Open to any children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade, the Christian Day Camp will feature a wide variety of activities tailored to the interests and developmental levels of children in each grade. Taking place at Saulsbury Recreation Area, campers will get to do many outdoor activities, such as creek stomping and water games for younger children and canoeing and archery for children in fourth through sixth grade. Kids who enjoy riding their bikes may bring them to ride from activity to activity, giving them an extra chance to stretch their legs and cut down on the distance between locations. Many community groups and speakers will come to lead special activities, such as Steve Asmus and his petting zoo, the Muscatine Art Center, Muscatine County Conservation, the Muscatine Fire Department, Harper’s Cycling and Fitness, Mike Edmonds from KENT, riding instructor Kathy Smith, and the Methodist Mobile United Missionaries. To top it off, kids will get to partake of other camp favorites too, such as making crafts, learning songs, and listening to Bible stories.
If older campers would like to, they may participate in an evening of overnight camping as well June 16 into June 17. So long as weather permits, campers will get to build shelters and campfires, look for animal tracks using black lights, and participate in a devotion under the stars.
Children participating in an outdoor singing activity during the joint vacation Bible school held by Shepherd of the Cross Lutheran, Zion Lutheran, Grace Lutheran, Faith United Church of Christ, Trinity Episcopal, Frist Presbyterian, and First Christian in 2022. Children and volunteers from these churches will participate in the first Christian Day Camp. Photo courtesy Aleese Kenitzer.
With so many different activities provided in a safe environment overseen by volunteers who have undergone background checks and an on site nurse, the Christian Day Camp has something to offer for all kinds of kids. If any family would like to sign their kids up to participate, they may do so by visiting Shepherd of the Cross’ website and completing the registration form. Registration costs $10 per child, which covers the cost of their day camp t-shirts. Registration closes April 15.
A unique way to connect with the community and make a difference in the lives of children, both Kenitzer and Axtell hope many children will take part in this summer’s Christian Day Camp. “Christian Day Camp is an opportunity for kids – and adults – to be immersed in God’s creation, to sense the depth of Christ’s love for them, to experience the support of friends and community members, and to be a witness of what it looks like to partner together with one another, even across denominational lines, and even between partnering organizations,” said Kenitzer.
“We will learn together, and hope to continue to become an annual event. So come, get ready to have new experiences, meet new friends and adults, learn a new hobby or skill, and be immersed in what we think God’s kingdom should look like!” added Axtell.
