MUSIC & Connections to Themes

JOY | Songs & Themes

 

This Is Me | Camp Song

This week our campers explore what it means to find joy in any situation. This song highlights how we may experience dark moments where we feel like hiding, but we can find strength to push through and find joy within ourselves at the end of the day, thanks to God’s love and guidance.

 

Step Into Christmas | Camp Dance

We are all about Christmas in July this week as we celebrate the birth of Jesus! Engage with your campers about their favourite parts of Christmas and help them to truly understand the reason for the season! Jesus is the greatest gift we could ever have; our eternal joy!

 

Don’t Worry, Be Happy | Olio

We live in a world with so much unknown, but we’re learning how we can find comfort and Joy in God because He is all knowing. We can trust God as our guide through this life to help us make wise choices and find the goodness in the things we do. God gives us tools like the holy spirit, sort of like that little nudge we feel in our gut, to follow Him to the best of our abilities. James 1: 5 If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone and doesn’t find fault.

 

Everything Is Awesome | Olio

Jesus is the Light of the world and He says that we too can be the light of the world. He is telling us that if we choose to live in friendship with him, wanting our actions to reflect his goodness and love, we can help bring immense Joy to those around us, including ourselves. Although everything may not be awesome in our lives all of the time, we can choose to find joy in any situation knowing God is with us He creates good in all things.

 

Breaking Free | Parlando

This week we are learning that God can be our guide through life. The more we get to know him by spending time with him (be it reading our bibles, praying, talking with people, asking questions, listening to music etc), the more Joy we can experience in our life. This joy can help us break free from the pain or sadness that might be holding us back and help us see the goodness around us which we might have otherwise missed.

 

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching | Parlando

We are learning this week that we can trust God even when our hearts and minds are filled with Worry. We are beginning to understand that God is someone we can put our trust in and depend on because of how much He loves us. We will work together to trust in God, shake the fear off and Dance like Nobody’s Watching!

 

Light of the World | Bombershay

In the song "Light of the World" from Godspell, we learn that Jesus is like a bright light shining in the darkness, guiding us and showing us the way. Just like how a light helps us see and find our way, Jesus helps us understand how to live and love each other. He is always there to brighten our path, especially when things seem tough. When we follow Jesus, we can also be a light to others, spreading His love and kindness everywhere we go.

 

Sparklejollytwinklejingley | Bombershay

Continuing that tie in of Christmas in July, you can’t help but we filled with joy when you hear this song! We’ve been learning this week about how we can find joy in every circumstance, in life’s wonderful moments and even in the more challenging moments. We want to encourage our campers to look to God for support to help them “sparkle”, even when things seem dull.


DREAM Song-Theme Connections

 

When You Believe | Camp Song

God blessed Joseph with the ability to interpret dreams and although sometimes this was a real benefit to Joseph in the moment, it also left in some less-than-ideal situations. However, Joseph never stopped Believing the God was with Him. Ultimately, those less-than-ideal situations were actually stepping stones to the incredible goodness God had planned for Joseph. “Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill. Who knows what miracles you can achieve, when you believe” 

 

What Dreams Are Made Of | Camp Dance

This week we are talking about God’s dreams for us. These are not necessarily the dreams we have when we’re sleeping, but God wants us to know that He has BIG dreams for our lives! We can’t even imagine all that God can do, and sometimes it’s hard to see what’s happening while it’s happening, but we can trust God has incredible things in store for us.

 

In Summer | Olio

That sweet summer breeze and sand between our toes feels like a dream come true! This song is a song of celebration, thinking of the joy that can be found when we work towards our dreams and goals. Like Joseph, Olaf never gives up and keeps his eye on the prize of summer!

 

A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes | Olio

Sometimes we can get caught in our fear and that stops us from dreaming big for ourselves. What is your hearts greatest dream or goal? This week we want to open our hearts and our minds to the BIG dreams that God may have for us, not letting fear get in the way.

 

This Is Me | Parlando

You should never have to change who you are to make your dreams come true- if that’s the case, it may not be the right dream or goal for you! When you let God’s light shine on you and you’ve found who you are in relationship with Him, there’s nothing that can hold you back.

 

Nothing Is Impossible | Parlando

We saw how Joseph lived through difficult situation after difficult situation and yet he continued to trust in God because of the dreams God had placed in his mind and heart. Even as Joseph was sold, or sat in a jail cell, he knew that God was with him and that NOTHING was impossible for God.

 

Believe | Bombershay

Believe is such a beautiful word- it’s a word of hope. We have been learning this week not only how to believe in ourselves and the amazing things we can accomplish, but also how we can believe and trust in God. When we choose to build a relationship with Jesus and God we are stepping into a new life, one that’s built on hope!

 

Make It Shine | Bombershay

Like the stars that Joseph first dreamed of, God wants us to shine! Now, shining doesn’t always look like overcoming and impossible tasks, sometimes shining is in the simple things in life. Committing to small changes or goals that help to improve your life and set you on a path to growth.

FRIENDSHIP Song-Theme Connections

 

Lean On Me | Camp Song

This classic song emphasizes the importance of being there for one another in times of need. The lyrics, "Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on," reflects the essence of a good friend who offers support and a shoulder to lean on, much like Jonathan was there for David during difficult times, always ready to offer strength and encouragement.

 

Count Me In | Camp Dance

In this song, Dove Cameron sings about the unwavering loyalty of a true friend. The lyrics, "If you need, a laugh, I'll be there. Count me in," reminds us that friends can be counted on for support, much like Paul and Barnabas. Friends can rely on each other during their journey; there to uplift and support one another in spreading the message of Jesus.

 

Friendship Is The Formula | Olio

This song from Sofia the First highlights the magic and importance of teamwork and friendship. With lyrics like "Friendship is the formula, it always works," it showcases how friends working together can accomplish great things. This mirrors the partnership of Paul and Barnabas, who worked together to tell people about God, showing that standing up and supporting one another are key elements of true friendship.

 

Thank You For Being A Friend | Olio

Andrew Gold’s song is a tribute to gratitude and appreciation for friends who have been there through thick and thin. The lines, "Thank you for being a friend, traveled down a road and back again," reflects what our relationship with Jesus can look like. He is always with us, wanting to help support and teach us along the way. They are with you, no matter what.

 

Count On Me | Parlando

Bruno Mars' song captures the essence of trust and reliability in friendship. The lyrics, "You can count on me like 1, 2, 3, I'll be there," reflects the deep bond between David and Jonathan, who trusted and depended on each other completely. Jonathan’s willingness to support and protect David, even against his own father’s wishes, exemplifies the ultimate trust and loyalty highlighted in this song. No matter what, our friend is someone we can depend on.

 

Friendship Song | Parlando

This cheerful song celebrates the joy and fun of friendship. Lyrics like "We're friends forever" highlights the lasting bond and happiness that comes from having a true friend. This reflects how Jesus’ disciples must have felt as they followed Him, sharing in His teachings and miracles, creating a joyful and supportive community that embodies the best qualities of friendship.

 

Best Friend | Bombershay

This song speaks to the deep bond and uplifting nature of best friends. Lyrics such as "You're the best, You're the best friend that I've ever had" underline the positive influence friends have on each other, much like David and Jonathan, whose friendship was marked by mutual respect, support, and genuine care for one another, helping each other grow and succeed.

 

I’m Only Me When I’m With You | Bombershay

Taylor Swift’s song highlights the authenticity and comfort found in true friendship. The lyrics, "I'm only me when I'm with you," reflects how good friends allow each other to be their true selves without judgment. This song mirrors Jesus’ forgiveness and acceptance allowing His followers to be open and authentic, knowing they were loved and forgiven no matter what, creating a safe space for genuine relationships.

RESILIENCE Song-Theme Connections

 

My Own Superhero | Camp Song

We may not fly through the sky like a superhero, but God tells us in Isaiah 40 that  “those who trust in the Lord will receive new strength. They will fly as high as eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not grow weak”. God is promising us that if we trust in Him and continue to build our relationship with him, He will continue to give us new strength to overcome any difficulties we may face.

 

Try Everything | Camp Dance

It takes immense Courage to try new things, especially when the people around us tell us that we’ll fail. Can we find the Courage to be like Noah, Joshua, Ruth and Jesus and push through when faced with struggles? When we “Try Everything”, can to live a life that honours God? It’s not going to necessarily be easy, in fact, it likely won’t be, BUT living a life for Jesus can be fulfilling. When we invite Jesus into our hearts, His love can be more fulfilling than anything the people or things on Earth could ever provide us with.

 

It’s A Hard Knock Life | Olio

This week we’re learning about the story of Noah and the Ark and the patience and perseverance Noah had in order to overcome the large obstacle in front of him! It wasn’t easy, and many didn’t believe that God would show up, but Noah stayed firm in his belief. This is similar to how Annie continually believes her parents will come and get her, even when the other girls are being adopted instead of her. And the beautiful thing is, Annie does find her parents, it just doesn’t look like how she expected it because who she found in Daddy Warbucks was maybe even better than what she could have imagined with her birth parents.

 

Here Comes The Sun | Olio

Here comes the SON! Jesus is our ultimate example of learning how to push through even when things get really hard! Jesus experienced many difficult situations during His time on earth, but He chose to believe God is good and God would be with him through everything. Sometimes God doesn’t remove our obstacles because there is something beautiful or important to be taken and learned from them, and we can find comfort in knowing that we are NEVER alone.

 

Get Back Up Again | Parlando

Sometimes all it takes is a friend to help us Get Back up Again! We’re learning this week about two women from the bible named Ruth and Naomi who demonstrate the power of community and helping each other when feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. Ruth chose to stay with Naomi rather than leave her when things became difficult, and as a result, with the help of God, they were able to work together to go through their grief and find healing.

 

This Little Light Of Mine | Parlando

The Bible tells us that Jesus was the light of the world, and that he came to help bring us out of darkness. When we experience darkness and pain in our life, we can turn to Jesus and ask him for help us overcome the dark and difficult circumstances. Jesus is a light that you can turn to wherever you are, no matter what. Hebrews 12 says “Let us keep looking to Jesus. He is the one who started this journey of faith. And he is the one who completes the journey of faith. He paid no attention to the shame of the cross. He suffered because he knew the life he would have for eternity.

 

9-5 | Bombershay

The Bible shows us countless stories of people who weren’t afraid of working hard to accomplish God’s Goals, and we look at just a few of them this week. Noah dedicated over 50 years of his life to build the ark and Ruth took on the responsibility of taking care of her mother-in-law even when her husband had died. God doesn’t promise that we’ll live a life without hardship or struggle, but he does promise that He will be with us every step of the way. We can lean on God’s strength and trust that He is GOOD. No matter the challenge or difficult, God is good and He is with us. Romans 8, What we are suffering now is nothing compared with our future glory.

 

Anything Can Happen | Bombershay

Finding joy in the midst of adversity or struggles is a choice. It’s not our feelings, or what we’re feeling in the moment. It is a choice. So how do we find joy? Jesus! When was ask Jesus to be our friend, we are given the greatest friendship we could ever have. There’s a phrase in this song that says “Anything can happen raise the curtain! Things you thought impossible will soon seem certain.”. When we choose to be in a relationship with Jesus, He helps us endure through those seemingly impossible situations. Choosing God helps us find joy in our suffering.

GRATITUDE Songs & Themes

 

Grateful | Camp Song

The song "Grateful" by Brandon Lake reflects the heartfelt praise and thankfulness expressed by Paul and Silas while in jail. Despite their circumstances, they sang hymns and prayed, showing their gratitude to God, much like the lyrics of this song that emphasize being thankful in all situations.

 

I Feel Good | Camp Dance

James Brown’s "I Feel Good" captures the joy and elation that David felt when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. David danced with all his might before the Lord, expressing his overwhelming gratitude and happiness, just as the upbeat and joyful tone of this song conveys a sense of exuberant thankfulness.

 

Thank You for The Music | Olio

"Thank You for The Music" by ABBA can be likened to the gratitude of the 5,000 people fed by Jesus. They were likely thankful not only for the physical food but also for the spiritual nourishment and miracles they witnessed. This song’s theme of gratitude for the gift of music parallels the gratefulness for the blessings received from Jesus.

 

I Just Want to Thank You | Olio

The song "I Just Want to Thank You" perfectly fits the story of the one leper who returned to thank Jesus after being healed. Unlike the other nine, this leper expressed his gratitude openly and directly, much like the straightforward and heartfelt gratitude expressed in this song.

 

So Far, So Great | Parlando

Demi Lovato's "So Far, So Great" reflects a positive and grateful outlook despite challenges, similar to how Paul and Silas maintained their faith and gratitude while imprisoned. Their ability to find reasons to praise and remain hopeful aligns with the upbeat and optimistic message of this song.

 

I’m Alive | Parlando

"I’m Alive Part 1" from Xanadu Jr. can relate to the newfound energy and life the people felt after Jesus fed the 5,000. The miracle not only satisfied their hunger but also rejuvenated their spirits, sparking a sense of being truly alive and grateful, much like the lively and celebratory tone of this song.

 

Happy | Bombershay

The song "Happy" by Pharrell Williams is all about feeling joyful and grateful for the good things in our lives. It's a great reminder to always thank God for all the blessings we have, big and small. When we feel happy and thankful, we can show our gratitude to God by sharing our joy with others, being kind, and spreading happiness around us. Just like the song makes us want to dance and smile, our gratitude to God should make us want to share His love and joy with everyone we meet.

 

Grateful | Bombershay

Rita Ora's "Grateful" mirrors the deep sense of gratitude shown by the one leper who returned to thank Jesus. The song’s lyrics about recognizing and expressing thankfulness for blessings resonate with the leper's acknowledgment of Jesus' miraculous healing and his heartfelt gratitude. What line or portion of this song will remind you to give thanks in all things? And circumstances?