Counter Culture Sports is a not-for-profit ministry. Our objective is the empowerment of individuals to impact first their own lives, and subsequently the lives of those around them. Our goal is to nurture and train campers in developing a worldview and value system useful for navigating the business of sport and the world beyond. We work to develop campers’ athletic skills certainly, but more importantly their leadership skills. Counter Culture Camps are dedicated to the equipping of young athletes to not just survive, but flourish while the window of athletic opportunity is open. No one can be properly equipped for life operating with a flawed perception of reality. How can a high school athlete be prepared to operate in the adult world – in the big business of college sports – without a dependable foundation? How can that same child possibly transition to the world of professional sports if their dreams come true?
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Run in such a manner as to get the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24
In our present age of compromise, children are constantly faced with moving boundaries and broken promises. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb 13:8). His truth is not relative. His truth is absolute. By helping our campers forge an accurate perspective, we limit their chance of being disappointed by the sport they love. By helping athletes build relationships with Godly adults outside the business of sport, they gain an invaluable resource and support structure. We equip them with a compass to navigate through life, and do so before, or at least as those representing other agendas begin entering their lives.
Helping young people construct a worldview and value system based on biblical truth is noble. Equipping athletes to navigate the pitfalls inherent to the business of sport is also a worthy objective. But what about winning you ask? Here’s what the bible has to say about:
| Winning | “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Run in such a manner as to get the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24 |
| Being Coached | “No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer.” 2 Tim 2:4 |
| Authority | “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Rom 13:1 |
| Talent | “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48 |
| Sacrifice | “No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 |
| Cowardice | “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Tim 1:7 |
| Force/Aggression | “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and the violent have been seizing it by force.” Matt 11:12 |
Counter Culture Camps resemble other camps in that campers:
- live away from their home environment for a week
- see a new place
- meet new people
- receive outstanding coaching on skills specific to their sport
- learn new skills
- eat 3 balanced meals each day
Unlike many “business” camps, Counter Culture Camps:
- Purpose to insulate campers during camp, so they can be equipped to navigate the business of sport.
- Teaches leadership skills valuable in sports and every organization of which they are ever a member.
- Evaluates leadership performance along with physical performance
- Make worldview and value system development a priority
- Establish mentor/accountability relationships for campers to utilize throughout the year and throughout their lifetime
- Have an entire staff who are disciples of Jesus Christ
- Have a staff focused on campers’ hearts as the top priority
- Provide a resources to use during the 51 weeks between Counter Culture Camps
- Prohibit personal electronics for 6 days
Leadership Curriculum
- Handling Success & Failure
- Communication (Speaking & Listening)
- Recognizing Leadership Opportunities
- Identifying, Analyzing & Solving Problems
- Relating to Authority
- Measuring Leader Effectiveness
- Social Considerations for Leaders
- The Media
