Each summer hundreds of teens and volunteer workers converge on camps across the country to participate in the United Youth Camps (UYC) program. Recently a member wrote a letter to the home office commenting on the environment so palpable at our camps. We call it "the Zone"—a safe place to grow. This member wrote:

"We've heard a lot about ‘the Zone' at camp for the past few years, but not about creating this type of safety in the Church. The Zone enables young people at camp to venture out of their comfort zone to learn and grow . . .

"Many Church members have suffered hurts and traumas that make it as hard for them to grow and overcome as it is for fearful kids to try new things. I think that the Church would flourish if we could cultivate an atmosphere of humility and gentleness, where people are encouraged to grow—where they can feel safe to grow—where they won't be afraid of poisonous, hurtful attacks when they try."

What makes the Zone so successful? Can we build this into our families, congregations and community? Actually, we realize that God is way ahead of us and promises to create this idyllic setting into the fabric of the community of tomorrow. We call it the world tomorrow. We understand that this will be the government that Christ will bring to the earth at His return. In the meantime, there are a few things that we can do to create a safe place for children and adults to grow.

Trust

Perhaps the most vital element of the Zone is trust. In the world we seldom trust people we don't know. At a very early age we teach our children to run from strangers, especially if they are offering candy or inviting them to approach. We realize not everyone's motives are pure and right. The litany of perverse crimes perpetrated on innocents is sickening.

To be trustworthy, a person must have the right motive, and parents, ministers and brethren can show that by their willingness to help, teach and serve. When we place our trust in God and His Word, striving to live faithfully by His law, it does promote the environment that helps others to grow. Lies and hypocrisy do just the opposite. David prayed, "But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God'" (Psalm 31:14). David also noted, "Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies" (Psalm 40:4).

If we want our children (and brethren) to feel safe, we must give them a sense of our confidence in our foundation—a trust in God. According to our surveys, parents list that the number one goal of the UYC program is, "Building a relationship with God and learning His ways" (70 percent of parents responded this way, similar to what campers and staff also note). If your goals are to build a relationship with God and model that in your life, you are well on your way to a healthy environment that will work wonders in the lives of those around you.

God Offers Choices

In a safe environment people feel more eager to make wise choices. Sadly, negative peer pressure and worldly influences do corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33). While we are expecting people to avoid the traps of negativity, we should expect people to see the best in others and promote right values.

If you expect that your teens will lie, cheat, steal and be rebellious, many will not disappoint you. On the other hand, if you expect honesty, courtesy, dependability, courage, etc., you might be surprised by their willingness to oblige. We generally want to please those who care about us, and your expectations will more easily be met if you are straightforward and honest.

At camp we don't allow practical jokes or allow teens to "rag" on each other. There is an expectation that we all treat each other with respect and encourage excellence. This can be communicated in any environment.

Choices Have Consequences

Perhaps the single greatest lesson to learn and apply is that there is a cause for every effect. Paul mentioned, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Galatians 6:7-9).

Camp helps teens understand that if you want to be successful, you need to make wise and right decisions. We encourage active participation so young people can learn that God's way works. It is much better to learn the dynamic of cause and effect, when the effects don't ruin lives. This aspect of the Zone can be practiced in families long before our children reach camp age. Wise King Solomon observed, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). Start early to encourage excellence and teach lessons when wrong results occur.

There are many aspects to right government. Building the Zone at home or in a congregation takes commitment to each other. If we want a safe environment in which to grow, we need to build it. That takes cooperation and vision. At camp we have lots of orientation to the goals and mission of the UYC program. Our success is credited to the fine volunteers who are there to give themselves away in selfless service to others.

Perhaps the greatest secret of life is that when we get our minds off ourselves and have outward concern for others, we discover a power from above. God is love! (1 John 4:8). The member whose letter we quoted earlier mentioned humility and gentleness. This resonates from the attitude of those committed to God's calling. Let's all try to create the community where everyone is safe from outside influences and is saturated with a commitment toward godly values that will produce excellence, now and forever. Create a safe zone in your world. UN