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What
are the most important reasons parents send their children to camp?
What makes MaWaVa Christian Camp unique? What happens in a "typical" day at MaWaVa?Who can attend MaWaVa? What does
MaWaVa stand for? What are MaWaVa Christian Camp's
Core Values?What is MaWaVa's program
emphasis? What is the counselor-to-camper
ratio? How old are the camp counselors? What are the desired qualities in camp staff? How does the camp handle special needs? How are behavioral and discipline problems handled?
What should I bring to camp?
What should I do to prepare my child before he/she
leaves for camp? What should I do if
adjustment problems (such as homesickness) do occur while my child is at
camp?
What are the most important reasons parents send their
children to camp?
- Camp helps build self-esteem and confidence (28%)
- Camp is a safe environment (22%)
- Camp is a place to build social skills and make friends
(21%)
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What makes MaWaVa Christian Camp unique?
MaWaVa is committed to the skills and values that are learned during a
Christian camping adventure. MaWaVa Christian Camp is built on the same
philosophical foundation as the Pioneer Clubs program. Campers...
- study God?s Word and have ample opportunities to discuss what they
learn, find Christ, learn more about Him, and walk closer with Him. The
underlying goal is to help campers learn to make Christ Lord in every
aspect of life.
- build relationships with one another, their counselor, and other
camp staff. A sense of community is established as campers live together
in small cabin groups and relate to others in a variety of small and
large group activities.
- have many opportunities to learn new skills, develop natural
abilities, try new things, and apply what they learn in a loving, safe
and accepting environment. They learn to appreciate the uniqueness of
others while gaining an individual sense of worth and purpose.
- learn to enjoy and be comfortable in the outdoors and better
appreciate the world God has provided for us.
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What happens in a "typical" day at MaWaVa?
While each day at camp is unique and has its own special features, they
have many things in common. So, no matter which week of camp you choose,
you will find there are certain things you can count on if you are a
MaWaVa camper.
Your day will include:
- Flag Raising: the official launch of the camp day
- Morning Watch: the time campers spend alone with God reading
God's Word and praying
- Cabin Capers: all the cabins are cleaned and put in shipshape
order ready for inspection
- Bible Exploration: in cabin groups, campers explore the Word
and memorize scripture lead by their trained counselors
- Skill Building Activities: campers select activities to do
each day where they learn new skills and experience new things.
Activities might include swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, archery,
nature lore, riflery, camp craft, orienteering, and crafts.
- Free Time: campers have time to relax with friends,
cabin-mates, counselors, and camp staff. The camp "Tuck Shop" is also
open during this time to purchase snacks or other things.
- Three Great Meals: planned by a dietitian, prepared by an
experienced cook and served with love three times a day
- Evening Programs: special evening programs relating to weekly
or divisional fun themes provide campers with lots of fun and enjoyment.
- Singing and Campfire: each week includes special devotional
times and singing around a campfire. Singing is a huge part of our camp
experience and you can rarely find a time without it!
- Cabin Devotions: counselors spend time with their campers
each evening in a time of Bible reading and prayer before lights out.
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Who can attend MaWaVa Christian Camp?
All young people who have completed 1st grade through high schoolers
are welcome at MaWaVa. You do not have to be involved in Pioneer Clubs to
attend.
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What does MaWaVa stand for?
MaWaVa stands for Maryland, Washington DC, and
Virginia, the tri-state area supported by our camp.
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What are MaWaVa Christian Camp's Core Values?
- God Honoring: This is the value we hold most dear. It is the
thread that will be woven throughout our programs, curriculum, contacts,
and all other aspects of our ministry.As we seek to honor God, we
believe He will honor our work by fostering faith in the children and
youth that we seek to serve.
- Bible Based: We embrace Scripture as God?s Word and the
authority for all aspects of life.It is the core of everything Pioneer
Clubs does and the tool we use to introduce children to Jesus Christ and
the gospel and to disciple them.A primary goal of our curriculum is to
help children use, understand, and apply the Bible in daily life.
- Child Focused: We believe that all children are important to
God, and we desire to assist our partners in creating an exciting and
relevant ministry to effectively communicate God?s love to children and
youth. Therefore, we will help create a safe atmosphere where children
can meet Christ and choose to live for Him.
- Holistic Ministry: We affirm that authentic Christianity
touches every aspect of life.Our curriculum and ministry will be aimed
at helping children and youth grow into godly men and women in all ways
- physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
- Excellence: We strive for constant improvement in every
aspect of ministry.We want our curriculum, communication, and training
to be of the highest quality.
- People and Relationships: We are a relationship-oriented
ministry.We recognize the
significance of children building healthy relationships with adults,
peers, and children of other ages in the context of the local church.We
greatly value the people we work with, both within the organization and
our constituency at large, as God's creation with important gifts.In our
contacts with others, we communicate respect by our courtesy and prompt
fulfillment of commitments.
- Christian Community: We believe that the church is God?s
community and the primary channel of His work on earth. We work through
churches and other ministries to reach children and youth and encourage
them to get involved in a local church.
- Responsible Stewardship: We recognize that all we have comes
from God. He is the source and owner of all the gifts, resources, and
supporters we have. We are merely managers with the responsibility to
wisely use all that we have to bring glory to God and expand the
boundaries of His kingdom.
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What is MaWaVa's program emphasis?
Each camp has its own method of constructing programs based on its
philosophy. Additionally, knowing your child's personality and style of
learning is valuable in selecting the right camp. Many camps actively
promote competition and healthy rivalry among camp teams, as reflected in
team sports. For many campers this is pure fun. Some parents feel that
learning to be competitive at an early age teaches essential survival
skills. However, other parents and educators are in favor of cooperative
learning. Research has shown that noncompetitive methods encourage young
people to learn more, retain it longer, and develop greater self-esteem
and appreciation for others. For these reasons, our camp has a program
emphasis on co-operation and relationships.
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What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?
ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special
needs. Generally, the ratios at resident camps are established as: One
staff for every six campers ages 7 and 8; one staff for every eight
campers ages 9 to 14; and one staff for every 10 campers ages 15 to 17.
MaWaVa Christian Camp meets or exceeds these guidelines.
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How old are the camp counselors?
ACA standards recommend that 80 percent or more of the
counseling/program staff be at least 18 years old. We strive for this
goal.
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What are the desired qualities in camp staff?
The same qualities of trustworthiness and dependability sought by any
employer are valued commodities in camp employees. Also, the ability to
adapt to a variety of situations, empathy for and ability to work with
campers, a strong self-image and an outgoing personality are important
characteristics for camp staff. Our camp staff also need a saving
knowledge of Jesus Christ. For more information on camp staff, please see
our Staff Page.
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How does the camp handle special needs?
If your child has special requirements, ask the camp director about
needed provisions and facilities. Is there a nurse on staff? A designated
place to store insulin or allergy medicine? Are special foods available
for campers with restricted diets? Every question is important.
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How are behavioral and discipline problems
handled?
This is where the director's philosophy comes through loud and clear.
Positive reinforcement, assertive role-modeling and a sense of fair play
are generally regarded as key components of camp counseling and
leadership.Rules are necessary in any organization and the disciplinary
approach taken is reasonable and well communicated.If penalties are
involved for violations, they are applied quickly, fairly, calmly, and
without undue criticism to campers.
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What should I bring to camp?
While a complete list is sent to you after camp registration, here is a
basic list of things your camper will need at camp:
- Bedding: sleeping bag or sheets, pillows, and blankets. Bunk
beds with mattresses are provided. It is known to get cold at night, but
sometimes its hot! For this reason, we recommend something that can be
made to fit any temperature.
- Towels and Toiletries: Do not send your best towels to
camp. Towels at camp will be used for showering, waterfront activities,
and making capes. A small duffel bag is a handy way for campers to carry
and keep track of essentials such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste,
deodorant, comb and brush. In some cases, campers walk to separate
facilities to shower. Shower shoes are recommended
- Clothes: Shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are staples of a
camper's wardrobe. Long pants for leg protection on hikes and horseback
rides. Comfortable, durable shoes -- new shoes should be broken in. All
shoes should have a heel and velcro or laces. A hat doubles as a tick
repellent and as sunscreen (though they'll need both of those things as
well. A raincoat or poncho is a must. Use a permanent marker to write
your camper's name on every item. Additional information will be
forwarded upon registration.
- Equipment: your Bible! Lesser important things are:
Flashlight with extra batteries, Camera and film, Canteen or water
bottle, Sunscreen and lip balm, Insect repellent, Pre-addressed,
Pre-stamped postcards or envelopes (make sure to put them into a
zip-lock plastic bag)
- Medication: All medication (even over the counter) is handled
by the camp nurse. See medical form provided at registration fo more
information. Send in original bottles, along with dosage instructions,
to the camp nurse or health-care facility. Your medical release form
should list all medications.
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What should I do to prepare my child before he/she leaves
for camp?
Consider arranging for a first-time camper to attend with a close
friend, relative, or camp "buddy." Do not tell your child in advance that
you will "rescue" him/her from camp if he/she doesn't like it. Discuss
what camp will be like well before your child leaves, acknowledging
feelings; consider role-playing anticipated camp situations such as using
a flashlight to find the bathroom. Send a letter to your child before camp
begins so he/she will have a letter waiting for his/her arrival, or leave
a letter with the camp staff when dropping your child off. Allow your
child to pack a favorite stuffed animal and/or picture so that your child
will have a reminder of home. Attend a camp fair or presentation at a your
local church/Pioneer Club.
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What should I do if adjustment problems (such as
homesickness) do occur while my child is at camp?
Talk candidly with the camp director to obtain his/her perception of
your child's adjustment. Resist the temptation to "rescue" your son or
daughter from this experience. Acknowledge your child's feelings and
communicate your love.You might say, "If you still feel this way in two
days, we'll discuss what we can do." Support your child's efforts to work
out the problems with the help of the camp staff. Remind him/her, if
necessary, that he/she has made a commitment.Trust your instincts: The
occasional child who is truly not enjoying anything, having a miserable
time and not adjusting to camp life at all should be allowed to return
home after a reasonable amount of time and effort.
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