Reader “Bob” saw the article by Ian Bell that suggested some Camp Quest attendees are going there against their will.
In an email, “Bob” writes:
I work for a Christian Bible camp which also serves as a weekend retreat for groups out of season. I’ve worked there for two years. They are probably the only people in my life that are not aware that I am an atheist.
Regarding your Camp Quest blog, I would like to account for the two summers which I’ve worked, about 5% of the children are forced either by their parent, or a friend convinced them to go, and they do not believe in God. A lot of them end up being miserable about the whole week. The kids who always come were children who were from the churches that own the facility. Their youth ministers instructs them to bring at least two friends with them to camp the summer. Most of them end up becoming indoctrinated, and I’ve been told most Bible camps are like that.
I wonder if anyone else has similar stories to share. Surely, plenty of readers went to Bible camps (willingly or otherwise) as children.
Let’s also reiterate that Camp Quest doesn’t indoctrinate. It doesn’t tell the kids what’s right or wrong, or that the kids will suffer for eternity if they choose to disagree. It’s a place for open dialogue, debate, and discussion.
Do Christian summer camps allow for all of that?
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