When you think about summer beach camp, the bus ride probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But ask anyone who’s been to BigStuf or a similar camp, and they’ll tell you—those hours spent on a bus can be just as memorable as the camp itself. The bus ride isn’t just a way to get there; it’s an opportunity to bond, build excitement, and set the tone for the entire trip. At BigStuf, some groups travel as long as 30 hours by bus to attend camp!
Here’s how to make the most of your bus ride to summer beach camp and turn it into an unforgettable part of the journey.
Why the Bus Ride to Summer Beach Camp Matters
The bus ride is more than a logistical necessity—it’s where the adventure begins. It's a chance to create memories before you even step off the bus and onto the sandy shores. Whether it’s a short drive or an all-day trek, the bus ride sets the stage for the week ahead.
These hours together offer a unique opportunity to build community within your group. Students and leaders who might not have known each other well can connect through shared experiences, laughter, and maybe even a few sing-alongs.
Ideas to Make the Ride Unforgettable
1. Icebreakers and Connection
Use the first part of the trip to break the ice. Have students pair up and share fun facts about themselves or play simple games like “Two Truths and a Lie.” You can even have leaders facilitate group-wide games that encourage laughter and connection. This is especially great for new students or incoming freshmen who might feel nervous about their first summer beach camp experience.
2. Create a Camp Playlist
Worship songs, throwback hits, and some beachy vibes—create a shared playlist for the ride! Invite students to submit their favorite songs ahead of time, and make the playlist available for everyone. A shared soundtrack not only builds excitement but also becomes a memory trigger for the week.
Building Anticipation for Summer Beach Camp
The journey is also a great time to set expectations and build spiritual anticipation for the week. Share some highlights of what’s ahead, like the worship sessions, small groups, and free time on the beach. You could even have leaders or older students share stories about their favorite camp moments from past years.
Consider incorporating Scripture into the journey. For example, Philippians 2:2 says, “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Use the bus ride as a time to encourage unity and prepare hearts for the spiritual growth that lies ahead.
Fun Bus Ride Traditions
1. The Camp Crown
Start a fun tradition where someone is crowned the “Camp MVP” at the end of the trip, and let students nominate someone on the bus ride home who made their week better—whether through kindness, humor, or encouragement. This can be as silly or heartfelt as your group wants it to be!
2. Snack Swaps
What’s a long bus ride without snacks? Encourage everyone to bring something to share, creating a mini potluck on wheels. Sharing snacks helps foster connections and gets everyone in a generous, open mindset before arriving at camp.
3. “Who Packed It Best?” Game
Have students vote on the funniest or most unique item someone brought to camp. (Pro tip: Keep it lighthearted—no shaming anyone’s packing choices!)
4. Bus Bingo
Create bingo cards with things students might see or hear on the bus ride or along the way (e.g., “someone sings a camp song,” “a cow in a field,” “a sibling argument,” or “a dad joke from a leader”). The first person to get bingo wins a small prize, like a snack or BigStuf swag!
5. Guess That Song
Play a snippet of a song from a Spotify playlist (include some worship hits, camp favorites, and fun throwbacks). Let students compete to guess the title and artist as quickly as possible. Bonus points for doing this with songs tied to camp memories from previous years!
6. Two Truths and a Lie: Camp Edition
Have students share two true things and one made-up thing about what they think will happen at camp (e.g., “I’m going to win a volleyball tournament,” “I’ll swim every day,” “I’m definitely not waking up early for breakfast”). This is a fun icebreaker to share expectations and get excited about camp.
The Ride Home: Reflecting on Summer Beach Camp
While the ride to camp is filled with anticipation, the ride home is often a mix of exhaustion and reflection. Use this time to process the week together. Ask students to share their favorite memories, what God taught them, and how they want to live differently after camp.
Pass out small notebooks or cards for students to write down one thing they want to remember from the week—something to keep them grounded as they transition back to everyday life.
Embracing the Journey
When it comes to summer beach camp, the journey is part of the destination. The bus ride offers a chance to prepare hearts, create community, and make memories that will stick long after the sand is out of everyone’s shoes.
Whether it’s through silly games, meaningful conversations, or shared worship, don’t underestimate the power of the journey to shape the camp experience. Sometimes, the best moments happen on the way there.
