Summer Camp
Our mission is driven by relationship. We believe that fun activities are awesome and are a vital part of our camp experience, but we know that fun activities do not necessarily equate to a good camp experience. We seek to hire college students with a deep desire to help young people grow in their faith, offer an empathetic and listening ear, and provide a safe and stable environment in the midst of the camp setting. We believe that the camper-counselor relationship is an opportunity to develop an authentic reflection of Christian community and discipleship. As such, we love questions. We love the struggles and growth that happens when people share and open up. We love watching others step out in faith as they move closer to God. We also love how our activities help to foster opportunities at authentic relationships. Aside from that, we love God’s creation. We celebrate it, play in it, and learn about it. It will inform our settings for worship, programs, and even connectional opportunities for scripture and curriculum.
At Cedar Crest, we desire for every camper to, above all, have a safe and fun camp experience. Campers of all ages, races, and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to attend. Though we are a United Methodist camp, campers from all denominations and backgrounds are welcome.
Summer Camp today, while still delivering the promise of life lessons and lifelong friendships, today’s camps are continually evolving to meet the needs of 21st Century families and their children. Summer camps, as always, work hard to help today’s kids survive and thrive in their communities as well as the greater global environment. Having been around now for more than 150 years, summer camps are the one summer adventure consistently devoted to kids and their well-being.
When you are looking for a well-rounded camp experience which offers your child all the wonder of summer camp, you’ll want to first determine whether a day camp or sleep away camp is best for your child. In addition, you’ll want to explore when the camp’s enrollment begins, and what fits into your family’s budget and schedule. The camp’s safety protocols for campers and activities, as well as the staff to camper ratio are equally important. You’ll also want to ask the camp how they screen their staff, what qualifications they require, and if they have medical personnel on site. We love your camper and want them to have the best experience, and know that they are also growing…and we cannot be one on one with them! Help us give your growing camper a great experience. Ask the right questions so we can build your experience!
We employ a 1:7 counselor ratio and all camp staff have completed certification in American Red Cross First Aid & CPR. Cedar Crest is accredited by the American Camp Association, the standard-bearer
of best practices for the camping industry.
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Drop-Off & Registration Times:
For Mini Camps 1 and 3, Elementary, Junior High, Senior High, and Adventure Camps, drop-off is on Sundays from 2 - 4 PM.
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For Mini Camps 2 and 4, drop-off is on Wednesday from 9 - 10 AM.
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Pick Up Times:
For Mini Camps 2 and 4, Elementary, Junior High, Senior High, and Adventure Camps, pick up is on Fridays at 11 AM.
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For Mini Camps 1 and 3, pick up is on Tuesday at 3 PM.
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Talent Show Themes:
Each week our campers are encouraged to bring something to wear for our end-of-the-week skit night, or "Talent Show!"
Examples of Talent Show Themes:
Animal Kingdom
Out of this World (Space-Themed Characters)
Cartoons & Characters
Holidays
Superheros & Villians
Olympics & Sports
Cedar Crest Camp is a member of the American Camp Association and has achieved accreditation status, by completing a voluntary peer review process of standards applicable to our program.
The following are the seven core values of camping/theological foundation statements for United Methodist Camps and Retreat Centers:
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Provide Sacred Places Apart
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Nurture Christian Faith and Discipleship
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Teaching Creation Care and Appreciation
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Partner with United Methodist Churches and Agencies
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Extend Christian Hospitality and Community
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Developing Principled Spiritual Leaders
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Inspire and Equip Lives for Love and Justice
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Summer Staff
Our summer staff hiring process goes like this: First, we recruit awesome college students to apply. Then they send an application, background check information, and three references: one from a spiritual leader, one from a teacher, and one from their choosing. They finally have an interview with the Cedar Crest Program Director and if they are hired they participate in staff training. This includes safety/safe sanctuary procedures, CPR/First-Aid for the Professional Rescuer, child behavior through different stages of development, faith formation benchmarks, learning the summer schedule, and how to be the best counselor ever.
Summer Staff Team Positions include:
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Counselors- A summer counselor is a young adult who has finished at least one year of college or other training, and will work directly with youth & children.
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Junior Counselors- Students who have finished their senior year in high school are welcome to apply to be a Junior Counselor. Junior counselors serve during the summer between completing high school and beginning college and receive half the pay full counselors receive throughout the summer.
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CITs- Applications to become a counselor in training, or a CIT, are open to students who have just finished their junior year of high school. Though a volunteer position, this staff role is one that affords a willing high school student the opportunity to serve Cedar Crest by being an active staff member with the campers while learning from the counselors.
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Program Staff- These team members serve as leadership who support the camp program, summer staff members, and campers. Program staff roles include waterfront director, ropes director, summer nurse, and chaplain.
