Camps as Catalyst for Family Faith Practices
about the project
The Rhythms of Faith Project seeks to empower parents and caregivers in family faith formation by leveraging the power of camp experiences to establish rhythms of faith through regular Christian practices.
This project is a 5-year, nationwide, cross-denominational initiative coordinated by Wheaton College’s Center for Leadership Development (HoneyRock), in partnership with Sacred Playgrounds, and generously funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The project seeks faith formation through partnership: partnership among parents/caregivers; partnership among camps, congregations, and the home; partnership among practitioners and the academy; partnership among different Christian traditions. We bring together scholars and practitioners from Lutheran, United Methodist, and Evangelical traditions, drawing experience from camp, clergy, and academia.
more about the project
Together, we will develop a model program that enables camps to be training centers that equip parents and congregations to maximize the impact of camp-like experiences in developing resilient faith and maturity in their youth.
Throughout human history, God has used time away in temporary community to deepen faith, renew the people of God, and equip them for impact in critical historic moments. Prophets, kings, the nation of Israel, families, and Jesus’ own disciples were transformed and prepared through Spirit-led times away. Christian camping, at its core, performs a similar role in today’s world. The key characteristics and lasting impacts of Christian camping experiences are well- established, with a growing body of literature and scholarship confirming their value and potential. Rhythms of Faith will build on this research and seek to deepen the impacts of camp experiences.
This project will capitalize on the power of camp by equipping families and churches to deepen resilient faith in youth through an evidence-based action-research process. The project team will identify program elements, rhythms, faith practices, and training processes that impact youth directly and improve the partnership between camps, churches, and families. So often, the powerful faith experiences of camp are not understood, transferred to, or capitalized on by the permanent systems. We seek to help parents maximize the impact of these deeply transformational experiences and continue the lessons learned and growth into everyday life.
Once tested and refined, this program will be shared with the Christian camp movement, through denominational training, in churches and with families across the country and around the world. The project team’s visibility, reputation, and prolific writing at the national and international level ensure global impact. As a result of this project, we hope that camps, in partnership with churches and parents, can become a more effective and pervasive catalyst for enduring faith formation, maturity, and leadership development in today’s youth and emerging adults.
Camp
Congregation
Home
Generously funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
Our Outdoor Ministry Partners
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) is an association of outdoor ministry organizations, professionals, board members, businesses, and students connected to Lutheran camping, conferences, and retreats.
Christian Camp and Conference Association
CCCA exists to maximize ministry for member camps and conference centers. CCCA works to equip members to provide camp experiences that allow campers to escape their hectic everyday lives, get a clearer picture of God’s love for them, and discover their purpose and passion.
United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries
The United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Association resources, advocates, inspires, and networks to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of camp and retreat ministries.
Project Leadership Team
Meet the team guiding this project, along with our Project Advisory Board, and in partnership with a talented support team.
Jake Sorenson, Ph.D.
Project Co-Director & Director of Research
Founder & Lead Researcher · Sacred Playgrounds
Rob Ribbe, Ph.D.
Project Co-Director & Director of Training
Associate Professor · A. Duane Litfin School of Mission, Ministry, & Leadership · Wheaton College
Rachael Botting
Project Associate Director
Program Assistant & Adjunct Faculty for Outdoor Adventure Leadership · Wheaton College
give a listen
Listen to the launch episode
Listen to project co-directors Jake Sorenson and Rob Ribbe site down with Jared Rendell to talk about the Rhythms of Faith project, why it matters, and what it could do for the future of family faith formation.
get engaged
Stay in Rhythm
Enter your name and email and we’ll send you occasional project updates and opportunities to engage and participate whether you’re a camp person, church leader, or family. PS, just so we’re clear, we won’t share your information with anyone else.