Seventy children in grades 1–6 gathered this week at Bänkåsviken on Alnö Island outside Sundsvall, Sweden, for the 24th edition of a medieval-themed summer camp rooted in the Swedish free church tradition. Organised jointly by congregations from Equmeniakyrkan, the Evangelical Free Church (EFK), and the Pentecostal movement, the camp has been a summer fixture for more than two decades and was fully booked this year, supported by more than 40 volunteers.
This year's theme, "Konungens rike" (The King's Kingdom), draws on the imagery of Christ as king in a setting that blends Narnia-like storytelling with ambitious daily theatre productions featuring full sets and backdrops. The camp rotates through six different themes on a yearly cycle — this was the fourth time the kingdom theme was used — and activities range from catapult building and jester school to knight workshops, crown making, and a royal feast. The final performance on Saturday is open to parents and the wider community.
Camp leader Elisabeth Ågren, who has attended 23 of the 24 camps, estimates that about half of the children have an existing connection to a local congregation, while for many others the camp represents their only contact with the church all year. "There is no summer without camp," Ågren told Sändaren, adding that what she values most is watching young leaders — some of whom she has known since they were six — step into voluntary roles leading devotionals, prayer, and worship. Over the years, many children have made life-changing decisions to follow Jesus during the camp week, and the camp now sees former campers returning as leaders, some with children of their own.
(Originally published in Swedish. Summary translated by CC / Connexion.)
Source: Equmeniakyrkan / Sändaren — sandaren.se
