A local Bible camp recently announced its schedule for the summer. “Headlining” the programming for girls camp is a tea party. No, really. A tea party. You know, frilly hats, dainty gloves. Extended pinky fingers grasping sweet little tea cups.
We have nothing against tea parties per se, but as the centerpiece, the highlight of a girls camp?
Is this the best camp leadership can do for innovative, creative programming – or is it the best they can come up with for girls? (Nothing like gender stereotyping!) Would the all-male board consider including rock climbing, archery, or white-water rafting as well, or do those and similar “active” sports/endeavors fall outside their gender views? What about girls who aren’t interested in frilly hats, dainty gloves and extended pinkies?
Programming decisions aside, what kind of thinking related to gender roles and models is in evidence here? What kinds of values and views do camp leadership intend to impart to young girls about who they are in Christ and what they might accomplish for His kingdom? What are the chances these girls will hear about Junia or Phoebe or other female members of Paul’s apostolic team when they’re focused on Early Grey and Emily Post?
Can we do better for the next generation of Christian women?
Filed under: Gender Issues
As a young adult woman in Christ, it’s issues like these that have inspired me to attend is year’s annual “Christians for Biblical Equality” conference
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http://www.cbeinternational.org/?q=content/schedule-0
Yes! We whole-heartedly recommend the fine work of CBE. We are chapter leaders. Here’s a link to our blog: http://wwwcbeofgraysharbor.wordpress.com
You can also find us on Facebook @ Christians for Biblical Equality of Grays Harbor: https://www.facebook.com/groups/142432809128337
oh! will you be at the conference???
Not this time. Maybe next.