From Insights to Impact
Camps are sacred playgrounds, where people explore their way to lives of lasting, difference-making faith. Together, we're gathering the stories and stats that power outdoor ministries forward through effective organizations and intrepid leaders. SHOW ME HOWWe generate insights, equip leaders, and connect partners to help camp ministries thrive.
What could happen if you had access to the resources and research, stories and stats, tools and training to fully maximize your camp or connected ministry? Let’s find out.
Currently Researching
Insights. Ideas. Answers.
Maybe you’re getting ready for staff training, or wondering about connections between camp and church leaders. Maybe you’re planning next summer’s program and are looking for innovative ideas based on current culture. Whatever you’re looking for, this ever-growing body of research projects, articles, and resources is designed to lead you there.
The Sacred Playgrounds Podcast
Behind the mic. Behind the research.Founder and Lead Researcher for Sacred Playgrounds, Jake Sorenson PhD, is joined by host and camp enthusiast Jared Rendell for insightful conversations about camp, why it matters, and how to help it thrive based on the latest research and insights from across the Christian camp landscape. Each episode, we explore one big thing that’s making a difference right now in outdoor ministry.
The Latest Episodes
& Articles
Peer-Reviewed Article in the Journal of Youth Development
Promising Strategies for Impacting Youth Development Systems From Christian Summer CampsJacob Sorenson, PhD, Sacred PlaygroundsRachael Botting, Wheaton CollegeKaren K. Melton, Baylor UniversityRob Ribbe PhD, Wheaton CollegeAbstract As research on summer camp continues...
Get On The Same P.A.G.E. with Church Leaders & Parents
This is a cutting edge for outdoor ministry right now, and camps, when we understand our role as a catalyst, is poised to have an outsized impact on faith lives of countless campers and families. The connectivity in three sacred spaces - camp, church, and home -...
Connecting Congregation & Camp
"Take them to camp." The very first thing I ever did as a pastor was go to camp with a group of kids. Well, that is not entirely true. I wasn’t actually a pastor yet. I was still a month away from my ordination, and about seven weeks from my start date as pastor of...
