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2027 Summer Youth Sessions
The core focus of Youth Camp is Christian Science. Each year we base our programming around a metaphysical theme. Every day, campers will read the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson in their cabin groups, participate in a Metaphysical Activity Period, and all activities are structured around a metaphysical theme. Campers also partake in Sunday School, Wednesday Evening Testimony Meeting, and mark their books. At Crystal Lake Camps campers can experience between one and five weeks of summer camp. Our programming allows campers to explore three different activity periods during their session. Each camper has the fun of choosing from a wide array of options: archery, swimming, boating, soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, tennis, gaga, horseback riding, fishing, arts and crafts, dance, drama, rock climbing, Spanish/English language classes, photography, cooking, and many more (these activities change from year to year)!
Session 2
July 3-16
This two-week session includes 5 days of activities, a 3-day/2-night overnight, Fourth of July, and World Cup Soccer Day! Banquet theme TBD
Session 3
July 17-30
This two-week session includes 5 days of activities, a 3-day/2-night overnight, Little Olympics, Silent Campfire Night. Banquet theme TBD
Youth Camp Program Resources
Summer Camp Program Add-Ons
Horseback Riding
Available: Sessions 2, 3
Ages: 7 to 17
Price: $175/session
Add horseback riding to your camp session! Participate in a daily riding lesson in the ring or on the trail. Sign up early — space is limited. For all ages and ability levels, including beginners.
Programs for Older Campers
*Prices for the programs below represent the total cost. "Summer Camp" rates do not apply to these programs.
Leadership Training (LT)
Available: July 3 - 30
Ages: 15 to 17
Three Week Program: $6,000
*Campers must submit a video detailing their interest and leadership qualities by March 31. Videos can be sent to: camp@crystallakecamps.org.
Discover yourself and what you are truly capable of during this three-week program! The program is designed to challenge campers to be their best and grow spiritually. Supportive and experienced staff help Leadership Trainees (LTs) participate in an extended backpacking trip, canoe packing trip, rock climbing, an overnight solo, and so much more. LTs grow socially and learn about managing group dynamics, backcountry living, how to be an effective leader, and how to be a part of a team. The LT program, while not a mandatory part of the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, is a valuable stepping-stone and foundation for the CIT program.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
Available: July 3 - 30
Ages: 16 to 17
Five Week Program: $3,000
*Campers must complete an additional application for the CIT program, available on the CLC CampBrain registration page and due MARCH 31
The four-week Counselor-in-Training course prepares campers to be successful staff members in cabins, in teaching activities, or in other areas of the camp program. The CIT program is both a job training program and an educational experience. CITs participate in daily classes divided into four key areas: Staff, Camp, Campers, and Program. Topics include working as part of a team, responding to others’ needs, time management, decision making, public speaking, and Christian Science healing. Most importantly, CITs have the opportunity to daily put what is learned into practice in a supportive Christian Science environment. If you are interested in the out-of-doors, working with children, making new friends, and growing in your understanding and application of Christian Science — join us this summer. Make a difference — challenge yourself and others by being part of this year’s class.
Important Information for Parents
Below is some important information given to parents that you should be aware of. Please help us maintain a positive camp environment by supporting these policies.
No Tips
Please do not offer tips or other gifts to your child’s counselor or other members of the staff. It is the policy of Crystal Lake Camps that staff shall not accept gifts of any kind from parents or campers. This is in accordance with American Camping Association standards.
Letters Home
Campers are required to write to parents or guardians at least twice a week. If for some reason you would prefer your child to write to another relative or friend, please let us know. It is helpful if campers bring stamped, addressed envelopes.
Letters to Campers
We hope that you will write to your child at least twice a week, too. Campers love to receive mail. Make your letters cheerful and avoid comments that might make your child feel that s/he is missing something by not being at home. Instead, show that you are happy that s/he is at camp. Mail your first letter as soon as possible, even before your child leaves for camp so that s/he will not have to wait long before receiving it. You may also send emails through the camper email service on our website www.crystallakecamps.org (campermail@crystallakecamps.org)
Telephone
The camp telephone is for the use of the Camp Office and is not available for campers, except with specific permission of the Camp Director in an emergency. If you have an urgent need to contact your child, please call to speak with the Director, or leave a message in the Camp Office if nobody happens to answer the call. If your child writes that s/he needs something or is unhappy, please phone the Director right away so we can resolve the situation. Often you will find the situation has already been handled. Please, do not tell your child to call home. Instead, tell them to talk to the Director, the Camp Parent, or 1 of the counselors about any problem. Your child will receive plenty of support right away. Cell phones do not have reception in camp, and are confiscated to be locked up and returned at the end of the session.
Money
Campers do not need cash at camp, so please don’t send or give them any. Instead, please give the money to the camp for the camper’s account at the Camp Store. If campers need spending money for trips out of camp, we will give them an appropriate amount out of their accounts. Cash carried by campers on their trip to camp must be deposited for safekeeping in the camp safe, and money for the trip home should be sent to the Camp Office and will be given to the camper just before departure from camp.
Food
Please do not send or bring food, candy, soda, or chewing gum to camp. Parents are not expected to provide a treat for the cabin. Campers get plenty to eat at camp. They also are given occasional treats.
What not to Bring
Please do not send anything expensive or fragile to camp where it may be lost or damaged (including expensive or stylish clothes). Campers will not be permitted to keep or use cell phones, mp3 (iPod) players, radios, video games, horror books, firecrackers or explosives, large knives (blades over 2.5 inches in length), clothing with messages about alcohol, drugs, smoking or immoral behavior, medications or drugs of any sort - medicinal, recreational, or over-the-counter.