Preteen Camps: Ready, Set, Go!
by Dave Myers
We all remember the anticipation and excitement we’d feel as we stood at the starting line of a race. In our early years we would hear the starter give the commands “Ready. Set. Go!” and, often with wild abandon, we would take off and run our fastest until we reached the finish line.
The same anticipation and excitement is present in our children as we prepare to send them off to camp. They apply, get accepted, prepare and finally pack for camp. They are about to set out on a tremendous experience that we hope will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
To serve our youth and help train them for their future, the Church provides preteen camps for children aged 6 through 12. Each year we have a large group of dedicated ministers, parents and teens who strive to give a wonderful experience to the children who attend our preteen camps. Last year over 250 preteens from all across the country enjoyed and benefitted from the camp experience! Again this year we will enjoy activities such as Bible classes, arts and crafts, swimming, hikes, nature education, archery, soccer and outdoor games. These are just a few of the activities offered at our preteen camps.
Why does the Church invest in camp experiences for children this age? We have five goals that we wish to accomplish each year:
The first is to have the children build a strong, positive emotional bond with their peers. To be together with a large group of children of like mind who are experiencing the same things they are is of great value. It strengthens our children to known they are not alone in living God’s way.
Our second goal is to have the children develop strong, positive emotional bonds with our teen staff helpers. Solid teenagers who set an example of God’s way in action and serve as role models can have a very beneficial effect on our children. Children look up to the teens and want to emulate them. We have many fine teens who serve at camp and take a real interest in our children by showing them love and concern.
Our third goal is to have the children develop strong, positive emotional bonds with our adult staff members. It is very good for the children to see that there are kind, loving adults who live the same way of life as their parents. While they see this each week at Sabbath services, camp provides a unique environment to develop these friendships and mentoring opportunities. Other beloved adults who reinforce what parents are teaching their children are of great benefit in our children’s process of maturing.
Our fourth goal is to have the children develop strong, positive emotional bonds with the Church. We want them to see the Church as a very good place to be—a place of learning, fun, safety, truth, challenge and security. Dedicated ministers staff each camp to help the children relate to the Church and the teachings of the Bible.
And, finally, our fifth goal is to have the children develop a strong, positive emotional bond with God. Everything we do at camp and all our relationships point campers to this ultimate goal. We want our campers to come to better know about God, His plan and His care for them. We strive to build a millennial environment at camp—a small picture of the Kingdom of God. In this environment, our children can’t help but thrive.
Preteen camps are generally a maximum of four days and three nights in length. We are always amazed and encouraged at how much can be accomplished toward our goals in such a short time. Should you entrust your child to us for this period of time, you will find it a worthwhile investment, because your child will come home having experienced both physical and spiritual growth. In fact, we’d be surprised if they don’t ask, “Why can’t camp be longer?”
For more information on dates, locations and costs for any of our six preteen camps, simply click on the preteen camp names shown in the left-hand column. To apply for one of our preteen camps (either as a camper or a volunteer staff members), just click on the word “Register” near the top center of the page.
We look forward to hosting you and your children for another great camp experience!