Summer 2025: Psalm 23

Here at Camp Skyline, we typically have a summer theme verse or group of verses for the structure of our devotions throughout the summer. Click here to learn more about our christian emphasis here at camp skyline. Scroll down for more information from our amazing and talented summer Chaplain, Ella Walker, on how and why we chose Psalm 23 for summer 2025!

As each summer rolls around, Sally usually looks at me some time during 3rd session and says, “We need to start thinking about the theme for next summer!”. It is wild to think that we would start thinking about the next summer before the current summer is even over, but we do! The summer theme is one of the biggest decisions we make because it is the vessel for how we teach campers about Jesus. Dare I say it is THE most important decision!

Throughout the year, Sally and I keep a list of ideas in our notes, and when the time comes to start planning, we present our ideas to each other. Some ideas are a stretch, and some ideas we both really like. We begin thinking through our top choices and imagining what the theme name would be, what the sub-themes could be for each day, how feasible it would be for counselors to teach campers, and how easily it could be understood by campers. All of these factors are carefully considered and discussed, until it comes time for us to present our top choices to the rest of the admin.

This year, Sally and I narrowed down the theme choices to our top two. I secretly had my favorite, but was wanting to see what everyone else thought before I shared the one I was truly hoping for. We sat and talked through how we would execute it, ideas for a name and theme verse, and what campers could understand the best. Much to my surprise, the theme I was secretly hoping for was a resounding “YES!”. So, without further ado, the Camp Skyline Summer 2025 theme is: Good Shepherd!

This theme name was inspired by the Scripture passage we originally had listed as a potential theme idea, which was Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I studied this Psalm for a semester with the college small group that I lead, and it was the most impactful passage I have ever studied. We were encouraged to memorize the passage throughout the semester, and I find myself reciting it continually. I have found so much comfort in the fact that David (the author of Psalm 23) was walking through a dark valley and was still declaring the truth of who God is. Psalm 23 walks us through the character of God and teaches us that who He is does not change based on our circumstances. He is our Good Shepherd, and we have all that we need in Him!

I cannot wait to dive deep into each one of these verses over the course of your time at camp, and to hear how your counselors will faithfully and prayerfully share the good news!

Ella Walker, Summer Chaplain