At Horizon Summer Camps, we want your input into the theme, the structure, and the planning of camp. We desire to create a camp that fits with your youth ministry philosophy. We want to become an extension of your youth ministry and you make the difference. To learn more about our camps, read below.

Horizon Camp Planning

Has your student ministry ever planned camp and taken care of all the details-- finding a location, booking your worship leaders, or writing your curriculum? It puts a lot on your plate and leaves you burnt out when it's over. Or maybe you've been on the other end of youth camp, where someone else does all the programming and you don't have input into the theme, structure, and philosophy. But what if you did?

Our goal is to meet you somewhere in between. What if you had a voice in camp planning, but didn't have to put every detail together? Would you like to be heard in the development of camp? We meet twice a year to discuss the issues affecting your students and how we can design a camp to meet those needs. Like you, we value creativity, quality, and freedom. Our Camp Planning Meetings are your gateway to plan camp with us. Opportunity is knocking at your door...we 'd love to partner with you and your ministry!

The following dates for camp planning are:

November 1, 2011: MONKS Coffee Shop in Abilene

January 24, 2012: MONKS Coffee Shop in Abilene

Camps 2011

Session 1 Middle School Camp (June 20-24, 2012) 

Heart of Texas Camp - Brownwood, TX

Session 2 (June 25-29, 2012)

Heart of Texas Camp - Brownwood, TX

Signature Camp Events

Celebration
Filled with music, videos, games, and other surprises, this is a time when we highlight youth ministers and students. From 80s to Western to Beauty and the Geek, we program Celebration around a daily theme and max it out with tons of energy. This aspect of camp gets better and better each year. You never know what to expect at Celebration!

The Lounge
A few years back, we discussed how to provide students with a way to learn and practice spiritual disciplines in a comfortable environment. The Lounge was born and experienced a great amount of success for the past 2 years. Led by our youth ministers, the Lounge is an optional opportunity for students to grow and deepen their personal worship before evening worship. Disciplines practiced at our 2006 Camps included: Practicing the Presence of God, Sacred Reading, and Examen. Our 2007 Camps featured multiple worship stations ranging from a Prayer Labyrinth to the Stations of the Cross. Each year we add a new opportunity for enhancing yourtime of personal worship.

Block Party
At the close of each day, campers pack the house for our themed Block Party. We provide the music, entertainment, special guests, and concessions. You dress up and provide the rest. This event has gained momentum since its inception and is a student favorite. During Celebration the next day, we give shout outs to the students with the best outfits, costumes, and spirit.

FAQ

Registration time? Registration is from 12:00-2:30 PM on the campus of each camp ground.

Conclusion of camp? The final Celebration for camp finishes at 10:15 AM on the final day. At this point all students will load up on their bus/van and make their way home, therefore check out of rooms should take place before the final Celebration.

Dress code? Horizon does not enforce a dress code at camp, this includes swimming, evening services and daily activities. If you choose to enforce a dress code among your students this will need to be enforced by you and your volunteers.

Sponsors? The role of sponsor is to be a small groups leader. If the correct number of sponsors are brought by each church most small groups can have two leaders per group. Please inform your volunteers that they will be in charge of a group of 8-15 students with a possible partner to assist them. 

Need to bring money? Students will have the opportunity to purchase band merchandise, as well as things from the Horizon gift shop. Throughout the week there will be snacks, drinks, and snow cones available for purchase during Rec time, Block parties and other opportunities.

Block parties? Students are encouraged to "go all out" for Block Parties and dress according to the themes. Games, prizes, and snacks will be available. By setting the example as the youth minister or intern, we would suggest you dressing up and enjoying the party and in turn your students will follow the example set for them.

Things not to bring? General electronics are not allowed at Horizon camps, including iPods, cell phones, boom boxes, DVD players, laptops, hand held gaming systems, ect. If someone on the Horizon staff sees any of these items they will be confiscated and returned to the youth minister.