MINNESOTA NEWS
No Child Left Behind at North Star Camp by Elizabeth D. Rodriguez summer camp is so much more than just any summer camp. This became a whole new reality to me this summer at North Star Camp. Camp director Pastor Jeff Wines invited my husband, Pastor Rodriguez, to be the speaker for Tween Camp (12-13-year-olds). We thought it was a great opportunity and brought our 13-year-old daughter to experience summer camp for the first time. I must admit that I have always been skeptical of the idea that a parent can
leave a child with complete strangers for a whole week. So, knowing that I would be present, the idea was not as horrifying to me. But what I learned was amazing! I had a preconceived idea that camp was all about outdoor activities and plain fun. Instead, I learned that it was also a tremendous spiritual experience for everyone involved—including myself. The camp staff had a daily skit on the life of Paul and how he influenced people from different walks
Elizabeth Rodriguez
NCLB, better known as the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, ensures that all children have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education. NCLB is focused on the academic aspect of education and what a teacher must do to help every child finish school. But for the Christian teacher it’s different because Christian education emphasizes holistic living and making sure the main focus is Jesus. Similarly, an Adventist
North Star Camp Director Jeff Wines (above) and his staff regularly pray with campers of all ages. 18
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG October 2013
of life to accept Jesus. I saw campers connecting spiritually to the staff, the pastor and to one another on a daily basis. The staff made learning about Jesus fun, and the campers were excited to participate. They wrote songs, poems and skits of what they learned and experienced about the Bible. The staff were very tuned in to their campers, and because of this the campers confided in the staff more every day with their personal struggles and