10. Campers, Access & Program Models

10.1 Getting Campers and Families There

Recognize the barriers:

Long driving distances. Limited public or shared transport. Cost for families.

Possible supports:

Organized carpool lists among congregations. Shared or subsidized buses where numbers justify.

10.2 Program Models (Camps & Reunions)

Use structures that build long-term relationships:

Kids inside Family Camp / Reunion

Dedicated children's programming while parents attend other sessions. Strong children's program encourages families to stay all week. Kids connect with peers as a cohort; parents deepen spiritually. GROWTH IMPACT: Families become multi-year participants.

Progression Model: Family Camp → Kids Camp → Jr High → Sr High → Canoe Camp Family Camp

Maintain continuity of friendships, cohorts and spiritual formation. Alumni return as staff (see Section 6 — Staffing & Succession), creating cyclical growth. GROWTH IMPACT: 10% annual growth in Kids Camp feeds Jr High 3 years later.

Camp-Within-a-Camp Model

Run a Kids Camp, Jr High or Sr High during a reunion or adult camp. Keeps families together on-site while offering age-specific programming. Lower overhead; shared staff and facilities. GROWTH IMPACT: Rapid expansion without new camp.

Double Bonus Year

Hold a special session for aging out kids to register for next camp, and promote the benefits of the next camp—especially the DOUBLE BONUS Year where they qualify for two camps: KIDS AND JR, or JR AND SR. This extends retention and builds excitement for transitions.

10.3 Inclusive Practices for LGBTQ2S+ Campers & Families

Core commitments:

Every person has worth. Disrespect, bullying, or harassment related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression is not tolerated. Campers and staff are addressed by their chosen name and pronouns, unless doing so would clearly endanger them. Bathrooms, showers, and sleeping arrangements are handled in ways that prioritize safety, privacy, and dignity for all.

Practical steps for Directors:

Review forms to ensure they allow campers to share preferred name and pronouns. Train staff on inclusive language, how to respond to questions, and how to interrupt hurtful comments. Plan sleeping and bathroom arrangements that consider individual needs and local policies. Address bullying or harassment immediately. Be ready to support conversations with parents if questions arise, while protecting the camper's dignity and privacy.

10.4 Camp Programs by Campground (CMC Official, August 2026)

We are blessed with five campgrounds across Canada and one in the United States. The sacred spaces at Erie Beach, Hills of Peace, McGowan's Lake, Noronto, Samish Island, and Ziontario provide unique settings where faith is nurtured, disciples are formed, and individuals are prepared to go into the world to serve. We offer 8 summer youth camps for children and youth, plus a traveling youth camp experience — Spectacular / International Youth Forum — for youth in grades 10–12.

Erie Beach

Kids Camp — 4 days / 3 nights for children entering grades 3–6. Family Camp — 9 days, 8 nights for all ages. Family & Friends Retreat — 3 days / 2 nights for all ages.

Hills of Peace

Kids Camp within a Family Camp — 5 days / 5 nights for children entering grades 3–6. Youth Camp — 7 days, 6 nights for youth in grades 7–12. Family Camp — 6 days, 5 nights for all ages.

Noronto

Kids Camp — 3 days / 2 nights for children entering grades 3–6. Northstar Adventure Camp — 4 days, 3 nights for youth in grades 7–8. Canoe Camp — 3 days, 2 nights for young adults. Family Camp — 8 days, 7 nights for all ages. Young at Heart Camp — 5 days / 4 nights for older adults / retirees.

Samish Island

Camp Atsaken — 6 days / 5 nights for youth in grades 7–9. Camp Mungai — 7 days / 6 nights for children entering grades 3–4. Camp Kimtah — 7 days / 6 nights for youth in grades 10–12. Inland / Canada West Family Camp — 8 days / 7 nights for all ages.

Ziontario

Kids Camp — 6 days / 5 nights for children entering grades 3–6. Jr High Camp — 7 days / 6 nights for youth in grades 7–9. Loaves & Fishes Family Camp — 7 days, 6 nights for all ages. Healing & Freeing Family Camp — 7 days, 6 nights for all ages.

Spectacular (SPEC)

An 8 day / 7 night traveling youth camp experience held at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. It features opportunities in worship, leadership, music, sports and arts. Youth in grades 10–12 and current-year graduates are eligible to attend.

International Youth Forum (IYF)

Takes place every 3 years at Community of Christ international headquarters in Independence, Missouri, for the 4 days / 3 nights prior to SPEC. Youth in grades 10–12 and current-year graduates are eligible to attend.

10.5 Camp Descriptions by Age Group (CMC Official, August 2026)

Children's Camps

Children's camps provide an exciting introduction to faith, helping young campers discover God's love and deepen their relationships with God, Jesus Christ, and one another. Through age-appropriate worship, stories, music, and hands-on learning, children begin to understand foundational values such as love, kindness, respect, compassion, gratitude, and living in community. These camps are filled with opportunities for fun, adventure, and discovery through nature exploration, crafts, games, music, team-building activities, and creative play. In a safe and caring environment, children build friendships, grow in confidence, and create lasting memories while experiencing the joy of belonging to a faith community.

Junior High Camps

Junior high camps provide a safe, welcoming, and caring environment where youth can explore their growing understanding of themselves, their faith, and the world around them. As they begin asking deeper questions and forming their own values and beliefs, camp offers a place where those questions are welcomed and thoughtful conversations are encouraged. Through worship, discussion, recreation, and community life, youth discover a loving God whose grace, compassion, and unconditional love invite them into a meaningful relationship rather than one based on fear or judgment. They are encouraged to recognize their own inherent worth while also learning to value the worth of every person. Campers are introduced to the Enduring Principles, Mission Initiatives, and sacraments of Community of Christ, discovering how these shape a life of discipleship, service, and peace.

Senior High Camps

Senior High camps provide opportunities for youth to deepen their relationships with themselves, with others, and with God during a pivotal stage of life. As they continue to explore questions of identity, purpose, and faith, campers are encouraged to set aside the masks they often feel pressured to wear, embrace authenticity, and experience the freedom of being fully accepted for who they are. In a supportive and grace-filled community, youth learn to appreciate the diversity of perspectives, gifts, and experiences among their peers while recognizing the inherent worth of every person. Senior High camp provides a safe place to wrestle with the complexities of life and faith while nurturing personal, spiritual, and communal growth. A strong emphasis is placed on discipleship formation, servant leadership, missional outreach, and ministry. Youth are invited to develop their gifts, explore their call to serve, and gain leadership experience that equips them to make a positive difference in their congregations, communities, and the world.