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Serve. Lead. Endure.

Our Goals

  1. Relationships That Stick
    • We want the relationships made in this program to last more than these three weeks. Over the course of the next year(s) on staff, and even 10 years later when they come back to visit Camp, do they look forward to seeing each other? Do they make an effort to stay in touch outside of the summer time? We want those answers to be a resounding “yes”.
  2. Character Maturation
    • We want to see tangible change in each person’s life, even as soon as three weeks after arriving. We want to build a healthy view of the world, of service, of daily routines and rhythms. We want to help mold their character to be one that aids their pursuit of Jesus and his mission for us as vessels of change in the world.
  3. Return as Staff the Following Year
    • We want to continue building into each applicant, ideally through summer staff.

 

All campers must sign the Camper Agreement and the Tech Agreement in order to participate in the Aftershock program. Please read these with your camper:

CAMPER AGREEMENT             TECH AGREEMENT

 

With each week that goes by in Aftershock, our hope is that campers continue to grow in both skill and experience, learning what it means to lead in a Christ-centered way. Through hands-on opportunities, personal reflection, and intentional mentorship, they will begin to understand how their gifts can be used to serve others, build community, and model the heart of Jesus in everything they do.

 

DATES: July 19 – August 8 (through August 22 if volunteering)

COST: $1,200

 

Schedule

Week 1 - Lead Through Service
Campers will go on a multi-day trip to a local community, serving in a variety of meaningful ways while building relationships founded on trust, selflessness, and shared memories. Throughout the experience, campers will gain a deeper understanding of what Christ asks of His leaders: to notice those in need, to step toward opportunities to serve, and to willingly offer our time and effort to make life a little easier for the people in their homes and neighborhoods.
Week 2 - Lead by Example
Campers will transition into Teen Week 2 as full-fledged participants, stepping into an added role as the unspoken leaders of the week. They’ll come prepared to bring energy, set the tone for games and discussions, and help foster meaningful relationships. Throughout the week, we want them to be viewed as examples for the younger campers, demonstrating what it looks like to live out the fruits of the Spirit in how they engage with counselors, other campers, chapel, and every part of Camp life.
Week 3 - Lead Back Home
Continuing on as campers, they’ll participate in the full Senior High Week experience while also breaking off for Aftershock-specific programming. The goal of this week is to strengthen the growth from the previous two weeks, and prepare them to carry it forward once they return home. They’ll engage in discussions about the challenges they may face in maintaining the spiritual momentum and relational growth they’ve gained, as well as practical ways to stay connected to Jesus in everyday life. They’ll also explore what it means to be a leader in their schools, families, and communities, living out their faith with confidence and purpose.
Weeks 4 & 5 (Optional) - Volunteer on Staff
Campers will have the opportunity to stay for an additional two weeks to volunteer on staff (August 8-22). They will live in our staff cabins and get to eat, work and play alongside our staff. This will give them a taste of what it's like before hopefully joining for a full summer next year.

Service Trip

In partnership with YouthWorks, we will go on a weeklong mission trip to partner with and serve the community of Rutland, Vermont. Throughout the week, students will step into real needs, becoming hands-on problem-solvers and discovering strengths they didn’t know they had. Students will find their voice as they learn to advocate for others, while also growing in resilient, adaptable community-building skills that will carry beyond the trip. Alongside the service projects, there will be intentional time set aside to meet with Jesus, reflect, and deepen your relationship with Him and with the friends who will walk this journey with you.

YouthWorks Info

Vision: A world where Christ followers are known for hospitality, service and justice.

Mission: We create experiences that empower this generation to love their neighbors.

Values:

  • Relationships First – The antibody to othering
    • We back people across denominational lines, distinctive cultures, polarized religious landscapes, and divergent age groups to unify communities who find it hard to see and hear each other.
  • Respectful Service – No religious tourism or “voluntourism”
    • We go into communities by invitation only and stay invested with individuals, churches, schools, and service organizations permanently planted in these communities for the long run (for decades!).
  • Real World Experience – Service-based learning
    • We open doors for people with formative growth opportunities that equip them for a fruitful future relationally, spiritually, and practically.
  • Resource Ready – Simplicity with substance
    • We take away the complexity and make things easy for people with well-organized and well-planned, themed experiences.