2025 NextGen Camp Recap
This summer was incredible for our NextGen Ministry! Through the generosity of our church, 40% of the total camp costs were covered. This allowed more children and students to attend missional camps and grow in their relationship with God and others.
Here’s a look at how God moved this summer!
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS is an exciting week where children come to church to enjoy high-energy worship, creative teaching, and hands-on activities, all for FREE! With over 500 PATHMAKERS serving across all campuses, every child had a chance to be known, loved, and embraced by the love of Jesus. Each campus hosted VBS this year, with Downtown and Sienna celebrating their very first, an exciting milestone in the growth of their ministries.
Super Place Camp – Special Needs Camp
Held locally at The Loop Campus, Super Place Camp provided a meaningful experience for our friends with special needs and their families.
This year, campers enjoyed Bible studies and worship sessions, and even had the opportunity to hear from special guests. The joy on each face was a reminder of how vital it is to provide spaces where every person can encounter Jesus in a way that is meaningful and accessible.
For families who may not be able to send their loved ones to traditional camps, Super Place Camp provided a space of belonging and celebration.
Preteen Camp – 3rd-5th grade
Preteen Camp held in Spicewood, TX, brought energy, excitement, and spiritual teachings through many events for kids from all campuses. Each morning kicked off with team competitions and cheers, followed by a rotation of activities like swimming, an escape room, the Hexapod, and even a silent disco!
Meanwhile, each evening featured live performances with a high-energy, VBS-style feel, leading into meaningful worship and teaching. During the missions moments, The Loop Campus’ Associate Minister to Children, Kim Shelby, helped kids connect the idea of discipleship to real-life action.
Camp Rush – 6th-8th grade
Camp Rush, our middle school camp, took place in Rocksprings, Texas, and focused on missional learning. Students from all campuses were taught how to share the gospel using tools like the “3 Circles” method, led by Downtown Campus’ Outreach Associate Giancarlo Callejas. Each day, students dove into new aspects of local, domestic, and global missions. Not only did this encourage students, but these teachings equipped them to share their faith boldly with others.
Mornings began with worship, and evenings ended with powerful teaching. In between, students experienced camp favorites like arrow tag, giant swings, rappelling, rock climbing, and water activities.
Rush Week – 9th-12th grade
This year marked a new chapter for Rush Week as the camp location moved from the familiar sands of Panama City Beach to the mountains of Colorado Springs!
Each morning, students from all campuses engaged in hands-on mission work, partnering with eight local ministries to serve the community. Some of their daily tasks involved painting fences, installing playgrounds, distributing 3,500 door hangers for outreach, and even praying with residents.
After a morning of missional work, afternoons gave students a space to reconnect and enjoy the camp itself. Students gathered at the campground for worship, teaching, and community, allowing them to soak in God’s presence.
Students left feeling transformed, equipped, and encouraged to share the Gospel by the power of mission and community.
The Real Win
Beyond the numbers, the greatest success of this summer was the spiritual transformation! Students learned to live on mission, many heard the gospel for the first time, and others took bold steps in their faith journeys.
Thank you for your generosity! Our church helped make these experiences possible for over 2,400 students and campers. The seeds planted this summer will bear fruit as discipleship continues to transform lives.
Total Summer Impact:
Attendance
VBS: 2,322 kids / 588 PATHMAKERS
Super Place (Special Needs): 36 friends / 27 PATHMAKERS
Preteen Camp: 325 kids / 93 PATHMAKERS
Camp Rush (Middle School): 297 students / 30 PATHMAKERS
Rush Week (High School): 244 students / 57 PATHMAKERS
Fun Facts
8 Ministry Sites Served
3,500 Door Hangers Distributed
47 Gallons of Paint Used
Âľ Mile of Trails Cleared