With summer coming to a close, you might already be asking: “What are we doing for camp next year?”
And if you’ve just wrapped up a week that didn’t quite live up to what you hoped — you’re not alone.
Choosing the right summer camp for your youth group isn’t easy. There are a lot of options out there, and while many offer good things, not all of them offer the right things for your students.
So how do you figure out what’s best for your group? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Does the Content Actually Connect?
The best camp experiences are the ones where students walk away not just entertained — but transformed. At BigStuf, we care deeply about making sure our teaching, worship, and conversations connect with where students actually are. That means speaking directly to the challenges they’re facing at school, at home, and inside their own heads.
Our goal? That every student feels seen, and every message feels like it was written for them. Get to know some of the BigStuf Speakers.
2. Do Your Leaders Get Poured Into Too?
Let’s be honest — student ministry is a lot. You’re not just a pastor. You’re a mentor, a resource-creator, an event planner, and sometimes a last-minute substitute small group leader.
We believe leaders need support too, which is why BigStuf offers Leader Labs — dedicated spaces for youth pastors and volunteers to grow, recharge, and connect with others doing the same work. While your students are learning in their sessions, you’re being encouraged in yours.
3. Is There Space for Relationships to Grow?
A weekend retreat is great — but there’s something different about having 120 hours with your students in one place. At BigStuf, students have time to laugh, play, worship, and have real conversations with their small groups. And it’s not just hype moments from stage — it's meals together, volleyball on the beach, and late-night talks back at the condo.
As one partner told us this year: “BigStuf delivers a year’s worth of relational equity in one week.”
4. Is the Environment Safe, Exciting, and Built for Growth?
We’re not just about the beach (though it is amazing). BigStuf is held at a private resort with 24/7 security, on-site staff, and everything your group needs in one place — no extra shuttles or off-site lodging. We’ve hosted camps in Panama City Beach for over 35 years, and we’ve built our entire experience to make your week smooth, safe, and meaningful from the moment you arrive.
A Few Questions to Ask When Choosing a Camp:
- Do the speakers and worship leaders reflect the diversity of the Church and the students you lead?
- Is the schedule packed with meaningful content and space for reflection?
- Will students go home with something more than just a t-shirt and a highlight reel?
- Are you walking away just as refreshed and equipped as they are?
Final Thought
There are a lot of great camps out there — and we celebrate every ministry helping students grow in their faith. But if you're looking for a camp that combines spiritual depth, relational momentum, and a beachfront setting that never gets old… we’d love to have you at BigStuf next summer.
We’re already preparing for 2026 — and now’s the time to start planning.
Ready when you are.
Learn more about BigStuf Camps.
