Even though it’s the dead of winter, a lot of kids ministry leaders are already preparing for summer. Do you need to get started planning for summer camp? Here are 6 steps you need to take so your kids can get to camp.
1. Find a Date that Works.
You probably have things on the church calendar like VBS, mission trips, and youth camp to consider. Also check with key parents and leaders to avoid their vacation dates. You will want their support, so get them involved in selecting a date.
2. Reserve your Spots.
Get your spaces reserved now because some camps fill up and you don’t want to be left out. At CentriKid, many weeks are booked with a waiting list, but there are still a lot of open weeks that are available!
3. Know the Rules.
It’s worth your time to read through the preparation materials for camp. Most camps have deposits and deadlines for payments. There are also forms to complete and information to collect from the campers. Get familiar with what is required because it could save a lot of headaches down the line.
4. Promote Camp at Church.
You can sign up the group, but if no kids and parents know about camp, it will be a lonely bus ride. Make it an emphasis in the kids area, but also in “big church” because it is valuable to have the support and prayers of the whole church body.
5. Use Camp for Outreach.
Some families in your community would love to have their kids enjoy an overnight camp experience, so connect with them and let them know its an opportunity that’s available. Even if they won’t send kids away with you for a week, it shows that you care and it may lead to other ways of engaging the family.
6. Raise Funds.
There are lots of ways to raise funds, but nobody loves “fundraisers.” Figure out if there are church budget funds available or donors who support camp ministry. And there are always plain old “fundraisers” or projects your kids group can take on to help earn money for camp.
Camp is a life-changing experience. At CentriKid, many kids encounter Christ for the very first time and others are challenged to grow in their relationship with God. We know how important a week of camp can be in the life of a child so we promise to make the experience great.
Jeremy Echols (@coachechols) leads the @centrikid team, finds new camp locations, plans training, and lots of other projects. He met his wife Emily working camp, and their daughter #BabyMadison was born in 2011.
