In a world that teaches young people that they must earn everything — love, value and acceptance — the OM team in Italia wanted to show teens that the greatest gift, salvation in Christ, is totally free.
As in previous years, OM in Italia organised three evangelical camps for teenagers in collaboration with the Evangelical Center of Isola del Gran Sasso. There was great participation, with 80-100 teens per camp.
The camp was blessed with excellent cabin leaders, who are a fundamental part of the camp ministry. They spend almost the entire day and night with the campers, and while the teenagers play, laugh and read the Bible together, the leaders live out and demonstrate the gospel.
The gospel at the centre
The main goal of these camps was to preach the gospel and emphasise God's grace. In a world that teaches young people that they must earn everything — love, worth and acceptance — the team wanted to show them that the greatest gift, salvation in Christ, is completely free.
One young girl said: “I finally understand that grace is truly free.”
Team member Patrizia* said: “It is incredible to see how the simple message of grace can transform lives, breaking chains of legalism and insecurity. In John 8:36, Jesus promises freedom, and we can testify that it is true.”
A recurring theme in conversations with teens centred on identity and personal worth. Many of them live under the pressure of comparison, trying to prove their worth through achievements, appearance or the approval of others.
A breakthrough came for one girl who had always struggled with self-esteem issues. She said: “I realised that I need to base my identity on what God says about me. God doesn’t care whether you feel worthy, loved or accepted because, in Christ, you already are."
Many more young people told their leaders that they understood that their worth is rooted in God, though the struggle against comparison remains.
'UpCamp is home'
For many teenagers, these camps were not just a one-week experience but a place of belonging and spiritual growth. Patrizia said, “Many told us ‘UpCamp is home.’ This fills us with joy because we know that adolescence is a time when many feel lonely and lost. Creating an environment where they can feel loved, welcomed and encouraged to grow in faith is a precious gift.
“One of the most important teachings we wanted to share was the true freedom found in Christ. Many teenagers associate freedom with a lack of rules, but we aimed to explain that true freedom is not doing whatever we want but being freed from sin and finding joy in serving God.
“When teenagers understand this, their way of living changes. They no longer seek satisfaction in worldly things but begin to desire a deeper relationship with God.”
A work of God
During the camps, the team and the young people attending played, laughed, shared moments of fun and, most importantly, spoke about the gospel.
“God has planted seeds in their hearts, and now we pray that He will bring forth eternal fruit,” Patrizia said. “We know the struggle is real, that the world continues to put pressure on these young people, but we trust that the truth of grace and their identity in Christ will take deep root in their hearts.
“These camps reminded us that the gospel is powerful, that grace is sufficient and that God is at work in the lives of this generation.”
*name changed