welcome to cedarkirk! · the people in your small group and learn a little more about yourself...

Welcome to Cedarkirk!

A place apart to build up the body of Christ in love.

Greetings, from a place apart!We are so excited for you to join us this summer and we can't wait to share with you all the excitement, adventure, friendships, and faith development that happens at camp.

Since our summer programs began in 1971, Cedarkirk has remained "a place apart to build up the body of Christ in love" for its many campers. We are preparing a space for you in our community this summer so that you can feel loved as part of this family and feel free to be yourself as you encounter the love of God in this place.

We are confident your week with us will be full of exploration, challenge, personal growth, and fun. You will grow close to your counselors and the people in your small group and learn a little more about yourself during your time at camp. You get to take part in helping us craft the community that comes together each week of the summer, and we look forward to getting to know you and the skills, humor, and joy you bring to camp with you.

We believe that time spent at camp can change a life forever! Coming to camp is an investment in your future and we invite you to join us with a spirit of openness to new experiences and anticipation for all the wacky fun we can pack into a week of camp.

We look forward to seeing you this summer!

The Staff at Cedarkirk

Regardless of the particular program, every camper will try new things, find a voice in their small group, take on responsibility, explore their faith, and have so much fun doing it!

The core of our summer program is the community that forms here each week among staff and campers in their small groups, and we make sure every camper is a part of it.

Your camper will experience all of camp with their small group, under the guidance of their counselors. In this setting, friendships and trust are built, and respect and care for one another thrives.

Most of a camper's day is spent in their small group at activities like games, canoeing, Bible study, swimming, arts & crafts, and more. After

dinner, small groups in the same age range will come together for supervised free time, worship, and night activities.

The Value of CampThe summer camp environment is exceptionally conducive to helping young people develop, learn, and grow in faith. It is a safe place to try new things, to build friendships, and to cultivate a healthy sense of self.

An expansive body of research shows that time spent at camp – and away from home – helps kids grow! Cedarkirk campers can:

build faith through shared relationships and experiences

gain respect for – and appreciation of – our planet

utilize imagination, creativity, and play

learn social skills and nurture lasting friendships

emulate strong role models

develop lasting leadership skills

be valued for exactly who they are

cultivate independence, self-esteem, and identity

become more comfortable and confident in nature

construct and adhere to shared, communal values

The Cedarkirk Experience

cedarkirk campers leave with a sense of accomplishment and a greater appreciation for their own abilities. They gain a deeper comprehension of their relationship with God and a new perspective on what they are capable of achieving.

Cedarkirk's Summer Staffour staff are equipped with the skills necessary to create a physically and emotionally safe environment within which all campers can thrive, grow, and have fun!

Our counselors are crucial to shaping and upholding the community that forms here at camp. They are energetic, dedicated, Christian young adults who have committed their time and energy to caring for your child and creating an environment that is both fun and supportive.

Each staff member goes through an extensive hiring process that includes personal interviews and fingerprint background checks. All staff receive twelve days of intensive training prior to the beginning of camp and ongoing instruction throughout the summer.

Staff training covers a diverse range of topics, including outdoor living skills, effective management of a small group and how to relate to the needs of individuals within that group, facilitation of all camp activities, positive behavior management techniques, certification in first aid and CPR, and a whole lot more.

Summer Theme : PEACE WORKSthis summer, we will explore together the Biblical concept of peace. Using stories from the Bible and concepts from a variety of cultures, campers will better understand peace from a variety of perspectives. Peace is a nuanced word. Each day of the curriculum focuses on one aspect of peace and will unpack a little more of this small word that has big implications. Campers will learn that the God who created and sustains us wants us to live in harmony, and that true peace is achieved through small actions and decisions we take part in every day!

Daily Word Scripture Focus

Aloha Luke 14:15-24;Great Banquet Hospitality

Ubuntu 1 Corin. 12:1-27;Body of Christ Community

ShalomGen. 27:1-29;

Jacob & Esau's conflict

Responding to Conflict

AgapeJohn 13:1-17;

Foot washing & last supper

God's Reconciling Love

HeiwaMark 12: 28-31;

Great Commandment

Self-sacrifice / Unity of All

Si Se Puede

Luke 10:25-27; Good Samaritan

Active Peacemaking

AlohaJohn 14:25-27;

My Peace I Give to You

Receiving and Spreading

Peace

Explorer CampGrades 1-3 | A/C Lodging

Junior Camp SamplerGrades 3-6 | Rustic LodgingIf you can't decide which Junior program to attend, this is the one for you! In addition to the games and classic camp stuff you love, your group will sample activities from other camps, like Culinary, Mad Science, and Woodwise. Join us for an exciting week and try a little bit of everything!

June 2-7 | July 28-Aug. 2

You & Me Family CampAges 3-12 with adult relative |A/C Lodging

Creative CampGrades 3-6 | A/C LodgingEngage your creative side as you work on a variety of art projects and camp crafts - together and individually. You'll also have plenty of time for building community with new friends, growing closer to God, exploring the woods, and experiencing lots of camp activities, games, and worship.

July 21-26

June 9-11 | June 12-14June 23-25 | June 26-28

Water WonderAdventure CampGrades 3-6 | Rustic LodgingDive into a week centered around God's gift of water! From activities on the Alafia River and Cedarkirk's pool to a sleep over and behind-the-scenes tour at the Florida Aquarium, you and your group will swim, float, and paddle your way through this exciting week at camp.

June 23-28

Are you looking for a chance to get away from your busy schedule? Do you want an opportunity to grow closer as a family while spending time in God's beautiful creation? You & Me is packed with outdoor fun like swimming, family worships, hunting for shark's teeth, and zip lining. Take time to relax as a family, share meals and fellowship with other families, and make some wonderful memories at camp!

August 4-6

grades 3-6 completedgrades 1-3 completed & families

This two-night program for our youngest campers makes for an excellent introduction to camp! Explorer campers participate in all the camp activities appropriate for their age group and spend lots of time outside exploring creation and indulging their inquisitive dispositions. A low ratio of campers to staff ensures that every child receives the attention and nurture they need as they experience the excitement of camp for the first time!

grades 3-6 completed grades 3-6 completed

Junior Adventure CampGrades 3-6 | Rustic Lodging

Connect deeply with nature, God, and the people in your small group as you traverse the woods, cook a few meals over a fire, and learn hands-on outdoor living skills. Prepare yourself for an incredible week of exploration, adventure, and your favorite camp activities.

June 9-14 | July 7-12

Mad Science CampGrades 3-6 | Rustic Lodging

Indulge your inner mad scientist by doing cool experiments in the strangest laboratory of all: camp! When you're not in the midst of scientific exploration, you'll be running around camp with your small group taking part in all of your favorite camp activities.

June 16-21

Junior Culinary Camp Grades 3-6 | A/C LodgingPrepare delicious treats and dishes to dazzle your family and friends back home! When you're not in the kitchen, you and your group will cook up some of your favorite camp activities during this week of fellowship, fun, and fresh culinary experiences.

June 16-21 | June 23-28 | July 7-12

Camp QuestGrades 3-6 | A/C Lodging

Put your creative and thrill-seeking nature to the test! Embark on a new pursuit each day, working with your group to tackle challenges and complete your quests. Twists and turns await your group at all of your favorite Cedarkirk activities!

June 2-7 | June 16-21 | July 28-Aug. 2

Woodwise Adventure CampGrades 3-6 | Rustic Lodging

This camp is focused on outdoor exploration and learning about the flora and fauna that surround us at camp. When you're not doing Woodwise games and activities, your small group will be canoeing, zip lining, playing gaga ball, cooking out, and more.

July 21-26

Camp Cipher – NEW!Grades 3-6 | Rustic LodgingIf you enjoy solving puzzles and coded messages, you'll love this new camp. Work your way through this week of camp activities by helping your group complete brain teasers, logic puzzles, and other conundrums. You'll even cap the week off with an escape room of our own creation!

July 21-26

Amazing Animals – NEW!Grades 3-6 | Rustic LodgingDo you love learning about the amazing animals that inhabit our world? At this camp you'll learn awesome facts about local creatures from the present and past and spend a night at Zoo Tampa. You'll also have plenty of time for classic camp activities and growing in your faith!

June 9-14


Middle School Culinary Camp

Spend some time in our kitchen learning how to prepare a multi-course meal for your family and friends! The rest of time at camp will be filled with exciting activities like archery, canoeing, climbing the high ropes course, games with your small group, unique culinary cookouts, and more!

June 9-14

Grades 6-8 | A/C Lodging

Middle School ConferenceGrades 6-8 | A/C Lodging

June 2-7 | June 9-14June 23-28 | July 7-12

July 21-26 | July 28-August 2

Good times and great memories abound at this classic camp program! Take part in all of your favorite camp activities, have time to hang out with new friends, discuss issues that matter to you, and leave with a deeper understanding of your place in the world as a child of God. Come see why this program is our most popular middle school option.

Music, Arts & Drama CampGrades 6-12 | A/C LodgingDelve into your creative side at camp! Sample a variety of artistic disciplines throughout the week – music, drama, and visual arts. The rest of your time will be spent doing camp activities, learning more about your relationship with God, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

July 7-12

Middle School Night Owl CampGrades 6-8 | A/C LodgingDuring this laid-back week of camp your group will sleep in each morning and stay up late at night. Do all your favorite activities – by sunlight or moonlight – and have cookouts under the stars, unique night events, and late-night worships with all of the other Night Owl groups.

July 14-19

Mid-HighAdventure CampGrades 6-8 | Rustic Lodging

Get ready to know yourself, your new friends, and God better than ever as you push your boundaries during this exciting week! Prepare for adventures along the river during an extended canoe trip, a camp out in tents, a roped tree-climb, fantastic cook outs, and all of the other camp activities our adventure campers look forward to each year.

June 16-21

Taking the service and leadership aspects of SHL even further, CLIP campers continue to develop their leadership skills by spending part of each day shadowing and assisting counselors in elementary groups, then debriefing the experience afterward. Expect a rewarding week of challenge, growth, and small-group fun.

CLIP is only open to campers who have completed two previous summers of SHL.

*CLIP campers receive 45 service hours for their work at camp.


Rivers & RopesGrades 9-12 | Rustic Lodging

June 23-28

Our most adventurous camp is one you definitely won't want to miss! If you enjoy the physical and mental challenge of high ropes courses and the laid-back skills required for piloting canoes and kayaks, this might be the best week of your summer. Get your feet wet with a kayak trip on the Alafia River and a climb on Cedarkirk's high ropes course, then head off site for more Ropes & Rivers adventures!

Senior High Leadership [SHL]Grades 9-12 | Rustic LodgingExperience this meaningful week at camp and see why most campers say this is their favorite program at Cedarkirk. Gain leadership skills while you wash dishes and lead recreation and canoe trips with elementary-aged campers. Of course, there is still plenty of time for camp activities and absurd fun with your own small group.

*SHL campers receive 30 servicehours for their work at camp.

June 2-7 | June 9-14 | June 16-21 June 23-28 | July 7-12

July 21-26 | July 28-Aug. 2

Christian Leadership inPractice [CLIP]Grades 11-12 | Rustic Lodging

July 7-12

High School Service Camp - NEW!Grades 9-12 | A/C LodgingIf you love camp and have been looking for a way to give back, this is your chance! You'll spend a part of each day working on a project to benefit camp. This year we will build raised beds and construct a garden for camp so we can grow some of our own food!

*High School Service Campers receive 12 service hours for their work at camp.

June 16-21

Music, Arts & Drama CampGrades 6-12 | A/C LodgingDelve into your creative side at camp! Sample a variety of artistic disciplines throughout the week – music, drama, and visual arts. The rest of your time will be spent doing camp activities, learning more about your relationship with God, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.

July 7-12

High School Night Owl CampGrades 9-12 | A/C LodgingDuring this laid-back week of camp your group will sleep in each morning and stay up late at night. Do all your favorite activities – by sunlight or moonlight – and have cookouts under the stars, unique night events, and late-night worships with all of the other Night Owl groups.

July 14-19

Reach Out ConferenceAges 18+ | A/C LodgingReach Out campers live within a supportive community while having the time of their lives. Swimming, archery, crafts, singing, worshiping together, roasting marshmallows around a campfire, bowling, and performing in a talent show are some of the activities these campers look forward to year after year. A high ratio of staff and volunteers ensures that each camper receives the care they need and a safe and enriching camp experience.

June 2-7 | July 28-Aug. 2

A supplemental application is required for Reach Out participants, which must be approved by camp staff to complete registration. In order to create a safe place for all, Reach Out campers must be able to effectively communicate their basic needs and wants, maintain their own hygiene and bathroom needs, and be able to interact with peers and staff appropriately.

Week-long day camp programs available from June 3 – August 2Cedarkirk summer camps hit the road and come to you! Imagine hosting a Cedarkirk camp program at your church! This partnership between Cedarkirk and your congregation builds an exciting outdoor ministry experience at your church. We arrive with fun activities, engaging curriculum, and energetic counselors – everything needed for an awesome week of small-group focused day camp. We look forward to serving the children in your congregation and in the community surrounding your church!

if your church is interested in learningmore about hosting

Traveling Day Camp, contact Rebeca Franca,

at [email protected].

adults (18 years +)

Traveling Day Camp

Health & SafetyThe health and safety of your child is our first concern and priority. Camp programs are not without risk, but we aim to minimize this and maximize fun through effective staff training, mandatory safety procedures, and quality supervision. Cedarkirk has a first aid center and every staff member is certified in first aid, CPR, and the use of an AED. Emergency response facilities are located minutes from camp and a regional hospital is just over 10 miles away. Camper medications are kept locked and dispensed by the on-site healthcare specialist. All activities with increased risk are supervised by a skilled, experienced staff member trained and certified in that particular activity. Pool use and off-site water activities are monitored by certified lifeguards. Some Cedarkirk programs involve off-site travel; these campers will travel in Cedarkirk vehicles driven by directors or trained staff over the age of 21.

ScholarshipsWe believe that every child who wants to come to camp should be able to attend. If you are in need of financial help to send your child to camp, scholarship money is available to assist you. Be sure to also speak with your pastor or church educator: they often have money budgeted to help families pay for camp. Scholarship money is awarded for one camp session per camper each summer and is entirely confidential. You may print a scholarship application from the summer camp page at www.cedarkirk.org.

Withdrawal & Cancellation PolicyWe understand that complications arise and you may have to withdraw your child from their program. The initial $75 deposit is non-refundable and will not be returned. Cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the start of the program will receive a full refund (less the $75 deposit). No refund will be given for cancellations made fewer than 14 days from the start of the program. If your child is asked to leave camp due to behavioral issues or chooses to leave for any reason, your camp fee will not be refunded. Requests for refunds due to illness or emergencies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Our Facilities & Food ServiceNestled on 170 acres along the Alafia River, we have air-conditioned and rustic lodging (electricity and fans, but no A/C), and a variety of activities, playing fields, and trails. We serve all meals "family style" and can accommodate vegetarian and gluten free diets, as well as certain food allergies. Visit our website for more information about our facilities and food service.

RoommatesSome campers ask for a specific roommate during their stay at camp, but a huge part of the camp experience is making new friends and developing community within a group. Most Cedarkirk campers do not come with a roommate, but you may request ONE (this request will be honored only if BOTH parties request each other). Requests for more than one roommate are not guaranteed. It is our policy to place siblings in separate groups when possible, unless we are advised otherwise. Cedarkirk invites all campers to come with an openness to new experiences and relationships.

Summer WeatherWe try to provide the opportunity for all campers to participate in every activity available for their age group. However, due to Florida's summer weather pattern of rain and thunderstorms, some activities may not be possible to complete during your child's week at camp. Counselors are trained to teach and lead alternate indoor activities during such times. In spite of rainy days, campers have fun playing and laughing inside Cedarkirk's facilities.

for answers to questions, tips on preparing your child for camp, and what to expect when you arrive, please refer to the PARENT HANDBOOK on the summer camp section of our website.

Helpful Information

How To Register

You will see three prices listed for most camp programs (see the table to the right). Cedarkirk's voluntary tiered pricing structure is intended to help families recognize how much a week at camp really costs and then select the level of payment most appropriate for their circumstances. Cedarkirk's summer programs are supported with surplus monies generated by our year-round retreat ministry and the gifts of donors. A tiered pricing model allows families an option to more fully support the total cost of their child attending camp if they are financially able. Please consider the three tiers and choose the best fit for your family.

Tiered Pricing

Tier I is Cedarkirk's historic program rate and does not reflect the full per-camper cost associated with providing summer programs.

Tier II is an approximate midpoint between the historic program rate and the full cost of providing a program for each camper.

Tier III closely accounts for the full cost of providing Cedarkirk's summer programs for each camper.

Go to www.cedarkirk.org to register for your program!Visit our website to see up-to-date program availability, register for camp, pay a deposit or balance, and fill out forms required for camp.

PLEASE NOTE: A $75 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your camper's spot. Required documents must be submitted at least 14 days before your program begins. Any remaining balance must be paid by May 29th or your camper may be unenrolled.

Dates Programs graDesComPleteD

Costtier i

Costtier ii

Costtier iii

June2-7

Junior Camp Sampler 3rd — 6th $410 $485 $600

Camp Quest 3rd — 6th $430 $505 $620

Middle School Conference 6th — 8th $420 $495 $610

Senior High Leadership (SHL) 9th — 12th $275 $350 $465

Reach Out Conference Ages 18+ $395 - - - - - - - -

June9-14

Explorer Camp [June 9-11] 1st — 3rd $235 $265 $325


Junior Adventure Camp 3rd — 6th $405 $480 $595

Amazing Animals 3rd — 6th $450 $525 $640


Middle School Culinary Camp 6th — 8th $430 $505 $620


June16-21

Camp Quest 3rd — 6th $430 $505 $620

Junior Mad Science 3rd — 6th $410 $485 $600

Junior Culinary Camp 3rd — 6th $430 $505 $620

Mid-High Adventure Camp 6th — 8th $415 $490 $605

High School Service Camp 9th — 12th $295 $370 $485


June23-28



Water Wonder Adventure 3rd — 6th $455 $530 $645



Rivers & Ropes 9th — 12th $430 $505 $620


July7-12

Junior Adventure Camp 3rd — 6th $405 $480 $595


Music, Arts & Drama Camp 6th — 12th $430 $505 $620



Christian Leadership in Practice (CLIP) 11th — 12th $250 $325 $435

July 14-19Middle School Night Owl 6th — 8th $430 $505 $620

High School Night Owl 9th — 12th $430 $505 $620

July21-26

Woodwise Adventure Camp 3rd — 6th $405 $480 $595

Creative Camp 3rd — 6th $420 $495 $610

Camp Cipher 3rd — 6th $420 $495 $610



July 28 - Aug. 2

Junior Camp Sampler 3rd — 6th $410 $485 $600

Camp Quest 3rd — 6th $430 $505 $620



Reach Out Conference Ages 18+ $395 - - - - - - - -

Aug. 4-6 You & Me Family CampAges 3-12 w/ adult

Age 3-5: $60

Age 6-12: $105

Adult: $140

Members of churches in Peace River or Tampa Bay Presbyteries receive$20 off the prices listed above. [Excludes You & Me and Reach Out.]

Multi-Session Discount: If one week of camp just isn't enough for you, register for a second week (or third, or fourth!) and receive 10% off the price of subsequent camps. The discount will be applied automatically to any additional camps the camper signs up for this summer.

Capital Campaign UpdateSummer Mission Initiatives

Meals of Simplicity

Challenge To Change Mission ProgramCompleted Grade 6 – adult | A/C Lodging

Challenge To Change is an all-inclusive program that seeks to combine hands-on work with social justice-themed worships and community building activities. If your youth group is looking for a local mission trip opportunity, we will provide your group with the sacred balance of worship, study, service, recreation, and personal growth. Join us for a fun and challenging week of physical outreach and spiritual transformation!

If your group is interested in taking the Challenge To Change, check out our website for additional information.

Each Wednesday we serve a simple lunch of beans, rice, and tortillas (with a PB&J option). We want our campers can see what is standard fare for many in our world and prompt discussion about poverty issues and food justice. The money we save by preparing this simple meal is donated at the end of the summer to a non-profit that combats food insecurity either locally or globally. We also serve one meatless meal during the week to prompt campers and staff to think about the environmental impact of our food choices.

We donated $900 last summer to Heifer International, an organization committed to ending hunger around the globe through gifts of livestock and education in sustainable agriculture. This summer's mission recipient will be announced during the Meal of Simplicity each week!

Fundraising continues for our capital campaign and we are so grateful for the many generous donors who have contributed toward the sustainability and continued growth of this ministry. We have raised about $1.5 million for construction of the new dining hall, administrative wing, retreat cottage, and improvements to Cedar Lodge.

Setting a Place for All

New single-level dining hall with 250-seat capacity

Centralized office andadministrative space

Additional adult-friendlyretreat cottage

Renovations to Cedar Lodgefor enhanced meeting space

Existing dining hall presents challenging access for persons

with mobility issues

Dining facilities can no longeraccommodate increasing demand

Meeting space for program and guest use is extremely limited

More bedroom spaces are needed to serve a variety of groups

WHAT are we building? WHY are we building?

WAYS you can get involved!We invite you to pray for this effort and to consider making either a one-time contribution or three-year pledge. We look forward to partnering with you to preserve this important ministry for years to come!

for campaign details and online giving, visit:www.cedarkirk.org/campaignLearn more at: www.cedarkirk.org/mission/mealofsimplicity

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welcome to cedarkirk! · the people in your small group and learn a little more about yourself...

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