7 NLT

We hope these ideas spark some great discussions with you and your family! Remember, every family is different, and no two families are starting the summer in the same spot. Approach these conversations with an open mind without a picture of what they “should” look like before you try. It may take time for everyone to buy into these conversations, and that’s okay. Just starting the process and getting clarity on where your family is currently at is already a great step forward.

Join us in praying for a great week at camp and a great summer ahead!

‘Til next time,

BACC Staff