Apply for a 2024 Day Camp
Fillable Form for Day Camp Programs
Crosstalk Ministries (CTM) has over 40 years of experience developing Summer Day Camp programs, and training young adults to help churches and communities across Canada in running joyful, exciting, and edifying programs for children 4-12 years.
Prior to COVID-19, each summer, our Travelling Teams were invited into a wide variety of communities to present the program, and support local helpers in leading Day Camps. For summer 2020 the decision was made to cancel all Day Camps, due to the pandemic and to offer a weekly “virtual “ taste of Day Camps, which we named “Terrific Tuesdays”.
As of 2021 we have transitioned our Day Camp Program to a locally-led model. Here’s what we have in store for summer 2024:
Is your community looking for a summer outreach ministry that goes beyond the average boxed VBS? Well Crosstalk Ministries Day Camps is ready to meet your needs! Our Program is great for communities who are looking for a low cost, pre-planned and all-inclusive package that provides churches and communities with an affordable outreach opportunity for families from all income levels. Day Camps are also a great way to generate more community involvement and are adaptable to a wide variety of contexts.
For summer 2024 we are offering “Signposts” exploring pivotal passages from the Gospel of John. Each day campers will experience one of these five exciting stories: “They Have no Wine,” “Your Son will Live,” “They Have Opened My Eyes!” “Lazarus Come Out!” and “I Have Seen the Lord!” Our program will unpack the passages through songs and games, small groups, crafts and liturgical dance all geared to children of 4-12 years. CTM offers two different models to meet your needs.
1 – Classic Day Camp
An in person, locally-led, program for churches & communities with five days of content lasting 5 hours each day.
Includes:
- Camper registration template
- Poster template
- Community Planner
- Supply List
- Program Manual
- Team Training Videos
- Liturgical Dance Video
- Craft Sample Photos
- Team Leader’s Folder
- Access to a CTM Mentor (an experienced former Travelling Team Leader, assigned to join your Set-up Meeting and Daily Team Meetings via an online platform)
Cost: 550$
(If you do not require the service of a mentor make sure to tick the box on the form you will receive an automatic discount of 100$)
The Extended Day Manual – Optional
Additional resources to extend the program content to 8 hours.
Cost: 50$
2 – Backyard Day Camp
For host churches and communities who feel unable to mount an in person program but would like to bring the Day Camp experience into the homes of campers and their families. This includes five 2 1/2 hour long sessions. OR for smaller churches and communities that would like to run an in-person half-day program.
Includes:
- Camper Registration Template
- Poster Template
- Supply List
- Craft Sample Photos
- Secure access link to a private online platform with content for the 5
- Daily Stories including puppet videos, sing-along songs, small group
- materials, crafts, games and daily challenges.
Cost: $250
Both packages include digital copies of all necessary promotional and program materials with the Classic Day Camp package also including comprehensive training videos for volunteers. Whatever your community’s situation, one of these programs can help ensure that the children of your church family, and wider community have and wonderful Day Camp week in 2024.
Access the fillable Day Camp Application form or contact the Office: office@crosstalkministries.ca to receive a pdf version via email.
Once your application form and payment are processed you will receive an Acceptance Package including:
- Camper registration template
- Poster template
- Community Planner
- Supply List
- Program Manual
Later in the spring you will receive the Resource Package including:
- Local Team Training Video
- Song Files and Chords Sheets
- Liturgical Dance Video
- Craft Sample Photos
- Local Team Documents Folder
Here is an outline of a typical (5 hour) day at Day Camp day for those who choose The Classic Day Camp, in-person option. Your community can also purchase the Extended Day package if you wish to run longer. The Backyard Day Camp offers a half-day format.
Communities holding in-person Camps are free to further modify the schedule to their own timeframe.
- 9:00 All Leaders arrive for a short time of reflection, prayer and preparation.
At this time, the Local Team gathers to discuss and plan for the day ahead. Often a local leader or clergy person is asked to lead a short reflection. (If choosing the “Classic Day Camp” your Mentor will also join this meeting via an online platform to assist you in planning the day.)
- 9:50 Campers arrive – Registration
Registration should be done by the Day Camp Coordinator so that connections can be made with caregivers as well as campers.
- 10:00 Main Presentation
This is the part of the day where the campers encounter the Scripture story for the day. It is also a time of singing, dancing, and general enthusiasm.
- 10:45 Refreshments
Most communities provide snacks for the campers, however they can also be asked to bring their own and have a little break for socializing and relaxing before proceeding to Small Groups.
- 10:50 Small Groups
Campers are divided into age-specific groups to discuss and interact with the Scripture story of the day.
- 11:20 Games
This needs no explanation.
- 12:00 Lunch
4-5 year old campers go home, unless Scrambler Afternoon Program being used.
- 12:30 Creative Connection
This is a time for artistic expression, to connect with God in tangible, physical ways and to prepare liturgy for the Closing Gathering at the end of the week.
- 1:15 Special Event
This is the traditional “wide game” part of the day, held outside when possible.
- 2:45 Songs and Closing Prayer
- 3:00 Finish ‑ clean up
- 3:15 Team Meeting
At this time, the Local Team gathers to reflect on the day, and to prepare for the day to come. (If using the Classic Day Camp you may choose to again include your Mentor in this meeting.)
If you have decided that that one of these options is what your church or community is looking for then all you need to do is fill in the application form, and submit it along with your payment (payable by E-Transfer, PayPal or cheque.)
Once your Application Form has been accepted you will be provided with a detailed advance materials package.
If your Church or Community would like further information please email the office or call us at 514-418-1414. We look forward to connecting with your Community!