Christian summer camps are one of the most popular and common types of camps in the United States, but many don’t realize the wide variety of Christian summer camps that are available to young people.  Knowing the different kinds of Christian summer camps is a great place to start as you work to find the very best option for your kids.
1. Traditional Christian Summer Camps
With camps, “traditional” can mean that the camp and its recreational offerings are what most consider a typical summer camp experience.  Water recreation, sports, eating camp food, crafts, archery, horseback riding and other activities are the focus of each day, but this traditional camp is offered by staff who are Christians and leadership and staff hope to model and pass on Christian values in everything they do.
Another meaning of a traditional camp is that the camping experience uses a Bible Camp model.  Bible Camps emphasize Bible teachings, helping young people know God’s word, memorizing scripture, and practicing spiritual discipleship.  There are still times for recreation, but a religious emphasis is greater in these camps.  Times of small group Bible study or discussion and individual quiet times are also common activities with Bible Camps.
2. Church Camp Christian Summer Camps
Many people will talk about all the memories they have from going to “Church Camp” while they were growing up.  Church Camp usually means that kids will attend Christian summer camps with their own church youth group, and many times the whole camp is comprised of youth from one church or from one church denomination.  One of the unique advantages to these kinds of Christian summer camps is that kids can attend camp with friends from their own home town and home church.  Getting away for a week like this allows these friendships to grow and deepen, and the neat part is that these friendships don’t end after camp.
Another advantage of Church Camps is that youth group leaders, church leadership, and possibly parents come along to staff the camp, so the camping experience can be more tailored than other Christian summer camps.
3. Specialized Christian Summer Camps
Specialized camps can have some great and unique strengths.  Camps that are designed to serve disabled youth will have great accommodations, specially trained staff, and programs designed to meet the needs of these kids.  Other camps also welcome disabled youth, but they may not be equipped as well as specialized camps. 
There are specialized camps that focus on drama, or the arts, or sports, or horses, or outdoor adventure opportunities, and these specialized Christian summer camps are located all over the country.  Your kids could experience anything from the mountains of Colorado or Montana, to the deserts of Utah, to an amazing camp by the sea, depending on their needs, what they love to do, how adventurous they are, and how far from home they are comfortable being.  You should also make sure you know what the total costs for specialized camps are, including fees for elective activities.

Many parents have enjoyed years of spending summers at a summer Christian camp, and now they want that same experience, and all the great memories that went with it, for their children.  These parents remember making important decisions about their lives with God and making great relationships at a summer Christian camp, so they realize the importance of formative spiritual experiences for young people.

As parents research their options they may hear of different camps, but personally speaking with people who know the current reputation of a summer Christian camp is one great way to find out if a camp is right for your kids.  Even if you may have attended a particular summer Christian camp years ago, things can change over time, including leadership, program philosophy, values and the quality of hired staff.

 So, it’s really helpful to find individuals or organizations that use the camp you are researching.  This is also helpful because getting feedback from people who have actually attended the summer Christian camp will provide unbiased opinions and will provide personal details camp staff may not share.

It’s fine to begin with summer Christian camp websites to view pictures and gather other facts and information, but if you have friends or family members, or can find others in your community, who have recently attended events at the camp recently, the feedback they can give you will be really helpful.

You can also contact the camp and ask for references and organizations that have used their facilities.  Knowing the church association the summer Christian camp may be a part of is also good.  This will help you understand the religious emphasis the camp has, and contacting the association may also let you know how they feel about this particular camp.

Knowing the reputation that a summer Christian camp has with local churches, individuals who have attended the camp recently, local community members, and the association they are a part of is one essential piece of information that will really help you as you work to make the best decision on which camp will best fit your child’s needs.

Knowing your children may very well have a life-changing week with God at summer camp is a wonderful reason to take the time and research what options are available to you and find out as much as you can about the reputations of these camps.

If you attended an Ohio Christian camp as a young person and loved the experiences you had, chances are you want the same for your own kids.  And , if you live with or work with young people now, you know the pressure they are under as they try to live with a really busy schedule. 

A number of researchers have noted that the lives of young people are filled with more demands and scheduled events than has ever been seen before.  There is now so little discretionary “down time” that kids don’t have many opportunities to relax, reflect on their lives, and just unplug for a while.

The stories told over the years about how camp counselors have offered friendship and spoken into the lives of kids are many.  We all know that kids look up to others, and the quality of camp counselors hired by an Ohio Christian camp are the kind of people you want your kids to look up to.  And many kids make life-long friendships when they attend an Ohio Christian camp that are the kinds of friendships every parents hope their kids have.

And one of the best parts of attending an Ohio Christian camp are the opportunities these camps offer to connect with God.  Fun and sincere worship, great food, times to be alone with God, talking openly about life and faith in small groups, and having some dynamic speakers who teach in ways that are relevant can all be part of the Ohio Christian camp experience.

As you begin to look into your options, take into account the reputation, total cost, location, faith traditions, recreational options, programs and safety measures of each camp you research.  These are great areas to look into, and talking with friends or other individuals you know that have actually attended a particular Ohio Christian camp can also be really helpful, because they will provide current, unbiased, first-hand feedback to you.

As you consider the wide variety of camping options in Ohio, take the time to research all that an Ohio Christian camp has to offer.  You and your kids will be glad you did!

Ohio Christian summer camps are an excellent choice for body, mind, and spirit.  If you think of all those in the scriptures who walked with God, most experienced their most powerful encounters with God in wilderness.  Mountains, deserts, forests, and water are the backdrop of the great stories from Abraham right through to Jesus and his disciples.

Ohio Christian summer camps offer experiences for all ages, especially for children and young people, and most of them feature peaceful, beautiful lakes, times of solitude and soul-refreshing quiet times.  And there’s a ton of fun to enjoy too, with fishing, hiking, volleyball, canoeing, rock-wall climbing, and indoor gyms.

Do you remember your years of summers spent at Ohio Christian summer camps?  How about all that camp food in the mess hall or roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over a campfire?  Many will tell you that their fondest and most formative summers were spent at Christian camps, and they now treasure the summers when their own children will experience the same.

The great thing about Ohio Christian summer camps is that lodging, dining and all the fun and recreation are included in the cost.  And most camps will feature excellent speakers that are relevant and can speak into the lives of youth in powerful ways.

Ohio Christian summer camps bring a special depth that regular vacations may not offer, and in a day and age of hectic schedules, having your children retreat for a week or two to nurture their hearts and focus on God is priceless.  Most who have a strong and vibrant faith will tell you that the most important years for their spiritual growth were when they were young.

A great way to learn more about Ohio Christian summer camps is to contact local churches, search the internet, or ask friends and family about the camps they love to go to or send their kids to.  Young people spend so much of their year in school and sporting events that are healthy and productive yet lack any spiritual focus.  There may be no better way to help foster authentic spiritual growth than finding one of the Ohio Christian summer camps that is right for your children.

There are many Christian youth camps, and choosing the right summer camp for your children is important to every parent.  There are many different types of Christian youth camps that vary in such things as mission, focus, size and values.

Below are three areas to consider as you begin your research to choose the one of the Christian youth camps that is right for your child.

Things to Consider

1. What Does Your Child Enjoy?

There’s probably no one who knows your child better than you do, so ask yourself (and your child) the following questions. 
- What do they love?  Are they a lover of the outdoors?  Do they love sports?  Do they love music or the arts?
- Would they enjoy residential Christian youth camps where they stay for a week and sleep in a cabin? 
- Would they do better with a day camp where they come home each night? 
- How far from home do you feel they would be comfortable being? 
- How far from home would YOU be comfortable with them being?

2. What is the Spiritual Tradition/Church Affiliation/Approach of the Camp?

If your Christian faith is an important factor for your child’s camping experience, learn about the spiritual and faith traditions of the Christian youth camps you research.  Also, it is great to know how each camp approaches spiritual teaching and formation with their campers.
- Are their times of teaching or fun speakers that will present to campers? 
- Does the camp build in times where the campers get together for songs and worship? 
- Do any of the Christian youth camps schedule times for young people to get alone with God or together in a small group?

Related to the questions above, you should also find out what church association or religious tradition the Christian youth camps are affiliated with or has been influenced by.  This is a very important question.  If you don’t know a lot about the camp or its religious beliefs, ask lots of questions about any church association they may have, the camp’s mission, and the core beliefs that hold to and hope to share with their campers.  You can also get online and research the tradition or church tradition by doing online searches.

3. What Are the Costs and Fees of the Camp?

Most Christian youth camps are non-profit organizations, and they try to keep costs.  It’s important to find out what the total costs for camp are, and what is included in these costs.  You should also find out if there are any other fees that may be charged for crafts or other activities. 

If you are part of a local church or other religious organization and finances are tough, find out if there are scholarships or financial assistance available.  You can also ask the Christian youth camps you are researching if they have reduced cost programs or scholarships for their campers.

For many people, attending Christian youth camps have been the most powerful, enjoyable, and formative experiences of their lives.  Take the time to do your research, ask good questions, and make sure you involve your child in your decisions.  You and your child will both be very glad you did.

There are over 30 Christian summer camps in Ohio, so the variety and location of these Christian summer camps in Ohio is wide.  With so many to choose from, it is good to think about what you are looking for when you are deciding which of these camps in is best for your children.

The following types of camps could be considered:

1. Retreat and Conference Centers

There are a number of Christian summer camps in Ohio that can accommodate conferences.  They have large gathering places and even auditorium facilities, and typically they are the best option for large church association gatherings or large youth conferences.

2. Camps that Focus on Campers with Disabilities

There are a number of Christian summer camps in Ohio that are accessible to campers with disabilities and also have excellent programming for such campers.  Special programs and specially trained staff members make these Christian summer camps in Ohio a rewarding and memorable experience.

3. Ranches and Horseback Riding Programs

A number of Christian summer camps in Ohio will offer opportunities for trail rides and horseback riding lessons.  Some even have their own ranches, so young people who love horses will especially love these facilities. 

4. Camps that Focus On Inner City Youth

Some inner city youth and other under privileged youth would never have an opportunity for a great outdoor camping experience if some Christian summer camps in Ohio didn’t have as their mission to serve these young people.  Programs are designed with the challenges that many urban youth may struggle with in mind, and the costs of these camps are reduced or covered by donations.  If you work with inner city youth, this type camp Ohio would be an excellent choice.

5. Camps that Feature Water Recreation

Several Christian summer camps in Ohio are located on or near water.  Several locations have their own private lakes or are located near rivers where fishing, swimming, sailing, and canoeing are a big part of featured recreation.

There are even a few facilities in Ohio that are located along Lake Erie and even on one of the Lake Erie Islands, so if your children love the water, facilities that are located near water would be a great choice.

Before you decide on the best camp for your children, ask them what they would love to do best, talk to them about the various options that are available.  You and your children will be glad you did.

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Does your child plan to attend camp this summer? How do you know which one is the right one? Check out the free resource Mark developed for parents called “The Top 10 Things Parents Should Consider When Selecting a Summer Camp.” We think you’ll find it very helpful!

Before you begin to visit camps or start making phone calls or doing internet searches, it’s good to know the kinds of things to look for when choosing an Ohio Christian youth camp.  Consider the following as you begin your search for the right Ohio Christian youth camp:

1.  The Facilities

Even though as adults we may laugh about or look fondly upon the rustic old cabins and lumpy mattresses we slept on at summer camp, it’s great if your kids can get a good night sleep.  As you are trying to find the right Ohio Christian youth camp, find out as much as you can about the available facilities. 

Ask about all the recent changes, upgrades and renovations that camp has put in place in recent years.  Look at all the available pictures online, and if they are limited, seeing the Ohio Christian youth camp you may consider in person is the best way to know what they have to offer.

Facilities like clean, safe and up-to-date cabins, comfortable lodges, and good heating and air conditioning can make a big difference for a lot of campers at an Ohio Christian youth camp.  Don’t be shy in asking about these facilities, and also find out what type of sports and recreational facilities they use, too.  The day you visit a potential Ohio Christian youth camp, the weather may be beautiful so you may not even think about the importance of good indoor facilities.  But, if the week of your child’s stay is rainy or cold, having little to do inside can really be disappointing.

2. The Staff

Find out how cabin counseling staff members are selected.  Ask if background checks are required for all staff members, and find out if they have counselors who have returned to work there for a few years.  You can also ask what the camp management team looks for in ways of maturity, job experience and personal faith.  Many kids will look up to the camp counselors they meet at an Ohio Christian youth camp, so the quality of camp counselors is really important.

3. Spiritual Emphasis

Take some time to think about what spiritual lessons you hope your child will receive from the Ohio Christian youth camp you are researching.  Don’t be afraid to ask the about the beliefs of the camp and how these beliefs are modeled and taught.  You can learn a lot by the answers receive and even the attitude and posture of camp leadership as they answer these questions.

There are other questions you will want to ask in your research, but if you begin with these three areas, you will greatly increase the chances of having your kids enjoy a fun and rewarding week at an Ohio Christian youth camp.

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Does your child plan to attend camp this summer? How do you know which one is the right one? Check out the free resource Mark developed for parents called “The Top 10 Things Parents Should Consider When Selecting a Summer Camp.” We think you’ll find it very helpful!

There is a variety of Ohio summer camps and many to choose from, so spending time researching your options will help you choose the right location for your child.  Ohio summer camps have a long and rich tradition of serving youth in life-changing ways, so key to choosing the right one is knowing the right questions to answer.  Below are three questions to help you begin your review of Ohio summer camps.

1. What is the Location of the Camp?

The outdoor setting of a camp is important.  Several Ohio summer camps are located in valleys or by lakes or nestled away in a forest.  Ask yourself what surroundings make your child come alive and have fun.  Have you done a lot of deep woods camping with your family?  Does your child love boating or fishing?  As you research various Ohio summer camps, try to set up a time to visit each one and ask for a tour and take a walk to get a sense of the surroundings and what each camp has to offer.

The Ohio summer camps you consider will vary in distance from where you live, so a good discussion to have is one regarding how far away from home your child is comfortable staying, and how far away are you comfortable with.

2. What Size of Camp is Best for Your Child?

For many adults, their weeks at Ohio summer camps were the most fun and formative of their growing up years.  And kids can really grow personally at summer camp as they encounter experiences that are formative in their maturity and development.

So, the size of the camp may matter, because different children thrive in different environments.  Some kids love to explore the woods and spend time alone along the lake or with a close friend.  Other kids thrive with lots of activity and many kids all around.  You probably know your child better than anyone else.  What size and setting would be the best for them?

3. Get a Sense of the Leadership of the Camp

As mentioned above, personally visiting various Ohio summer camps can tell you a lot. One important question you can answer is, what sense do you get about the personality of the camp?  Those who are led tend to become like those who lead them, so meeting and interviewing camp staff members can help you determine the feel and approach of leadership and how they will relate to their campers.

If you are willing to put time and a little effort into researching the variety of Ohio summer camps available to you, you will find the one that is best for your child and even one that they may return to again and again.

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Does your child plan to attend camp this summer? How do you know which one is the right one? Check out the free resource Mark developed for parents called “The Top 10 Things Parents Should Consider When Selecting a Summer Camp.” We think you’ll find it very helpful!

There are many summer camps near Columbus, Ohio, and they are all within just a few hours of driving.  And the summer camps near Columbus, Ohio are so wide in variety. There are Sports Camps, Christian Camps, Arts Camps, Science Camps, Jewish Camps, Drama Camps, Horse Camps and the list goes on.

Because Ohioans have the advantage of having so many summer camps near Columbus, Ohio, it can actually be a challenge to select the one you feel is best for your kids.  Try using the following three suggestions in choosing the perfect choice of summer camps near Columbus, Ohio.

1. Begin with a Conversation with Your Child

As obvious as this may first seem, many parents do research, check out websites, talk to other parents and friends, and take other great steps without first sitting down and talking with their child about what they want to do and the things they would love to have in a camp.  As mentioned above, because there are so many summer camps near Columbus, Ohio, your child has a good chance of finding a camp that closely fits their needs and what their looking for.  Also, actively involving your child from the beginning shows them you care and lets them feel a big part of the decision.

2. Discuss Distance

A number of things can determine how far your child should be from home.  The summer camps near Columbus, Ohio are as close as a few minutes or three or four hours away.  So, for you and your child, how close is close?  How far do you want to drive to take them?  How far are you willing to drive in case, for any reason, you want to visit them or need to bring them home?  How far do you and your child feel comfortable with?  How far are you willing to travel to experience your best fit of summer camps near Columbus, Ohio?

3. Cost and Financial Aid

Knowing the limit of your budget is really helpful as you begin to choose your best option of summer camps near Columbus, Ohio.  It may possibly help you to feel less stressed about cost, since you know what your limit is, and it also helps to set expectations with your child so you cut down on disagreements or the chances of being disappointed.

While you are looking at the costs of your options of summer camps near Columbus, Ohio, ask enough questions to determine the total cost, and then ask if there are any tuition reduction programs or scholarships available if you cannot afford the camp.

Beginning with these three suggestions will help you get off to a great start as you do your homework and begin to research the great options you have with the available summer camps near Columbus, Ohio.

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Does your child plan to attend camp this summer? How do you know which one is the right one? Check out the free resource Mark developed for parents called “The Top 10 Things Parents Should Consider When Selecting a Summer Camp.” We think you’ll find it very helpful!