For teens entering 10th-12th grade
One 2-week session
plus one week of High School Camp
WAITING LIST ONLY
(you may still apply but you will be placed on the waiting list)
In addition to online registration, a supplemental
Application, Health Waiver and Reference Form are required
(links are located near the bottom of the text below).
The STEP program is designed for incoming 10th through 12th graders who are committed to Jesus Christ, who actively participate in a church, and who desire to deepen their relation-ships with God, them-selves and others. During this two-week long experience, campers and STEP staff (affectionately known as Ma, Pa, and Grandma) become a close-knit Christian family. In addition, STEPers attend one week of High School Camp at no additional cost.
A central theme of STEP is service. STEP will assist in the overall plan at The Woods to help restore and repair God’s creation. For example, the 07 STEP team repaired a trail so that less sediment flows into the creek. Other possible projects include removing invasive species, pruning fire-prone vegetation and constructing erosion barriers.
Each individual will be challenged to practice honesty, forgiveness, acceptance, and grace as they learn to live and work  together. During the first week, STEPers will have some opportunities to relate with our campers with developmental disabilities who are attending Friendship Camp. During the second week, STEPers will shadow our Lead Counselors and learn how to plan Bible studies and activities for some younger kids. Additionally, STEP learns about the “behind the scenes” of summer camp.
Each night, the STEP family gathers for worship, Bible study and fellowship. There will be some fun activities planned too. The leaders will also schedule some time alone for each person to pray, journal, rest, and reflect on his or her experience. Through it all, we hope that the STEP group grows closer to one another and closer to Christ through service, solitude, and community.
If you have more questions about STEP, please call our Program Director at 707-874-2426 x617.
How to apply for STEP:
Step 1: Register Online
Complete your information, health information and pay for STEP online (click here to register)
WAITLIST ONLY
Step 2: Complete an Application
We would like to hear more about your faith and your interest in service and leadership. You can complete an online application by clicking here. Or you can contact our office to receive a paper copy or download it here.
Step 3: Contact your Reference
Please select a pastor, youth director or other church leader who can share about your character, leadership, and Christian experience. This individual should know you longer than one year.
Please do not have a family member, peer or friend serve as a reference. You will need to ask your reference to complete the online reference form located here. If you need a paper reference, please download it here.
Camp length: 2 weeks, 13 nights Sunday morning to Saturday morning of the following week. A third week of camp, High School camp, is also included in the cost of STEP.
Sleeping Accommodations: Campers sleep on bunk beds inside a house. Bathrooms are located inside the house. STEP may include one or two special sleep-out nights under the stars.
Eating: Campers eat outdoors on picnic tables near the dining hall. Some special meals are cooked outdoors or at the STEP house
Activities: Service projects, interacting with Friendship Camp (persons with developmental disabilities) swimming, crafts, games, Bible studies and discussions, evening worship, challenge course,
Camp size: up to 9 campers
One Family Group of 9 campers with 3 college-aged staff,. Co-ed |
