Jr. High Sports

May 31-June 5 — 6-9 Grades

Jr. High Sports is a brand-new track at Bond Camp that brings all of our activity-based weeks together under one banner — Horseback, Fin & Feather, Golf, and Volleyball. Campers spend each morning focused on their chosen sport, learning skills, building confidence, and being coached by leaders who care about both their growth and their faith. Then the rest of the day shifts into the full Bond Camp experience: chapel sessions, Bible classes, crazy games, swimming, canteen runs, team competitions, great meals, and evening worship around friends who quickly feel like family. It’s the perfect blend of doing what they love and discovering who they are in Christ — because at Bond Camp we’re not just shaping athletes, we’re shaping hearts.

What Goes on at Jr. High Sports

Morning: Starting the Day Out

Morning Flag Raising & Devotion

We begin each day as a whole camp, meeting at the flagpole to read Scripture & pray before breakfast. This sets the tone for the day & reminds campers that everything we do is centered on faith, gratitude, &community.

Breakfast & Dispersal

Campers enjoy a hearty breakfast together to fuel up for the day ahead. After a quick clean of the dining hall, campers disperse for their chosen sport, which includes transportation to their destination. Coaches & their assistants will

teach & challenge each camper to become a better athlete while focusing on victory in Christ.

Mid-Day & Lunch

Campers will be transported back to camp after spending the morning learning their sport for a robust meal while providing a time to relax, laugh, share experiences, & connect with friends & counselors. During Lunch, campers get to receive any mail addressed to them, & further directions for the remainder of the day are given. Once released from lunch, campers assume responsibility to tidy up the camp, their cabins, & shared spaces, which builds responsibility & care for the camp community.

Afternoon

Rest

After the challenging morning, campers are given a time to rest, take a short nap, or have a quiet time in their cabins. This helps everyone have a chance to refocus on the camp experience, which centers on faith development.

Classes & Activities

On Sunday evening, all campers & counselors are divided into groups regardless of what sport they are learning throughout the week. This promotes

the camp as one whole community, showing how we can work together through our differences. After the rest times each day, the groups will go to their meeting locations for creative Biblical lessons, hands-on activities, & skill-based challenges geared toward understanding the daily theme.

Fun & Play

Afternoons also include plenty of time for fun & games, open recreation, swimming, & rest. Campers are always supervised during all activities.

Evening

Dinner

Campers & counselors gather again as a community to enjoy a fulfilling feast & reflect on the day.

Evening Worship

Each evening includes an age-appropriate worship service with music & a speaker who shares a message designed to encourage, challenge, & inspire campers in their faith, building on the weekly/daily theme & what campers are learning from their coaches & counselors.

Night Fun & Campfire

Campers and counselors will experience another group gathering for reflection on everything the day has provided while preparing for the nightly competitive game/activity, sure to create amazing memories. Directly afterward, everyone can wind down during a campfire devotion, followed by group prayer, before

heading back to the cabins for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Meet the Leaders of Jr. High Sports

Josh McDowell - Dean/Golf Coach

Josh serves as the Dean of Jr. High Sports Camp, overseeing and supporting our coaches in Horseback, Fin & Feather, and Volleyball while also leading Golf himself. As Lead Minister at Ramsey Christian Church, Josh brings both pastoral leadership and a love for sports to this unique week of camp.

He is passionate about helping students grow in skill, confidence, teamwork, and faith — believing that athletics provide a powerful platform for teaching character and Christ-centered leadership.

Stacey Smith - Assistant Dean

Stacey supports Jr. High Sports Camp as Assistant Dean, combining strong leadership and thoughtful organization to help make the week both fun and meaningful. With decades of youth ministry and camp experience, he brings wisdom and intentionality to every detail.

Stacey is passionate about helping students grow not only in their athletic ability, but also in their faith and character.

David Noble - Fin & Feather Coach

Dave brings years of ministry experience to Jr. High Sports Camp, having served faithfully both in the local church and as a military chaplain. His leadership is steady, thoughtful, and rooted in a deep love for Christ.

Dave and his wife Denise attend Leclaire Christian Church, where he volunteers in student ministry and serves as an Elder. As Fin & Feather coach, Dave combines practical skill in fishing and archery with meaningful encouragement, helping students grow in patience, focus, character, and faith.

Elizabeth Bays - Horseback Coach

Elizabeth “Liz” Bays brings incredible experience and passion to the Horseback program at Jr. High Sports Camp. She not only owns and operates Liz’s Horse Farm, where she provides private riding lessons, she also serves as Director of the Equestrian Program at Greenville University.

Liz has been part of the Horse Camp program at Bond since it began in 2009, helping shape the program into the outstanding experience it is today. With a deep love for Jesus, a passion for horses, and a gift for teaching riders of all skill levels, Liz creates an encouraging environment where beginners gain confidence and experienced riders continue to grow.

Kori Machado - Volleyball Coach

Kori Machado brings both experience and enthusiasm to the volleyball program at Jr. High Sports Camp. She serves as Youth Minister at St. Elmo Christian Church and also coaches junior high volleyball at St. Elmo High School, giving her a passion for both student ministry and athletics.

Kori loves helping students grow in their skills, confidence, and teamwork on the court while also encouraging them in their faith. Her energy, positivity, and love for camp make volleyball one of the highlights of the week.