Sacred Playgrounds

“There is no doubt that camping ministry has played a major role in the faith formation of Protestant churches over the last hundred years. And yet there has been little to no rich theoretical and theological reflection on camping ministry. That is, until now. Jacob Sorenson in Sacred Playgrounds offers us all a gift. With whimsical writing, rigorous research, and penetrating theological reflection Sorenson provides a practical theology of camping ministry. This book is essential for anyone concerned with faith formation who seeks to understand and sharpen the ministry of camps.”


—Andrew Root, Professor of Youth and Family Ministry, Luther Seminary, and author of The End of Youth Ministry?





“Jacob’s exploration of the transformational power of camp ministry is the most thorough, academically grounded, well-reasoned book on this topic I’ve read. In a post-Covid, post-Christian, technologically addicted, fractured world, Christian camping is needed now more than ever! Fully utilizing the dynamics outlined here will increase the effectiveness and expand the influence of Christian camping within families, the church, and society worldwide. We have needed a well-researched, deeply grounded explanation. It has finally arrived.”


—Rob Ribbe, Executive Director, HoneyRock, Center for Leadership Development of Wheaton College, and Assistant Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College