From One War to Another – 20 Years of Kids’ Camps
- Tents of Mercy
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Tents of Mercy Congregation
Kiryat Yam, Israel
This year marked 20 years since the first Tents of Mercy summer camp experience, one that was forced upon us, to distance our kids from the missiles from Lebanon way back in the summer of 2006. We took the kids southward, to a clearing in the middle of an olive grove in central Israel, not far from Beit Shemesh. There, we had no A/C options. Everyone slept in tents. And the cooking was outdoor, primitive style over an open fire.
Thankfully we have come a long way since that first experience. Yet, this year’s weeklong camp was again in the shadow of war – albeit during a ceasefire and lull in the “action.” In 2026, staff and campers still had to practice going into bomb shelters during our missile siren drills.
A special thanks goes out to the Israeli teenage counselors and the volunteers from Abilene who all worked tirelessly to bless the kids!
This summer we had special visitors at our camp – one young lady who had been a participant as a girl and now came back for a visit as an “alumnus” with her baby and husband who was one of our guest speakers!
Bringing Yeshua’s Parables to our Children this Summer
Yeshua used parables to illustrate life according to God’s Word.
People have always loved stories. That’s why Yeshua used stories – from nature and from the everyday life of the people among whom He lived. Over 30 of His parables are recorded in the Gospels.
As believers, understanding and learning how to implement the lessons hidden in the “mysteries” of Yeshua’s parables, is a key to our walk of faith. With that in mind, “solving the mysteries of the parables” was this year’s camp theme. The children took on the role of young detectives in a kind of “hunt after the Man of Riddles” – Yeshua. We focused on four different parables:
A. The Parable of the Lost Sheep – Strengthening Self-Esteem and Belonging
Building an understanding among the participants that “I am unique, special, and loved by God,” emphasizing the central place and uniqueness of each individual within the group and before God.
B. The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Who Is My Neighbor? – Solidarity, Acceptance, and Mutual Responsibility
Putting the value of “Love your neighbor as yourself” into practice by encouraging acts of kindness, showing empathy, and reaching out to those who are different in a variety of ways.
C. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant – Forgiveness and Healthy Relationships
Practicing the ability to forgive, receive forgiveness, and build healthy and respectful relationships among children. I will forgive— and I will be forgiven!
D. The Parable of the Treasure – Discovering True Treasures
Guiding children to recognize and invest in eternal “treasures” according to Matthew 6 – through generosity and deeds of kindness; prayer and time with God; fasting and setting ourselves apart to God – humble and private deeds that God will reward.
We have come through yet another amazing year of children’s camp. We thank God for all the workers, young and old, who made it possible. We pray that all the seeds of love that were planted will bear fruit for the kingdom, and that each of us will take on the role of detective – studying, exploring and applying the truths of the Kingdom told to us in parable by the Master Storyteller Himself.
