On the Way Curriculum: Biblical and Theological Reflections

Whether walking, wandering, fleeing, or traveling, the characters in this year’s biblical stories are involved in a journey. The image of a journey is a powerful one. Abraham took a pilgrim journey to an
unknown destination. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness. Jesus and the disciples walked from town to town, spreading the good news. Paul wrote letters that read like the diary of a road trip.

The journey is an image more of process than destination. That makes it an apt description for our life of faith as well. Our faith journeys may have a beginning point—an early memory or realization
of being beloved of God—but they have no end point, no culmination at which we say, “I’ve done it all; I’m finished.” Rather, our journey of faith is ongoing, changing direction and focus as we continually strive to grow more fully into God’s intention for humanity. During the summer, campers will explore this rich image as their journey of faith continues at camp.

The theme of journey will be introduced through the story of God’s call to Abram and Sarai to be the founders of a great nation. Campers will hear how Sarai and Abram left all that was familiar, trusting in God’s promise to bless them, so that they could be a blessing to others.

The Israelites, too, wandered into the unknown as they fled Egypt in the dark of night. But they did not travel alone; God provided a pillar of clouds by day and fire by night to guide and protect the people on their journey.

Ruth and Naomi, unlikely companions brought together by God and circumstance, became shining examples of what it means to live in community. They looked beyond their own needs and desires to meet the needs of those around them.
In the story of Jesus’ baptism and temptation, campers will hear how through it all, Jesus was obedient. They will have the chance to see that God gave him the resources he needed to
resist temptation and consider how those same faith resources are available to them.

The faith of Peter and John makes the story of the healing of the lame man remarkable. They shared something so awesome that the only way to respond was to burst out in song and dance that gave glory to God.

Gathering on a mountain top in Galilee, the disciples were uncertain about the future of their journey-much had changed, and much was unknown. Then the risen Christ called them to go, just as God had called so many before, equipping them for the journey with the promise of his presence to the end of the
age. Through this story campers will explore how their faith journeys will continue beyond camp and they will explore the challenge of a call to a life of discipleship.

Themes for On the Way:
Discovery 1: Blessed on the Way Abram and Sarai—Genesis 12:1–2
Discovery 2: Led on the Way Pillars of Cloud and Fire—Exodus 13:17–18a, 20–22
Discovery 3: Walking Together on the Way Ruth and Naomi—Ruth 1:1–18
Discovery 4: Challenged on the Way Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation—Luke 3:21–22; 4:1–15
Discovery 5: Rejoicing on the Way Peter, John and the Lame Man—Acts 3:1–10
Discovery 6: Sent on the Way Great Commission—Matthew 28:16–20