What is a radically-accepting Christian community?  It is one in which everyone strives to look at each other through the eyes of Christ.  Makemie Woods teaches that every camper is valuable and part of the family.  The staff strive to create an environment that is positive and encourage campers to be "complaint-free."*  It means not whining about what we cannot influence, yet always seeking constructive solutions.  Can you imagine your camper not complaining?  We can!

This community is built on principles found throughout the Bible, and especially the principles outlined in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, chapter 4.  Campers learn to use their words and actions to build each other up instead of tearing down. "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This Christ-centered community building lays the foundation for everything we do at Makemie Woods

So what are these essential life skills?  It's all about relationship.  Relationship with God, Relationship with people, Relationship with creation.  In order to be all God wants us to be in this world, we need to be working on all three.

At Makemie Woods, we believe God is present in every aspect of our lives.  Certainly God is present at the Bible studies led by a Minister or Educator from one of our supporting churches.  God is also present when we are playing games and cleaning our cabin, when we are laughing and when we are describing our fears (sometimes in the same sentence!), when we are goofy and when we are speechless in awe.  Recognizing the presence of God is an essential life skill.

In the past few years, how we relate to others has changed dramatically.  Ninety percent of effective communication is body language, and yet most of our communication has become electronic snippets that are often misinterpreted.  At Makemie Woods, campers and staff have the freedom of practicing face-to-face communication, free from distraction, free from judgement and full of joy. 

• Campers can learn how to express their dreams and their fears, and how to respect and respond to others when they say what is important to them. 
  
  
• Campers build relationships on the foundation of faith and faces they come to trust. 
  
  
• They come to appreciate and celebrate diversity, within our communities locally and beyond.  They meet people from other countries, learning first hand about what we have in common, and the challenges faced by our brothers and sisters.
  
  

Research has proven that children who spend quality time in the outdoors improve test scores and self-esteem.  Campers spend three-days to two-weeks in the beauty of God's creation, without distraction, interruption or intrusion by the "conveniences" of our lives: phones, tv's, computers, cars and concrete.  Many discover they don't miss it.  They also learn to respect and care for God's beautiful creation, listening to birdsong or the chattering of squirrels, or the amusing nightly chorus of frogs and crickets.  And they develop a desire to protect it, to become responsible citizens of the earth.  Learning to enjoy and protect our planet is essential not only to our own lives, but to the life of every living being on Earth.

Yes, Makemie Woods offers ziplines and extreme trip camps as well as campfires and traditional camp fun, and campers have Bible study and nightly devotions.  Most camps have these offerings.  What makes Makemie Woods  life-transforming is experiencing the unconditional love of Jesus Christ in every aspect of the adventure.

*Learn more about the Complaint-free World Movement.

Makemie Woods seeks to:

Guide campers in studying the Bible that they may learn of God's love, patience, and grace in their lives.
    The camper will show God’s love to others.  That love may be seen by the camper being more patient with staff and other campers, being quick to forgive others instead of quick to anger, and being gracious to others in the group.

Enable campers to assume responsibility for their own welfare and to share in the responsibility for the welfare of the entire small group.   
    The camper will, in taking responsibility for his own welfare, willingly follow the safety rules and other instructions given by staff, as well as contribute to the tasks given to the camper group so as to ensure the welfare of his fellow campers.

Create an atmosphere in which Christians have an opportunity to share their faith with others in a 24 hour-a-day relationship.
    Staff and campers alike follow guidelines for a physically and emotionally safe environment to foster a positive relationship in which every person can feel comfortable to choose to share.

Provide an opportunity for campers to grow in the knowledge of God and God's world, in order that they may feel at home in the world and be a responsible part of God's creation.
    Growth may be seen through a deeper relationship or reverence for God as well as through a more caring relationship with others.  Campers will make sound decisions in caring for all parts of creation and will be aware of the “footprint” they leave on this earth.

Encourage campers to learn outdoor living skills so they may become at home in the outdoors, and be able to progress through the various programs of the camp.
    Campers will know proper fire safety, outdoor cooking skills, and other activities appropriate to their age.  More importantly, campers will be excited about learning and will seek opportunities to learn these and other skills after they leave camp.

Help campers develop relational skills that they can carry back to their daily living at home, church and school.
     Campers will use positive communication and treat all with respect and kindness, including classmates, teachers, family, and friends.

Allow campers to become a part of a small group and to enable them to contribute to the sense of community within the group.
    Campers will engage the others in his or her group and will be respectful and positive so as to foster community.

Help campers learn new skills that heighten self-esteem and enable them to recognize new possibilities for themselves.
    Campers will be more positive about themselves, feeling capable and willing to try new things.

While expected outcomes may be evident while at camp, working towards these goals will impact the camper's life in the greater community.