Something better than happiness

In the last 2 weeks I have been struck by the incredibly positive reactions of young people coming back from Christian summer camps. Even from those normally more reticent with their enthusiasm, I have seen faces light up and heard the superlatives flow: ‘Amazing’, ‘brilliant’, ‘so good’, ‘incredible’, ‘definitely going back next year’.

These camps have been very significant in my life. As an initially reluctant 16 year old (my Mum made me go) I loved the CYFA Camp in Barnstaple, Devon. I continued to go every summer for the next 12 years, becoming a leader, and making life-long friends who have been hugely significant in my life.

Depth of enjoyment

When our children were little, my wife and I were invited to be part of the Lee Abbey Youth Camp (also in Devon).  We have been involved for the last 13 years.

Without any doubt, getting involved in the camp was the best family decision we ever took. Whatever other holidays we have, the camp is always the best week of the year. 

This depth of enjoyment is worth reflecting on. Why do Christian camps generate these responses?  Why are they so significant for so many?

An essence

Some of what makes Camps so positive are obvious: the fun (if you have never played ‘The Blob’ with 50 others then you need to), the new friendships (and relationships) and the collective energy, enthusiasm and excitement generated by 150 people on holiday together.

But these elements cannot be separated from the fact that Christian faith brings a defining message and depth to the whole enterprise. Worship and prayer are integral, as well as conviction that young people can find their identity, meaning and purpose in following Jesus.

These implicit and explicit expressions of faith create an essence which is nourishing at the deepest level. I think this essence is best described as joy. 

Joy and happiness

In an article for Psychologies magazine, ‘lifestyle mentor’ Rachel Fearnley defined the difference between happiness and joy:

‘Joy and happiness are wonderful feelings to experience, but are very different. Joy is more consistent and is cultivated internally. It comes when you make peace with who you are, why you are and how you are, whereas happiness tends to be externally triggered and is based on other people, things, places, thoughts and events.’

Existential

Joy is deeper than happiness. And I agree that joy is connected to making ‘peace with who you are, why you are and how you are’. These existential questions are difficult to answer without reference to spirituality and faith. 

At their best, Christian youth camps help young people find answers to these questions.

More radical

Camps often create a ‘thin place’ where God seems more accessible, more real, more immediate.  The grace and truth of Jesus is affirming and accepting and but also inspiring and challenging.

This message is deeper and more radical than the messages which so often surround young people: of achievement, attraction, self-esteem and inclusion. It has power to bring joy.

Divine breaking through

C.S. Lewis believed that human experiences of joy are whispers and rumours of another world:

‘It is the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have not yet visited…I doubt that anyone who has ever tasted joy would exchange it for all the pleasures in the world…but joy is never in our power, and pleasure is.’

We need environments where this scent can be smelt, this tune can be heard and this news can be grasped:

“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them.”

Deeper reality

Youth camps have to be careful not to hype up young people and avoid generating just a ‘summer-high’ of faith.

I think they are best seen like pilgrimages: a journey away from home for spiritual input and sustenance. 

A place to experience a deeper reality and the joy that God ‘s grace and truth brings. Something better than happiness.

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Find out more about Lee Abbey Youth Camp