Jesus Camp: Training Ground for Kids

The documentary, Jesus Camp, takes its viewers to the "Kids on Fire" summer camp in North Dakota. Pentecostal Children's Pastor Becky Fischer began the charismatic Christian camp five years ago. She believes children can handle more than basic Bible stories and good moral lessons. During prayer and altar times for the children, they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, like speaking in tongues. Fischer says the camp focuses strongly on prayer, discipleship, and evangelism, all non-violent, lawful ways in which kids are are encouraged to take back America for Christ. "I want to see young people who are as committed to the cause of Jesus Christ as the young people are to the cause of Islam," Fischer said. The children pray for an end to abortion and to "bless" the President. Radio talk show host, Mike Papantonio is concerned the children at the camp are political pawns. He said, "There is a religious, political army of foot soldiers out there that are being directed by a political right." But Fischer says the Bible tells Christians to pray for their leaders and that the teaching of camp attendees does not center around politics. She says she doesn't like everything in the film as far as the way the camp is portrayed, but she believes the movie is fair and is helping to promote "Jesus camp." "I never felt at any point that I was exploited," Fischer said. Camp founders insist they're doing God's will, to save lives and souls. With the gradual nationwide release of the documentary, their message is being heard in one movie theatre at a time.