2008 Theme: Speak It!
Theme Verse: Jeremiah 1:7-8
"But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I'm only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to. You must say everything I command you to say. Do not be afraid of the people I send you to. I am with you. I will save you." announces the Lord. (My City My God)
Programs at Camp Tall turf
"At camp I learned that God will always love you forever."
—Jill, Youth Camper
Considering sending your kid to camp? Learn More!
Youth Empowerment Programs: Ages 8-13
Summer
What do I pack for Youth Camp?
Youth Camp: There are 5 youth camp sessions. Sessions are 6 or 8 days long. Capacity for youth camp is 128 (64 boys and 64 girls). At youth camp, campers spend time with cabin mates and staff while eating, playing, sleeping, praying, and learning new skills.
Cost: Youth camp costs are very minimal and are determined on a sliding scale based on family size and income. Sending multiple children also decreases the fee. The average family pay $35 for 8 day session while our costs are about $350 per child.
Asthma Camp: At one 6 day session each summer Camp Tall Turf teams up with the DeVos Children's hospital to offer asthma camp. Asthma camp is like any other you camp session except that just over half of the campers suffer from asthma. To accommodate these campers, doctors and nurses stay on-site throughout the session.
School Year
W.O.R.K. (Weekly Opportunities Reconciling Kids): This program runs each Saturday throughout the school year out of Camp Tall Turf's Baxter Community Center location in Grand Rapids. Yep Includes,
- Weekly activities
- Bible Studies
- Building relationships with mentors
- Service opportunities
- Field trips
- Occasional retreats
Pantomime: A group of youth and teens, lead by a former camper/staff person, are meeting weekly to practice pantomime (choreographed miming movements to gospel music.) They hope to perform in churches.
Tutoring/Mentoring: This happened through the year, all around the city, with staff and youth.
Service & Leadership Training (SALT) Programs: Ages 14-17
Summer
What do I pack for Adventure Camp?
Senior Adventure Camp: At this 5 day session teens build relationships with fellow campers and staff. Senior Camp features adventure camp complete with hiking, camping, swimming, canoeing, and high ropes course.
Leader In Training (LIT) Program: The LIT Program hires 14 high school aged youth each summer. Designed to motivate teens in making positive choices and living lives of service, this program requires participants to serve others, mentor youth campers and peers, increase life and entrepreneurial skills, and prepare for college and various careers. This program takes place both at camp and away from camp on various service trips.
School Year
Sunday Bible Studies: On Sunday nights teens from camp gather at the Camp Tall Turf Baxter location for a time of spiritual growth, service to others, and leadership development. The LITs assist in designing and running this program.
Leader In Training (LIT) Program: The LIT Program has been expanded to hire teens to work for camp and serve in the community year-round. These teens will assist with the school year programs, co-lead the CTT Youth Advocacy Team, and participate on the Racial Expressions-Youth In Action group.
NEWS-2005-2006 Leader In Training TeensSpring Break College Tour: Each spring senior campers are incited to attend a college tour. The location of the tour changes based on the interests of those attending but usually focuses on historical black colleges. Trips have included California, New York, and the South Eastern states. Fundraising for these trips is done by those attending. View some photos from the 2006 College tours.