The benefits of summer camp shapes lives.

USA (MNN)–For a kid, a perfect summer camp includes play, new things to do and learn and a place to cool off under the summer sun.

For those attending Christian camps this summer, they will do that while learning about themselves, their relationships, and what they believe in.

American Missionary Fellowship’s Ed Henderson says the lazy days of summer has their staff hopping because the potential for reaching kids for Christ is huge. “We’ll host somewhere around 250 camping weeks this summer–all age groups in about 29 states. We’ll see 15 to 20-thousand kids and we’ll have a chance to share the truth in the word of God with them. Last year, we saw a thousand statements of faith.”

Aside from the discipleship needs that response creates, there are new believers coming as a result of summer outreach. That means more demand for the local churches to respond to. Henderson urges prayer for the changes ahead. “We’re just excited to know that out of the 15 to 20 thousand kids that we’ll see this summer, that there’ll be some that will accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. And then, we expect another 225 Vacation Bible Schools around the country.”