Day Camps
Camp & Retreat Ministries, Oregon-Idaho

From its beginnings in the year 2000, the Community Day Camp program continues to expand each year as it strives to meet the needs of the churches it serves. By partnering together with Camp and Retreat Ministries, a local church (or group of churches) is provided with a dedicated, trained staff, and a weeklong program that excites and teaches. The local church brings in the campers, recruits a coordinator to set up the volunteer staff, houses and feeds our camp staff, and takes care of registration, health forms, permission slips, and follow-up. This partnership results in an outreach experience that touches the lives of both churched and unchurched families through the use of outdoor activities, Bible study, group interaction, and positive Christian role models.

For the past seven summers, youth from kindergarten through 5th grade have enjoyed typical summer camp activities - such as singing, making crafts, playing games, learning about nature, and learning about God - in their local church community. These campers have also had the opportunity to be involved in acts of Christian service through a variety of service projects, as well as taking part in new worship experiences through their involvement in daily "morning watch" and campfire activities. By participating in these various activities, campers were given the opportunity to gain worship skills, discover new insights in Bible study, improve their understanding of the natural environment and their responsibility for it, and to make new friends in an environment that was safe, structured, and stimulating.

The success of the Day Camp program would not be possible without the desire of local churches to reach out to their communities. Your congregation has the opportunity to reach out, through the children, and welcome whole families to the open hearts, open minds, and open doors of your church! This, of course, goes beyond a simple week of day camp. We look forward to continuing this successful outreach partnership, and feel confident that children will have the opportunity to join in another summer of fun, fellowship, and new experiences because of this Day Camp partnership.

When you invite the Day Camp staff to spend a week at your church this summer you provide neighborhood children (K- 5th grade) an opportunity to experience some of the excitement of church camp without going far from home. At a local park or church, campers enjoy activities including singing, crafts, games, nature discovery, and worship - all chosen to build relationships with the congregation and to reinforce Christian education goals. The trained Day Camp staff provides the overall theme, materials, and program leadership. The church provides the volunteers and campers, and together it adds up to an outreach experience that will touch the lives of all involved! Contact us today for more information about this great ministry opportunity - and to get your week reserved!

Day Camp locations scheduled for 2008

July 21-24 at Clatskanie United Methodist Church

July 28 - Aug 1 at Alton L Collins Retreat Center

Aug 4 - Aug 8 at Alton L Collins Retreat Center

Dates still available:

July 7 -11  and July 14 - 18

contact Nanci Hicks for information

Day Camp Staff/ 2008

Applicants must be 21 years of age or have completed one year of college and have a growing faith. Skills in crafts, music, Bible studies, nature awareness, and/or group building games/activities are helpful. Bilingual (Spanish-English) is preferred. College credit can be arranged. $200/wk. salary plus room and board (home housing) and training provided. Saturdays and weekday evenings off.

contact Nanci Hicks for information