For the Pastor or Youth Pastor...
-Choose a Camp that offers what you and your students are looking for that particular year.
-If finances are short it's probably best to find a camp nearby or do a lot of fundraising!
-Going to the same camp year after year does have it's benefits. You build a repertoire with the staff there and you know what to expect. However, you also have to consider all your options and what is best for your group. Sometimes changing things up may be what you need to build a new sense of excitement within your group. It also will give them opportunity to meet new friends and be exposed to new guest speakers.
-Choose your counselor(s). If you have a large group going you may need to bring other counselors with you. Think and pray long and hard about this decision before you ask someone.
-A few questions to ask yourself when considering a counselor: Are they saved? Are they a spiritual influence on others? Do they have a good spirit and attitude? Are they good under pressure? Do they have the same beliefs/standards as you? Will they uphold your rules and the camp rules? Will they be a help or hindrance? Will they be able to keep up with the schedule? Do they get along with the campers going? Will they be able to take the time off of work and away from their family? Do they have a kid going? (we usually recommend parents not going as counselors)
-Choose your mode of transportation. We think it's best that everyone travels together to get to their destination. A Church van or bus is great if your destination is nearby. However, if it will take 5 hours or more to get there we recommend flying if you can afford it. If you are unable to afford it we recommend renting a vehicle and getting insurance. That way if there is a breakdown you know the rental company will get someone there as soon as possible to fix the vehicle or send you a new one to get you to your destination. But if you use a Church vehicle you will have to wait for the Church to send someone to fix it or scramble to find a new mode of transportation if you can't fix the problem yourself. It's an unsettling feeling when you are stuck on the side of a road with a vehicle full of other people's kids! So make a wise choice when it comes to transportation.
-Please make sure your vehicle is mechanically inspected before you leave to head to camp and from camp. Please choose a responsible and safe driver that comes highly recommended and who will go the speed limit. Please make sure your vehicle has the proper tags and insurance.
-Have a plan before you leave. You should have a pretty good idea of where you should be and when. Make sure you include restroom breaks and food stops. Make it clear to parents and campers what your plan is and if they need to bring food or money.
-It's a good idea you have a person in the Church that you can keep updated on your traveling status. That person can then contact the parents to let them know you made it safely or relay any other messages you may have.
-Use traveling time to bond with your campers! Play games, have contest, sing, chit-chat, tell stories, practice for camp competition, etc.
-Choose how to finance Camp. Figure out how much it will cost each camper. Include cost of camp, cost of traveling and we also include cost of counselors in this number (they are taking off of work so they shouldn't have to pay to take kids to camp). Once you figure out the individual cost you will then have to decide on the best way to finance it. You can just let the parents know the cost and let them figure out how to pay for it. However, by doing this you may prevent some from being able to go. So we like to do a fundraiser of some kind to finance the cost of camp.
-Just by doing a simple google search you can come up with a number of fundraising ideas. These are a few that have worked great for us...Selling candy or candy bars, a chili supper, spaghetti supper, pie/bake auction, auction off kids to do work, and garage sales.
-Have a Meeting with the parents and students as soon as you decide what camp your going to and how much it will cost. Then as it gets closer to camp, schedule meetings as needed to discuss the details and answer any questions they might have.
-Most camps offer a brochure that tells about the camp, the cost and the rules and expectations for the campers to abide by. Make sure each family receives one.
-If your planning on doing any fundraisers let them know what and when. Also share with them the amount you expect to raise. The earlier you get started the better!
-Make it very clear to the students and parents both as to what your personal expectations and rules are as they will be representing you and your church while at camp and during travel. For instance if there is a dress code, if you expect them to participate in Bible quiz or other camp competitions, items to bring or not to bring, etc.
-Pray for Camp! This is a must in order to have a successful week at camp. Begin praying as soon as possible. Pray for them by name and need. Also encourage the church family, parents and the kids to pray and fast. Put a full list of names on the Church prayer list of all who will be attending including workers.We also like to write their names on an index card (can include pic) and pass out to anyone in the church family who is willing to pray daily for that kid by name. If the church family wants to take it a step further they can "adopt" that kid who is going to camp by doing special things for them such as leaving them a note or a little gift, etc.
-In the weeks and months before the kids go to camp pray the Lord will begin softening their hearts towards the Holy Spirit. If there is someone unsaved pray they will be saved before they head off to camp. If there are certain issues they are dealing with pray they get it dealt with before they go.
-While they are at camp pray the Lord will speak to their hearts during the preaching time. Pray they will listen to the Holy Spirit and have boldness to make the necessary decision. Pray they will have a good attitude and spirit towards others. Pray they will participate in the camp activities and that they stay safe during participation. Pray they will have an obedient spirit and follow the rules. Pray they will get proper rest each night and not get too worn out and cranky. Pray your group will bond and grow closer to each other and to you.
-Pray for the Counselors. Pray for their safety. Pray the Lord will give them wisdom and that they will make right choices when dealing with the campers. Pray they will have right spirit and good attitude as well. Pray they will be able to get the proper rest during the week.
-Pray for the Camp, Camp Staff, and Camp Counselors. Pray for good weather, good attitudes, unity, spirit of helpfulness, strength and endurance.
-Pray for the Guest Speakers. Pray they will be able to make it safely and on time to camp. Pray they will be healthy and in good spirits during the week. Pray the Lord will give them the exact message you and your campers need. Pray they will have clarity of mind and heart when speaking. Pray they will bond with your campers and have a lasting influence on them.
Hope you have an awesome time at camp!!!
Below is a packing list that we've used in the past. We find clip art on google images according to the theme of that years summer camp to add a personal touch! Then we make the majority of list from the camp brochure as far as what to wear and what not to bring. The rest of the list is common sense items. We also like to put a personal note on the list.
