Looking for a fresh, faith-filled theme for your Christian summer camp or Vacation Bible School this year? Want to get kids excited about Jesus in a way that’s fun, meaningful, and memorable? Here’s an idea: teach them about Jesus the Camper—the outdoor-loving, wilderness-walking, nature-dwelling Savior we meet throughout Scripture.
That’s right—Jesus wasn’t just a teacher, healer, and miracle worker. He was also a traveler, a hiker, and a camper. He slept under the stars, prayed in quiet outdoor places, and gathered with His friends around shared meals and open skies.
At the heart of the Jesus Was a Camper children’s book series is this truth: Jesus didn’t just teach us how to live—He showed us how to connect with God in creation. And that makes Him the perfect role model for summer camp and VBS.
Jesus and Nature: The Original Outdoor Ministry
Many people picture Jesus in temples or synagogues, but most of His ministry happened outside. Think about it:
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He was baptized in a river.
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He fasted in the wilderness.
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He prayed in a garden.
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He preached from a boat.
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He walked on mountain trails.
Jesus lived an outdoor life—walking dusty roads, sleeping under the stars, and retreating to quiet places to spend time with His Father. His connection to nature wasn’t just part of the scenery. It was a central part of His ministry.
This makes Him deeply relatable to kids at faith-based summer camps and Vacation Bible School programs built around outdoor adventure, spiritual growth, and character development.
What Kids Learn About Jesus at Camp
Today’s children are constantly plugged in—screens, schedules, and social media. Camp is a chance to reset and reconnect. It’s a time to experience:
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Friendship and teamwork
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Courage and confidence
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Stillness and reflection
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Fun and faith-filled adventure
And these are the same values Jesus lived:
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He led with humility.
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He taught trust in the face of storms.
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He modeled service to others.
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He found rest and renewal in creation.
When kids explore these lessons through the lens of Jesus Was a Camper, they begin to see Jesus not just as a Bible character—but as a companion for their own journey.
Vacation Bible School Ideas Inspired by Jesus Was a Camper
Want to integrate Jesus Was a Camper™ into your VBS curriculum or camp programming? Here are a few fun and meaningful ideas:
1. Daily Devotions in the Outdoors
Use short ideas from the Jesus Was a Camper™ children's books (available now on Amazon). Themes might include:
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“Jesus Slept Under Stars” – Reflect on God’s presence in creation.
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“Jesus Walked Dusty Roads” – Talk about faith during life’s journey.
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“Jesus Shared Food With Friends” – Explore Christian hospitality.
2. Themed Activity Days
Host a “Wilderness Walk With Jesus” day or a “Campfire With Christ” night. Include storytelling, hiking, and reflective time under the sky.
3. Creative Crafts
Let kids build mini tents, decorate nature journals, or design faith-based friendship bracelets. Each craft can tie into a lesson from the book.
4. Worship and Music Time
Sing camp-style worship songs that celebrate nature, God’s love, and spiritual adventure. Incorporate original songs inspired by Jesus Was a Camper™—or create your own!
"Jesus Was a Camper"
Written and Copyrighted
by Dustin J. Krein
Jesus Was a Camper
When you’re lost in the woods
And you don’t know what to do
Seek the light from up above
And a trail will shine for you
There’ll be fuel for the fire
To last the whole night through
Jesus was a camper
You can be one too
Jesus was a camper
He walked on solid ground
He taught folks about the wilderness
And how to live safe and sound
He didn’t need no flashlight
He just looked up at the moon
Jesus was a camper
Who didn’t need a silver spoon
Folks are eager for sugar
They forget about the bread
They forget about the golden rule
And everything else that he said
Don’t be greedy with those s’mores
Share with your sisters and brothers
Jesus was a camper
You gotta love one another
Jesus was a camper
He knew how to setup a tent
The storms didn’t bother him a bit
The sunshine followed him whenever he went
He didn’t need no compass
He just looked up at the stars
Jesus was a camper
And loves you no matter who you are
Merchandise That Reinforces the Message
You can extend the impact of your camp or VBS by offering Jesus Was a Camper™ merchandise that helps kids remember the experience:
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T-shirts and hats with playful wilderness-inspired faith designs
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Stickers and bookmarks featuring quotes and illustrations from the book
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Camp kits with devotionals, nature scavenger hunts, and fun challenges
These items don’t just create excitement—they reinforce the themes and values long after camp ends.
Why Outdoor Faith Experiences Matter More Than Ever
In a world full of distractions, children need space to breathe, explore, and encounter God in real ways. When we introduce them to Jesus not just in church pews, but under trees, beside rivers, and around campfires, something powerful happens.
They realize:
- Jesus gets what it means to be outside.
- He understands the beauty, the struggle, and the wonder of the natural world.
- And He invites us to meet Him there.
Bring Jesus Was a Camper™ to Your Camp or VBS
Whether you’re a camp director, VBS leader, youth pastor, or parent looking for Christ-centered outdoor learning ideas, Jesus Was a Camper™ is your new go-to resource.
Let this summer be the one where kids don’t just learn about Jesus—they walk with Him in the woods, sing with Him under the stars, and grow in faith, one adventure at a time.
