Jr. Wilderness

June 7-9 — 5-8 Grades

Jr. Wilderness is a two-night opportunity for campers to "rough it" a little by spending lots of time outside in our woods, learning to cook some meals over a fire, and sleeping outside in tents, as well as spending time in God's Word everyday. All of this happens at our Wilderness Camp area 100 yards into the woods North of our Lakeside Dorm.

What Goes on at Jr. Wilderness

Morning: Starting the Day Out

Breakfast & Camp Cleanup

Campers enjoy a hearty breakfast together to fuel up for the day ahead. Campers take a short amount of time to tidy tents and shared spaces. This helps build responsibility and care for the camp community.

Mid-Morning: Growing in Faith & Connection

Morning Devotional Time

Campers gather in their family groups for a devotional designed specifically for their age level. This time includes Scripture, discussion, and prayer in a smaller, supportive setting.

Small Group/Family Group Activities

Depending on the week, campers may participate in short classes, Bible-based activities, or group discussions that reinforce the devotional theme and help campers build friendships.

Afternoon: Learning, Play & Rest

Lunch

A shared meal gives campers time to relax, laugh, and connect with friends and counselors

Afternoon Classes or Activities

Campers rotate through scheduled activities that may include hands-on learning, creative classes, or skill-based sessions.

Free Time/Recreation/Swim Time

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

Evening: Community & Worship

Dinner

Campers gather again as a camp family to enjoy dinner and reflect on the day.

Evening Worship & Speaker

Each evening includes a worship service with music and a speaker who shares a message designed to encourage, challenge, and inspire campers in their faith, building on the theme of the week and what campers are learning.

Night Fun & Wind-Down

Each evening wraps up with fun group games and activities, often followed by a campfire, before campers return to their tents for a short devotion, prayer, and a calm wind-down to prepare for a good night’s rest.

Meet the Deans of Jr. Wilderness

Paul & Kelsey Cayo

Paul has been the Dean of Wilderness Camp at Bond for more than a decade. Paul and his wife, Kelsey, have six children who also love camp at Bond! Paul worked as a yard guy and Managers Assistant here at camp throughout High School and College. The Cayo's attend Greenville FCC where Paul serves as an Elder.