By Allison Uecker, Sioux Falls First UMC, student at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

The top 9 reasons why church camp is the absolute best way to spend a week of your summer.

Most people I know have been to a camp at some point in their childhood. From band camp to day camps to scout camps, there is certainly a variety to choose from. We've all heard plenty of summer camp stories and everyone I know who has been to a camp cherishes that experience. As a kid, I went to many different types of camps but even now church camp is my favorite. In 2007, I started going to church camp for a week each summer and nothing has been the same since. I have been a camper eight times and a counselor twice. To this day, camp remains as one of my favorite summer activities and I look forward to it each year. Here are the top 9 reasons why church camp is the best place to go in the summer.

The food—I have never had bad food at camp. Seriously. It may not live up to mom's cooking, but it is certainly a huge step above school food.

The activities—Hiking, swimming and high ropes, oh my! Whether the camp is on a lake or in the mountains, it is bound to be full of wonderful activities that you wouldn't want to experience anywhere else.

The new experiences—Not only are the activities great but they are certainly unique. I have had numerous first experiences at camp. Camp is the first time I was away from home for longer than a day or two. Camp is the place I learned to canoe. Camp is where I learned how to square dance. Camp is the only place I've hiked a mountain at 4 a.m. to watch a sunrise. Camp is where I learned a ridiculous number of fun games like Ships and Sailors, and that one where you put the Oreo on your forehead and use only your face muscles to get it in your mouth. Some of these things seem silly but camp is meant to be that way! And even the silly things are moments I look back on and am reminded of my camp and all the good times there. I still love that Oreo game.

The counselors—The counselors at church camp are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. At the camps I went to, some counselors are pastors and some are not. Either way, they all have tons of life experience. Camp counselors all come from different places and have unique life stories that they are typically very open to sharing with campers. Counselors share some of their struggles, how they overcame them, and words of advice. By hearing the testimonies of camp counselors over the years, I have grown in my own faith. Not to mention I've grown close to many of my camp counselors who have now become not only mentors but cherished friends.

The campfires—Everyone loves a good campfire. And who doesn't love s'mores, right? But at camp, the fires are extra special. Whether they are filled with silly camp songs and lots of laughs or it's a more serious night reflecting on God's presence, a campfire is always the best way to end the day at camp.

The worship—I have never experienced a worship service that is as powerful as a camp worship service. Camp is the place I first came to know who God was, and the place I started to open my ears and listen to what God was calling me to do with my life. Camp allows for kids to get away from the distractions of technology and the chaos of day to day. Camp allows kids to just have fun with new friends and to focus on God. If you're looking for a place to grow in faith, look no further than church camp. Even as a counselor, the worship at camp remains passionate and continues to help me grow in my faith.

The camp songs—We all know that camp songs are the best songs. "Boom Chicka Boom." "Days of Elijah." "I Like Bananas." "Pharaoh Pharaoh." "Romans 16:19." The list goes on! Camp songs are so catchy and fun. I wish every Sunday was camp Sunday.

The life-long friends—Camp friends are the best sort of friends. The people I have met at camp over the years have been amazing. In fact, the first camp I ever went to, I met a lifelong best friend! On the last day of camp we realized we only lived a few blocks away from each other but it took the power of God and camp to bring us together. Ever since then, I have continued to meet wonderful people and have developed other close friendships because of church camp. It is so cool knowing people all over North Dakota and South Dakota because of our time at camp together, and being reunited year after year at camp.

Camp is life-changing—Going to camp is a life-changing experience. Not only is it fun in the moment, but also it has a lifelong impact. From meeting close friends to feeling the presence of God, camp truly shapes who you are. If I had never gone to camp, my life would look completely different right now. I am so grateful for the way camp has helped me become who I am today and so glad I was encouraged to go to camp that first year. If you have never been to camp, it's not too late! And if you're too old to be a camper, register as a counselor or send your children! I wouldn't trade camp for the world. -Alison Uecker

Note: The Dakotas and Minnesota UMC camping and retreat programs have been offering spirit filled, life-changing experiences for years. But there was an urge to make it even more powerful and spirit led. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the leadership of two camping boards' collaboration has created even more opportunities across the borders of the two conferences.

Boundless Powers of Camps from Dakotas UMC on Vimeo.