The Lord’s Boot Camp

A first-time look at 700 kids training to become Christian missionaries. A special “48 Hours” presentation will air on Dec. 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Will this be attacked by the media as “Jesus Camp” was? Will christian’s attack this broadcast? How will the world react? Below is the preview being shown for the broadcast.

In the summer of 2007, Tabitha Taylor of Bellwood, Pa., Nicole Scrivener of Tallahassee, Fla., and Valerie Smith of Las Vegas, Nev. were among the 700 kids who gave up the luxuries of iPods and cell phones to attend The Lord’s Boot Camp. At the two-week, no-frills training camp in central Florida, the girls face physical and mental challenges as they prepare to embark on evangelical missions in the U.S. and Africa and spread the word of God.

Taylor, 13, is passionate about her religion and a natural-born leader who excels at camp, but struggles to fit in among her peers.

Scrivener, 15, grapples with drug and alcohol abuse, straining her relationship with her family. Her rebellious attitude creates tension at camp, too.

Smith, 17, is dedicated to her religious beliefs but finds it difficult to be away from her boyfriend as she faces the physical challenges of camp.

This project marks the first time a camera crew has been allowed to document the teens’ experiences at camp, their missions and their returns home.

“Each girl profiled represents a different reaction that religious belief can provoke in a young person: bold confidence, angry rebellion and feelings of doubt,” says Loki Films co-founder Heidi Ewing.
“All three characters struggled with the physical and mental demands of the camp as well as the looming question of what role their belief in God will play in their lives as they enter adulthood,” adds Rachel Grady, co-founder of Loki Films.

Personally, I really was upset by the wrap that Jesus Camp got. The world is funny. They always think that christians are brainwashing other people. Do the schools brainwash students? Was I brainwashed in during my elementary years? No, you are trained in school to live your life after school. At The Lord’s Boot Camp you are trained to minister after leaving. What’s the difference?

I am sorry that Jesus Camp was closed. I really enjoyed the video. I enjoyed seeing the passion behind Becky Fischer. I wish more ministers would catch the flame. So many people treat children’s ministry like it’s babysitting. It’s not … you are changing lives.

Anyways … what are you thoughts on this airing on CBS?