When we think of the elements that make up what we call the “Zone” at camp, we readily include things like structure and support, inclusiveness, and positive relationships, challenge and success—but what about fun? Really? Sure, camp normally is fun, but is that just a side effect of the serious business of learning about God’s way? Well no; not at all! That line of thinking could come from picturing God as a stern Father who looks disapprovingly at fun and games. The Bible shows a different side of God and His view of fun.

That God would have fun may not seem obvious at first, because in English translations of the Bible, that word doesn’t appear. That isn’t because fun didn’t exist back then, it’s just that Scripture uses different words to convey the same idea. It uses synonyms like “joy” and “making merry,” and God definitely approves of rejoicing and making merry—in the right way and on the proper occasions.  Near the end of the parable of the prodigal son, the father in the story says, “It wasrightthat we should make merry and be glad” when his son repented and returned home. A prophecy in Zechariah tells us that during the millennial reign of Christ there will be boys and girls playing in the streets. We all know that kids play because it is fun, and we are commanded to be as little children. When we rejoice and make merry—have fun in a right way—we honor God by reflecting one of His characteristics. It should be obvious that we are able to laugh and have fun because God made us that way. To quote the famous Dr. Seuss: “These things are fun, and fun is good!”

What does any of this have to do with camp? For one thing, fun helps provide a guideline for what to include in the program. I remember years ago being tasked with creating a wilderness skills activity for camp, and all of the elements of the zone helped greatly. It would be important to teach skills in a structured way, but also to challenge the campers—while providing enough support so they could achieve success. But I had to decide what skills I should teach. Knowing how to properly load a backpack is useful information, and can be a challenge—but it just plain isn’t much fun! On the other hand, building campfires can be lots of fun (at least the boys tend to think so), and learning to do it without matches is even more so!

Fun is a natural result of a proper balance among the other elements of the zone. Consider the game of basketball. Challenge and success are vital to it being fun. Tossing a ball through a ring the size of a hula hoop would soon get boring, and if the goal were too small to ever allow a successful shot, that would also be no fun. Inclusiveness and structure make it even more fun: Practicing foul shots by yourself soon grows dull, but having friends join in a game is fun—but only when everyone plays by the same rules.

Sports activities provide just a basic example. The camp program is more complex, but the same principles apply. When everyone works within the organizational structure; when we support each other in successfully meeting challenges; when we build positive relationships (especially with God); and when everyone is included, how could we not have fun?!

Of course, the fact that camp is full of fun activities and fun relationships makes it a lot easier to learn lessons about God’s way of life. In a sense, we try to accomplish in the camp program much of what the Feast of Tabernacles represents: God’s rule on earth; everyone living His way of love. So it’s no coincidence that just like the Feast, camp is lots of fun. How much more fun will life in God’s Kingdom be? I don’t know for sure yet, but I’m eager to find out!