Even though summer feels distant at the beginning of a new year, it will be here sooner than we expect. Deciding whether the kids and students in your church will attend summer camp deserves thoughtful, early planning. When your kids and student ministry teams plan ahead, the benefits are substantial.
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Here are eight compelling reasons to begin planning now:
1. Spots fill up fast
By starting the registration process early, ministry leaders have time to compare camp locations, dates and activities and secure their first choice. Popular camp locations often fill months in advance. This will prevent you from being placed on a waitlist or settling for a second or third choice.
2. Lower costs
Many camps increase their prices after a set period, while others offer early-bird discounts. Any amount of financial savings will benefit individual families and the church as a whole. Planning early also assists with the budgeting process. It allows time to choose the most cost-effective mode of transportation to and from camp, which can be the most logistically challenging and expensive part of planning.
3. Less stress later
Completing forms, medical information, permissions and packing lists early avoids a last-minute rush and helps prevent problems later. When things don’t go as planned, there’s time to fix them before camp arrives. Knowing what to expect helps reduce nervousness and builds excitement. Arriving at camp feeling prepared and stress-free sets the stage for a more enjoyable and meaningful week.
4. Time to enlist students
Making the camp decision early gives time to build interest among children and students and encourage them to sign up. This also gives your children and students time to recruit friends who may not attend your church. Leaders will have ample time to work with children and students who require extra assistance at camp, along with their parents, and to ensure those needs can be met on-site.
5. Time to recruit volunteers
Your church will need volunteers to accompany your group to camp. Planning early will give ample time to recruit adults to attend camp. Many of these folks will need advance notice to plan time off from work and make arrangements for family members at home. This will also give time to meet with volunteers, share as much information as possible and ensure they understand their responsibilities and are prepared for camp.
6. Easier scheduling
During the summer months, plans often need to accommodate family trips, extra-curricular programs, sports and other summer activities. By getting camp dates scheduled early, conflicts can be avoided. Most parents work from a year-long family calendar. The earlier families can get camp dates on their calendar, the more likely their children will be available. Securing dates and adding them to the church calendar early helps ensure other church events aren’t in conflict.
7. Fundraising opportunities
Some students may require additional financial assistance. Knowing costs well in advance allows families time to plan, save and spread payments over time. Your group may also choose to raise funds collectively to help offset the cost of camp for families in need. Early planning provides ample time to organize fundraising efforts such as a bake sale, car wash, spaghetti dinner or other creative events.
8. Get parents on board and involved
Making an early decision to attend camp gives parents time to consider the option and encourage their child to attend. It allows time for parent meetings to communicate and provide all camp details. It gives parents ample time to complete forms and complete other required steps before camp. For parents whose child has never attended an overnight camp, early planning gives them time to thoughtfully prepare both themselves and their child for the emotions that can accompany being apart.
For more information, visit Lifeway.com/Camps.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Kyle Cravens, team leader and a camp coordinator for FUGE Camps, and originally published by Lifeway Christian Resources.
