subject: Researching Christian Youth Camps: Three Areas to Consider [print this page] Researching Christian Youth Camps: Three Areas to Consider
There are many Christian youth camps, and choosing the right summer camp for your children is important to every parent. There are many different types of Christian youth camps that vary in such things as mission, focus, size and values.
Below are three areas to consider as you begin your research to choose the one of the Christian youth camps that is right for your child.
1.What Does Your Child Enjoy?
There's probably no one who knows your child better than you do, so ask yourself (and your child) the following questions.
What do they love? Are they a lover of the outdoors? Do they love sports? Do they love music or the arts?
Would they enjoy residential Christian youth camps where they stay for a week and sleep in a cabin?
Would they do better with a day camp where they come home each night?
How far from home do you feel they would be comfortable being?
How far from home would YOU be comfortable with them being?
2.What is the Spiritual Tradition/Church Affiliation/Approach of the Camp?
If your Christian faith is an important factor for your child's camping experience, learn about the spiritual and faith traditions of the Christian youth camps you research. Also, it is great to know how each camp approaches spiritual teaching and formation with their campers.
Are their times of teaching or fun speakers that will present to campers?
Does the camp build in times where the campers get together for songs and worship?
Do any of the Christian youth camps schedule times for young people to get alone with God or together in a small group?
Related to the questions above, you should also find out what church association or religious tradition the Christian youth camps are affiliated with or has been influenced by. This is a very important question. If you don't know a lot about the camp or its religious beliefs, ask lots of questions about any church association they may have, the camp's mission, and the core beliefs that hold to and hope to share with their campers. You can also get online and research the tradition or church tradition by doing online searches.
3.What Are the Costs and Fees of the Camp?
Most Christian youth camps are non-profit organizations, and they try to keep costs. It's important to find out what the total costs for camp are, and what is included in these costs. You should also find out if there are any other fees that may be charged for crafts or other activities.
If you are part of a local church or other religious organization and finances are tough, find out if there are scholarships or financial assistance available. You can also ask the Christian youth camps you are researching if they have reduced cost programs or scholarships for their campers.
For many people, attending Christian youth camps have been the most powerful, enjoyable, and formative experiences of their lives. Take the time to do your research, ask good questions, and make sure you involve your child in your decisions. You and your child will both be very glad you did.
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Does your child plan to attend camp this summer? How do you know which one is the right one? Check out the free resource Mark developed for parents called "The Top 10 Things Parents Should Consider When Selecting a Summer Camp." We think you'll find it very helpful!
