Youth Summer Camp

More than anything else we do in Youth Ministry, summer camp provides the greatest amount of quality time for relational discipleship. Every year we see God use everything—from the bus ride and small group conversations to playing games on the beach—to draw us together relationally. Our goal as a ministry is to come alongside you (our parents) in discipling your students to be resilient followers of Jesus. Truly, nothing provides a fast-track to discipleship relationships like attending camp together.

We know sending your student out of town, especially for the first time, is a big step. Our group will travel together on a Christ Presbyterian Academy bus with a licensed driver who stays with us in Panama City for the entire week. Parents will receive a text upon our arrival to camp. From the moment we leave to the moment we return, your student will be with our group and under the care of trusted leaders.

We will stay at the Laguna Beach Christian Retreat Center in designated housing specifically allocated for guys and girls. Same gender leaders stay in the cabin with the students. All meals are provided on-site by the Laguna Beach staff, and dietary restrictions are accommodated. Students are encouraged to bring extra money to purchase additional snacks, ice cream, and souvenirs. We will share cabin assignments with parents of registered youth in the information sent ahead of camp.

Your student will not navigate this week alone. Our staff and volunteer adult leaders are present at all times during travel, in sessions, during free time, and in the cabin. Students will always be accompanied by an adult leader when crossing the street to and from activities. Students will remain in groups of 3 or more following our “rule of 3” at all times. Our leaders are there to know your student, care for them, and walk alongside them throughout the week.

Each day has an intentional rhythm of worship, teaching, small groups, and play. Mornings and evenings are centered around worship and teaching, where students are invited to slow down, listen, and grow. In between, there is time for fun on the beach, rest, and simply being together at camp. It’s a full week with a focus on growing closer to God and closer to one another. A schedule will be attached in a parent packet that will be sent ahead of camp. See an example here.

The depth of theological teaching provided by RYM is one of the biggest reasons we are excited to partner with RYM for summer camp. Each night at camp our youth get to hear the Word preached powerfully by gifted, seminary-trained men (often current/former RUF campus pastors), as well as attend a variety of electives on relevant topics, such as anxiety, engaging our culture with gospel wisdom, faithfully using technology, and navigating suffering & loss. These electives are taught by trusted youth/church staff from other PCA & reformed churches, which has included our very own Mac Purdy, Director of Youth Ministry, and Melanie Rainer, Director of Ministry at Cool Springs.

Registration covers transportation, lodging, all meals at camp, and activities. Students will need to bring money for lunch on our two travel days.

We never want finances to be a barrier to your student attending camp. If cost is a concern, we would genuinely love to help. Please reach out to us and we’re happy to talk through options to come alongside your family.