Camp Ambassador's GUIDE WHAT IS A CAMP AM

BASSADOR?

Camp ambassadors share camp and retrea t opportunities with children, youth, and families in their loc al churches and communities and pr ovide information ab ou t how to become involved in this life-ch anging ministry. Mo re specifically, camp ambassadors act as the Camp Minn esota spokesperson within their churches . They are the conduit for information to flow between cam ps and individual co ng regations. Ambassadors work clo sely with their pasto r(s), Christian education staff, chur ch families, and Cam p Minnesota staff to help make sure familie s are aware of campin g opportunities throughout the year, but primarily in the sp ring, when registration fo r summer camps op ens.

! ! ! Y D A GET RE Camp ambassad

WHY CAMP? Generations of people have grown in their faith through Camp Minnesota experiences. Camp Minnesota provides an opportunity for children, youth, and adults to share and learn about Christ and creation. Camp activities and opportunities will stick with campers for the rest of their lives. Through Camp Minnesota’s three primary campsites—Northern Pines in Park Rapids, Koronis Ministries in Paynesville, and Kowakan Adventures near Ely—Christ is shared in song, word, worship, and by example. All campers experience radical hospitality, explore scripture, have opportunities to care for creation, practice principles of Christian community, are challenged to live a Christ-like life, make new friends, and participate in a variety of fun activities. Camp Minnesota provides an unforgettable summer experience through which campers’ lives are changed forever. Camp Minnesota is open to everyone—not just United Methodists. Camp Minnesota’s mission is to provide quality camp, retreat, and conference experiences in which Christ is offered to as many as possible to raise up faithful disciples so the world is transformed.

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ors are asked to : Work with othe r church leaders to plan a Camp designed to prov Sunday celebrat ide multiple oppo ion—a day rtunities for peop Minnesota, includ le to hear about ing in worship. Camp lW  ork w ith church leader s to set a goal fo financially supp r camp participat ort campers. ion and find way s to lP  romot e Camp Minneso ta through anno uncements, bulle lD  iscus tins, and newsle s Camp Minneso tters. ta in Sunday Scho ol and with youth l Answ groups. er questions and encourage peop le to register for camp! l

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FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH CAMP AMBASSADOR DVD

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How-to-video When you put the DVD into your computer or DVD player, you’ll see a “How to use this DVD” section. Watch this first! It walks you through everything on the DVD.

MAKE A PLAN FOR YOUR CHURCH

Set a date for a Camp Sunday celebration. Work with your pastor and education staff to find a date that works. Some churches make the whole service (scripture, children’s message, message, hymns) about changed lives and opportunities at camp. That is ideal, but your church may choose instead to simply make announcements, pass out information, and extend invitations. Whatever the case, be sure to choose a Sunday when you anticipate a strong turnout.

Video clips l Quick promo video (about 1 minute): Play this during announcement times at worship or at other church gatherings. Short promo video (3-4 minutes): Play this as an extended announcement during Camp Sunday or at other times and show it to youth and Sunday School groups.

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Forms Place DVD in your computer, and follow these four steps to save/print camper-related forms: 1. Open “My Computer”  ight click on “Camp Minnesota 2. R Ambassador’s DVD” 3. Select “Open”  ouble-click on “Camp 4. D Minnesota Ambassador’s DVD DVD-ROM Contents” Access the following forms: l Registration form l Health history & authorization form l Release of liability form l Campership application form

GET SET!!! . . . . . .

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Set a goal for participation. Set a realistic and achievable goal. Take into consideration how many people went to camp last year, the number of new families in the church, and your congregation’s financial capacity to support campers. To find out how many people from your church attended camp in past years, call the Camp Minnesota office (855) 622-1973 (toll-free).

 amp Sunday worship C resources: Use these scriptures, prayers, hymn suggestions, etc., when you discuss Camp Minnesota opportunities with your congregation.  igital copy of camp D ambassador’s guide: Open the same way you opened your forms.

Plan the budget and arrange fundraisers. Find out how much money is set aside or available to support campers from your church. Talk to your pastor(s) and other leaders about whether your church can contribute a portion of the cost for each child who signs up for camp. Camp registration fees range from $72-$420, depending on how many nights campers stay. Some churches contribute up to half of the total cost, and others contribute up to $150 per camper. Consider helping your church arrange a fundraiser to support your campers (and

consider doing one on Camp Sunday); fundraisers could involve a dinner prepared by youth, car washes, bake sales, and any other fun opportunities you can think of. There are also conference camperships (camp scholarships) available; to learn more about them, call the Camp Minnesota office (855) 622-1973 (toll-free).

Request materials from Camp Minnesota. There are enough catalogs for each child in your church community to receive one (plus extras to keep on hand to pass out throughout the spring). Call the Camp Minnesota office (855) 622-1973 (toll-free) to let staff know how many you’d like sent. You’ll receive posters for common areas and extra DVDs along with the catalogs.

Enlist helpers. Find a few “camp friends” within your church who might be willing to help with tasks, speak about their camping experiences, and/or answer questions.

Start getting the word out. Contact (via e-mail or postal mail) every family in your congregation to let them know the date for Camp Sunday, related fundraisers, and any other opportunities to learn about Camp Minnesota. lC  reate a display in a comm on area where families come and go. The display should include a poster and catalogs and brochures. l

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! ! ! GO .

While it is critical to remind families throughout the spring to register for camp, Camp Sunday is when most people will hear (often for the first time) about life-changing camping and retreat opportunities!

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE CAMP SUNDAY

son had his “Our 9-year-old ar, and he first camp this ye ing about cannot stop talk it was!! He how wonderful gets a chance tells anyone he chomping at to tell, and he is ck next year.” the bit to go ba -Camper Mom

Familiarize yourself with what is happening at Camp Minnesota THIS summer so you’re ready to share with children, youth, and families! For example, did you know that campers today get to water ski, sleep in tree houses, ride horses, travel to the Boundary Waters, and swing from ropes high in the air as part of their camping

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experience? p l Look through a copy of the Cam all of list a see to log Minnesota cata mer. events offered this sum esota l Feel free to contact Camp Minn staff or staff at a specific campsite (contact numbers on back of this guide) to ask questions or learn more about camp opportunities.

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2-4 WEEKS BEFORE CAMP SUNDAY

“I hear and see God in the world much more easily when I separate myself from the hustle and bustle, slow down, and listen/watch for him. I learned that at camp.” –Camper

“I’ll always remember the sound of the wind through the pines, the blue color and clear water of the lake, all the friends!” –Northern Pines Camper

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Work with your pastor(s) and other worship leaders. Share with them ideas for how to incorporate Camp Minnesota into worship on Camp Sunday (through related scriptures, readings, children’s message, prayers, hymns, and songs). Enlist some youth to read scripture or lead worship in other ways on Camp Sunday. Recruit some past campers to share their experiences with the congregation (highlights, what they learned, how they grew in their faith, and what they’re looking forward to this summer).

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“I can be myself at

Promote Camp Sunday in these ways: p l Make announcements about Cam Sunday during worship. sletter l Create an article for church new that talks about Camp Sunday (watch for e-mails with Camp Minnesota “Bulletin Bites”—and use them in bulletins). ay l Put information about Camp Sund ng duri ens scre on or in bulletin and/ worship. r Here’s the information to share in you ns: Camp Sunday promotio l Camp Sunday date. become l Need for prayer for families to involved. pers l Need for financial support for cam from your church. ble l The opportunity to wear comforta p Cam on hip wors to es “camp” cloth irts, T-sh ts, Sunday: jeans or shor sweatshirts, hats, etc.

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CAMP SUND AY: THE BIG DAY

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Worship and Sunday Scho ol: Follow the plans you previously m ad e for Camp Sunday, inclu ding incorpo ra ti n g it into worship, invo lving youth, sh owing a camp video , and making verbal announcemen ts. See talking points section later in this guide fo r o utlines and suggesti ons about ho w to address each group.

1 WEEK AFT

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ER CAMP SU

Continue sharing with the congregation (through announcements, newsletter, and bulletin or on screens) that Camp Sunday is coming! Remind people to wear camp clothes.

y felt close “I’m new to the Christianity thing. But I reall life to God, and to God this year. I decided to devote my ol camper that was my favorite memory.” – High scho

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FTER CAMP

SUNDAY …A

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Worship: Let people know that if they missed Camp Sunday last w eek, they can still get in formation an d register for camp. Let them know how to do that and remind th em about the financial assistance yo ur church is p roviding.

2-6 WEEKS A

Decorate the church in a camping/ outdoor theme. A few ideas: set up a tent in the fellowship hall, create a mock r fire with a ring of rocks by the main doo den woo e crud a into the sanctuary, place cross on the altar, or place camp-themed centerpieces in the fellowship hall.

camp!” –Camper

Hold a fundra iser after church to ra ise money to help support cam pers from your church .

Sunday Scho ol: Pass out ca talogs and brochures to any children w ho weren’t at church last week. Continue to use provided videos during wors hip, Sunday School, and with youth g roups.

ND BEYOND Continue to spread the w ord during announcem ent times, in Often, childre church n’s camp newsletters, at Sunday Sch experiences provide their ool, and to youth gro ups. first exposure to Christ. It is not unco Call youth, ch m ildren, and fa mon, after milies camp, for ne in the church w campers a to encourag nd e them their familie to register fo s to begin r camp and to answer attending th their questio eir local Unit ns. ed Methodist C h urch. Make Continue to use the vide sure to follo os during w up with all worship and Sunday Scho ca mpers after ol and camp—and with youth g roups. create a time for them to Arrange ride share their ex s to camp as periences du needed. ring Find out wh w orship. Invit en families fr e them to jo om your in in your church are at ch urch’s fall act tending cam ivities. p, and try to arrange ca rpooling.

“I learned that, no matter what, God loves me—and that to Him, I am always beautiful and perfect. I learned that He will always be there for me when times get tough, even if I don’t think anyone is there for me.” –Camper

“When I arrived to pick [my son] up, the first thing out of his mouth after ‘hi’ was, ‘When can we sign up for next year?’” –Camper Mom

“Camp is always the highlight of my summer!” –Camper

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WORSHIP .

Talking points for ambassadors

Before Camp Sunday worship beg ins, make sure: lY  ou’ve had a cha nce to visit with the pastor and/or chu rch education staff. lY  ou know how much the church will help to pay for each camper to attend camp ($________ lY  ou know whe ____________). n in the service you’ll be speaking. lY  ou know how long you have to speak. lY  ou make it a fun day and presentation: Wear cam p clothes, set up a tent/pretend cam lY  ou have a cop pfire, serve camping food, etc. y of the Camp Minnesota catalog to hold up during your presentation.

1. Introduce yourself. “Good morning, my name is________________.” (Include your connection to Camp Minnesota--as an ambassador and camper, etc. ) 2. Tell congregation about Camp Sunday. Say: “Today is Camp Sunday, which means we’ll be talking in worship and Sunday School about opportunities available through our Minnesota United Methodist camps.” 3. Share why camp is important to you. “Camp is important to me because…” “I’ve always enjoyed camp because…” “I can’t wait to get back to camp because…” “One of the most important things I learned at camp was…” Tell the group that all campers get to: l Meet and have fun with lots of other kids from all over. Engage in activities like swimming, canoeing, archery, high ropes courses, horseback riding, and more. l Spend time with adults who really care about them. l Learn that God is always with them and loves them no

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matter what. Note that: l Every family will receive a camp catalog and brochure (they’ll be distributed to all children in Sunday School that same day). l If they know of others who would like to attend camp (grandchildren, children’s classmates or friends, neighbors, coworkers with children, etc.), they can pick up additional materials after worship. l Camping opportunities are offered through the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The camping team is always listening, adding events, and responding to needs of today’s children, youth, and families! Camp is changing lives by helping people see and experience God in new ways!

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5. Hold up a catalog. Tell the congregation that: l There are two primary campsites for kids: Northern Pines Camp in Park Rapids and Koronis Ministries in Paynesville.

Meanwhile, Kowakan Adventures near Ely hosts and outfits groups exploring the Boundary Waters. All three are great and safe camps! l There are lots of different camping events throughout the summer, and each event offers fun activities and an opportunity to learn about God and grow in faith! l There are camping events for all age levels, prekindergarten through high school, and there are even family and grandparents’ camps! l Some camps involve staying overnight for up to five nights, and other camps involve going during the day and returning home at night. l There are a variety of specialty camps that have a unique focus. There are specialty camps that focus on waterskiing; horseback riding; sleeping in tree houses; and music, drama, and dancing! l All Camp Minnesota camps are accredited by the American Camp Association, meaning that they meet standards for operation, quality, health, and safety. One in five camps nationwide achieves this distinction. l Make sure that you have a Camp Minnesota catalog and brochure before you leave church today. Let people know you’ll be available after the service to answer questions and pass out catalogs and brochures. 6. Funding is available for camp. (Be sure to have talked to your pastor and other church leaders about this in advance.) Let families know that the church understands that attending camp is important—so important that the church has money to help everyone go to camp. Say: “This year, each child can receive $______ to go to camp. And if families need additional financial assistance for the remaining cost, talk to me or the pastor and we’ll come up with a solution. We’ve NEVER told someone they couldn’t go to camp because they couldn’t afford it.” *Camperships: Money is also available through the Camp Minnesota office for those who can’t afford to go to camp. Interested families or their churches should contact Camp Minnesota (855) 622-1973 (toll-free) to learn more.

L O O H C S Y A D N SU . Talking points for ambassadors

Before Sunday School begins, make sure: pastor and/or church education staff. l You’ve had a chance to visit with the _________________). help to pay for each camper to attend camp ($___ l You know how much the church will ess one large group, etc.). School classes (i.e. travel to each classrooms, addr l You have a plan for visits with Sunday with children. l You know how long you have to share ! Minnesota catalog to hand one to EVERY child l You have enough copies of the Camp

1. I ntroduce yourself. lT  here are a vari ety of specialty camps that have a Say: “Good morning, my name is_____ ___________.” uniq ue focu s. The re are specialty camps that focus on (Include your relationship to the chu rch, your connection wat ersk iing ; hors eback riding; sleeping in tree houses; to Camp Minnesota—as an ambassa dor and camper, etc.) and music, drama, and dancing! 2. Tell kids about Camp Sunday. lT  here are cam ping events for all age levels, preSay: “Today is Camp Sunday, and that kindergarten through high school, means we get to talk and there are even about camp!” family and grandparents’ camps! Invi te a friend or Ask: “What is your favorite thing to do classmate to come to camp with you in the summer?” . (Wait for kids to share things like swim lS  ome camps invo ming, boating, lve staying overnight, and others camping, staying up late, sleepovers involve going during the day and retu with friends, etc.) rning at night. Say: “Well, there is a place where you can do ALL of these 5.  H igh light some camps available next things…at camp!” summer. lR  ead through a selection of camp events for the age Ask whole group: “Who has been to camp before?” of the Sunday School group you’re Ask kids who have been to camp to with; share what share with the group: mak es those events special or unique. “What were your favorite things abo ut camp? What did you lM  ake sure that children know that ALL events include learn at camp? What are you most look ing forward to next swim min g, craf ts, great food, s’mores, Bible study, summer at camp?” cam pfire s, and music. 3. S  hare why camp is important to you . “Camp is important to me because… 6. F  unding is available for camp. ” “What I enjoy most about camp is…” (Be sure to have talked to your pastor and other church “I can’t wait to get back to camp beca leaders about this in advance.) use…” “One of the things I learned at camp Let the kids know that their church was…” understands that (Share some specific things campers attending camp is important—so imp get to experience: ortant that the where they sleep, activities availab church has money to help everyon le, the great food, e go to camp. the camp counselors, etc.) Say: “This year, each child can receive $______ to go to Tell the group that campers get to: camp. If the amount left is still too muc h for the family to pay, let your Sunday School teacher, lM  eet and have pastor, or someone else fun with lots of other kids from all ove r. at church know. We’ll make sure ALL lE  ngage in acti kids can go to camp.” vities like swimming, canoeing, arch ery, *Ca mperships: Money is also available high ropes courses, horseback ridin through the g, and more. Camp Minnesota office for those who lS  pend time with need assistance. fun adults who really care about you . Interested families or their churche lL  earn that God s should contact Camp is always with you and loves you no Min nesota (855) 622-1973 (toll-free) to matter what. learn more. 4. P  ass out catalogs and brochures. 7. Answer questions that kids hav e. Tell the group that: 8. R  emi nd children to take their camping lT  here are two information primary campsites for kids: Norther n home to show their parents. Encour Pines Camp and Koronis Ministries. age them to go to through the catalog with their fam lT  here are lots of ilies. different camping events throughout the summer; each event offers fun acti See you this summer at camp! vities and an opportunity to learn about God and grow in your faith!

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OTHER S E I T I N U OPPORT Volunteer: If you have the desire to help Church retreat or meeti through service and mi ng: Bring the whole ssions…Camp Minneso ta congregation, or a needs you! There are a va sp eci fic group or committee, riety of volunteer to camp for a tour, fun act opportunities available ivities, and great food. for all skill levels and Stay for one day or severa group sizes, and every pa l. ir of hands counts. This is a great opportunity for Team-building retreat: youth groups, men’s Camp Minnesota is the or women’s groups, and pe rfect place for a one-day families! Overnight or weekend retreat accommodations are ava to help build relationshi ilable, and lunch, ps an d team spirit within materials, and supervisio n of projects is provided any group. Consider bringing . a confirmation Call the Camp Minneso class, a youth group, ch ta office (855) 622-1973 urch staff, and other (toll-free) to learn more groups! and reserve space.

CONTACT CAMP CONTACT INFORMATION Camp Minnesota office 122 W. Franklin Ave., Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55404

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Phone: (855) 622-1973 (toll-free) E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.campminnesota.org

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NORTHERN PINES CAMP 20033 Co. Rd. 1 Park Rapids, MN 56470 Phone: (218) 732-4713 E-mail: northernpines@ unitelc.com www.northernpinescamp .org KORONIS MINISTRIES 15752 Co. Rd. 181 Paynesville, MN 56362 Phone: (320) 243-4544 E-mail: office@koronism inistries.com www.koronisministries.c om KOWAKAN ADVENTUR ES 2402 Old County Road 18 Ely, MN 55731 Phone: (240) 394-5956 E-mail: camps@campm innesota.org www.kowakanadventu res.org