Miracle Camp: Growth of the Kingdom

For almost two centuries, Taylor has equipped servant-leaders to pursue a life following Christ. All over the world, alumni use their gifts to serve those around them. 

2013 alumnus Eric Rupp is doing just that through his ministry at Miracle Camp and Retreat Center. For the last decade, he has used his Taylor education for the growth of the Kingdom to serve as Program Director. 

A Life at Camp 

Rupp grew up in Archbold, Ohio, and first learned about Miracle Camp through his home church. He began attending every summer as a kid and spent his summer before college working as a counselor at Miracle Camp.  

Rupp entered Taylor University studying Biblical Literature. During his time, he was the Discipleship Coordinator of Samuel Morris Hall and also served in Taylor World Outreach as a co-director for Youth Conference. And every summer, he went back to Miracle Camp, which eventually led to a full-time position there. 

Rupp’s time at Taylor has been incredibly influential to his life. “What I learned is fully in effect at camp today. I’m very grateful for all Taylor did to prepare me for this role,” he shared. 

A Summer at Camp 

As the Program Director, Rupp oversees each season of life at camp: family retreats, church retreats, summer camps, and even winter camps. His personal favorite time of the year is summer, where he works with the seasonal staff and the campers that come each week. 

Rupp spends the spring season hiring 50 to 60 summer staff leaders from across the country (and a handful from Taylor) to serve at camp for the summer. He helps grow their faith and prepares them to lead. Throughout the summer, he seeks to fulfill the mission of camp: to partner with the local church by providing a retreat environment that is a catalyst for faith in Jesus as Lord.  

Summer staff members go through two weeks of training and then enter the nine weeks of camp where they teach Scripture, assist kids through tough situations, and grow relationally with others and God. Rupp schedules and runs this process. As he mentors and works with each staff member, he encourages them to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness and lean into Him as they serve in different spaces day-to-day. 

“One of the best ways we can learn to teach the gospel, is to live it out,” said Rupp. “As a staff member at Miracle Camp, you get to live out the gospel for nine weeks.”  

Rupp encourages staff to take a humble posture as they consider how to love like Jesus. 

“I am like a rebellious and stubborn camper. I am full of sin, and I disobey Jesus every day, and yet Jesus still loves me,” Rupp said. “How can I love my campers the same way that Jesus loves me?” 

A Week at Camp 

Each summer, Miracle Camp hosts thousands of grade school, middle school, and high school students for a week at camp. During this week, students hear from a gifted speaker and learn from college-age leaders who love the Lord and are trained on how to share the gospel with others.  

Miracle Camp also offers more opportunities for college-age individuals. For college students, applications are open to serve for a summer teaching kids about the gospel and serving the Kingdom. In addition, Miracle Camp (in conjunction with the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches), has partnered with Denver, Trinity, and Bethel Seminaries to provide graduate school opportunities through its internship program. Students who intern at Miracle Camp can receive a "Certificate of Theology" upon completion of the program.