2’CS CAMPS
CAMP DESCRIPTION:
For Primary School children of grades 4, 5 and 6.
The camp is not only a camp for children from Christian homes, as children with many varying
backgrounds will benefit from the Christian camping experience. With this understanding, every effort
will be undertaken to ensure the camp displays a Christian warmth and basis in which every child will
come in contact with the Good News and love of our Lord Jesus.
This begins in the immediate cabin family which consists of a Senior leader, two Junior leaders, and
up to 10 children of the same sex. Most activities are done in these cabin groups, and so it is the
behaviour and witness of the Senior and Junior leaders that will have the most influence upon their
children.
The foundation for such witness is laid in the studies, prepared and presented by the camp Chaplains
(Happy Chappy). These studies, their content and emphasis, are entirely up to the Chaplains, but must
of course, be in harmony with the aim of the camp: that in a simple and practical way, every child will
come in contact with the good news and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Personal response is
encouraged, though in a non-threatening and private way. Follow up letters are sent, not only to the
child, but to the minister in his/her home Church.
It is of vital importance that the leaders show unity, dedication and maturity in their leadership and
Christian example. Camp will also consist of Camp Mum and Dad, music and craft leaders, Jackeroos
and Jilleroos, Grandparents, Prayer Warriors and organisers. Although each leader is expected to get
alongside the kids as they go through their daily timetable, each leader also has his/her own specific
responsibilities (as outlined over) while at camp. So please don’t hesitate to take the initiative and lend
a hand where it’s needed!
Trophies are awarded at the end of each day for house keeping. Points are awarded by Camp
Mum/Grandma for decorations, innovative ideas, cabin unity, and general cabin tidiness. Cabin leaders
play a big role in initiative and organisation to this end.
Over the week the children will be involved in activities such as sports, craft, studies, games,
concert and much more. These activities involve the full-time commitment of leaders to the children in
areas of assistance, guidance and encouragement. The whole camp is based on an atmosphere of
‘family’ love, respect and friendship.
Warm fuzzy bags are provided for each leader and camper at camp. Senior and Junior leaders are
strongly encouraged to put a positive/welcoming note (can be accompnaied by a very small gift (e.g.
lolly, sticker) for each child in their cabin at least a couple of times throughout the camp. All leaders
not in a cabin with campers are encouraged to put a positive/welcoming note (can also be accompnaied
by a very small gift (e.g. lolly, sticker etc.) for each child on camp at least once throughout camp. And
of course everyone is encouraged to write to any other child (e.g. children in your sports group) or
leaders on the camp as well! Coming with some already prepared notes can help for leaders, parents,
grandparents etc to save time at camp.
CHAPLAIN (Happy Chappy):
Is responsible for camp studies. One session occurs each
day (half the time is spent with the Chaplain whilst the remainder of the time is in cabin groups for
discussion). The Chaplain determines the theme of the camp. He/she is responsible for activity sheets
or other study material for follow up cabin time after each day’s study, with the possibility of some
preparation material being sent to the leaders before camp. Films, slides, videos, overheads, skits,
music, puppetry etc may be used to reinforce study material. Follow up letters will need to be sent to
the Church of any child making a commitment. As well as to the children, the Chaplain provides
spiritual leadership and support to all leaders.
CAMP DAD:
The fatherly figure of the camp. At the forefront he stresses the Camp’s rules and
regulations, and makes sure rostered duties are carried out (e.g. tables set up for appropriate activities,
extra hands for kitchen duties etc.) Dad is alert and responsive to the needs of the campers and leaders
and to any problems arising during camp. He will be responsible for leading or delegating a short
devotion at leaders meetings suited to the situation of the leaders. Delivers apples at vespers time to
boys’ cabins. Dad is instrumental in welcoming children on the first morning.
CAMP MUM:
Partner in the oversight of the camp with Dad. She is a motherly figure to all,
especially junior leaders and children. Mum handles the medicines for children with sickness
complaints, making her rounds of the camp at night to see if all are well and is responsible for
delivering apples at vespers time to girls’ cabins. Like Dad she is alert and responsive to the needs of
all, particularly the lonely or left-out. A vital role to fill for the camp. Mum is instrumental in meeting
the parents when they arrive with their children.
Camp Dad and/or Camp Mum may also volunteer/be appointed for other duties such as
assisting with sports, games, craft, leading morning praise, assisting ‘Happy Chappy’ during studies
with drama, puppets memory verses, skits etc.
NOTE: The roles of camp Mum and Dad often become entwined, and needless to say the best
credentials for the job are actually being a ‘mum’ and ‘dad’. In the same way Dad or Mum would love
and encourage each of their children, while maintaining family harmony at the same time, so is their
task at camp. Of course with so many children at camp, and with leaders who are more directly
responsible for them, Camp Parents tend to be more ‘figureheads’ than actual leaders. However, the
influence Camp Mum and Dad have upon the camp cannot be over emphasised. Not only to the
children who come from many (even tragic) backgrounds, but also to the leaders who may not know
the blessing of Christian parents. ‘Mum’ and ‘Dad’ epitomize the open arms of a Heavenly Father.
Every spare opportunity should be given to developing the insight the children will gain of God’s
sacrificial love.
Mum and Dad are also available as an extra pair of hands where ever they are needed.
N.B. Camp Parents may need to supply their own concert item!!
SENIOR LEADERS:
Have final responsibility in their own cabin. As an adult figure, they see
to the sharing of responsibilities within their cabin ‘family’ - consisting of two junior leaders and up to
10 children. They will be required to prepare themselves for study and vesper times in which they will
lead their cabin in discussion and sharing of truths learned. Along with the junior leaders, they work to
create a harmonious (and often decorated) cabin. There are endless ideas of what you can bring to
camp e.g.writing material (paper, pens, textas etc.), glue, sticking/masking tape, blu tack, scissors,
stapler, ‘quiet time’ books, games book, decorative wall posters, and any musical instruments you can
play. Don’t forget to delegate resources to the junior leaders too. Coming armed with a concert item
will also be of benefit.
JUNIOR LEADERS:
Are the link between Senior leaders and the children. These leaders are
all important because they are at a closer level to the children, above all else. There needs to be a
smooth working relationship between Senior and Junior leader, lots of communication, prayer and
encouragement from one to the other. You will find it helpful to have contact with your Senior leader
before camp to discuss bringing/sharing resources to camp, possible concert ideas, and any other ideas
for decorating cabins and preparing for the children.
NOTE: Both Senior and Junior leaders may also volunteer/be appointed for other duties such as leading
the singing, sports, games, craft, leading morning praise, assisting ‘Happy Chappy’ during studies with
drama, puppets memory verses, skits etc.
COUSINS:
This role doesn’t actually exist!!! However if your parents are involved in camp
and you are too old to be a camper (past year 7) but too young to be a junior leader (below year 11),
then you are one of the very priveledged few who become a cousin. Sometimes you sleep in a cabin
with the other leaders depending on numbers or will be allocated a separate cabin. You are under the
direction of the senior leader of your cabin and will also be given jobs by the organisers and/or parents.
Basically your role is to say ‘Would I Ever’ when ever you are asked to do anything!!!
CRAFT LEADER:
Needs to design simple but absorbing activities for 4 one hour craft
sessions over the week. Cost of materials will need to be considered where materials can’t be readily
supplied by children. Sessions are led step by step to minimise frustration and waste. Ideas should
include optional activities for fast workers and spare ideas for wet weather. All cabin leaders will assist
the children at tables and where possible will have studied the craft or practiced the skill the night
before. This Leader may also be called upon to assist with other camp activities.
JACKEROO/JILLEROO:
A very much ‘behind the scenes’ person, but so necessary in the
running and flow of a smooth camp.
Tasks include moving tables, transporting
food/equipment/supplies, serving at meals, setting up and/or assisting with morning/afternoon tea,
setting up activities, cleaning/vacuuming, scrubbing pots and 101 other things. They relieve the burden
that would otherwise be on the cabin leaders and will often need to rely on their own initiative to be
where they are most needed. May also volunteer/be appointed for other duties such as assisting with
sports, games, craft, leading morning praise, assisting ‘Happy Chappy’ during studies with drama,
puppets memory verses, skits etc.
MUSIC LEADER:
Responsible for the leading of singing after each meal as well before each
study session and at morning praise. As well as being musical, needs to be confident and enthusiastic,
encouraging all to join in. May appoint different leaders at each meal to lead, while providing musical
accompaniment. Music leaders will often be employed by other leaders for various activites eg.
Morning Praise, and need to liaise with the Chaplain about songs to be used in studies and with
relevant leaders for songs to be used at morning praise. They would also encourage the musical ability
of children by presenting simple items with those who have brought instruments. Are also responsible
to delegate or lead grace before meals. May also volunteer/be appointed to help with sports, games,
craft, leading morning praise, assisting ‘Happy Chappy’ etc
GRANDPARENTS/PRAYER WARRIORS:
Play a significant role in nurturing and
talking with those children who need that extra bit of attention. As the name suggests, they play the
grandparent role. While their general role is to interact with the kids as they go through the daily
program, they are also extra hands for the unexpected jobs which occur. They are there to help out
with discipline and wisdom as necessary.
The other part of the Grandparent role is to spend time interceding in prayer for the whole camp at
regular intervals and leading the early morning prayer time During study time they will spend time in
prayer for the study leader and the cabin leaders as they lead discussions. Leaders may bring specific
prayer requests to the prayer warriors at any time, as can children come and pray with them. A list of
leaders and campers will be available for the systematic covering of prayer of each individual.
May also volunteer/be appointed for other duties such as helping with sports, games, craft, leading
morning praise, assisting ‘Happy Chappy’ etc.
N.B. Camp Grandparents/Prayer Warriors may need to supply their own concert item!!