Junior 2

July 6-9 — 3-5 Grades

Junior 2 is 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 2 becomes the highlight of their summer.

What Goes on at Junior 2

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 2

Stacey Smith

Stacey serves as Associate and Youth Minister at Belleville First Christian Church and has a lifelong love for Bond Camp. Having grown up attending Bond, he now brings decades of youth ministry experience — including serving at church camps in multiple states — to every week he leads.

Stacey combines creativity, experience, and strong organizational leadership to create a camp experience that is both fun and spiritually impactful. He and his wife, Anna, are raising three daughters and a son who also love camp, making Bond a special place for their entire family.

Aaron Kelso

Aaron serves as the Lead Minister at Restore Christian Church in Highland IL. Aaron worked at Bond as a Yard Guy before being called into ministry and attending St. Louis Christian College. Aaron and his wife Alison served a couple of congregations before planting Restore. They have a huge love for camp, love kids and do an amazing job leading at Bond.