Forest Home Christian Camps : Adventure Mountain Summer Camp: How to Prepare

Adventure Mountain Summer Camp How to Prepare

Dear Parent of a preteen Adventurer,

Thank you for entrusting Forest Home, the Adventure Mountain staff, and myself with the responsibility and care of your child. Adventure Mountain is a place where we can meet students on their level and engage them in a very real way. We believe this will be an experience where your child will be changed forever. As they participate, your child will grow in their confidence, develop life skills, build lasting friendships, expand their world view, and most importantly they will deepen their commitment and relationship with Jesus. We take your child seriously, and promise to keep their best interest in all that we do.

Our theme this summer is “Medieval Mountain”. Campers will be engaging the idea of God as the one true King, and the kingdom that takes place because of it. We look forward to a week working with your campers and encountering the Kingdom of God alongside them.

Over the past many years we’ve worked with you, counselors, and youth pastors to develop some ministry outcomes. These outcomes are changes in behavior as a result of time spent at Forest Home. Below are some of the outcomes for this week of camp:
• Individuals make decisions to follow Christ.
• Church groups and individuals are inspired to continue and/or begin the work of putting their faith into action in their community.
• Campers will experience a heightened connection to their leaders and peers within their church group.
• Camper has an expanded view of the family of God.
• Camper takes a step toward beginning to see themselves as a young adult.
• Camper demonstrates comfort with making personal decisions.
• Camper shows ability to engage scripture, decision-making, and question formation.

Here is a list of some of the activities and experiences awaiting your child at Adventure Mountain (Be sure to ask about them when your child gets home):
• Skate Park
• Rock Climbing
• Arts and Crafts
• Hiking
• Swimming (lake & pool)
• Archery & Air Rifles
• A Three-Story Tree House!
• Batting Cage
• Low Ropes Course
• DJ the radio station
• Journalism
• Field Sports
• Skills Classes (“Apprenticeships”)
• Sleeping under the stars on their tent deck
• “Adopt-a-animal” in our nature center
• Morning Bible Study (“Roundtables”)
• Evening worship and sound Biblical teaching at “The Keep”

On top of that, your child’s worldview will grow incredibly through our camp World Missions theme, where they will learn about, pray for, and are able to send e-mails to great adventurers around the world… our Adventure Mountain missionary representatives!

I believe our preteen campers really can understand and live out what it means to be a follower of Christ! It is not just a one moment decision, a quick prayer said at camp, or a life for them just when they “get older,” but it is a life long, daily decision and journey for them to begin and continue in these important preteen years. We want your camper to know the wonder of Jesus, and that He wants them to be active participants in His Kingdom RIGHT NOW!

I certainly hope this letter will help you and your child prepare for an amazing week at camp as well as give you a glimpse into all the amazing things your child we will be able to do and learn during their week at Adventure Mountain. If you have any questions please contact your church’s camp coordinator for more information, or you can refer to our website (www.foresthome.org).

We can’t thank you enough for allowing your child to come spend a week with us this summer. I am sure there is a bit of anxiety with letting your most precious treasure go away for an entire week. We want you to know we will love your child and will provide the best possible camp experience – all within a fun and safe environment. It really is a true honor to have your child stay with us for an entire week. We are excited to send them home dirty and tired…and with positive changes that will last a lifetime!

Sincerely,

“Sporx”
Director of Preteen Ministries

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LETTER FROM WAYNE RICE
CAMPER MANUAL
COUNSELOR MANUAL
PACKING LIST
SCHEDULE
PROMO VIDEO

Hello, friend!

So, you have decided to answer the call to be a counselor at Adventure Mountain this summer! You may be a seasoned veteran who knows the drill, or you could be a first time volunteer wondering what you have gotten yourself into. Either way, we are excited to have you at camp. You are the most vital part of our Forest Home family. I am convinced this is the best way you can spend a week during your summer—walking with the kids placed under your care as they journey with Christ! The staff and I cannot wait to get to know you.

Our theme this summer is “Medieval Mountain”. We followed the adventure back to the mythical land of Medieval Mountain! It’s a week built around conversations of kings, life, kingdoms, adventure, and so much more. At the very core of the theme we hope to show how God is the one true King and we get to follow Him. We will get to search through some of life’s stories, the Bible, all-camp games, activities, and plenty more to find out about God’s Kingdom and what role we get to play in it.

As in all things we do here at camp, we are here to Encounter Jesus, Experience Transformation, and Engage The World.

What we hope to accomplish together this week:
• Individuals make decisions to follow Christ.
• Individuals become more committed to the local Church.
• Church leaders feel supported (partnered with) and cared for.
• Church groups and individuals are inspired to continue and/or begin the work of putting their faith into action in their community.
• Campers will experience a heightened connection to their leaders and peers within their church group.
• Camper has an expanded view of the family of God.
• Camper takes a step toward beginning to see themselves as a young adult.
• Camper demonstrates comfort with making personal decisions.
• Camper shows ability to engage scripture, decision-making, and question formation.
• Camper wants to read the Bible on their own.

We are excited to partner with you this summer, and to continue our conversations into the seasons and years ahead. It is a true honor to be invited into your church community and ministry as we partner with you in this camp experience for your campers.

I believe our preteen campers really can understand and live out what it means to be a follower of Christ! It is not just a one moment decision, a quick prayer said at camp, or a life for them just when they “get older,” but it is a lifelong, daily decision and journey for them to begin and continue in these important preteen years. We want your camper to know the wonder of Jesus, and that He wants them to be active participants in His Kingdom RIGHT NOW! You have the opportunity to walk with them into His Kingdom!

Here are some ways you can prepare for your time with us at Adventure Mountain:
• Pray for your campers, other counselors, and the staff before camp.
• Concentrate on being healthy and well-rested before you arrive at camp… your energy will be needed… and could go quickly.
• Try to get to know the campers that will be in your tent before the day you leave for camp (If you don’t know them already)… say hello at church… drop them a note at school… or maybe even take them out for ice cream or a soda - try to know more about their story, so you know how to approach them and connect with them in a more profound way while at camp.
• Check out the themes and verses grid for this summer – it was sent to your church leader… it would be great to be up-to-date with those so you are ready to teach them in a more deep manner at camp.
• Also see the detailed packing list that was sent to your church just to make sure you have all the stuff you will need for a successful week at camp. It also has with it a list of things not to bring (i.e. Cell phones, ipod/mp3 players, radio, etc.).
• We have lots of fun activities and games for the kids, but if you want to bring some fun ideas and activities for you to do with your campers, that would be great too…card games, fun group games, etc.
• Also, ask your church’s Preteen Director how you can help them prepare for camp.
• Lastly, did I say to pray for your campers, yourself, and the AM staff family?

If you have any further questions about what awaits you during your week at Adventure Mountain, check with your Preteen Director. I am sure they have the answer. If there is a question that no one can seem to answer, please contact the Youth Ministries Coordinator, Annie Ludes at 909.389.2229 or at anniel@foresthome.org.

It is with great excitement and honor that we get to partner with you in the growth of your students this summer—there is simply nothing better that we can do with our time together this summer. Because of your one small week at camp, kids will grow closer to Jesus on their journey - I hope we all understand just how great of a responsibility that is!

Sincerely,

Cameron "Sporx" Hume
Director of Preteen Ministries

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COUNSELOR MANUAL
CAMPER MANUAL
PACKING LIST
SCHEDULE
PROMO VIDEO
FOLLOW UP MATERIAL (Coming Soon)

Your journey to Adventure Mountain is just around the bend and we wanted to do everything we can to set you up well, and give you resources to prep your campers and leaders for what is to come. There is much to do as a Preteen Leader… preparation for camp such as the permission slips, transportation, packing, etc., that I found to be the most challenging. Recognizing the complexities of your job, we want to do our best to meet your needs.

Our Theme- Medieval Mountain 2011
This year we are following ‘The Adventure” back in history to “Medieval Mountain”. Campers will be engaging the idea of God as the one true king, and the kingdom that takes place because of it. Campers will meet skit characters, activities, bible studies and plenty of adventures along the way. We hope that Medieval Mountain is a fun filled and informative time for you and your campers to be open in conversation and living life alongside one another.

Arrival and Departure Info
Check in will begin at Adventure Mountain at 3:00 pm on Sunday afternoon. The closer to 3:00 pm you can be there the easier check-in will be for you and our registrar. Upon your arrival our staff will greet you and direct you to the “Registration Booth,” where our registrar will have tent assignments and wristbands for your campers and counselors.

Departure
Because camp now concludes on Friday, we are going to be ending our program at 10:30 a.m. This is consistent for all of our youth camps. Buses, carpoolers and parents are invited to meet us in the Adventure Mountain parking lot (same as check-in). Showing up around 10:20 and waiting in the parking lot for final dismissal can be a huge time saver to you and your Friday afternoon.

Cell Phone Policy
You may notice when you visit us we now have cell-phone service in the canyon. Because of our commitment to providing our guests with Sanctuary and Solitude, a core value, Forest Home is making the decision to remain a cell-phone free place. This means that we will continue to ask our youth campers to leave all electronics (including cell-phones) at home and ask that all of our guests join us in our efforts to keep our open/public areas at Forest Home cell-phone free.

Core value: Sanctuary & Solitude
The “wilderness” has always had a unique way of disarming our hesitations, dissolving our reluctant spirits, and giving us a context for simplicity. This remoteness displaces us far enough from our routine where we hear God better, see Him clearer, and breathe deeper. We help our guests realize the value of remoteness and silence the distractions of life, so they can find true rest in Him.

First Aid Requirements
The State of California has recently implemented new health code requirements for California camps. With these new requirements come a few changes to how we handle medical related items here at Forest Home during summer camp. Please note these are VERY IMPORTANT because they pertain to state law. Please read through the information included related to these items. Thank you!

1. Health Screening- Each camper is required to go through a health screening upon arrival at camp. Your child’s counselor will perform the health screening through a series of questions under the supervision of our medical staff. If necessary to ensure the health and safety of all campers, ill children may be sent home.
2. Medication- All medication will be collected upon your arrival. Each camper must have their medication in a plastic bag that is labeled with their name and group name on it. This includes the medication of any adults who will be staying in cabins/tents with minors. The medics on duty will distribute medication during each meal. Please remember to have medications in the original container when turning them in.
3. Medical Consent Forms- In the past we were only required to have Medical Consent Forms for minors. We are now required to have Medical Consent Forms for Adults as well. You should have received these forms from your camp registrar. They are due at check-in.

A few reminders for Sunday Afternoon check in
We have a fantastic program in store for your camper that is all-inclusive in the camp cost. However there are also some additional "extras" you will want to make your campers and counselors aware of: camp picture ($5) and the camp t-shirt ($12). This year each campers will receive a DVD of their week at camp to share with their parents and friends. We will be taking a camp picture during the week and they can purchase that for 5$. In addition, there are a number of souvenirs available at our ‘Marketplace’. There will be staff in the “Registration Hut” collecting money for the bank. It is best to have campers’ money in one large envelope, clearly marked with each camper’s name and the amount that they have to spend. If you are unable to collect all their money and have it in one envelope before camp don’t fret, but if you could please have campers’ parents put their money in individual envelopes clearly marked with their name, church, and amount - it would make that part of the process easy and organized.

DONATIONS TO CAMP IN AFRICA
The last six years, in expanding our campers’ world view and understanding of “worship,” we have offered the opportunity to participate in donating money (at $10 max per camper) from their ledgers to a camp called Lasting Impressions in Zimbabwe, Africa. The funds were given to the building of a dining area roof and to scholarships for kids in Zimbabwe this same age to attend camp. It has been a wonderful success. Not only have our kids been given the opportunity to expand their world view and learn to worship by giving, but they have raised over $29,000 for this camp. We would like to offer this opportunity again to our kids. The funds will be given to more camper scholarships and building projects. This truly is an amazing ministry. The donated funds are being used for God’s Kingdom! This is a completely optional element of our worship program.

On-line Retail for Parents
Also new this year, we are bringing on-line store back to Forest Home. This is intended as an option for parents that want an easy way to send a care package to their camper. Our options will be mention in the parent letter as well as listed on our website. Because camp does ‘fly by’, please remind parents that if they want to participate in this option, to be careful of our deadlines so that their child’s care package can make it to them before your return home.

Themed event and dress
We will also have some themed dress days/evenings: Campers will be able to join in the fun of camp in wearing fun medieval theme clothing (nothing too over-the-top)/ There will also be a night game where the use of ‘camo’ clothing can be key. If kids want to bring dark clothes or camouflage gear to wear, they will fit in well with the staff. Our whole week is based upon campers learning about Gods kingdom and will be themed in a medieval setting. Any “Medieval gear” would be a fun thing to pack. A shirt or with a shield on it or a family crest is always a great way to go.

A Safe Place
At Forest Home, we fervently care about the safety of our campers in every regard. This year, you will observe a heightened awareness and protocol to make our grounds and programs abide by a high standard of safety for our guests. During your orientation, I will walk your counselors through the new steps and policies that both the Forest Home staff, our guest counselors and campers will now abide. We value that together both as the church and summer camp ministry, our efforts will continue to promote rigorous supervision and care for the children on our grounds.

A Word on Food
In order to keep our campers safe, we ask you to join us in our effort to be peanut free. Please refrain from bringing any snacks that contain peanuts. Also, if any of your campers have specific dietary needs, please have the parents contact Sandy, our registrar. Her information is listed below. Who to Contact Please free to call the Program Ministries Assistant, Annie Ludes (a.k.a. “Sketch”), at (909) 389-2229 or email her at anniel@foresthome.org, or myself at 909-389-2223 or email me at sporx@foresthome.org. Also, please check with our registration department (Michelle La Nier @ (909) 389-4488 or michelleln@foresthome.org) to see if there are any available spots that you may be able to fill.

Thank you for choosing us to partner with you in the growth of your preteen campers! It is a true honor. See you this summer!

Cameron "Sporx" Hume
Director of Preteen Ministries

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LEDGER
CAMPER MANUAL
COUNSELOR MANUAL
PACKING LIST
ARRIVAL/PREP LETTER
PROMO VIDEO
CAMP DEBRIEF QUESTIONS (Coming Soon)
MEMORY VERSES
SCHEDULE

Dear Parent of a preteen Adventurer,

Our theme this summer is “Medieval Mountain”. Campers will be engaging the idea of God as the one true King, and the kingdom that takes place because of it. We look forward to a week working with your campers and encountering the Kingdom of God alongside them.

• Individuals make decisions to follow Christ.
• Church groups and individuals are inspired to continue and/or begin the work of putting their faith into action in their community.
• Campers will experience a heightened connection to their leaders and peers within their church group.
• Camper has an expanded view of the family of God.
• Camper takes a step toward beginning to see themselves as a young adult.
• Camper demonstrates comfort with making personal decisions.
• Camper shows ability to engage scripture, decision-making, and question formation.

Here is a list of some of the activities and experiences awaiting your child at Adventure Mountain (Be sure to ask about them when your child gets home):
• Skate Park
• Rock Climbing
• Arts and Crafts
• Hiking
• Swimming (lake & pool)
• Archery & Air Rifles
• A Three-Story Tree House!
• Batting Cage
• Low Ropes Course
• DJ the Radio Station
• Journalism
• Field Sports
• Skills Classes (“Apprenticeships”)
• Sleeping under the stars on their tent deck
• “Adopt-a-animal” in our nature center
• Morning Bible Study (“Roundtables”)
• Evening worship and sound Biblical teaching at “The Keep”.