Yesterday night 23 young men descended upon Cross Bar X!
I think if people were honest with themselves they'd admit that teenage boys frighten them slightly.
There is often a swagger and posture that at least in part intimidates people about young men... they are seen as erratic and unreliable. If you google "teen boys" you will get article after article about sex, violence, depression and addiction. However, realistic this might be as a representation of teen boys in America, Cross Bar X sees them through a slightly different perspective.
As a camp mom (Marci here) I am always slightly taken back when a teen boy approaches me and my little kids and interacts with us in a sweet and even childish gentle manner. Last night as the boys were being dismissed from the amphitheater one young man from our inner-city group approached us, to most he would be highly intimidating... if you didn't know him. He said in a high animated voice (totally not "cool") "Hey, Eli! Look at my hair!" Then he turned around to show us that his barber had cut the sky-line of Denver and the letters D-E-N-V-E-R into his hair. He then went on, "That is neat isn't it?" Six year old Eli, bashfully and uncertainly nodded his agreement of the "coolness" to this very big kid in a very big body. The teen continued on with a child-like smile of delight. Eli looked at me and said, "I wasn't sure he was nice... but I think he is..."
Over the years these interactions with young men have instilled a faith in me that America's youth need to be given respect as much as we expect respect from them. They aren't monsters and gangsters. They aren't irresponsible and flakes. They are just young. Being young shouldn't be feared... look past the outer facade and see the uncertain boy inside. More than ever, teen boys just need a mentor, friend, or even a father to walk beside them as they become a man!
From Cross Bar X's perspective...
We see nearly men who may have been hurt in their childhood, but who find resiliency through the hope and power of Jesus Christ.
We see attentive, enthusiastic, creative, affectionate, respectful and joyful young men.
We see them seek to know God and themselves more.
We see them eager to do new and hard things.
We see them act as brothers to each other and hold each other accountable.
We see them struggle but find healing.
We see them go to the only Father for sonship and personal restoration!
Join us in Prayer this Week...
- For our staff (and campers) to remain healthy and safe.
- For our campers to seek to find the fullness of life in Jesus Christ.
- For fun!
- For a safe and enjoyable backpacking trip.
- For our campers to find mentorship and spiritual help as they go back home.
- That camp and the Gospel would be a catalyst of lasting change and growth in their lives as they leave camp and grow up.
