In the Christian camping experience, we have to deal with advantages and disadvantages in being under a denomination. On the one hand, we have authority over us which keeps us accountable for our doctrine. This is a good thing, and allows us to stay focused on what we believe, both as a camp and as a denomination. Some aspects of denominationalism are helpful to the Christian camp, because it does allow a standard for what we will allow and what we will not. Some aspects, however, are less helpful. If denominationalism was taken to its extreme in Christian camping, the ministry would never be able to reach out to non-Christians, nor would it have an influence outside its own circles. This does limit greatly the number of people a camp is able to serve.
Hidden Acres has done a fairly good job of balancing being a denominational camp with serving Christians and non-Christians from various backgrounds. We had a good size group of counselors this last summer that came from a variety of denominations. Camp compensated for this by requiring applicants to ascribe to the Evangelical Free Church statement of faith. This provided a basis for unity among those with different backgrounds. We also serve a variety of groups from different denominations and non-Christian folks also. Not to mention that we use the denominational authority over us to keep out heresy and division. This is perhaps the main advantage of being under a denomination.
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