Articles & Episodes

STORIES FROM SACRED PLAYGROUNDS
SUBSCRIBEmeet the team
How We Create Holy Ground

How We Create Holy Ground

The Origin Story In case you missed it, here's how Holy Ground: A Guide for Summer Camp Staff was born. #Throwback. It's spring 2022. Most camp leaders are in the throes of things like staff recruiting, summer program prep, and area church visits. The Sacred...

read more
Holy Ground 2023 with Special Guests!

Holy Ground 2023 with Special Guests!

It's here! Holy Ground 2023 is available for pre-order, and we couldn't be more excited. We know these staff are the heart of your summer ministry, and we've learned and learned again that supporting them is absolutely vital. That's why we created Holy Ground.This...

read more
Your 2022 in Review

Your 2022 in Review

What a year! Sometimes it's hard to capture it all in our brains. Maybe this will help. Happy New Year camp and connected ministry leaders! We can't wait to see what you have to say, and what's more, we can't wait to support you in 2023. Here is a simple,...

read more
S2 E8 God become flesh

S2 E8 God become flesh

Scripture 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the...

read more
Happy, Healthy, Unplugged

Happy, Healthy, Unplugged

Who is your primary client? You might say the campers who attend camp during the summer. But who actually registers those campers, pays their registration fees, and often takes time off work to bring them to camp? Yup – the campers’ parents.  The parents are the...

read more
A Time for Renewal

A Time for Renewal

Happy New Year! I love preaching on the first Sunday in Advent because I can always greet the congregation with those delightfully provocative words. For churches that follow the liturgical calendar, Advent started this week and spans the four Sundays leading up to...

read more
S2 E6 3 Circles of Gratitude

S2 E6 3 Circles of Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving! There are many studies that connect happiness and even productivity with an attitude of gratitude. We have a lot to be thankful for in our own lives and in our ministries. Can I get an, "Amen?" Starting within ourselves and moving concentrically...

read more
The 2 Questions to Ask Every Time

The 2 Questions to Ask Every Time

We know by now the idea that camp stops after the summer is a myth. Camp staff, leaders, supports, even campers and parents, continue to be impacted by and contribute to ministry year-round no matter what the non-summer season looks like. So while it doesn't stop,...

read more
S2 E5 What Does the Mom Say?

S2 E5 What Does the Mom Say?

Say it louder for the folks in the back! For outdoor ministries focused mostly on kids and families -  parents are your primary constituents. Camp is one of the spaces where the final decision makers are not necessarily the ones having the experience, yet their...

read more
What do camper parents need most?

What do camper parents need most?

When I was a camper - a long time ago – I forgot to pack my toothbrush.  I wrote a letter to my mother and posted it on the first morning of camp. The next evening, I had a toothbrush and a note from my mom. The mail reached her in 24 hours and she was able to drop...

read more