Soccer is a popular choice for students at the Crossroads Evangelical Covenant Church summer camp, now in its 13th year.
For the last 12 years, Crossroads Evangelical Covenant Church in Forest Lake has worked with Uncharted Waters Sports Ministry to offer up an interactive weeklong camp for as many as 130 local youth ages 4-12.
“Our camp is not just a church thing; it is a community thing,” camp director Michelle Nelson said. “As much as 70 percent of our participants are from outside of the church.”
The camp will run 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. June 15-19 at the church, 17445 Notre Dame St. NE. It offers kids the opportunity to choose from soccer, flag football, cheerleading, volleyball or Camp 45 (basic sports skills for 4- and 5-yearolds) at a cost of $30 per child.
Nelson, in her first year as camp director and fifth month as the church’s children’s ministry director, took over the leadership role from her mother, Darla Haseltine. Haseltine led the camp for several years and often worked side by side with her children, who volunteered as coaches.
“Not only do I love seeing the kids come excited for camp, but the serving part is also something I love seeing happen,” Haseltine said. “I love watching the body of Christ serve him.”
Football is one of several sports offered at the Crossroads Evangelical Covenant Church sports camp.
A typical day at camp begins with an opening rally where campers are introduced to a daily message and a song. That opening is followed by the first of three sports sessions. Next is a coaches huddle, where the morning message is reinforced and the students are able to reflect on what it means. A second sports session is next, followed by a halftime snack, a song, and the main lesson of the day. The final sports session is followed by Bible time.
“Kids get as much out of the lessons as they do the sports,” Nelson said. “On Thursday during the camp, we offer a chance for the kids to accept Jesus into their heart for the first time or to just recommit themselves. Last year, 21 youth made the life-changing decision to make Jesus No. 1 in their life. Even kids who already know God are learning so much more during the week.”
Cindy Raddatz also volunteers with Crossroads sports camp.
“Sports camp is a fun, relevant and physical way to show the love Jesus has for each kid,” she said. “It is full of energy and leaves each child feeling like they want more of Jesus. It is fulfilling as a coach to have a kid want more of what you are sharing about Jesus through a sport, song or story.”
Camp ends on Friday when parents are invited to come and watch the campers take on the coaches in all of the different sporting events offered. Parents will also learn about some of the faith lessons that have been instilled in the children throughout the week.
Those interested in sports camp can register online at leagues.bluesombrero.com/cccsports or on the first day of camp from 8:15-8:55 a.m. For more information, visit goo.gl/ntwPcd.