What Is Camp?
In This Section
What is Camp Cherith?
Camp Cherith is a co-ed, non-denominational, Christian camping ministry. We are an accredited member of the Ontario Camping Association and Christian Camping International.
There are actually ettps in North America called “Camp Cherith” – the name “Cherith” is a licensed trademark from the Pioneer Clubs children’s ministry. Despite our recent property change, our legal operating name is still “Laurentian Camp Cherith” (LCC).
The Lord said to Elijah, “Hide in the Cherith (Kerith) Ravine, You will drink from the brook and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.” I Kings 17: 3, 4
Camp Cherith uses this verse as a metaphor for its staff. We are like birds providing spiritual sustenance for the campers whom God has placed in our care. This is why we have traditionally taken bird names as our camp names e.g. Daffy or Jay or Puffin.
Laurentian Camp Cherith is a non-profit organization and a registered charity – our registration number is 11900 9645 RR0001
Camp offers a program designed to meet the needs of boys and girls from grade 3 to 11. We currently run four weeks of summer camp. A typical week-long session of camp can accommodate up to 80 campers.
Campers are placed in cabin “family” groups with a leader and up to 7 cabin mates. Each cabin also houses an activity leader, providing a typical staff-to-camper ratio of between 1:4 and 1:6. All our cabin staff volunteers, ages 17 and up, are professing Christians who have signed the Camp Cherith Statement of Faith.
Camp offers campers a Christ-centered outdoor program that encourages spiritual and personal development by emphasizing evangelism, discipleship, skills development and a greater appreciation of God’s creation around them. Camp presents each child with the reality of Jesus Christ as the living Savior, and an opportunity to have a personal relationship with Him. Campers will have the chance during the week to learn from the Bible, apply it to their lives, and grow as Christians.
As staff, we want to show the kids a Christ-like attitude that they will want to model. Staff members should remember that they are role models who demonstrate and teach Christian principles. Parents often tell us how much they appreciate our staff – they can tell that our staff truly love the campers and are not simply “babysitting” or “doing it for the money”! We believe this makes a huge difference!
Who Runs Camp Cherith?
Year-Round
Camp, as a corporation, is owned and run by the Board of Directors. They are a group of 10-12 volunteers who love camp and take on the responsibilities of keeping camp running year after year. They meet every month to set and review policies, fulfill legal requirements such as safety and insurance, and maintain sound financial management. They also enjoy fellowship and talking about camp! Individuals may serve for a maximum of 6 consecutive years on the Board before taking a break.
Like any board, the Board of Directors consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a number of Officers who take care of portfolios such as camp marketing and communications, fundraising, site improvements, and program and curriculum planning. Volunteers also take care of property management and maintenance. The Board of Directors welcomes volunteers who have ideas or skills to contribute and would like to serve on one of these committees!
During Each Week Of Camp
The following is a summary of the different roles in every week of camp. Your role will likely be one of these;
Camp Director: a Camp Director who provides leadership and spiritual guidance to the rest of their staff team runs each week of camp. Camp Directors report to the Board of Directors and work closely with them to plan, organize and control the running of their camp week. They must uphold the philosophy, objectives, and standards set by Camp Cherith.
Program Director: While the Camp Director may be focused on administrative tasks and spiritual guidance, the Program Director is responsible for the “fun stuff” that campers associate with camp, including singing, games, decorations, and other thematic elements. They coordinate all-camp activities and coordinate the activity staff schedules. Program Directors are often a useful resource for ideas, crafts and games.
Divisional Director: Camp is divided into several age groups, and within each age group there are cabin leaders for male and female staff. The Divisional Director provides leadership and support for all the cabin leaders in his or her division. They coordinate the divisional evening programs through the week, and report to the Camp Director.
CILT Leader: CILTs are “Campers In Leadership Training”. The CILT program is a special program that runs across two weeks of camp, two years in a row, and teaches campers the fundamentals of leadership while giving them opportunities to practice their skills in many different areas of camp. CILT Leaders are dedicated to teaching and discipling this group and coordinating their activities with the other divisions at camp.
Service Team Leader: The Service Team is a program for older campers, which provides them with an opportunity to do service projects around camp including site improvements and maintenance. Service Team leaders take charge of their crew for the week and provide spiritual guidance in addition to hands-on project work.
Head Cook: The head cook organizes the kitchen and work schedules for their kitchen staff. They organize the food supplies, handle mid-week food deliveries, and provide meals and snacks for the week based on a set menu.
Assistant Cook: Several assistant cooks and their head cook together form the kitchen staff in any given week. One of the most celebrated positions at camp! Cooks prepare and serve food during camp, and coordinate evening snacks with Divisional Directors.
Health Care Worker: Responsible for the health needs and safety of campers and staff.
Business Manager: Responsible for the administration of office paperwork, fulfilling orders at the tuck shop, and making business trips to town for supplies when necessary.
Maintenance: Helps keep the campsite and equipment clean and in good working order.
Groundskeeper: The Groundskeeper is a staff member that keeps camp looking great by cutting the grass, trimming the shrubs, keeping on top of the repairs, etc.
Activity Specialist: A staff member primarily responsible for running elective activities and assisting with an assigned division during evening programs. Activity specialists report to the Program Director.
Head Lifeguard: Organizes the waterfront. They are responsible for coordinating the waterfront staff, and participate actively in lifeguard duties.
Lifeguard: Oversees the waterfront during water activities, both during activity periods and during free time. Lifeguards may be asked participate in divisional evening programs where water activities or out-trips are planned.
Cabin Leader: The “front line” staff members who interact most with the campers. They care for the needs of an individual cabin group of up to 7 boys or girls and are a friend and spiritual mentor. Cabin leaders conduct daily Bible studies and devotions with their groups and take an active role in divisional evening programs each night. This can be one of the most challenging, but also one of the most rewarding roles at camp!
Camper Divisions
Camp is divided into age divisions to provide smaller, more manageable groups and also to minister to specific needs of campers in each age range. Each camper is placed into a division by grade and assigned to a cabin in their division. Each cabin houses the cabin leader, an additional leader (activity or admin staff) and a maximum of 8 campers. Campers remain in their cabin groups for Bible Exploration and meal times, and cabin groups within the same division enjoy evening programs and campfires together.
Most activity periods (such as canoeing, woodworking, etc.) are open to campers in any division, with a few exceptions for activities designed specifically for older or younger campers.
Divisions are organized by what age group the child is going into this fall. Typically, the divisional age groups are:
Pathfinders – Grades 3, 4, 5
Trailblazers – Grades 6 and 7
Challengers – Grades 8 and 9
Explorers – Grades 10 and 11
CILT – Grades 10 and 11
Service Team – Grades 10 and 11
Not all age groups are offered each week, and sometimes similar age groups are combined due to staffing or registration situations.
Camp Schedule
At A Glance
Each week of camp begins on a Sunday and ends the following Saturday. Staff should arrive at camp-at the latest-by 9:00 am on Sunday morning. It is preferred now that staff arrives at camp the night before so they can familiarize themselves with camp, and get themselves settled in. On Sunday morning, before campers arrive, we hold a worship service and provide time for staff to check in with the Camp Director and Health Care Worker before being assigned to their tasks.
Campers begin arriving on Sunday afternoon. The entire program on Sunday afternoon and evening is focused on getting campers comfortably settled into their cabins and introducing them to their peers and the camp environment. Campers are excited and energetic, so we play games to help them burn off some steam and enjoy a big campfire together. All of these activities are coordinated by the Camp Director and Program Director.
From Monday to Friday, camp follows a typical daily schedule which we will describe in a moment. Campers choose three elective activities, and will attend them through the week. Each day there will be devotions, Bible Studies, evening programs, contests, and other fun activities. Campers have free time to hang out with their friends or sign up for special games and activities.
Saturday is the last day of camp. There are no activities. After breakfast and a group photo, campers are dismissed to their cabins to pack and clean up, and parents arrive later in the morning to bring their children home. Staff stay to clean up their cabins and activity areas (lunch is provided). See the section later about camp cleaning and closing procedures.
Multiple Weeks?
Some campers, and many staff members, come to camp for two or more consecutive weeks. Even so, you should plan to go home with everyone else on Saturday when the week is over, and return the following Sunday morning. This will give you an opportunity to do laundry and get a good night’s sleep in your own bed! You may stay at camp if you wish, but there will be no supervision and you will be responsible for your own meals.
The “Typical” Daily Schedule
The “typical” daily schedule is shown below. Actually, most days have some kind of special event or other activity which results in minor changes to the schedule, so follow the schedules given in your Daily Planner or any instructions given to you by your Camp Director or Program Director.
7:30 Staff Prayer Meeting
8:00 Camper Wake Up
8:30 Flag Raising and Morning Watch
9:00 Breakfast
9:35 Divisional Meeting and Capers
10:05 First Activity
11:15 Second Activity
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Capers and Cabin Cleanup
2:00 Bible Exploration
2:45 Rest & Relaxation
3:45 Tuck & Free Time
5:00 Third Activity
6:15 Supper
7:15 Administration Meeting, Capers and Cabin Time
8:00 Flag Lowering
8:10 Unified Evening Program
Activity
Snack
Songfest
Campfire talk
9:30 Pathfinders Bedtime
10:00 Trailblazers Bedtime
10:30 Challengers Bedtime
11:00 CILT and Explorer Bedtime
11:30 All Camp Lights Out
What are Capers? What is Tuck?
In camp lingo, “capers” refers to the task of cleaning up the dining hall, wiping down the tables, as well as collecting and preparing the dishes to be washed. A commercial dishwasher operated by camp staff does the actual dishwashing. Camp promotes “family style” small groups, and sharing responsibility for these tasks is one of the values we encourage. Each cabin will take a turn doing kitchen and dining hall capers, and are encouraged to spend time keeping their cabin tidy as well.
“Tuck” refers to snacks (soft drinks, chips, chocolate and candy bars) which may be purchased and eaten at a specific time each day. Part of promoting healthy eating is recognizing that “junk food” may be enjoyed in moderation – this is why we place a limit on the amount that can be ordered each day. Other items such as camp clothing and souvenirs may also be purchased. With the new tuck building, campers will be able to go to the “tuck store”, during the allotted time, to choose from the junk food variety.
Special Events Throughout The Week
We call the above schedule “typical” but ironically, only one day of the week (Monday) actually follows it exactly. Other days have special events and traditional activities:
- Sunday First day of camp
- All-Camp Unified Evening Program
- Monday The only “normal” camp day!
- Tuesday Polar Bear Swim (early morning)
- Wednesday Sleep Out!
- Thursday BBQ Dinner
- Talent Show (All-Camp)
- Friday Camp Triathlon
- Costume Banquet
- Awards and Performances (All-Camp)
- Saturday Last day of camp
The Unified Evening Program
Each evening, after dinner and observing our traditional flag lowering ceremony, campers move into what we call a Unified Evening Program, or “UEP”. Why do we call it this?
Well, perhaps most obviously, it takes place in the evening.
It is a program, meaning we have specific activities planned well in advance. It is not simply a free-for-all, nor do we make up things to do as we go.
A typical evening program consists of the following:
Games (or other fun activity)
Snack
Songfest
Campfire Talk
Finally, all activities throughout the evening are unified, meaning there is a definite structure, flow, and generally a theme to all of the events. (The theme is usually related to either the fun theme of the week or the spiritual theme or lesson being taught that day.)
Campers might start off playing silly, loud, boisterous and active games. As they burn off energy, we transition to quieter games until they are seated around a campfire. They may start singing or yelling loud and silly songs, eventually flowing into more reflective, spiritual songs of praise and worship. A leader might then share a story or testimony. The entire evening flows smoothly and transitions carefully from high-energy and active to a quiet and reflective time.
Divisional UEPs and All-Camp UEPs
Some nights, the entire camp will experience the same evening program together. Sunday evening (the first night of camp), and Thursday and Friday evenings, are all-camp activities. The Program Director plans these evenings and calls upon other activity and divisional staff to help.
That leaves Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, which are divisional evening programs, meaning each division does its own thing. For example, Challengers might play Capture the Flag in an open field while Pathfinders enjoy a game of “Sink the Canoe” at the waterfront. After these games, each division will head to their own campfire areas and enjoy their own songfests and talks.
Each Divisional Director is responsible for planning their divisional evening programs, with the help of their cabin staff and assigned activity staff.
Activities
When campers sign up for camp, they select three elective activities which they will participate in all week long. Activities are co-ed and available to all age groups (with some exceptions). We try to offer the same selection of activities each week, but they may vary based on camper demand and availability of staff to lead them. Class sizes vary depending on camper demand but the camper-to-staff ratio is always a maximum of 8:1.
Our typical selection of activities includes:
| Archery | Kayaking |
| Bogs and Frogs | Movie Making |
| Canoeing | Newspaper |
| Cooking | Snorkeling |
| Crafts | Sports and Games |
| Digital Photography | Surprise (for younger campers only) |
| Drama | Survival Skills |
| Fishing | Swimming |
| Guitar Lessons | Woodworking |
| Hiking |
Activity Staff (including Waterfront Staff) are responsible for leading or helping with three activity periods each day.
Divisional Directors and Cabin Leaders are responsible for leading or helping with two activity periods each day. (You have one activity period “off”—more on this later.)
Camper Rules
We emphasize these rules to our campers both for their own health and safety as well as to encourage respectful behavior. As a staff member, you are a role model for the campers. As such, you are asked to observe these rules as well. Wherever possible, emphasize to the campers the reasons behind the rules, so they know and understand why a rule exists.
- Keep your language clean.
Set a good example to others by not swearing or using other crude or offensive language.
- Don’t go to waterfront when the rope is across the gate.
This means no lifeguards are on duty.
- No unsupervised tree climbing.
Some trees are thin and weak, others are old and fragile. In either case, a drop from heights can be a painful injury.
- Gobbler Green and Archery areas require supervision.
We need to be able to supervise campers at all times, and also quickly locate everyone at camp in case of an emergency.
- Sandals or open-toed shoes are not allowed outside of the waterfront.
Rocks and twigs can enter through holes in your shoes and cause painful injuries, or worse. You may also be exposed to irritants such as poison ivy and insects.
- Do not enter the cabin circle or any cabins of the opposite sex.
This is a moral issue and is strictly enforced. Anyone caught inside a cabin of the opposite sex will be immediate sent home. There are a few exceptions for staff in particular circumstances (e.g. the Health Care Worker).
- Don’t leave your cabin at night (except to go to the washroom).
It is not safe to be wandering outside unsupervised in the dark.
- Do not wear bathing suits in the dining hall, even under clothing.
This is a hygiene issue – damp bathing suits are unhealthy.
- Take off hats in the dining hall and at flag raising and lowering.
This is out of courtesy and respect.
- No electronics allowed (except cameras or shavers).
Electronics distract from camp activities and are at risk of damage, theft or loss.
- No food allowed in the cabins.
Food attracts “unwanted guests”!
- Books are allowed at “Rest and Relaxation” time only.
Campers who spend all their time reading are missing out on the social aspects of camp life. Sometimes they do this intentionally. We encourage campers to develop social skills and learn to overcome shyness or awkwardness. Camp is a “safe” setting and a great place to make friends.
- Wear rubber boots only when it is raining.
Rubber boots do not circulate air well, and this will lead to a horrible smell!
- Campers should keep clear of the kitchen except during supervised activities.
Sharp knives, slippery surfaces, hot foods – and annoyed cooks – can all cause injury!
- Showers are for leaders only. Campers may shower at Free Time if given permission from their cabin leader.
Our septic bed cannot handle excessive water drainage, and heating costs for hot water can be significant. The river is available for swimming and cooling off. In general discourage campers from using the shower unless there is a good reason to do so (yes, “they stink” is a good reason.)
- Do not use soap or shampoo in the river.
These items contain chemicals that may be harmful to the living organisms in the river.
- Do not play with the fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, air horns, or other safety equipment.
We need these to be in good working order in case of a real emergency!
Mission Project
The purpose of our camp Mission Project is to provide campers with an awareness of missions and an opportunity to participate. In providing donations from their tuck money, campers also learn about tithing.
Since 1999, Camp Cherith has sponsored two children living in Guatemala through Compassion Canada. They start off as roughly the same age as our Pathfinder age group, and “come to camp with us” in a virtual sense as we track their growth and development over the years. Whenever a child grows old enough to leave the sponsorship program, we choose another young child to sponsor in their place.
Campers are introduced to the children by name and have an opportunity to see the photos and letters that our sponsored children send us. Campers also have the opportunity to write letters to send to our sponsored children.
Each week we give a short presentation telling campers about our sponsored children and give campers an opportunity to donate some of their tuck money toward this mission project. All the money we collect is sent to Compassion Canada.
