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.
Camp & Leaders. Well-Equipped.
Our store is designed for you, camp leader. It’s full of resources, tools, bundles, videos, ideas, assessments, courses, Sacred Playgrounds gear, and more. Enter the store and explore what might help you and your team feel fully equipped for path ahead.
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
The 5 Fundamentals: Relational
My definition for camp is simple: Camp is a set-apart space that facilitates relational encounter between the self, the other, and God. Relational encounter with others is the primary pedagogical tool of summer camp. It is why camp works. Notice that the relational...
Summer Staff Journey Insights
We've learned so much about summer camp staff over the past few years. With insights from more than 2000 summer staff members at more than 120 camps in the last 5 years, plus additional data from projects like the ACA Youth Impact Study and more, we know quite a bit...
The 5 Fundamentals: Faith-Centered
It is the most important part of what we do. When we center everything on our faith in Jesus Christ, all the other characteristics of camp are transformed and aligned with the coming reign of God. Camp becomes what it is meant to be: a glimpse of God’s kingdom here on...
