Before the games, the hikes, and the late-night campfire songs—there’s something else every camp leader needs: a plan for safety. In this powerful feature, Pastor Tracy Wood unpacks why camp is one of the most spiritually impactful ministries we have—and why safety is what makes it all possible. If you lead, hire, or train summer staff, this one’s for you.
I didn’t grow up going to summer camp on my own. I went to family camp. For a few unforgettable summers, my family and I packed up and headed to Camp Frenda, where I got to experience things for the first time—skiing, rappelling, horseback riding, archery, and climbing obstacle courses suspended in the trees.At family camp, my parents were never far away. But most kids who attend summer camp do so on their own. Parents are entrusting their children to staff and leaders for an entire week—or longer. And while kids are there to have fun, something else is always happening under the surface: a spiritual foundation is being laid. That’s why camp safety isn’t just about logistics. It’s about stewardship, care, and the leadership that makes this ministry possible.
In a recent Let’s Talk Solutions podcast episode hosted by Hunter Pettis in conversation with Pastor Tracy Wood, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the North American Division, they explored what makes camp such a spiritually powerful space—and why safety must be a core part of the whole story.
Camp Is Sacred Ground
Why do camp experiences stay with kids for a lifetime?For Pastor Tracy, it’s the setting. “Camp ministry is huge for a kid’s life,” he said. “We see them as sacred grounds, sacred spaces. Kids make lifelong decisions at camp that they don’t in other places and spaces.”
Camp removes kids from their routines and places them in nature, in community, and in a spiritual rhythm.
“I want my kids to have a camp experience because there’s nothing like it,” Tracy said. And that includes the kids he pastors, mentors, or advocates for—because every moment at camp has the potential to stick for life.
But that experience only happens when kids feel safe.
Safety Is What Makes Ministry Possible
What happens when something goes wrong?A group of campers went on what was supposed to be a short hike. But somewhere along the way, they lost the trail. The sun began to set. Anxiety crept in. The staff could have panicked—but they didn’t. They had a buddy system. They had check-in procedures. They had a plan.
Within an hour, every child was back by the fire, roasting marshmallows like nothing had happened.
The point? There was no headline. Just preparedness.
“Camp safety is massive for us,” Tracy said. “It has to be the number one priority at every camp… making sure that [kids] are safe and that they’re protected, well cared for.”
Safety isn’t about restricting kids. It’s about freeing them. When staff are trained, and systems are in place, kids can try new things. They can be themselves. They can grow in confidence. And they can open their hearts to what God wants to do.
What Builds a Camp Culture of Safety?
Pastor Tracy lists a few key practices that make the difference.- Start training early. Many camps use online safety modules—like the American Camp Association (ACA) Online Courses & Webinars—before staff arrive.
- Pursue accreditation. The American Camp Association (ACA) accredited 25 of 62 Seventh-day Adventist camps in the United States. Tracy encourages more to join them. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the long run.”
- Keep up with maintenance. Camps are often in rugged, rural locations. Maintenance is ongoing, and it may be easy to overlook slow decay. “You get used to the clutter, the leaning fence, the old barn,” Tracy said. “Outside eyes help you see what you’ve stopped noticing.” He encourages camps to invite help—from alumni, skilled volunteers, and church members.
- Build and nurture your network. Tracy dreams of every camp having an alumni network of former staff who come back to support the place that shaped them. “That’s huge,” he said—especially for safety, mentorship, and readiness.
Ministry That Reflects Jesus
In those evening camp worships, kids sing songs, hear stories, and make decisions that can shape their futures.This is where camp staff come in—not just as activity leaders, but as shepherds—guiding, noticing, and protecting. And in doing so, they become the hands and feet of Jesus in the everyday details of summer ministry.
Listen to the Full Conversation
Want to hear more from Pastor Tracy Wood? Listen to Season 2, Episode 3 of the Let’s Talk Solutions podcast: “The Importance of Camp Safety.”You’ll hear stories, practical tools, and a powerful reminder that camp is one of the most spiritually effective ministries we have—when it’s rooted in preparation, purpose, and care.
