Prayer of blessing for those preparing for camp

The following prayer of blessing is intended for use in the midst of worship as young people and adults prepare to go off to camp. Through this rite the congregation asks God’s blessings and offers their prayer and support while they are away.

A representative of the congregation reads the names of those going to camp

The following people are readying themselves to grow in faith and in God’s grace as the spend time away at camp.

Those going to camp, both youth and adults, gather around the baptismal font as their names are read aloud.

The pastor addresses those going to camp and the congregation

We recall these words of scripture:

"Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

(Deut. 6:4-9)

“Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.”

(Prov. 22:6)

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Phil. 4:4-7)

Let us pray.

Gracious God. We thank you for this new day and for all the opportunities you place before us to grow in faith. We ask your blessing on those who are getting ready to go off to camp, that they may they grow in knowledge and the understanding of your love and grace. May they be kept safely in your hand. May they encounter you in both the beauty of your creation and in the eyes of their neighbor. May they feel your presence with them while they are away. And may they return safely to their homes better equipped to serve you with the whole of their lives. In the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

The pastor addresses the congregation

Do you, the members of _______ promise to pray for these people while they are away and to support them as they return?

The congregation responds

We do!

People return to these seats as an appropriate hymn (camp song) is sung.