Tips to Chaperoning Kids Camp 

By Shelly Harris

One of my favorite events in kids ministry is summer camp. I have had the privilege to chaperone camp multiple times during my years in kids ministry. And I will admit upfront that I am a huge Centri-Kid fan.  

While I love camp, it’s a labor of love. Camp includes late nights listening to kids laugh and talk, instead of falling asleep, early mornings helping kids find all the things they have “lost,” and comforting the occasional homesick child. But it’s also seeing kids overcome fear as they try a new activity or make new friends, listening as kids sweetly sing whole heartedly to their Creator, and watching as kids learn the important skill of having a personal quiet time.  

[Camp is] also seeing kids overcome fear as they try a new activity or make new friends, listening as kids sweetly sing whole heartedly to their Creator, and watching as kids learn the important skill of having a personal quiet time.   Share on X

As you prepare to chaperone camp this year, check out these suggestions to help you get the most out of your week.

1. Pray. Start praying now for the kids who you are going to camp with. Pray that God will ease any potential homesickness or anxiety. Pray that God will open their eyes and hearts to see how much He loves them and wants a relationship with them—all year long!  
2. Read and follow the camp rules and your church’s policies. Be a true helper and example by reading and respecting the rules. 
3. Focus on relationships. Camp is the perfect place to get to know the kids you serve throughout the year. Ask questions and listen. 
4. Pack a few sharpies.  You will need to write initials or names on multiple items throughout the week.  

And one last tip: Ask if everyone packed a Bible before you leave your church parking lot. You can grab one from the church because, more than likely, someone forgot to pack one. 

Whatever location you attend, camp will be fantastic! I look forward to seeing some of you at Centri-Kid this summer.  

Shelly Harris serves as a Content Editor for Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Murray State University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. As a former kids minister, Shelly is passionate about equipping the church to share the gospel and disciple kids. She currently serves as a Kids Ministry Coordinator at The Church at Station Hill in Spring Hill, TN.