Camp Connect

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Welcome to Camp Connect!

Our Mission: "Empowering today's youth, to transform tomorrow”. At Camp Connect, we believe every child deserves a summer filled with adventure, friendship, and growth. Since 2014, Maranatha Ministries has proudly offered free camp experiences for children:
• Camp Connect
• Mini Camp for ages 5-8

Nestled on 81 beautiful acres surrounding our church, Camp Connect provides a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore nature, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.

Our Promise: To create a greater presence and awareness of children and their needs while advocating for all children in our community.

Our Vision: To establish a place where our community comes together, giving children a safe and nurturing environment to grow and play.

About Camp Connect

Our Story

Camp Connect began in 2014 with a simple mission: "Empowering today's youth, to transform tomorrow." We strive to provide children in our community with a safe, enriching summer experience regardless of their family's financial situation. What started as a small day camp has grown into a beloved summer tradition that serves dozens of local children each year. Maranatha Ministries recognized that many families struggle to find affordable, quality summer programs for their children. Camp Connect was born from our commitment to meet this need while sharing God's love through service to our community.

What Makes Us Different

• 100% Free: Camp Connect is offered at no cost to families
• Dedicated Volunteers: Our passionate team ensures each child receives individual attention
• Beautiful Natural Setting: 81 acres of outdoor space for exploration and adventure
• Whole Child Focus: Activities that develop physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth
• Community-Centered: Built by and for our local community

Mini Camp – Ages 5-8

A Special Experience for Our Youngest Campers

Mini Camp brings the joy and adventure of Camp Connect to our youngest participants! Designed specifically for children, this three-day program provides age-appropriate activities in a nurturing environment.

Mini Camp Details

Ages: Children 5-8
• 7:45 am - Drop-off & Breakfast
• 8:20 am Welcome and Worship in Recreation Center
• 9:10 am Outdoor Adventure Activity #1 Arts and Crafts
• 10:00 am - Outdoor Adventure Activity #2 Fishing / Archery
• 10:50 am - Outdoor Adventure Activity #3 Outdoor & Water Games
• 11:40 am - Lunch
• 12:05 pm Counselor Devotion
• 1:20 pm- Camp Group Games
• 1:30 pm Camp / Group Roam
• 2:30 pm Closing Circle and Dismissal
• 3:00 pm - Pick-up

Mini Camp Activities

Our Mini Camp program features:

• Shorter activity periods suited to younger attention spans
• Higher staff-to-camper ratio for more personal attention
• Modified games and crafts designed for developing skills
• Gentle introduction to nature exploration
• Special "big buddy" mentoring opportunities with older volunteers

What to Bring to Mini Camp

• Change of clothes
• Closed-toe shoes
• Comfort item (if needed)

Activities

At Camp Connect, we offer a diverse range of activities designed to engage, challenge, and inspire:
Nature Exploration
• Fishing
• Wildlife observation
• Environmental education
• Gardening projects
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Creative Arts
• Arts and crafts
• Music and singing
• Dramatic play
• Storytelling

Sports & Recreation
• Team-building games
• Field sports
• Outdoor skills
• Water fun days
‍
Character Development
• Daily values discussions
• Community service projects
• Mentoring relationships
• Leadership opportunities

Our Future Vision

Camp Connect is growing! We're excited about our plans to expand our facilities to better serve the children in our community. Our future development plans include:
• 10 overnight cabins
• Recreation hall
• Swimming pool
• Basketball court
• Soccer field
• Additional recreational facilities and equipment
These improvements will allow us to eventually transition from a day camp to an overnight camp experience, reaching more children with longer, more immersive programs.

Volunteer With Us

Camp Connect thrives thanks to our dedicated volunteers! Join our team and make a difference in the lives of children this summer.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Camp Counselors: Guide a small group of campers through daily activities
• Activity Leaders: Share your talents by leading specialized activities
• Kitchen Helpers: Assist with snack preparation and distribution
• Registration Team: Welcome families and help with check-in/check-out
• Setup/Cleanup Crew: Help prepare and maintain our facilities
• Administrative Support: Assist with behind-the-scenes organization

Volunteer Requirements

• Must be 16 years or older (junior counselors ages 14-15)
• Complete volunteer application and background check
• Attend volunteer training session
• Commit to at least 3 full days during camp week

To Apply to Volunteer, please call 330-821-3265.

Registration

Registration for our 2026 Camp Connect program is now open! Space is limited, so we encourage families to register early.
• What You'll Need:
• Basic contact information
• Emergency contacts
• Medical information, including allergies
• Photo release permission
• Pick-up authorization