Summer camp is an essential part of any youth ministry. It’s one of the few times in the year when students can step away from their daily routines, grow closer to their community, and deepen their relationship with God. Friends of BigStuf say that a year’s worth of relational equity happens in just one week at camp. That’s why choosing the right camp for your youth group is so important.
Below, we’ve highlighted a few Christian summer camps that youth ministries across the country attend year after year. Each offers a unique experience and structure to consider when deciding which camp is the best fit for your group.
BigStuf Camps
Weeks to Choose From: 4 weeks in June
Price: Starting at $499
Nights of Camp: 5 days, 4 nights
BigStuf has been a trusted name in Christian summer camps for over 35 years, offering a premier camp experience that serves both students and leaders. Located at the Boardwalk Beach Hotel and Convention Center in Panama City Beach, BigStuf takes over the entire property, creating a safe, immersive, and unforgettable week for youth ministries.
- All Students on One Campus: With a closed-campus setup, BigStuf ensures that all students stay on-site. This not only enhances safety but also creates a stronger sense of community as everyone shares meals, sessions, and activities together.
- Diverse Speaker Lineup: BigStuf intentionally selects speakers and worship leaders who reflect the diverse students who attend. The sessions are designed to meet students where they are, offering both inspiration and practical steps to grow in their faith.
- Leader Labs: BigStuf isn’t just for students—leaders also benefit from three exclusive sessions designed to equip them for another year of ministry.
- Unique Programming: From high-energy worship sessions to late-night themed parties, BigStuf’s programming keeps students engaged throughout the week.
- Flexible Registration: Groups can reserve spots with an $80 deposit and add more spaces later if their group grows.
- Accommodates Non-Traditional Groups: BigStuf welcomes non-church-affiliated groups, making it more accessible to diverse youth groups.
With 7 student sessions and 3 leader sessions, BigStuf offers a balance of spiritual growth, fun, and connection for everyone involved.
Passion Camp
Weeks to Choose From: 1 week in July
Price: Starting at $465
Nights of Camp: 4 nights
Passion Camp, led by Passion City Church, is a popular option for youth ministries. However, its structure and logistics differ from BigStuf in key ways.
- Seasoned Speaker Lineup: Passion Camp features a consistent roster of respected Pastors and speakers from churches around the country, delivering impactful and familiar teaching.
- Logistical Considerations: Groups are spread across multiple hotels, and students must cross busy roads to attend sessions at the convention center. While this setup works for some, it may pose challenges for groups prioritizing ease and safety.
- Quick Sell-Out: Passion Camp often sells out by October, making it difficult to adjust group sizes or register later.
- Transportation Requirements: Unlike BigStuf, where everything is on one property, Passion Camp requires groups to arrange their own transportation throughout the week.
- Notable Worship Experience: Passion Camp’s worship sessions feature renowned musicians like the Passion Worship Band and Crowder, creating an unforgettable worship atmosphere.
For groups connected to Passion City Church or those who deeply resonate with its ministry, Passion Camp offers an impactful experience, even if it comes with some logistical considerations.
InsideOut Daytona
Weeks to Choose From: 1 week in July
Price: Starting at $600 (up to $695)
Nights of Camp: 4 nights
Hosted by North Point Ministries, InsideOut Daytona offers a focused camp experience led by North Point Worship and staff. It’s ideal for groups with a strong connection to North Point Ministries.
- Central Location: Located in Daytona Beach at the same property as Passion Camp, InsideOut offers a familiar setup for groups who have attended similar camps.
- Worship and Teaching: Sessions are led by North Point Worship and North Point staff, ensuring consistency and quality in the programming.
- Shorter Duration: With 4 nights and 7 sessions, InsideOut provides a condensed but impactful camp experience.
InsideOut offers strong programming and a focused camp experience, but with only one week available and the highest price point among these options, it’s best suited for groups that are part of North Point Ministries' network or align strongly with its ministry.
Lifeway Student Life Camp
Weeks to Choose From: Options every week throughout the summer
Price: Varies by location, starting around $200 (programming only)
Nights of Camp: Varies by camp
Lifeway Student Camps offer the most flexibility in terms of locations and schedules, making it a good option for ministries with specific needs.
- Wide Range of Locations: Lifeway offers dozens of camps across the country, giving groups more options than any other camp.
- Customizable Experience: Groups are responsible for arranging their own lodging, transportation, and meals, making it a better fit for ministries that prefer to plan their own logistics.
- Smaller Scale: Each camp is smaller in size, which can create a more intimate setting but doesn’t provide the same momentum or energy as larger camps like BigStuf.
- Programming-Only Option: Lifeway focuses on delivering solid programming, but it doesn’t include the larger-scale worship leaders or diverse speaker lineups seen at other camps.
Lifeway’s customizable approach is perfect for ministries seeking a tailored experience, especially those looking for a camp closer to their church, thanks to its numerous location options.
Why BigStuf Stands Out
While every camp on this list offers something special, BigStuf’s combination of diverse programming, leader development, and a safe, immersive environment makes it a standout choice for youth ministries.
With four weeks to choose from, a closed-campus setup, and programming that equips both students and leaders, BigStuf creates an unparalleled experience for spiritual growth and community-building. Whether it’s the high-energy worship, the transformative Small Group conversations, or the late-night beach parties, BigStuf is designed to leave a lasting impact on everyone who attends.
If you’re looking for a summer camp that brings out the best in your students and your ministry, BigStuf is ready to welcome your group. Have questions about BigStuf? Reach out to us!
