Every summer, at the eight Salvation Army overnight camps across the Canada and Bermuda Territory, The Salvation Army serves more than 4,000 children. These camps provide a safe, fun-filled week of outdoor adventure and Jesus-centred teaching. Many of the kids come through community and family services and, for some, it’s their first interaction with the Army. Without follow up, camp might be their only interaction. Camp provides an incredible opportunity to invite families to connect with corps and the activities they offer.

However, campers aren’t the only group of people that should be followed up with. Hundreds of teens and young adults are hired as staff, who give up their summer to help give campers what may be the best week of their lives. They sacrifice their time, their sleep and, in some cases, even their sanity! But they do it gladly, welcoming campers to experience living in Christian community.

Over the summer, these young people learn new skills and grow in leadership and responsibility. And then they return home with all that knowledge, experience and passion. What a disservice to the kingdom of God to not engage them. Think of all the times you wished your corps had someone to do fill in the blank. When a camp staff member returns from camp, you have a responsible, fired-up young person who is champing at the bit to do kingdom work.

Camp follow up is a cycle that benefits both corps and camp. The corps sends a 10-year-old to a week of overnight camp, and camp sends back a connection point to that family. The corps sends a young person to work, and camp sends back a leader. Due to this symbiotic relationship, camp ministry is an extension of corps ministry. And don’t forget about day camps—think of the increased potential when parents are already bringing campers into your corps.

That’s why keeping up camp connections is important. Let’s move to how to establish those connections. Here are a few ideas submitted by ministry leaders across the territory. Consider inviting camp staff to help plan and run these events.

Pre-Camp Fun Night

In partnership with community and family services and the corps here in London, Ont., we invite all the kids who are registered for Adventure Camp (and their families) to a barbecue and carnival, so we can get to know them, they can get to know us, the kids can get to know each other and, hopefully, everyone will have a friend to go to camp with.

Melissa Sunnuck, assistant ministry director, Westminster Park, London, Ont.

Camp Sunday  

Host a special camp-emphasis service at your church. Wear a camp shirt, sing some camp songs and ask a camper to share a testimony from camp. Be sure to invite the campers’ families to attend. Have some fun refreshments after the service, such as a free tuck shop with pop, chips and candy.

Jillian Penney, Vernon Community Church, B.C.

Camp Day

Before campers forget the details of camp, host a party or fun day where they share stories and highlights from their week at camp. Show photos and videos from the week. If possible, have camp staff share in the fun.

Major Carson Decker, territorial candidates secretary

Stay in Touch

Every kid loves to get mail! Send something special to your campers (e.g., a coupon for ice cream, a book or personalized bookmark, a keychain or magnet, or even just a card). Make sure to include an invitation to the next kids’ event or program happening at your ministry unit. Don’t have an event coming up soon? Plan one!

Jillian Penney, Vernon Community Church, B.C.

Celebrate your campers by mailing birthday cards each month. Send out a “thinking of you” postcard, including a small tidbit from camp such as, “Remember when … ” a couple of times over the school year.

Kassandra Nelson, Ottawa Citadel

Camp Reunion  

A camper reunion in the cold and snowy months of January or February is a great way to keep the camp spirit burning.

Melissa Sunnuck, Westminster Park, London, Ont.

Camp follow-up doesn’t have to be tricky. What matters is that we make an intentional connection between camp experience and corps life. For more ideas, check out this Ministry Minute.

Chris Noel worked in camping ministry with The Salvation Army for many years.