Philosophy

Never The Same Camp (NTS) is an environment that creates space for students to connect to their Creator, to a network of support from their local church, and to a caring adult small group leader from their youth ministry.

NTS is a strategic partnership with the local church to see change happen on 3 different levels:

Student TRANSFORMATION/Youth ministry PREPARATION/Local church CONNECTION

• Student TRANSFORMATION:

NTS Camp sets the table for a student to meet with God.  But our philosophy is that the camp is just the beginning.  NTS is strategically structured so that the student is set up for long-term spiritual growth and success accomplished by providing a support structure that continues on throughout the year.

‘Relevant’ is the word that best describes what we hear from students year after year about their experience at NTS Camp.  From the programming to the activities to the small groups, each environment is specific in meeting the needs of students, primarily the need of community.

Statistically, facts show that what ‘sticks’ in the life of a student after a camp or retreat is the relationship between the adult small group leader/counselor and the student. They will leave not only with a new understanding of God’s unique design for their lives, but with a network of relationships that help them pursue God and impact the world around them.

• Youth Ministry PREPARATION:

The week at NTS is strategically designed around the small group environment. This makes NTS a powerful tool for the youth ministry because of the shared life experience between the student and adult leader. This relationship will allow follow up and accountability for the commitments that students make at NTS camp.

The experience of NTS Camp for a youth ministry team is strategic as well as it supports the mission of student ministry back home, as well as provides a great opportunity for team building while at camp.

• Local Church CONNECTION:

Many times the missing link between what makes churches good and great is the amount of connection between the church and their students. What would it look like to see students energized about their faith integrating with the rest of the church community? NTS seeks to integrate the excitement the students are experiencing after camp with the mission of their local church.

NTS Camps resources and encourages youth workers to make a connection with their local church to ‘unleash’ the passion and energy of their students in helping achieve the unique mission of their local church.  NTS helps attending churches align this passion and their church is stronger as a result.