Next Play Kids Camp: A Week of Sports, Faith, and Purpose

This week marked the first-ever Next Play Kids Camp, and it was a powerful start to what we believe is just the beginning of something special.

Over the course of the week, 30 campers and 17 volunteers came together for a camp centered on sports, community, and faith. Throughout the mornings, campers competed and grew in basketball, soccer, badminton, volleyball, and flag football, learning teamwork, effort, and encouragement in every game they played.

Each afternoon, the focus shifted to intentional moments of teaching, discussion, and hands-on activities designed to point kids back to truth found in God’s Word. One of the central themes of the week came from Matthew 5:13:

"You are the salt of the earth."

Campers learned that being “salt” is about more than just a word in Scripture. Salt was used to preserve things and prevent decay, and in the same way, Christians are called to live differently in the world around them. That can look like something simple, offering encouragement, showing kindness, including someone who feels left out, or choosing to speak life into others. Small actions can make a big impact when lived out with purpose.

The heart behind the camp is to help kids understand that their identity is not found in their performance, their sport, or their achievements, but in Jesus Christ alone. Sports are a gift and a platform, but they are not who we are.

A highlight of the week was seeing one child make a decision to follow Jesus, a moment that reflects the deeper mission of Next Play: using sports as a bridge to point kids to Christ.

This week would not have been possible without the dedication of our 17 volunteers, the support of families who trusted us with their children, and Judah Church, who generously allowed us to use their facility. 

We are incredibly thankful for everything God did during this week, and we are excited for what is ahead. This was only the beginning for Next Play Kids Camp.

We look forward to continuing to create spaces where kids can grow in sports, build friendships, and most importantly, discover their identity in Christ.

This may have been our first Next Play Kids Camp, but it won’t be our last.

Already looking forward to what’s next