Parents
First things first: we’re so excited to have your students with us this summer at BigStuf Camps. And we hope you’re excited for your kids to experience an incredible week of challenging teaching, engaging worship, focused discussion with their small groups and leaders, and the opportunity to have a life-changing encounter with God.
Our team works hard to make the camp experience at BigStuf one that your students will never forget. Beyond fun and games in session and afternoons on the beach, we want to create an environment where your students can connect with God in new and exciting ways. And believe it or not, we think some of that starts at home with you! In order for your students to have a successful camp experience, we think it’s important that you as their parents are informed about all that’s going to happen while they’re with us. Not only will it help put your minds at ease, but it will also help you start conversations with your students when they return home.
We can’t thank you enough for trusting BigStuf with your students this summer. We’re praying for them (and you as their parents) as they prepare to join us for a life-changing week at camp!
Visit us online at www.bigstuf.com to learn more about who we are and what we do.
Thanks!
The BigStuf Team
More Than A Week At The Beach
Sure, one of the best things about a week at BigStuf is the chance to hit the beach every afternoon. But we want you and your students to know that BigStuf is so much more than just a week at the beach. Our camps are designed to inspire, ignite, and encourage your students to grow in their faith and live it out in their everyday lives. In order to do that, we provide your students with Biblical teaching and exciting worship in morning and afternoon sessions, daily opportunities to spend time alone with God, and specific times for focused discussions with their friends and leaders. It’s our hope that through these opportunities to grow, worship, and pray, your students will experience the love of God in a big way.
To get an idea of what a day in the life at BigStuf looks like, check out our camp schedule on our website www.bigstuf.com
A Focus On Christ
BigStuf is committed to lead your students toward a growing relationship with the incredible person of Jesus Christ. That’s why all of our content and programming is prayerfully designed to point your students to Him. Everything from the songs we sing, to the Scriptures we share, to the discussion questions in small group has been carefully considered and chosen because we believe they will help encourage your students in their walks with Christ. We want every person who attends BigStuf to walk away excited and equipped to lead in to a new phase on their journey with God.
Nothing But The Best
It’s our mission to inspire students to live life with Jesus by creating experiences that will make a difference in their lives. That’s why we so carefully and prayerfully build our team of speakers, leaders and interns every summer. When it comes to the people we put in front of your students at camp, we can confidently say that they are the best of the best. Our BigStuf family includes some of student ministry’s best teachers, communicators, worship leaders and musicians. But beyond their unique talents, they are some of the most generous, humble and loving Christ followers on the planet! We’re so thankful to be able to have such a unified team of people focused on working together to impact and change your student’s life through the passion and presence of Jesus in all we do.
Big Relationships
While you as parents do so much for your students, you probably appreciate a little bit of help along the way. That’s why people like student pastors and small group leaders are so incredible! They’re stable, trustworthy, faith-filled adults dedicating their time to invest in your students and help you build on the foundation of faith you’re laying for them at home. In order to help those small group leaders and student pastors better connect with your kids while at camp, we prioritize small group time every day. Your students’ leaders guide them through a time of focused conversation by asking questions based on the topics discussed in main sessions. It’s a time set aside to let your student leaders care for, mentor and engage with your students, building on a relationship that will go with them when they return home.
Preparing For Camp
How Do I Register My Student For Camp?
You can register your student for camp through your group. If you have any questions about signing up for camp, reach out to your youth leader or group leader. They will be happy to help you!
How Do I Pay For Camp?
All payments for camp should be made to your group/group leader. If you have any questions about making payments for camp, please reach out to your youth leader or group leader.
Where Will My Student Be Staying?
Boardwalk Beach Hotel
9600 S Thomas Dr.
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
If you have any special requests or questions about hotel lodging, please first reach out to your youth leader or group leader.
What Does My Student Need To Bring?
Students need to pack the following basic items:
- Beach Towel
- Water Bottle
- Bathing Suit
- T-Shirts
- Shorts
- Flips
- Sunscreen
- Journal
- Pen
- Bible
Bed linens and bath towels are provided in the hotel rooms.
Students may also want to bring extra spending money for snacks, arcade games, and free day activities (water parks, go-carting, jet skiing, parasailing, etc.). And don’t forget to bring some money to snag some souvenirs from the BigStuf Store (t-shirts, books, etc.).
Is There A Dress Code At Camp?
Yes! The reason for our dress code is so that the focus of camp will not be altered. We want to have as few distractions as possible. If a student doesn’t follow the dress code, BigStuf staff may ask them to change into appropriate clothing. Leaders will be contacted if necessary.
Guys, here are some parameters to follow:
- Please make sure all attire is modest and appropriate
- Please wear clothes with appropriate messages on them
- No speedos or anything that semi resembles a speedo
- Unless at the beach or pool, wear a t-shirt at all times that completely covers the chest and torso. No sagging of shorts, pants or swim trunks
Girls, here are some parameters to follow:
- Please make sure all attire is modest and appropriate
- One piece bathing suits OR tankinis that fully cover the stomach.
- No crop tops. Stomach should be covered at all times
- All shirts, dresses, and rompers should have a modest neckline
- Skirts, dresses, shorts, and rompers should keep you fully covered when bending over
Do I Need To Fill Out Any Forms For My Student Before They Attend Camp?
Yes! Each student and leader (if you are an attending parent) is required to fill out a BigStuf participant release form before they arrive at camp. A current BigStuf participant release form must be filled out and returned to your group leader prior to camp. You will receive this form from your group leader. If you have not yet received this form or if you have any questions about filling our your BigStuf participant release form, contact your leader.
You may also be required to fill out additional separate forms for your student, such as health insurance information, so be sure to check in with your youth leader for any additional necessary forms.