An “Out of the Box” Experience: October Camp Report

Posted by LXP Lesotho on October 11, 2013 · Leave a Comment

From 2-5 October we took 84 kids and youth to camp; their ages ranged from 7 to 23 years, and their experience level ranged from first time campers to those who were attending their ninth camp to date with LXP Lesotho. The theme of camp was “Out of the Box”; sometimes we live our live with self-imposed or external limitations that keep us “inside the box” instead of breaking free and living the full life Jesus intends for us. These limitations that characterize life inside the box are different for each one of us, but some examples include fear of change, submitting to peer-pressure, laziness, lack of faith, or low self-esteem. What awaits us outside the box is a life characterized by attributes like a hunger for knowledge, being courageous, perseverance, doing something new, and being yourself. Life outside the box looks different for each one of us, and that’s the point! We can’t limit our idea of “success” or how “outside the box” we are by comparing ourselves to other people; we must seek after the unique dreams and passions God has put in our hearts and realize the purpose he created us to fulfil. We were so encouraged by the one on one conversations we had with many of the young people at camp. They shared how they had been struggling with things like insecurity and finding significance in relationships with the opposite sex, but they realized that God wants to do something special in their lives and they chose to give up those hindrances to seek greater things outside the box!

We also had a great time separating the boys and the girls for sessions focused on their unique needs. The boys were challenged to come up with a project to bless the school where we camped. After they weeded and cleaned the school grounds, they discussed the pitfall of laziness of body and of mind that limits creative thinking and taking initiative. They were encouraged as men to take responsibility and be forward thinkers. The ladies were challenged to design a fashionable outfit, and then critique one other’s designs. There was a lively debrief afterwards, highlighting how hurtful it is to be laughed at and how they must treat one another with respect, even if the other person has a new or different idea. They ended by approaching one another to ask or offer forgiveness to those who they offended or who offended them. It was an intense experience for many, but afterwards some of the girls shared how it opened their eyes to the importance of loving one another as sisters and working through conflict in a positive way.

We praise the Lord for all his provision for this camp, and thank you to all who were a part of that in prayerful and practical ways. God opened many hearts and minds during this four day experience and we ask for your continued prayer as we follow up with issues that were raised and unpack more of what was discussed at camp. Our prayer is that these truths will become reality as we walk in them and apply God-inspired changes to our lives.