It might seem ironic that I was once part of the "bible camp machinery" in the sense that I was part of a few kids programs growing up and also on staff at a Bible camp but not directly involved in the so-called
brainwashing counselling of children. The truly awful thing about these camps is to coerce young children into making a "major life decision" when they can't even prepare their own meals, drive, vote or even think critically. Not only that, but to guilt them into believing they have no self-worth and are in need of redemption lest they fall into the hands of a wrathful god and perish forever in a place of torment is tantamount to emotional abuse.
The usual trappings of such camps are fun activities during the day, relatively decent food, and then a guilt-ridden sermon to put you in your place and confess your sins and make a decision for Christ...and then talk about it after at your cabin.
I was never exposed to extreme camps that were portrayed in "Jesus Camp" but the gist of it was pretty simple...if you DIE TONIGHT, you're SCREWED if you don't accept this over-the-top message.
