Everything in scripture relates back to one thing: Jesus. This year at camp, we are going to look at the overarching story of scripture, how it all points to Christ, and what that means for our lives.
DETAILS
Who | For all students who have completed 6th grade through completed 8th grade.
When | June 7-10, 2024. Meet at ChristWay Community Church at 12 PM on Friday, June 7. We will return by 4 PM on Monday, June 10.
Where | We will stay at Shocco Springs Conference Center in Talladega, AL.
Students will stay in air-conditioned bunkhouse-style cabins, a dining hall, and a worship center. The property also features a pool, a lake with water inflatables, miniature golf, basketball, volleyball, tennis, hiking, and much more!
FAQs
My child takes medicine. What do I need to do? Make sure you note any prescription or over-the-counter medications on your forms. Parents are encouraged to talk with our nurses regarding administration of medications (child is responsible to take medicine on their own, student needs to be reminded to take medicine each day, etc.). They will be available on Monday morning at registration.
Can my student bring their phone? No. Students will not be permitted to have their phones. We want this week to be as free from distractions as possible. We are not allowing any electronics other than cameras. No, don’t try to tell me that your iPhone is just a camera.
If my student doesn’t have a phone, how can I contact them? All leaders will have phones and the students can borrow them if they need to get in contact with you. At registration, we will give out cards with the numbers of the leaders going, so you can call their cabin leader and get in touch with them easily.
What adults are going? Adults who are experienced in and love working with teenagers. These are the adults who work with students each week at ChristWay. A background check has been conducted on each one, and all have been screened for theological soundness.
How will students be transported to and from camp? We will be traveling by charter bus, rental vans and personal vehicles.
What are the cabins like? Each cabin contains bunk beds to sleep 16 people, and there will be at least 2 adults in each cabin. Each cabin is air-conditioned and has its own bathroom with multiple showers, toilets, and sinks.
How much money does my child need? ($10-$20) A canteen will be open each evening where Gatorade, juice, water, candy or a snack may be purchased for a nominal fee ($.50 -$1 each). You are also welcome to bring your own snacks but we ask you not to bring anything with nuts due to allergies. There are also snacks available at the pool but those prices are a bit higher. Please do not send bills larger than $5.
There is also a Gift Shop on the Shocco Springs campus that kids will be able to go and have time to shop and look at T-shirts and sweatshirts. If this is something your kid may enjoy we encourage them to bring an extra $20-$25.
What does a typical day at camp look like? Each day begins with a hearty breakfast and quiet time for devotions. Students will participate in a small group (based on age and gender) Bible study and an energetic time of worship before lunch. After lunch, students will have free time for recreation (swimming, basketball, volleyball, mini golf, active games, etc.) and then time to clean up. After dinner, students will participate in another small group study and another worship experience. After a short break, students then enjoy late night fun and then cabin devotions before crashing into bed!
What if my child gets sick? On the medical release form that you complete, you may give authorization to our nurse to administer common, over –the-counter medications for minor illness (Pepto Bismol, Tylenol, etc.) For more serious illness or injury, you will be contacted immediately.
What if my child has a food allergy? We have had several students with varying allergies travel with us to camp in the past and have yet to have a problem. You can help us by being very clear about any major allergies a student may have. LET US KNOW TODAY IF THIS IS AN ISSUE. The helpful food service people at Shocco do their best to accommodate.
My child has an event that means he/she would have to come to camp late/leave camp early? Of course students will gain the greatest blessing if they are able to be a part of the entire week, but we don’t want your student to miss out on camp altogether, so they are welcome to participate for as much of the week as possible. Please understand that the full cost will apply, and parents are responsible for transportation(students are not allowed to drive themselves) to/from Shocco Springs. Please talk with Matthew Waters, Ben Patterson, or Marcy Smolen about this before camp so that arrangements can be made.
CAMP GUIDELINES
- Be on time for everything.
- Be respectful to adult leaders and other students at all times.
- Stay in your assigned living areas. No guys in the girls’ area or girls in the guys’ area.
- Focus on God, not the opposite sex. Couples are not couples during camp so you are free to experience what God is showing you without the distractions and you won’t have to worry about any PDA.
- Speech should be encouraging. No cursing or using Jesus’ or God’s name inappropriately.
- Observe and abide by all Lights Out times! You will need your beauty rest!
- Be in your designated area at all times. No wandering off. An adult should be fully aware of your exact location at all times.
- Wear clothes that are modest and respectful. Do not bring anything that you think may be questionable! Respectfully change or adjust your clothing if a leader asks you to.
- Keep your cabins clean!
- Failure to adhere to these guidelines may affect your eligibility to complete the week at camp and future ChristWay Student Ministry events. If this happens your parent/guardian will be responsible for your transportation home.
WHAT TO BRING
- Bible–after all, it really is about God. A pen would also be extremely useful!
- Clothes for Daytime: You’ll need clothes that you could wear while running around in the outdoors! That includes t-shirts (no bro tanks or strappy shirts), shorts (Ladies, no shorty shorts; we’re talking basketball or soccer shorts. If you choose to wear yoga pants or capris, you need to have a long shirt on), and anything else that empowers you to move well!
- Clothes for Evenings: Normal evening camp wear includes shirts that are clean, shoes that don’t stink, shorts that are an appropriate length (if you aren’t sure if they are the proper length, don’t bring them), and shirts that are not tank tops.
Disclaimer: If there is ever an issue with what you are wearing, please do not be offended when a leader asks you to change. It’s not to hurt your feelings or make you look like an old geezer; we are simply maintaining an environment free from distraction.
- Swimwear–Girls should plan to wear a modest one-piece swimsuit or a tankini which fully covers the stomach (or you may choose to wear a dark T-Shirt over your swimsuit). Guys should not wear Euro cut or speedos!
- Towels & Washcloths, Toiletry Items: Please do not forget your toothbrush or your deodorant!
- Bedding: Pillow & Sleeping Bag or Sheets & Blanket
- Miscellaneous: Rain gear, Insect Repellent, Sunglasses, Flashlight, Beach Towel, Sports Equipment (tennis racket, etc.)
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Cell phone
- Other Electronic Devices—includes mp3 players, phonographs, Switches, DVD players, view finders, slide projectors, radios, gaming devices, etc. You’ll be so busy having fun, you won’t need them.
- Weapons of any kind, fireworks or stuff for pranks. Pranks are not acceptable.
- Vapes or any tobacco
- A Bad Attitude
WAYS TO KEEP UP WITH US AT CAMP
- Text “CWPARENTS” to 86677
- Follow us on Instagram @christwaystudents
- Follow Christway Church on Facebook
- Grab a Leader phone list at drop-off on Monday June 7.
QUESTIONS?
If you have further questions please do not hesitate to call the church at 423-238-7677 or e-mail student.ministry@christwaychurch.org