I refer you to an article in the UMC news feed.

When I was a youth, I would have loved this event. It's a camp out with friends. It is a wonderful way to provide food/funds for those trapped in homelessness.

As an adult, I am pleased "The youth paid $5 each as “rent” for their boxes and brought more than 300 cans of food" for community missions. It is also pleasing to learn "The youth also heard from speakers involved in agencies that assist the homeless". I am uplifted by the fact that youth are helping provide for "the least of these" as Christ taught.

Yet, something is unsettling about events like this. What is bothering me? Is it that I feel guilt that I have I have a warm bed? Is it that something like this seems almost "condecending" to the homeless who do not own sleeping bags. Who can not trust the guy in the next box over to not take whatever comfort they may have, not to say their life to get at shoes?

I am not trying to say I am opposed to such things, or that I do not support youth doing these type of things. Yet, why am I unsettled?