Preparation Before Campers Arrive

Creation for Kids in Church Camps

A little preparation goes a long way towards ensuring a successful summer at camp. It is very important to prepare before the campers arrive. I always think that I will have so much time to work on new activities when camp is in session, but somehow the time never exists. Here are some ideas of things to work on in the pre-season.

1. Clean and organize your working area. Keeping things clean has never been one of my strong suits, but does make your work much easier. Gather the equipment you will need and devise a storage method. For instance, I rely heavily on large RubberMaid containers to keep books and equipment dry.
   
   
2. Find a central nature study area. Determine the best site on your camp property to make you headquarters – a place to meet groups and a place to store you supplies. If you are starting a new program and have the liberty of choosing a location for a nature study area, find an area that has multiple environments nearby. For instance, areas of woods and field provide a diverse setting for nature games.
   
   
3. Explore your camp. Discover what trails are particularly conducive to nature study activities. Remember the location of unique areas, such as streams, scenic vistas, and unusual plants.
   
   
4. Explore the area around your camp. Find any excellent nature centers nearby and keep them in mind for special field trips. A few off camp hikes add variety to your curriculum and give you a chance to explore new places with children.
   
   
5. Make friends with local naturalists. If you take time to investigate your neighborhood, you can often find people who can add a unique expertise to your program. Whether they specialize in stars or plants, many people are more than happy to help a few times during the summer.
   
   
6. Pray. Far to often, I get so caught up in preparations for camp that I forget to ask God's guidance for myself and the rest of the staff as we carry out God's work. In our prayers, we again find the reason we teach about nature, to discover the glorious works of God.