“This is Dawn Dish Soap”

The Power of Play: How Camp Reflects the Heart of Jesus

If you’ve ever walked onto campgrounds in the middle of the day, the first thing you’ll notice is the sound of laughter. Counselors playing tag, campers singing silly songs, water balloons flying – it looks like chaos, but it’s actually ministry. At Camp Sonshine, play isn’t just fun. It’s where relationships are built, trust is formed, and hearts begin to open.

A Story I’ll Never Forget

One of my favorite camp memories came during Spring Break Camp many years ago. I had a group of 3rd – 4th grade (Adventure) boys, and we had so. much. FUN. During a Wilderness Ranger experience, the leader saw their high energy and wanted to lay down some expectations, so she told us that if she was interrupted, she’d start her instructions over. Her first sentence was:

“This is Dawn dish soap.”

She probably repeated it twenty times before the boys pulled it together to listen. What started as frustration turned into laughter, and soon we had a chant. I’d call out, “This is Dawn dish soap,” and they’d shout back, “We already know that!”

Now, years later, those boys are in our 7th – 9th grade programs, and the chant still lives on whenever we see each other. A silly moment became a bond that lasted. That’s the power of camp.

Why Play Matters

Play creates connection. When counselors join campers in fun, walls come down and trust grows. Those bonds often open doors to deeper conversations about life and faith.

This is exactly how Jesus discipled.

He invited His followers to simply be with Him (Mark 3:14).

He met people in the everyday – fishing, eating, walking (Luke 5:1–11).

He welcomed children with joy (Mark 10:13–16).

And He reminded us that joy is central to life with Him: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).

When counselors play with campers, they reflect this same heart of Jesus – relational, joyful, and present. Everywhere, whether in a cornfield in Nebraska, a community center in Mexico, or a school yard in Zambia, joy opens the door to the Gospel.

Join Me in Spreading the Joy of Camp

This January, I’ll be leading our Mexico trip, and in April, I’ll return to Zambia. I believe in the power of camp because I’ve seen how God uses play and presence to transform lives.

But I can’t do it alone.

You can help by:

Praying for the Mexico and Zambia programs and our teams as we prepare.
Giving to help me raise $2,000 for Mexico and $3,000 for Zambia. Your gift helps create moments – like the “Dawn dish soap” memory – that turn into lifelong connections with Jesus.
Encouraging me and my family through your support.

Together, we can bring the joy of camp to children around the world – and reflect the heart of Jesus.

👉 CampSonshineMemories.org/Give

IMPORTANT: Before you leave, I’d really LOVE you to put your email down on the bottom of this page to get these updates sent directly to your inbox!

👉 25 – 26 Fundraising Goal: $5,000
👉 25 – 26 Funds Raised So Far: $1,300

Thank you to all who have supported me! From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful to have you in my life!

Cliff Dwellers