Light creeps over the mountains and into the sky daily, warming the misty morning over Camp. The dawn fills the clouds with life, and hues of pink, orange, and red thunder dusk into day, a magnificent reminder of God’s artistry. As Psalm 19:1 proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
While most still enjoy their last few hours of sleep, our staff stirs awake. Most campers look to milk every minute of sleep to recover from long days. But our counselors, I have found a different nourishment from sitting with Scripture. As Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
It sets the foundation for the day.
“If I’m to love a camper well, I need to maintain and care for my relationship with Jesus,” a counselor said. “Otherwise, I’m going to be left up to my own devices to try and motivate myself to love campers well, and that will end in self-righteousness or frustration.” His words echo the truth in John 15:5, where Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”
For them, it’s a reminder to place their trust in a more perfect love than their own.
One counselor told me it’s key to spend time with the Gospel every morning because it fills him with “living water” and keeps him filled throughout a busy day at camp. John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
But what these counselors may not notice are the campers watching them sit, read, discuss, and pray under the covered porch of the dining hall.
While counselors build up their foundations of virtue at dawn, these Northern Frontier campers—your sons—stand at the dawn of their lives, witnessing what a life of faith can look like as they grow into the day of manhood. They see the embodiment of Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
In the serene stillness of the morning, the campers see living examples of faith in action. The counselors’ commitment to growing spiritually and seeking God’s guidance shines as a beacon of hope and inspiration. These young boys witness the joy and strength of a Christ-centered life, laying a foundation for their journey toward manhood.
Every morning at Northern Frontier is more than just the start of a new day—it’s a fresh opportunity to live out our faith, be a light to others, and draw closer to God. It’s a reminder of Lamentations 3:22-23, “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” May we continue to rise with the dawn, ready to embrace each day with open hearts and a steadfast spirit.
