It’s heartwarming to witness the bonds strengthening between staff and campers in every corner of camp. Whether it’s the first encounter or a reunion, time holds no sway at Northern Frontier when it comes to forging meaningful connections. Despite their brief stay, these boys find a home away from home where friendships flourish effortlessly.
Northern Frontier stands out as a haven where genuine fellowship thrives among individuals of all ages. Regardless of the differences in the cabin, boys create genuine and lasting bonds. The essence of Christian love and unity shines through, echoing Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Over the summers, I’ve observed a small gesture of immense significance: addressing campers by name. With nearly 700 campers, it’s impossible for any one person to remember everyone’s name. Yet, with their size and passion, Northern Frontier’s staff ensure that each camper connects with a group they resonate with. Kids notice when you call them by their name. “Bud” or “dude” might be fine for others, but because I take this initial step, Ben, Luke, and Theo know that I recognize, hear, and listen to them.
One morning, I watched as one of our program directors addressed each camper by his first name as they entered the dining hall. You could tell from their smiles that being acknowledged meant a lot to them. This simple act reflects Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” By calling out their names, we remind each camper that they are seen, valued, and supported.
Calling a camper by their name isn’t just about doing a good job—it’s a way to remind each kid that they’re important and that at Northern Frontier, someone’s always got their back. Our work here is about making these connections and showing these young men they belong.
At Northern Frontier, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every camper feels the love and grace of our Lord. We encourage them to grow in their faith and build strong, Christ-centered relationships. As 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Each day, we strive to live out this calling, ensuring that every boy leaves camp knowing he is a cherished child of God.
