From Staff Reports
"You are dirt," exclaimed Kenny Conley, speaker at Sproing, Camp Siloam's elementary school retreat which took place April 10-12 in Siloam Springs. Conley was teaching the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, describing what Jesus taught his disciples about how to respond to his message.
"Ultimately, the Gospel should grow when we hear it, but it doesn't because of rocks or thorns. What are the rocks that prevent the seed from taking root?" asked Conley before he sent the campers to a group discussion.
Christian Brown, a camper from First Baptist Jenny Lind, definitely got the message. "I learned that the seed has life, change and potential. It has changed me as a person. I was following Jesus, but not acting right."
Sproing is a retreat created by Camp Siloam to introduce children to camp and help children's leaders deepen the faith of their children.
"I could describe Sproing! in two words; powerful and excellence," said Melissa Ratliff, children's pastor at Second Baptist Church of Jacksonville. "Camp Siloam keeps doing things with excellence. I watched several campers as they talked about the 'rocks in their life.' A fourth-grader said 'in her life social media is the rocks.'"
"I learned you don't want to let your friends get in the way of what you are doing," said Sophie Stone, a camper from Heber Springs Baptist Church.
Sproing is an important event in several ways. First, it is an opportunity for first-time campers to be away from home and experience camp. Second, it is a way to introduce new college summer staff to Camp Siloam's camp ministry. Third, retreat from our daily lives is important for everyone -- no matter your age.
"Kids are really at a transitional time," Conley said. "Before this age their faith is borrowed from their Mom and Dad or their pastor. At this age (9-12 years old) that's not cutting it any more. It's really important to help students grapple with scripture and how it applies to lives."
"Sproing is a kick start for summer during the school wind down," Rattliff said. "For our group it is a way to create an ever closer bond. A way they can see each other outside of school and church walls."
"The staffers are awesome. They help you and they are fun to hang out with," said Kylie Carr, a camper from Heber Springs Baptist Church.
Sixty campers attended Sproing from five churches in Arkansas. Twenty-seven college students who are serving as summer staffers came to Siloam to serve at the retreat.
"Our year-round staff has worked very hard to create a culture of service. Jesus came to serve and not be served. Our summer staff serve with the heart of Jesus. I think campers recognize our philosophy and it makes a difference in the experience people have at Siloam," said Jason Wilkie, executive director.
Community on 04/29/2015