Camp Hint/Help: “The Knarp!”

Here is a quick in-the-trenches, real-life hint/help as you head into your summer camp or your mission trips 

It depends on the group and even the leaders I have had over the years.  Pranking can quickly get out of hand, especially at camps and retreats!  I have heard various theories and debates over whether to allow or not allow pranking.  Either way, this is a great alternative?

Even with some of the various TikTok Prank Challenges, is a way to start something new? Even if it is just in your group.  This is a great way to get students to post on social media and even tag your ministry?

We did it a few years ago and are re-introducing it again. Is “THE K-N-A-R-P”!! If you can’t figure it out real quick, it is the “Prank” spelled backward.  KNARP-ing is challenging your students and even your leaders to start doing the backward pranks!  Instead of doing something funny or even mean to another student, small group, cabin, or the other gender, challenge them to do something nice instead.

You might think students won’t get into it, but you would be surprised, as guys cabins to a “sneak attack cleaning,” pick flowers, or even leave encouragement notes (*as encouraging as an MS/JH boy can be).  We have done this a few different times with a few other groups over the years as pranks have started going a little too far, and it has gone well each time!  Students have bought in and the leaders as well, and it also creates excellent “teaching moments,” connections, and even some fun stories without the mess or hurt feelings.

Hopefully, with will give you a bit of help and bring a new tradition to your ministry in the coming year!

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