Activities
Scheduled Activities
Events tagged “During Activity Time” will be available during scheduled activity times per the Family Camp Schedule.
*Asterisked activities cost extra for consumable materials. Please expand the activity for details.
On your own activities
Activities tagged “On Your Own” may be enjoyed whenever during your time at camp. Create your own schedule!
Rappelling
Enjoy rappelling from ALERT’s 48′ Rappelling Tower! All necessary equipment and safety gear are provided. Minimum
age requirement is 8 years. Loose-fitting pants/knee-length shorts only. No flip flops, skirts (safety issue), or spandex leggings, please.
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES. No previous sign-up is required.
Rock Wall
Pick from three different challenging routes to reach the top of the wall. All necessary equipment and safety gear are provided. Minimum age requirement is 8 years. Loose-fitting pants/knee-length shorts only. No flip flops, skirts (safety issue), or spandex leggings, please.
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES. No previous sign-up is required.
Archery
Sharpen your aim! Bows and arrows can teach us much about staying on target, precision, and focus. Without Christ, we will fall short and miss the mark. Hone your skill and spiritual focus at this epic camp activity. All targets and equipment provided. Sign-up at the Camp Office.
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES. Sign-up at the Camp Office.
Canoe & Kayak
What could be better than paddling along on a quiet lake with friends & family while the peace of the outdoors lulls you into wonderful rest and relaxation? Absolutely nothing!
Lake Loma is open every day from sunrise to sunset. Life jackets must be worn and children must be accompanied by an adult.
ON YOUR OWN or qualify for Friday’s canoe races during activity times Mon, Wed, and Thurs afternoons.
*Plane Rides
East Texas is absolutely beautiful and it’s even more breathtaking from the air! Experience a thrilling takeoff from the runway of ALERT Field for a scenic adventure that you won’t soon forget!
Waivers must be signed by parents or guardians. Weather permitting.
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES. Sign-up at the Camp Office. Cost: $25/person.
Volleyball
One of the biggest highlights of Family Camp. Play throughout the week in the sports complex or join one of our Sand Volleyball Tournaments for some extra competition. Please respect our Dress Code.
Location: Sports Complex & Sand Courts
ON YOUR OWN or DURING SCHEDULED TOURNAMENT ROUNDS
Disc Golf
Give our exciting 18-hole Disc Golf Course a whirl! Grab a score at Hole One and let the fun begin. Discs are available for sign-out at the Camp Office or you’re welcome to bring your own!
ON YOUR OWN
Horseshoes
Try your aim at this old-fashioned classic! Horseshoe pits and equipment located in the campground. While you’re at it, consider joining us for the Family Camp Horseshoe Tournament!
ON YOUR OWN or join our Horseshoe Tournament.
Fishing
Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some relaxing fishing on Lake Loma! Please bring your own tackle. Catch and release only, please. While you’re at it, check out our Fishing Tournament as well!
ON YOUR OWN or join our Fishing Tournament.
*Trail Rides
Enjoy a nearly hour-long trail ride on some of the most beautiful creatures on earth. All horse lovers ages 8+ are welcome to don their cowboy hats and boots for an exciting ride around campus. Boots or tennis shoes are required. Long shorts or leggings should be worn under skirts. Sign up and fill out release forms at the Camp Office. Please arrive promptly and respect your timeslot.
$25/rider and an additional $10 for a double rider, ages 6-8. Weight limit per horse: 250lbs. Pay for your ride via cash, Venmo, PayPal, or cash app at the barn.
Brush Lettering & Watercolor
If you’re interested in art, don’t miss this opportunity to gather and enjoy creating together and learn new tips from others! Join us for a relaxing time of fellowship and creativity! Guided practice sheets and supplies will be available for beginners and anyone wanting to try a new style. (Please
note that Brush Lettering will not be available Thursday.)
Location: Chapel
*Ponderosa Press
Enjoy the beautifully cozy atmosphere of our Sports Complex Coffee Shop. You’ll love the variety of delicious snacks, drinks, and baked goods available. See you there!
Location: Sports Complex
Menu costs vary per item.
Sports Complex
As the hub for fellowship and a hangout for the entire family, our Sports Complex hosts volleyball, basketball, a nerf park, bear ball, pickleball, ping pong, foosball, nine-square, carpetball, a cozy coffee shop, and more!
Appropriate Gym attire requires loose-fitting clothing. Shorts, sweatpants, and skirts must be at least knee-length. Sleeveless tops, spandex, and other fitted clothing are not permitted. Appropriate gym shoes must be worn by all.
ON YOUR OWN or DURING ACTIVITY TIMES
Pickleball
This fan-favorite combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. We had no idea it would be so popular—give it a swing!
ON YOUR OWN or DURING ACTIVITY TIMES
Nine Square
A fancy version of the beloved classic Four Square, only its 9 squares… and it’s in the air!
Location: Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN or DURING ACTIVITY TIMES
Bear Ball
Bear Ball (Gaga Ball) is a variation of dodgeball played in an octagonal pit. The game involves dodging, striking, running, jumping, and is a whole lot of fun. Let the games begin!
Location: Sports Complex (also outdoors Tuesday afternoon and Friday at the Lakefront)
ON YOUR OWN or DURING ACTIVITY TIMES
Nerf Park
Duck between obstacles, dodge Nerf bullets and defend your position in a fantastically fun, Family Camp experience. All equipment provided.
Location: Sports Complex
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES
Basketball
Get your friends together to shoot some hoops or play a full blown game!
Location: Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN
Carpet Ball
Swoosh, and score! One of the most popular sports for kids during Family Camp.
Location: N. Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN
Foosball
For those who like to play soccer indoors and standing still.
Location: Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN
Ping Pong
Tennis on a table. Paddles and balls available for check out at the Camp Office.
Location: Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN
Board Games
Enjoy time together with family and friends! Board games available from the shelf by the seating area in the Sports Complex.
Location: Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN
Low Ropes
Our exciting, team-building low ropes confidence course is challenging and fun! How’s your coordination, communication, and teamwork? Get your family and friends together and let’s find out!
ON YOUR OWN or DURING ACTIVITY TIMES (Sign up at the Camp Office)
Scripture Assembly
Help assemble portions of John & Romans for Gospel outreach in other countries! You will be able to cut, staple, and collate these Scriptures to be sent overseas. This year we have a goal of completing 20,000 John and Romans booklets. Help Chaplain Burch rise to the challenge and spread God’s word! This family project is suitable for ages 10+. Those under 12 must be accompanied by a parent.
Location: John & Romans Building
Sunday Afternoon and DURING ACTIVITY TIMES
Taste of Journey
Our goal with Taste of Journey is to encourage young people to pursue an intimate relationship with the Lord and meditate on His Word. We hope you can join us and come to know the Lord in a deeper way this year at Family Camp! See Camp Schedule.
Location: Auditorium
See daily schedule.
Story Hour
Children young and old are invited to join us for Story Hour where kids are encouraged in God’s Word and entertained with engaging accounts of God’s faithfulness throughout history.
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons
Location: Chapel
Horsemanship Class
Horses are some of the most beautiful animals on earth. Join us to learn proper care techniques from our skilled horsemasters! No previous sign-up required.
During select activity times. See schedule for details.
Camp Orchestra
Join the Family Camp Orchestra during Camp Meetings! Rehearsals and prelude begin 30 minutes before each indoor meeting. Bring your instrument and join in! Basic proficiency on your instrument is required. The ability to sight-read from the hymnal is helpful.
See the daily schedule for rehearsal times.
*Blacksmithing
Choose from a variety of blacksmithing projects for your family and friends! Projects include a Cowboy Grill, Dinner Bell, Tripod for Campfires, and more!
Location: N. Sports Complex
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES. Cost varies per project. Sign up at the Camp Office.
*Sewing Crafts
Enjoy sewing or would like to learn how? Pick your favorite crafts and let your needlework shine!
Location: Chapel
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES. Cost may vary per craft. Sign-up available at the Camp Office.
Hiking
Enjoy time with your friends and family in the great outdoors exploring the campus. Take a picnic or simply explore the bluffs southeast of the campground for a fun adventure and wilderness scenery!
Our beautiful trails north of Lake Loma will only be open Thursday (all day) and Friday, 7:00 am–12:00 noon. These trails are breathtaking—you won’t want to miss them! See Camp Office for trail maps and enjoy the adventure!
ON YOUR OWN
Bicycling
As a preferred method of Family Camp transportation, bring your bikes and enjoy the beautiful campus! Unfortunately, on campus bike rentals are not available at this time.
ON YOUR OWN
Ponderosa Playground
Younger children are invited to enjoy our campground park featuring swings, monkey bars, slides and a large sandbox. Parental supervision required.
ON YOUR OWN
Camp Quilt
Every year a quilt is made for Family Camp with the names of each family who attended. Visit the quilt display to see the quilts from previous years and sign your family’s own block!
See daily schedule for signature times.
*Bicycle Horse Craft
Pedal your steed in true Family Camp style! Create your own cardboard horse customized for your bicycle in an all-new Family Camp craft while supplies last!
Saturday 3–5 PM
Monday 1:30–4:30 PM
Tuesday (behind the Chapel)
Cost $5/Horse
Special Events
“Special Events” are group events scheduled for camp families to interact and enjoy time together!
Young Adult Fellowship
Young adults are invited to the lakefront for an enjoyable time of fellowship and encouragement in the Word of God. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Ages 18+. Hayrides to the Lakefront at 8:15 PM from the Sports Complex!
Sunday evening
Location: Lakefront
Moms' Tea Time
All of our moms are invited to our first mom’s tea! Enjoy fellowship and encouragement from other mothers while sipping your favorite teas. This tea will only last for about an hour, so please leave any young children or infants with your family members at the camper. This tea is especially for you to enjoy fellowship and encouragement in the Lord!
Monday Morning
Harvest Festival
Join us for a Family Camp Harvest Festival and enjoy an afternoon of crafts and yard games followed by a delicious dinner on the grounds! Bring your picnic blankets! Dinner is available for purchase or you’re welcome to bring your own. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a special evening message at the corral with Dr. Lew Sterrett!
Tuesday afternoon and evening
Location: Chapel/Corral
Invite your friends to Community Night!
Search & Stratego (Father/Sons)
Bike Parade
Decorate your favorite bikes, trikes, wagons, scooters, and strollers to pedal, push, or pull in this patriotic parade. Decorated golf carts and other creative parade floats are welcome as well! All parade entries (excluding bicycles/strollers) must be registered at the Camp Office by Monday, Oct. 11.
Bike decorating starts at 10:00 am (S. Sports Complex); parade lineup will
begin at 11:00 am behind the Sports Complex. Parade starts at 11:15 am!
Wednesday Morning
Location: Sports Complex
Trade Days
Trade Days is a time for you to “bring your goods to market” and enjoy buying and selling your handmade and homemade specialties with other Family Campers! No sign-up is required. BYO table or rent one from the Camp Office for $5. (Electrical access is also available for $5; extension cords are not provided.)
Thursday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: N. Sports Complex
Family Camp 5k
All ages and paces are welcome for this family-friendly 3.1-mile road race! Please reference our dress code for race attire. Check-in at 8:45 AM. Please track your own time and report it at the finish line.
Location: Chapel
Thursday at 9:00 AM
Lake Day
Come enjoy a sunny afternoon of lakefront games and canoe races! Hamburgers served at 6:00 PM (available for purchase or bring your own picnic) followed by an epic fireworks show! Fellowship afterwards around the bonfire! Don’t forget your picnic blankets, chairs, “Get-Wet-Clothes” and towels!*
Canoe race categories and signup sheets are available at the Camp Office. Qualifying races will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons.
*No swimming please. ”Get-Wet-Clothes” for slip n’ slide—dark colors, loose fitting t-shirts, and knee-length shorts over swimsuits. No towels or blankets from our Guest Lodges, please.
Friday Afternoon
Location: Lakefront
ALERT Cadence Run
Fathers and sons are welcome to join the ALERT men in a morning cadence run Monday and Wednesday during Family Camp!
Meet at the Sports Complex at 7 AM
Monday/Wednesday
Tournaments
Enjoy friendly, Family Camp competition for all skill-levels! With the exception of the Fishing Tournament, all tournament participants must be registered for the whole week of Family Camp and require the activity wristband.
Fishing Tournament
Enjoy fishing from Lake Loma? Anyone is welcome to join us for the fishing tournament Friday, 7:30–10:00 AM! Tournament rules will be announced at the Lakefront.
Horseshoe Tournament
Qualifying rounds will be held Thursday during activity time. The official tournament is on Friday afternoon!
Sign-up at the Camp Office. All tournament participants must be registered for the whole week of Family Camp and require the activity wristband.
Ultimate Frisbee
Gather your friends together and try your teamwork, accuracy, and endurance in this competitive sport! Tournament guidelines and sign up at the Camp Office. All tournament participants must be registered for the whole week of Family Camp and require the activity wristband.
Location: Soccer Field.
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday Evening
Volleyball Tournament
Volleyball is a highlight for many of our Family Campers! We have two brackets of Volleyball Tournament competition which we define below.
Players are required to be at the initial Volleyball Meeting on Sunday 7 PM to compete in either tournament. Tournament Sign-up at the Camp Office. All tournament participants must be registered for the whole week of Family Camp and require the activity wristband.
Competitive: Sign up as a team to compete in a double-elimination tournament. Players must be 14+ to participate and have 2 females on the team.
Non-Competitive: Sign up as an individual to compete in a double-elimination tournament. Players must be 14+ to participate. Teams will be assigned.
Location: Sand Courts
Canoe Races
An exciting sport hosted at Friday’s Lakefront Day! Qualifying rounds held during afternoon activity times. Race categories and sign-up sheets available at the Camp Office.