Junior 1

June 16-19 — 3-5 Grades

Junior 1is one of our core Bond Camp weeks for campers entering 3rd–5th grade.

This 4-day, 3-night adventure combines high-energy fun with intentional spiritual growth. Campers enjoy classic Bond activities like swimming, games, chapel, worship, and team competitions — all while building friendships and learning more about what it means to follow Jesus.

For many kids, Junior 1 becomes the highlight of their summer.

What Goes on at Junior 1

Morning: Starting the Day Out

Morning Flag Raising & Prayer

We begin each day as a whole camp by raising the flag and opening with prayer. This sets the tone for the day and reminds campers that everything we do is centered on faith, gratitude, and community.

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 cabins 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 cabins for a short devotion, prayer, and a calm wind-down to prepare for a good night’s rest.

Meet the Deans of Junior 1

Kori Machado

Kori serves as Youth Minister at St. Elmo Christian Church and has a deep passion for helping kids grow in their faith. Alongside Erin Waggoner, she has faithfully served as Junior 1 Dean for more than a decade, creating a consistent and trusted camp experience year after year.

Kori is the proud mom of Lainey and loves volleyball, basketball, and investing in the next generation. Bond Camp holds a special place in her heart — it’s truly her favorite week of the year. She brings energy, creativity, and a genuine love for kids to everything she does.

Erin Waggoner

Erin is the Youth Minister at Copper Creek Christian Church and a lifelong Bond Camper at heart. Having grown up attending camp, she now loves investing in the next generation and helping kids experience the same joy and spiritual growth she did.

Married to Ben and mom to Ezri, Erin brings compassion, creativity, and plenty of fun to Junior 1. She’s known for her big heart, energetic personality, and just the right amount of wacky to make camp memorable. Erin truly loves kids — and she loves everything about Bond Camp.