I grew up going to a Labor Day camp called Faith Quest. It’s a camp for high school kids that is pretty intense, intended to grow and challenge you, and is generally done very well. Until last week I had only been to FQ once since ’99 and I came away fascinated by some of the cultural changes that had happened since I was a camper. While some of the things I’ve listed may not be particularly new to FQ…because, honestly I have no idea what’s new and what’s not (some might suggest that nothing’s new under the sun). But here are some of the spectacular things about the teenagers, the culture, and the event called Faith Quest.

• There was a sense of anticipation from day one. The teens came ready for something to happen, ready to engage in something deep. They came ready. This is a big deal because at many camps you spend the first half trying to get everyone on board with the idea that God might just do something. You then spend the last half of the camp paying attention to what God has/is doing.
• Creative expression has always been core to what Faith Quest is. But these days creative expression is not just valued as it is, but it is valued as an expression of worship. This year in particular artists explored more abstract artwork that attempted to capture music and worship all in one. It was beautiful.
• Generosity was an overwhelming part of the event. At the annual auction (which is a new thing since I was a kid) they kids gave upwards of $3000. Umm…I didn’t even have enough money when I was a teenager to buy a bag of chips. At this “auction” where they sell old shoes, decoration off the walls, and pieces of the aforementioned art there is a sense of excitement and giving actually becomes a fun experience. Even on the last day when someone(s) raided one of the cabins and stole a grip of stuff, the overwhelming feeling was that if those individuals needed something (money, clothes, or peach gummy rings) they would have been given to them!
• Social justice was an ever present reality. During the week, in addition to the $3000 that was raised, nearly 20 children were ‘adopted’ through World Vision by kids and adults alike. Residue of social justice work was everywhere. It was evident in the conversations, the clothing, the scheduling, and the giving. I know this was not a part of FQ life when I was a kid.
• Worship (through music)  has always been core to the FQ experience. But in the last five years or so the teens have gone nuts (in a good way). It has become a raucous party full to the top of energy, bad dancing, creative expression, and smiles. I think if Jesus were physically present he would have been crowd surfing…no, seriously.
• Dude, when I was a kid we didn’t down nearly as much coffee as todays teens do! Holy crap they downed the coffee. Next year I say they pursue some Stumptown coffee and get some quality brew up in the house.
• Hospitality is a very present reality at FQ these days. From the openness everyone has toward strangers to the special senior breakfast that has become a tradition, from the openness toward “dissenting” voices and those who believe differently to the warmth that was shown by the leadership.

I’m sure I could say more. I’m sure many of you could say more. The single greatest part that is consistent in nearly all of the bullet points listed above is that they emerged from the teens themselves. The culture that is emerging at FQ is a culture that is emerging from our next generation of voices. May this never stop.