Overview

Sacred Playgrounds explores the wisdom of camping ministry for Christian education and faith formation, examining its rich history and fundamental characteristics with compelling stories, groundbreaking research, and theological grounding. Christian summer camp is an integral part of the ecology of faith formation in North America, though it has received surprisingly little attention in the scholarly community until now. Camping ministry is often dismissed as simple fun and games or a brief spiritual high that does not last. However, camp experiences often serve as deeply relational and immersive faith experiences that have lasting impacts on participants. Five fundamental characteristics combine dynamically in the effective camp experience: participatory, faith-centered, safe space, relational, and unplugged from home. Together, they open the space for participants to consider new understandings of God, to have time for deep self-reflection, and to build intentional Christian community. These camp experiences are essential components in a larger ecology of faith formation, including the home and congregation. The insight and evidence presented in this book demonstrate that the contributions of camping ministry must be taken seriously among scholars, Christian educators, and ministry professionals.

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9781532694622

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There is no doubt that camping ministry has played a major role in the faith formation of Protestant churches over the last hundred years. And yet there has been little to no rich theoretical and theological reflection on camping ministry. That is, until now. Jacob Sorenson in Sacred Playgrounds offers us all a gift. With whimsical writing, rigorous research, and penetrating theological reflection Sorenson provides a practical theology of camping ministry. This book is essential for anyone concerned with faith formation who seeks to understand and sharpen the ministry of camps. --Andrew Root, Professor of Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary, and author of The End of Youth Ministry? Jacob's exploration of the transformational power of camp ministry is the most thorough, academically grounded, well-reasoned book on this topic I've read. In a post-Covid, post-Christian, technologically addicted, fractured world, Christian camping is needed now more than ever! Fully utilizing the dynamics outlined here will increase the effectiveness and expand the influence of Christian camping within families, the church, and society worldwide. We have needed a well-researched, deeply grounded explanation. It has finally arrived. --Rob Ribbe, Executive Director, HoneyRock, Center for Leadership Development of Wheaton College, and Assistant Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College

There is no doubt that camping ministry has played a major role in the faith formation of Protestant churches over the last hundred years. And yet there has been little to no rich theoretical and theological reflection on camping ministry. That is, until now. Jacob Sorenson in Sacred Playgrounds offers us all a gift. With whimsical writing, rigorous research, and penetrating theological reflection Sorenson provides a practical theology of camping ministry. This book is essential for anyone concerned with faith formation who seeks to understand and sharpen the ministry of camps. --Andrew Root, Professor of Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary, and author of The End of Youth Ministry? Jacob's exploration of the transformational power of camp ministry is the most thorough, academically grounded, well-reasoned book on this topic I've read. In a post-Covid, post-Christian, technologically addicted, fractured world, Christian camping is needed now more than ever! Fully utilizing the dynamics outlined here will increase the effectiveness and expand the influence of Christian camping within families, the church, and society worldwide. We have needed a well-researched, deeply grounded explanation. It has finally arrived. --Rob Ribbe, Executive Director, HoneyRock, Center for Leadership Development of Wheaton College, and Assistant Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College

Author Information

Jacob Sorenson is the founder and director of Sacred Playgrounds, a ministry offering research and training to camps and congregations. He has a PhD in practical theology from Luther Seminary, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and twenty years of experience in camping ministry and congregational youth ministry. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his wife Anna (a Lutheran pastor) and their two boys, Elijah and Nathanael.

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