CAMP FAMILIES
Calling all parents and campers! You've found the spot with everything you need to know about Camp Is Where the Heart Is (CIWTHI), the hub for our camp kit programs. Here you will find downloadable resources and links to videos you can use and share with friends. Below are the current iterations of CIWTHI, with breakout pages on each area. Feel free to use, share, and adapt for your own family's growth.
WHAT YOU NEED:
At the beginning of camp you will receive a starter kit with basic craft materials you may need during the weeks of Camp Is Where the Heart Is. We will provide items like scissors, glue, and tape to use throughout the program.
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On Friday, before each week of camp, you will get your camp kit containing all of the instructions and materials needed for the activities happening that week.
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We will also include some bonus material for activities you can add to any day!
CAMP ACTIVITIES
Every week you will have the opportunity to participate in activities from a wide range of categories. Every activity will have a beginner and advanced option to help you grow, have fun, and challenge yourself. Here are some brief descriptions of what you can expect.
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Whether or not an activity sounds exciting to you, we encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. You never know what you might learn about yourself!
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CRAFTS | We were made to be creative, and throughout the summer you will learn new crafts and do some of our favorite traditional crafts as well.
NATURE/ENVIRONMENTAL | This summer we will learn to be good stewards of the earth, and will explore nature and maybe even learn to grow something ourselves.
ACTIVE FUN | It's important to keep the blood flowing and our bodies moving, and these activities are designed to do just that. You may even learn some activities you've never even heard of before.
MUSIC | We will explore music during our times of worship, but this summer we will be working on writing a worship song together. Let's explore how God speaks to us through music.
STEAM ACTIVITIES | STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are campers who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving.
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SELF CARE | If you ever feel anxious, tired, or discouraged, this summer we will teach you some methods if being mindful and taking good care of the bodies and minds God has given us.
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FAITH | The most important thing we do during the summer is to learn about our faith. This summer you will be invited to join in our morning watch, Bible studies, devotions, and Thursday night worship sessions, and personal reflection guides.
OUR SUMMER THEME
This summer's theme is Promises and Parables. During morning watch on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, we will explore the promises God has made to us. Each Tuesday and Thursday we will dig into Bible Study on a different parable. You will also have the chance to study the scripture yourself and write your own reflections in your summer journal.
We will learn together about who God is and what He has for us. We look forward to growing together in faith with you this summer!
WHY CAMP?
At camp, young people have the mental space to consider some of the most important issues of life. This break from the craziness of their regular routine allows campers to think about their future, to evaluate unhealthy patterns, and to discover the truth that God loves them and has an amazing plan for their lives. We pray this will continue even from a distance.
Camp gives young people the opportunity to:
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Build faith through shared relationships and experiences
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Utilize imagination, creativity, and play
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Be valued for exactly who they are
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Construct and adhere to shared, communal values
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Cultivate independence, self-esteem, and identity
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Hone social skills and nurture lasting friendships
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Identify and emulate strong role models
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Develop leadership skills
OUR STAFF
We have a bunch of awesome people working at CITC!
Our staff goes through an intensive training period where they are equipped to lead and serve campers. Our summer staff counselors are energetic, dedicated, Christian young adults who have committed their energy to caring for your child. ​
Before hiring staff members, each one went through an extensive process that included, application, reference checks, personal interviews, and several background checks.
The training they receive covers a range of topics, including effective management of a small group and how to relate to the needs of individuals within that group, facilitation of all camp activities, positive discipline techniques, certification in first aid and CPR, and so much more.
CITC staff is equipped with the skills necessary to create a physically and emotionally safe environment within which all campers can thrive, grow, and have fun.
RULE OF THREE
At camp, we take every precaution possible to minimize risks to our campers. The "rule of three" is a camp-wide policy to protect both our campers and staff members. Staff members are committed to avoiding any situation that would place them alone with a camper. As a minimum, we have one staff with two campers or one camper with two staff members in every situation. If staff need to have a private conversation with a camper, they stay within sight of other staff and/or campers. These rules also apply to online settings.
CAMP BY AGE GROUP
CITC is for rising kindergarteners through eighth-grade children. This summer we will divide activities into beginner and advanced level. We know that depending on the activity, each camper may be introduced to a new activity or have the chance to learn new ways of doing something they've done before. We hope to provide a fun challenge for each every age.
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Campers who are in rising 4th grade or older will be invited (via parent email) to join in weekly zoom activities like board games, trivia, karaoke, scavenger hunt, and more!
