HP Camp Blog

Fall 2024 Newsletter

shyla@hpcamp.org (Shyla Rohrer) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:17:08 GMT

Fall 2023 Newsletter

shyla@hpcamp.org (Shyla Rohrer) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:58:38 GMT

Get outside!

shyla@hpcamp.org (Shyla Rohrer) — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:51:25 GMT

The importance of spending time outdoors

Summer is in full swing, and it's the perfect time for kids to enjoy the great outdoors. While the lure of video games and television may be strong, it's vital to encourage children to stay active and spend time outside. Here are some compelling reasons why it's crucial for kids to be active in the summer and how summer camp can help you facilitate this!

Physical Health: With the sunny weather and longer days, summer is the ideal time for kids to engage in physical activities. Whether it's playing sports, swimming, riding bikes, or simply running around in the backyard, being active helps children build strength, stamina, and coordination. Summer Day Camp or Overnight camp gives kids and teens ample opportunity to be active outdoors.
Vitamin D Boost: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, essential for healthy bones and immune function. Spending time outdoors exposes kids to this vital nutrient, helping them grow and stay strong. They will be healthier and sleep better having had exposure to fresh air and sunshine while at camp.
Mental Well-being: Outdoor activities have been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in children. The natural environment provides a calming effect, which can help improve a child's mood and overall mental health. Having plenty of fun activities and supportive staff at camp will also help your kids have a great time!
Social Development: Summer outdoor activities often involve group play and interaction. These experiences teach kids important social skills like teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution, which are valuable for their personal growth. There will be other campers in your child's group that they will need to learn to interact with, and resolve conflict with that will help them grow as a person - in a safe environment.
Creativity and Imagination: The great outdoors is a canvas for kids' creativity. From building forts to exploring nature, being outside sparks their imagination and encourages independent thinking. At camp, we have a craft shop and free time where kids can do activities and explore - it's way better than sitting inside and playing video games!
Healthy Habits: Encouraging an active lifestyle during summer can establish lifelong habits. When kids associate fun and enjoyment with physical activity, they are more likely to continue being active throughout their lives.
Screen Time Balance: In an era of technology, it's easy for children to spend too much time in front of screens. Summer offers a chance to break away from screens and engage in healthier activities that promote physical and mental well-being. They will have so much fun at camp that they won't even miss it!

The summer season is a great opportunity for kids to embrace the outdoors and stay active. It's not just about having fun; it's about fostering physical, mental, and social development while building a lifelong appreciation for nature and healthy habits. So, let's encourage our children to put down the screens, step outside, and soak up the sunshine this summer—it's an investment in their well-being and future. We'd love to partner with you this summer to help make this a reality. Summer camp will leave a lasting impact on your kids!

Building Deeper Connections

shyla@hpcamp.org (Shyla Rohrer) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:39:24 GMT

The importance of overnight retreats for youth groups

As a youth pastor, your role extends beyond the walls of your church. You are a mentor, a leader, and a friend to the young members of your church. One powerful way to foster strong relationships and spiritual growth is through an overnight winter retreat. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of connecting with your teens during these retreats by emphasizing the key elements of Bible study, super fun activities, and the opportunity to step away from the everyday routine.

1. Bible Study: Deepening Faith Connections

At the heart of any successful youth retreat is the opportunity for Bible study and spiritual growth. Here's why it's crucial:

Spiritual Nourishment: Retreats provide a unique environment where you can dive deeper into Scripture without the distractions of everyday life. Encourage open discussions, questions, and reflections on relevant topics to strengthen their faith. You have a speaker that comes to challenge your group and from those sessions come opportunities to connect with your teens about how they will respond to what they heard.
Building a Strong Foundation: These retreats allow you to lay a strong spiritual foundation for your youth group. Through focused Bible study sessions, you can help your teens develop a better understanding of their faith.
Personal Growth: Retreats are an ideal time for personal reflection and growth. Challenge your teens to set spiritual goals for themselves and provide guidance on how to achieve them.

2. Super Fun Activities: Building Memories Together

Balancing spiritual growth with fun activities is essential for building relationships. Here's why super fun activities matter:

Team Building: Outdoor activities like snowball fights, sledding, or scavenger hunts promote teamwork and cooperation. These experiences can be great metaphors for working together in faith and life.
Creating Positive Memories: Shared experiences create lasting memories. Fun activities during a winter retreat can strengthen the bond among your youth group members, fostering a sense of community and belonging. These things are great to bring back to the homes of your families and to your greater church community.
Breaking Down Barriers: Fun activities encourage teens to let their guard down and be themselves. This can lead to more open and honest conversations about faith and life. Get silly with them! When they see you let your guard down, they are likely to do the same.

3. Time Away from the Everyday: A Fresh Perspective

The change of scenery and routine is a powerful tool for connection and growth. Here's why time away is crucial:

A Break from Distractions: Removing your teens from the daily grind allows them to focus on their faith and relationships without the constant pull of social media, school, and other distractions.
A Chance for Reflection: Being in a new environment provides an opportunity for introspection. Encourage your teens to contemplate their faith, goals, and relationships during this time. Challenge them to make a plan to implement goals they would like to begin working on as a result of the things they heard while you were away.
Strengthening Bonds: Spending extended time together away from home fosters deeper connections. Your youth group members will have more opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and build trust.

Building Deeper Connections

An overnight winter retreat can be a transformative experience for both you as a youth pastor and your teen members. By emphasizing Bible study, super fun activities, and the benefits of time away from the everyday, you create an environment conducive to building deeper connections. Use these retreats not only to strengthen your youth group's faith but also to nurture the relationships that will guide them on their spiritual journey. In doing so, you'll help your teens grow both spiritually and personally, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more connected community within your church.

Help! I've never sent my camper to overnight camp before!

shyla@hpcamp.org (Shyla Rohrer) — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:17:53 GMT

How to plan for your week away!

Sending your 8-year-old off to overnight camp for the first time can be a mix of excitement and anxiety, not just for your child but also for you as a parent. While it's a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn independence, make new friends, and experience the great outdoors, it can also be a nerve-wracking experience for parents. In this blog post, we'll provide you with tips on packing, preparing your child to disconnect from electronics, and five simple things you can do to feel more comfortable as you send your little one off to camp.

Tips for Packing:

Label Everything: Invest in a good quality label maker and label every item your child is taking to camp. From clothing to toiletries to their favorite stuffed animal, labels will help ensure that nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
Pack Essentials: Camps often provide a list of essential items your child will need. Be sure to check this list carefully and pack accordingly. Include items like sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and any prescribed medications.
Clothing Layers: Pack clothing that can be layered. Camps can have unpredictable weather, so it's important that your child is prepared for both hot and cold days. Don't forget to include rain gear just in case!
Comfort Items: Include a familiar comfort item like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. These items can provide a sense of security in an unfamiliar environment.
Personal Hygiene: Teach your child basic personal hygiene habits like brushing their teeth, washing their hands, and showering independently. This will help them feel more confident and self-sufficient at camp.

Preparing for a Device-Free Experience:

One of the biggest adjustments for parents and kids at overnight camp is the lack of electronic devices. Here's how you can prepare:

Set Expectations: Have a conversation with your child about the camp's electronics policy well before they leave. Explain why they won't have access to devices and discuss the benefits of unplugging and connecting with nature and other campers.
Practice Screen-Free Time: Encourage your child to spend some time each day without screens in the weeks leading up to camp. This will help them ease into the idea of being without their devices.
Alternative Activities: Camp is FULL of fun activities that they wouldn't get to experience if there were glued to a screen. They won't even miss them!
Trust the Camp Staff: Camps are well-prepared to keep kids engaged and entertained without electronics. Trust the camp staff to provide a safe and enriching experience for your child. If there is an emergency the staff will reach out. No news is really GREAT news!

Five Simple Things to Help You Feel Comfortable:

Stay Connected: You can always reach out to our camp office with questions or concerns before or during your camper's stay. Our friendly office staff will work to put your mind at ease while your camper is having the best week of their lives!
Stay Positive: Express your excitement and confidence in your child's ability to thrive at camp. Your positive attitude will reassure them.
Connect with Other Parents: Reach out to other parents whose children are attending the same camp. Sharing concerns and experiences can be comforting and can help build a support network.
Plan a Little "Me" Time: While your child is at camp, take advantage of the opportunity to relax, recharge, and focus on yourself or your other kids at home. Use this time to do activities you enjoy but might not have the chance to do regularly. Let us worry about your camper - you enjoy your week too!

Sending your 8-year-old to overnight camp is a big step, and it's natural to have mixed feelings about it. By following these tips for packing, preparing for a device-free experience, you can make the transition smoother for both you and your child. Remember that camp is a wonderful opportunity for your child to grow, learn, and create lasting memories, and your support and preparation will help ensure their camp experience is a success.

Working at a summer camp builds your resume

shyla@hpcamp.org (Shyla Rohrer) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:00:07 GMT

Working at a summer camp can significantly enhance your resume by providing you with a wide range of skills and valuable experiences.

Here's how working at a summer camp can help build your resume:

Leadership Skills : Camp counselors often take on leadership roles, which can demonstrate your ability to manage and lead teams. This is particularly valuable for positions that require supervisory or managerial skills.
Communication Skills : You'll need to effectively communicate with campers, parents, and fellow staff members. Strong communication skills are essential in almost every job.
Problem-Solving Abilities : Camps often present unexpected challenges, which can help you develop your problem-solving skills. This is a valuable trait in any profession.
Teamwork : You'll collaborate with fellow counselors and staff members to ensure a successful camp experience. Teamwork is a skill that employers highly value.
Adaptability : Camp environments can be unpredictable, teaching you how to adapt to changing circumstances and think on your feet, which is crucial in many workplaces.
Time Management : You'll be responsible for planning and overseeing daily activities. This experience can help you become more organized and skilled in time management.
Conflict Resolution : Camp counselors often deal with conflicts among campers. Learning to resolve conflicts diplomatically is a valuable skill in any job. This is also true of those in supporting camp roles like kitchen, retail or housekeeping.
Customer Service : If you interact with parents or campers, you'll gain customer service experience, which can be beneficial in jobs that involve client interaction. Always be professional when assisting customers.
Responsible Decision-Making : You'll be entrusted with the safety and well-being of campers. This experience demonstrates your ability to make responsible decisions under pressure.
Creativity : Camps often involve planning and leading creative activities. Highlighting your creative skills can be valuable in industries that require innovation.
Work Ethic : Camp jobs can be physically demanding and require a strong work ethic. Demonstrating your ability to work hard can impress potential employers.
First Aid and Safety Training : If you acquire certifications like CPR or first aid training, these can be valuable additions to your resume.
Networking : You'll have the opportunity to meet people from various backgrounds and professions, potentially leading to future job opportunities.
Character References : Camp directors and supervisors can provide excellent character references, showcasing your reliability and character to prospective employers.

When adding your camp experience to your resume, be sure to use specific examples and achievements to highlight these skills. For example, you might mention that you successfully led a group of 15 campers through a week-long summer camp experience, or your helped prep, and serve a meal for over 200 people. Tailor your resume to emphasize how these skills make you a strong candidate for your future job.

Winter 2021 Newsletter

shyla@hpcamp.org (Shyla Rohrer) — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 15:13:22 GMT

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR - TOM LAMBORN

VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOP FOR STOCKING STUFFERS AND GIFTS

DINING HALL UPDATE

YOUTH RETREATS

FALL RECRUITING

EQUIP PROGRAM

SUMMER PLANNING 2022

STAFF UPDATE - SHYLA ROHRER

GIVING TUESDAY

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Fall Newsletter 2021

shyla@hpcamp.org (Shyla Rohrer) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 18:15:30 GMT

60 YEAR OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

WOMEN'S RETREAT

CAMP STAFF REUNION

DAY CAMP

OVERNIGHT CAMP

EQUIP PROGRAM

MEN'S RETREAT

NEW STAFF MEMBERS

ELI HALL - Guest Services

JARED LEMOS - Food Services

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Our Beliefs

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 20:14:21 GMT

The mission behind the Christian camping experience.

Our Mission Statement

High Point Camp exists to build up believers in the faith and to evangelize the lost in the context of a quality Christian camping experience.

Our Beliefs

We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be verbally inspired Word of God, w holly inerrant in the original writing, infallible and God-breathed, the final authority for faith and life.
We believe in the Triune God, eternally existing in three persons–The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became man, without ceasing to be God, having been conceived of the Holy spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in order that He might reveal God and redeem sinful men.
We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, and that in Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, became alienated from God, and is totally depraved. And of himself is utterly unable to remedy his lost condition.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished our redemption through His death on the cross as a representative, substitutionary sacrifice in providing unlimited atonement for the sins of the whole world; and that our justification is made sure by His literal, physical resurrection from the dead.
We believe that salvation is the gift of God given to man through grace and is received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed on Calvary for the forgiveness of our sins, and who rose again from the dead.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment.
We believe it is the responsibility of the local church to promote and protect the doctrinal purity of the Body of Christ.

Our Practice

We believe that God gives spiritual enabling gifts for service to all believers.
We believe that it is the obligation of all Christians to proclaim the truth of the Holy Scriptures to all men.