Youth Matters: Finding Refuge at Camp

From February 9-13, Salvation Army camping leaders from across North America gathered at Echo Grove Camp and Conference Center in Leonard, Michigan, for the 2026 North American Camping Symposium. Held every three years, the symposium is a highly anticipated opportunity for officers, camp professionals, and ministry leaders to come together for a time of learning, worship, and fellowship, focused on strengthening The Salvation Army’s camping ministry.

This year’s symposium centered around the theme “Refuge: Peace, Power, Purpose,” inspired by 2 Samuel 22:31, “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” Throughout the week, we were reminded that camp ministry creates spaces where young people and staff can find refuge in God’s presence and grow in their faith.

The symposium offered a variety of opportunities for both spiritual encouragement and professional development. Captain Caroline Rowe, corps officer at the Phoenix Kroc Center in Arizona, led daily Bible study sessions that grounded each day in scripture and challenged us to remain rooted in Christ as we serve young people through camping ministry. Unbound, the Eastern Territory’s contemporary worship team, led us in vibrant and meaningful worship during each large group gathering.

Several guest speakers shared powerful messages throughout the week. Pastor Eugene Cho opened the symposium by encouraging leaders to consider how their ministry reflects God’s heart for justice and compassion. Leadership speaker Nona Jones reminded delegates not to grow weary in doing good; camp ministry may be demanding, but it is an invaluable tool God uses to shape and transform the lives of young people. The final general session concluded with a message from Colonel Christine Rock, national secretary for personnel, who encouraged attendees to remain faithful in investing in the lives of the next generation.

Attendees also participated in a wide range of breakout seminars covering topics such as staff development, crisis response, sustainability in camp programs, social media strategy, customer service in camp operations, and innovative programming ideas. These sessions provided practical tools and fresh perspectives for those leading camp ministries across North America.

Beyond the scheduled sessions, some of the most meaningful moments happened in simple conversations around meal tables, during evening reflections, or while reconnecting with colleagues and friends who share the same passion for camp ministry. These moments reminded us that while our camps may be spread across different territories and regions, we are united in the same mission.

As everyone headed home at the end of the week, there was a shared sense of renewed purpose. Events like the North American Camping Symposium remind us that the work happening at our camps each summer matters deeply. We have the incredible blessing of creating spaces of peace and refuge where young people can meet Jesus. Through our ministries, they can encounter Christ, build community, and experience life-changing moments that can shape their faith for years to come.