What is Day Camp?

RTLC Day Camp is a unique partnership designed to provide congregations with a vibrant and faith formative experience that nurtures relationships between the adults and children within the church, and provides an outreach opportunity in the local community.  Day Camp is a relational and high-energy ministry similar to a VBS program.  Each Day Camp is tailored to the unique context of the hosting congregation, with volunteers and staff from the host congregation working with staff from RTLC throughout the planning and implementation of the program.  RTLC staff  lead energetic worships, games, singing, and lead or provide guidance in leading Bible study and arts and crafts.  Volunteers from the church work with RTLC staff in all of these areas and have the opportunity to participate and play along side of the kids.  This dynamic and flexible partnership allows for learning and relationships in the congregation to continue even after RTLC staff have departed.  From the RTLC camp website: https://www.rainbowtrail.org/summer-camps/day-camps/

 Day Camp is….

• Relational – Camp staff, along with required congregational volunteers provide a staff to camper ratio of 1 adult to 8 youth.

• Renewal – The experience is renewing for the adult volunteers, as well as for day campers.  Day Camp can also revitalize a Bible School or Sunday School program with fresh energy and new ideas.

• Outreach – The enthusiasm and excitement of Day Camp can reach out and minister to the local community, as well as the congregation’s members.  Day Camp can be an ecumenical experience by inviting other local churches to participate.

A Day At Day Camp 

One of the uniqueness of RTLC Day Camps is the flexibility.  We want to work with you to create a Day Camp program that will meet the specific needs of your congregation.  This means that no two of the Day Camps we work with are the same.  However, there are some components that are common across the congregations that we serve.  If you choose to Day Camp with our, our staff will work with you to create a program and schedule that meet your needs. 

• Sondance – Each day begins with an interactive time to introduce the daily theme through use of scripture, song, drama, puppets, etc.  This experience is a great place for Pastors or church staff to participate in fun and meaningful ways.

• Bible Study – The Bible Study and week’s theme will unfold in small groups – (led by RTLC staff and/or adult volunteer teachers).  Bible stories and experiential learning activities are stressed.

• Music – Music is an integral part of the Day Camp program.  RTLC encourages you to incorporate music into worship as well as provides it as one of the daily activity sessions.

• Recreation – Fun, non-competitive, outdoor games appropriate to each age group.

• Arts and Crafts – The campers make something each day that ties in with the daily theme and provides them an opportunity to bring Day Camp home to their family.  Arts and crafts are generally “from scratch,” not pre-fab workbook material.  Materials are provided by the congregation for the Arts and Crafts projects.

• Devotions/Rest – This is a quiet time to review what was learned during the day.  Counselors may use picture drawing, journal writing, or stories to help in this time for reflection.

• Lunch – Each day children brings a sack lunch for the noon meal.  The church is responsible for a drink and for other snacks desired.  The congregation will also provide lunches for the camp staff.

• Special Activities – Many congregations choose to offer special activities, like visits to parks or pools, or visits from the fire or police department during the week.  These most often happen as part of the afternoon schedule.

• Closing – This is a wrap up of the day filled with more singing and fun.  It’s a great way to review the theme of the day and send kids home excited about what they’ve learned.