#1: First of all, if modesty is not going to be enforced in camp, then it should be removed from the requirements listed upon the registration form. The fact that modesty is included in the rules means that the men governing the overall camp experience believe that it is important, and any individual volunteer does not have the authority to ignore these rules. This is the same attitude which allows people to think they can “give in” to breaking one of God’s commands. We reason that if we tell them–all–of God’s Truth, they may not want to listen to Him at all. That is not your call. To “err on the side of compassion” is not only to accept that you are “erring,” but, in essence, demands that you can transgress if you so decide.

#2: When practicing selective enforcement, we are telling all the other children that the rules do not always apply. Is this a lesson that we want to teach at church camp? When we allow some children to break rules, the other children begin to rationalize their own bad behavior: “Well, that girl/boy is breaking a rule and they’re not being punished.” This makes discipline in any other venue difficult. Kids misbehave in class because they know there is no real negative consequence to doing whatever they want.

#3: Studies show immodesty decreases learning potential. This is why EVEN SECULAR SCHOOLS have rules regarding things which are too low, too short, or too thin in the strap. Yet, I have heard Christians dismiss immodesty at church camp because “they have a bad home life and don’t know any better.” The men–young and old–do not need to see ANY part of the breasts, bra-straps, or excessive leg-baring at church camp. If you don’t agree with that, and are not willing to enforce that, you should NOT be a volunteer at church camp.

#4: Some people believe “our first priority is to teach kids the love of Christ” is a thought that can be separated from reprimanding a lack of obedience. To those who feel this way, let me direct you to 1 John 5:3 where the Bible explicitly says: “This is the love of God: that we keep His commandments…” Love cannot be separated from obedience. They are inextricable. Might I also ask, “When does a child EVER know better?” The answer is: When they have been taught! If a child does not know better, it is your job to teach them, not to allow them to become a negate influence on every other child present.

Are we trying to lead children to Christ or to a pseudo-christianity that is more palatable?

-Tricia Reno