PSR Camp's Goals & Outcomes for Campers

From our 2014 parent survey, parents were asked the question, 'What does PSR Camp do well?'

If camp is a fun and exciting place where children spend a week outdoors making new friends and learning new things, then we're only doing half the job. Our goals for camper are just as diverse as the camper who attend each season.

Here are a few examples of the things we expect campers to reach for and find while on their camp experience at Pine Springs Ranch.

1. To connect campers with God.

• Cabin counselors will share a worship thought during family group time in his/her cabin. Family group time is designed with the camper in mind.  Counselors are provided with age appropriate worship material by the programming coordinator. Family group time is meant to be conducted with just the cabin, giving campers time to connect with each other and with God.
• Each morning the camp pastor will share a spiritual message during the camp council time. Camp council time provides campers with the opportunity to worship with other campers.  Songs, nature nugget stories and the camp pastor’s message is all geared towards meeting the developmental, social, and spiritual needs of the campers.
• All camp staff are required to attend and to participate in camp council activities along with the campers. Staff’s active participation reiterates the importance and value placed on camp council worship time.  

2. To provide opportunities that stimulate the development of each camper’s self-esteem, based on the value God places on them as His children.

• Campers will be told by their counselors, activity instructors and cabin assistances that they are a special creation of God and extremely valuable to Him and to camp.
• Camper’s will participate in class/rotation time activities  that have been designed to build self-esteem as an individual and as a member of a larger group.
• During big event, cabin free, meals and other camp events, campers will participate in getting-to-know-you games, team building activities, and other developmentally appropriate camp activities.
• Staff will provide the campers with positive self-esteem comments and encouragement throughout their stay at PSR camp.
• Campers are encouraged to share with their parents about what they have learned or have worked on at camp.

3. To share with campers the importance of respect.

• During village meeting, the boys and girls coordinators will share with every camper their expectations regarding respect for lead and assistance counselors, instructors, and other campers. Campers are also expected to respect themselves and respect each others personal spaces.
• Issues covered in village meetings will depend on the developmental needs of the particular age group and gender of campers.

4. Appreciate nature as God’s creation.

• Part of PSR’s mission is to encourage campers to take an active role in the stewardship of our environment. We have been charged to be good stewards of this earth, and it is our responsibility to teach campers how to be good stewards. Campers will participate in at least one nature session while at camp, work together as a cabin to help with campus cleanups and clean their cabin on a daily basis.
• Campers will have the opportunity to participate and connect with nature through hikes, outdoor programs, outdoor worships, and other environmental activities. Sabbaths are spent walking around campus participating in various “reach out” activities. these outdoor activities are age appropriate and are geared to meet the needs of the campers.
• Recycling bins are provided to campers and staff around campus.

5. To provide situations for each camper to set goals and challenge themselves while discovering his or her own skills and abilities.

• Campers will participate in activities during the week that will personally challenge them. Activities such as ropes challenge course, swimming, hiking, archery, go-karts, gymnastics, self defense, etc.have all been designed to challenge campers in a safe and developmentally appropriate way.
• Campers will have the opportunity to work in small groups during cabin time on site to contribute to worships, discussion, and activities. Trip campers will have the opportunity to work in small groups during cookouts, while they plan, prepare and clean up after meals as a group with each camper taking on different roles.
• Camp activities are designed to teach campers as least one or more new skills while at camp.

6. To allow each child to experience group living, away home.

• Campers stay in cabins, housing 5 to 8 campers. Campers are assigned to cabins by request or by random selection by the girls and boys coordinators. Cabin time presents many opportunities for campers to play, bond, and study the Bible together with their counselor. Having campers stay together teaches kids, lessons in getting along, respect, communal living and keeping the cabin clean.
• Campers will learn to follow their camp counselor.  
• Campers are encouraged and expected to aid in decision making. Cabins create the rules which are posted for everyone to see.
• During big event, outposts, free time, activity time, campers are given the opportunity to meet new friends. Big event games are designed to teach campers teamwork, positive sportsmanship and the benefits of healthy living.

We'll see you at camp!

~Jeremy