How to Affirm and Mentor Your Child’s Decision to Follow Jesus

Each year, hundreds of campers at Sunset Lake choose to accept Jesus as their Savior. Many also express a desire to prepare for baptism. This short guide is designed to help parents affirm and nurture those spiritual decisions.

Foundational Understandings

1. Parents as Primary Faith Leaders
   Sunset Lake believes that parents are the primary faith-educators of their children. Our role is to support and supplement your child’s spiritual growth.

2. The Gospel Message
   We are committed to sharing the good news of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and soon return. We believe that we are adopted as God’s children and saved by His grace. Nothing we do can make God love us more or less. This is the message we share with your children.

3. Respectful Invitations
   Each week we offer a simple, respectful invitation for campers to take the next step in their walk with Jesus. We reject high-pressure tactics, manipulation, or emotional appeals. These are unethical and contrary to the gospel.

4. Parental Communication
   We always notify parents when a child makes a spiritual commitment. We will never baptize a camper without your express permission.

5. Ongoing Support
   Through campathome.org, we offer tools and resources to help you shape a Christ-centered spiritual culture at home.

If Your Child Has Accepted Jesus or Expressed Interest in Baptism

Grace

1. Talk with your child about their decision and their relationship with Jesus. Ask them why they made the decision and how you can support them.

2. Share your own faith story. Talking openly about your walk with Jesus helps build a lasting spiritual foundation for your child.

3. Teach your child about the character of Jesus. Emphasize that Jesus loves them unconditionally and can be trusted.

4. Help your child understand that following Jesus is about a relationship, not just rules or knowledge.

Community

1. Let your child know that you support them and will walk alongside them in their journey with Jesus.

2. Get connected to a local church. A supportive church family is essential to your child’s spiritual growth. Sunset Lake can help you find one.

3. Research shows every child needs five supportive adult relationships outside the home to maintain their faith. Help your child build these connections.

Adventure

1. Encourage your child to be involved in your local church.

2. Look for service opportunities that help your child live out their faith.

3. Provide opportunities for your child to lead at home, at church, and in the community.

Belonging

Spiritual growth happens through consistent practices and routines. Consider:

• Regular church attendance

• Participation in a small group or club (e.g., youth group, Pathfinders, Adventurers)

• Daily Bible reading

• Daily prayer

• Serving others

Baptism

If your child is interested in baptism, here are your next steps:

1. Talk with your child about their decision. Ask if they want your help preparing for this important step.

2. Explain that baptism is a turning point—leaving behind a self-centered life and beginning a Christ-centered one.

3. Help them understand what it means to follow Jesus. If you need help, reach out to your church pastor or contact Sunset Lake for resources.

4. Don’t delay. If your child is ready, set a realistic date and work toward it.

5. If your goal is church membership, work with your pastor to guide the process.

6. If you’re interested in a baptism at camp, contact us to explore available dates. We love hosting baptisms!

7. Most importantly, be prepared to mentor your child through a lifelong journey with Jesus. Your involvement matters more than you know.

Your child’s decision for Christ is a sacred and joyful moment. Thank you for walking with them and helping them grow in faith.