Activities
Scheduled Activities
Events tagged “During Activity Time” will be available during scheduled activity times per the Family Camp Schedule.
$ Additional Cost
✎ Sign–up required at the Camp Office
On your own activities
Activities tagged “On Your Own” may be enjoyed whenever during your time at camp. Create your own schedule!
Scheduled Activities
Events tagged “During Activity Time” will be available during scheduled activity times per the Family Camp Schedule.
$ Additional Cost
✎ Sign–up required at the Camp Office
On your own activities
Activities tagged “On Your Own” may be enjoyed whenever during your time at camp. Create your own schedule!
The Bluffs
Return to the original site of Family Camp rappelling at The Bluffs! All necessary equipment and safety gear is provided. The minimum age requirement is 8 years old. Loose-fitting pants/knee-length shorts only. No flip-flops, skirts (safety issue), or spandex leggings, please.
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES.
Closed Friday; no previous sign-up is required.
Canoe & Kayak
Enjoy a beautifully peaceful paddle with friends and family on Lake Loma. Open every day from sunrise to sunset. Life jackets must be worn, and an adult must accompany children.
ON YOUR OWN or qualify for Friday’s canoe races on Wednesday or Thursday, 1:00–4:00 PM.
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.
During activity times.
No previous sign up required.
Fishing
Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some relaxing fishing on Lake Loma! Please bring your own tackle.
You are welcome to keep any fish 12 inches or less, but please release any fish of greater length.
ON YOUR OWN or join our Fishing Tournament.
Scripture Assembly
Help assemble portions of John & Romans for Gospel outreach in other countries! You will help cut, staple, and collate these Scriptures to be sent overseas. This family project is suitable for ages 10+. A parent must accompany those under 12.
Location: John & Romans Building
Saturday & Sunday, 1:00–4:30 PM
and DURING ACTIVITY TIMES
✎ Volleyball
Volleyball is one of the biggest highlights of Family Camp. Play in the Sports Complex throughout the week 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 are 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.
Horsemanship Class
Horses are some of the most beautiful animals on earth and they can teach us a lot about our relationship with Christ. Join us to learn proper care techniques from Dr. Lew’s own ranch hands. Content spans two days—choose your preference of Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday! No sign-up is required.
Monday—Thursday at 1:00 PM
Sports Complex
As the hub for fellowship and a hangout for the entire family, our Sports Complex hosts volleyball, basketball, bear ball, pickleball, ping pong, foosball, nine-square, carpetball, a cozy coffee shop, and more!
- Please respect Sports Complex Hosts and other guests.
- Return all sports equipment/games to the appropriate places and pick up trash.
- All children ages eight and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- No climbing/hanging on sports equipment, pods, or restricted areas.
- No frisbees, wheels (besides strollers), additional sports equipment, or guest music may be brought into the Sports Complex.
- Please respect the dress code: Loose-fitting clothing that covers the full torso and thighs, even during active play. No sleeveless tops, spandex, or other fitted clothing. Shoes must be worn at all times.
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 nine squares… and it’s in the air!
Location: Sports Complex and Playground
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 and Playground (and the Lakefront on Friday!)
ON YOUR OWN or DURING ACTIVITY TIMES
Spikeball
An epic sport played by two teams of two players. All equipment provided.
Location: Sports Complex ON YOUR OWN or 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 provided.
Location: Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN
Board Games
Enjoy time together with family and friends! Board games are available from the shelf by the seating area in the Sports Complex.
Location: Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN
Cornhole
Location: Sports Complex
ON YOUR OWN
Children's Story Hour
Children young and old are invited to join us for Children’s Story Hour, where kids are encouraged in God’s Word and entertained with engaging accounts of God’s faithfulness. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 4:00 PM
Location: Chapel
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 block!
Open 30 minutes before each indoor Camp Meeting.
Camp Orchestra
Join the Family Camp Orchestra during Camp Meetings! Rehearsals and preludes 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.
Location: Formal Dining Room, Field House
Ponderosa Playground
Our campground park features swings, monkey bars, slides, and a giant sandbox. Parental supervision is required.
ON YOUR OWN
Biking
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
Hiking Trails
Take a picnic and enjoy time exploring the campus with your friends and family in the great outdoors.
Hiking areas include the wilderness landscape of the bluffs southeast of the campground and the breathtaking trails north of Lake Loma. The lake trails will be open all week except Thursday. See the Camp Map for details and enjoy the adventure!
$ Ponderosa Press
Enjoy the beautifully cozy atmosphere of our Sports Complex Coffee Shop, the Ponderosa Press! You’ll love the variety of delicious snacks, drinks, and baked goods available.
Location: Sports Complex
Menu costs vary per item.
$✎ 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: SW of Sports Complex
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES. Cost varies per project. Sign up at the Camp Office.
$✎ Plane Rides
Experience a thrilling takeoff and scenic adventure over the International ALERT Academy! Weather permitting, rides are approximately 15 minutes.
A paying adult must accompany children under 12 (legal guardians must sign waivers for anyone under 18).
Sign-up at the Camp Office.
Cost $30/person.
$✎ Trail Rides
Horse lovers ages 8+ are invited! The ride lasts under an hour, but the full experience takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including check-in and mounting. Please allow an additional 15-minute buffer on either side of your ride. All minors must be accompanied by an adult for check-in (to fill out vendor release forms and pay for the ride) at the barn. Boots or tennis shoes are required. Long shorts or leggings should be worn under skirts. No pregnant riders, please. Our trail guide reserves the right to hand-lead any riders 6-8 years old (limit 2 per ride).
Sign up at the Camp Office.
Those 13+ are welcome to help tend the horses at 9 AM and 5:00 PM—check-in with Lena!
Cost: $25/person (our guide is willing to double with one 4-5 year-old per ride for an additional $15, Wed–Fri). Vendor accepts all credit cards.
$ Crafts
Join us for some fun crafts and fellowship! Craft tickets are available for purchase at the Camp Office. Children 12 and under must have parental supervision.
DURING ACTIVITY TIMES. Craft tickets can be purchased at the Camp Office.
Location: Sports Complex Rec Room
$ Stick Horse Craft
Want to make a pony for the Stick Horse Rodeo? Purchase your craft ticket at the Camp Office! A parent must accompany those under 12.
Saturday and Monday, 1–4 PM
Location: Craft Room, Sports Complex
Cost $15/Horse
Camp Office & Sports Complex Hours
Camp Office Hours:
Fri, Oct. 3: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat, Oct. 4: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun, Oct. 5: 9:00–11:00 AM, 2:00–6:00 PM
Mon–Fri, Oct. 6–10: 8:30 AM-10:00 PM
Sat, Oct. 11: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sports Complex Hours:
The Sports Complex opens Saturday, Oct. 4 at 11:30 AM.
Standard hours are 11:30 AM–5:00 PM, after Camp Meeting–11:00 PM.*
*Please note that the Sports Complex is closed on Sunday, during Tuesday's Western Day and Friday's Lakeday. Friday's open hours are extended to 12 Midnight.
Sports Complex Rules:
- Please respect Sports Complex Hosts and other guests.
- Return all sports equipment/games to the appropriate places and pick up trash.
- All children ages eight and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- No climbing/hanging on sports equipment, pods, or restricted areas.
- No frisbees, wheels (besides strollers), additional sports equipment, or guest music may be brought into the Sports Complex.
- Please respect the dress code: Loose-fitting clothing that covers the full torso and thighs, even during active play. No sleeveless tops, spandex, or other fitted clothing. Shoes must be worn at all times.
Ponderosa Press Hours
You can follow the Ponderosa Press on Instagram here!
Saturday:
1:00pm-5:00pm (SC)
8:30pm-10:30pm (SC)
Sunday:
Closed
Monday
8:30am-5:00pm (SC)
8:30am-10:30am (cinnamon rolls & hot coffee at Corral)
8:30pm-10:30pm (SC)
Tuesday
8:30pm-2:00pm (SC)
8:30am-10:30am (cinnamon rolls & hot coffee at Corral)
2:00pm-5:00pm (Chapel parking lot)
8:30pm-10:30pm (SC)
Wednesday/Thursday:
8:30am-5:00pm (SC)
8:30pm-10:30pm (SC)
Friday:
8:30am-2:00pm (SC)
2:00-6:00pm at Lakefront
8:30pm-11:00pm (SC)
Saturday
CLOSED
Special Events
“Special Events” are group events scheduled for camp families to interact and enjoy time together!
Moms' Tea Time
Enjoy fellowship and encouragement from other mothers while sipping your favorite teas. All moms are invited! Please leave any young children or infants with your family members at the camper. This tea is for you to enjoy fellowship with one another and encouragement in the Lord!
Sunday, October 5, 2:00–4:30 PM
Location: Ponderosa Press
Young Adult Fellowship
Young adults (ages 18+, married and single) are invited to join us at the Ponderosa Press for a time of fellowship and meaningful conversation. Board games and light refreshments will also be available. There will be a devotional at 8:15 pm —you won’t want to miss it!
Sunday, October 5, 7:30–9:30 PM
Location: Ponderosa Press
Western Day
Join us for an afternoon of crafts and games on the Chapel lawn, followed by a delicious dinner on the grounds! (Check out our camp menu and purchase this tasty meal ahead of time, or bring your own!) Please bring your chairs or picnic blankets!
Afterward, we’ll enjoy the Stick Horse Rodeo and a special evening message with Dr. Lew Sterrett at the corral!
Invite your friends for Community Night!
Tuesday, October 7
5:00-5:45 PM, dinner served (Chapel lawn)
6:00 PM Stick Horse Rodeo Check-In
6:30 PM Stick Horse Rodeo (Corral)
7:00 PM Sermon on the Mount (Corral)
Coffee & Convos
Step back to the bygone years where townsfolk would gather at the country store to swap stories, chat, and drink a good cup of joe. All are welcome! Coffee is provided (while supplies last), or bring your own.
Monday–Friday, 7:30–9:00 AM
Location: Chapel
Family Camp Trail Run
All ages and paces are welcome for this rugged 3.2-mile trail run! Please reference our dress code for race attire. Check-in at 8:00 AM. Please track your own time and report it at the finish line.
Wednesday, October 8 at 8:30 AM
Location: Lakefront Trail Head
Stick Horse Rodeo
Get your ponies ready for the exciting and kid-friendly Stick Horse Rodeo! Kids ages 4+ (3-year-olds will be called to participate in a single rodeo event if desired.)
Check-in begins at 6:00 PM.
Tuesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM (Corral)
Don’t have a Stick Horse in your stall? Stuff your favorite pony during our Stick Horse Craft!
Craft tickets are available at the Camp Office. A parent must accompany those under 12.
Saturday and Monday, 1:00–4:00 PM
Location: Sports Complex Craft Room
Cost $15/stick horse
Father/Son Human Stratego
Location: See Map Legend
Fishing Tournament
Enjoy a peaceful morning on Lake Loma and reel in Family Camp’s biggest fish yet! Please bring your own fishing gear. Live nightcrawler bait provided. Tournament rules are at the Camp Office.
Friday, October 10, 7:30–10:00 AM
Location: Lakefront
Trades Day
Trades Day is a time to “bring your goods to market” and enjoy buying and selling your handmade and homemade specialties with other Family Campers!
Thursday, October 9, 8:30–11:30 AM
Location: West of the Chapel
Advertise your products early on our Trades Day Facebook Group!
Father/Son River Crossing
Fathers and sons (ages 8+) are invited to join the ALERT men in an exciting river crossing event on an inlet of Lake Loma!
Friday, October 10, 12 Noon–2:00 PM
Location: Meet at the lakefront cul-de-sac for a hayride to the river crossing location.
Lake Day & Hamburgers
Enjoy a sunny afternoon of lakefront games and canoe races! Hamburgers are served from 6:00–6:45 PM (available for purchase or bring your own picnic).
Canoe race categories are available at the Camp Office. Qualifying races are held Wednesday and Thursday, 2–4 PM.
Don’t forget your picnic blankets, chairs, “Get-Wet-Clothes,” and towels!*
*”Get-Wet-Clothes” are dark colors, loose-fitting t-shirts, and knee-length shorts. No towels or blankets from our Guest Lodges, please.
Friday, October 10, 2–6 PM
Location: Lakefront
Slideshow & Fireworks
Our Camp Slideshow and Grand Finale Fireworks Show start Friday, October 10 around 8:00 PM, finishing a great week with a bang!
Location: Lakefront
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
Everyone is invited to join us for a beautiful morning of fishing and fellowship!
Tournament rules will be posted at the Camp Office. Please bring your own gear. Live nightcrawler bait is provided.
Friday, October 10, 7:30–10:00 AM
Location: Lakefront
✎ Horseshoe Tournament
All tournament participants must be registered for the whole week of Family Camp and require the activity wristband.
Qualifying rounds begin Thursday at 1:00 pm. Eight teams will advance to double elimination rounds on Friday at 12:00 noon. Guidelines are available at the Camp Office. Ages 12+
Qualifying: Thursday, Oct. 9 at 1 PM
Tournament: Friday, Oct. 10 at 12 Noon
Location: Horseshoe Pits, Campground
✎ Ultimate Frisbee
Gather your friends and try your teamwork, accuracy, and endurance in this competitive sport!
✎ Volleyball Tournament
Volleyball is a highlight for many of our Family Campers! All tournament participants must be registered for the whole week of Family Camp and require the activity wristband.
If you don’t have a team, no previous sign-up is required; please join us
Tournament Location: Sand Courts
Canoe Races
An exciting sport hosted at Friday’s Lakefront Day! Qualifying rounds are held Wednesday & Thursday, 1:00–4:30 PM. Race categories and sign-up sheets are available at the Camp Office.
Racing categories include Father/Son, Mother/Son, Father/Daughter, Mother/Daughter, Ladies 16+, Men 18+, Girls 12–15, Boys 12–17, Girls 12 and under, Boys 12 and under, Family (any combination), Brother/Sister, and Couples.