One of the most formative Christian experiences for many people is summer camps, so we are bringing the summer camp experience to downtown Dallas. Through day camps, children will get to experience the love of God through community, creativity, and learning. This is not babysitting – this is Discipleship and faith exploration through camping. First UMC Dallas is uniquely situated downtown to provide a one-of a kind day camp program for children who have completed K-6th grade. Welcome to Camp!

Camp is a fun way to experience God and learn about the world. Each camp has a different focus, but all camps are rooted in faith development. We believe that God is to be experienced, so these are active camps combined with field trips. Each camp is different in its content and format, but all camps have the following:

Faith component:
See above, we take this faith thing seriously!

Small groups:
We believe that a community is one of the most important things a church can provide. We will foster a sense of community at camp through discussions and fun activities. Each camper will be assigned a small group that they will spend the majority of the week with. We call these Family groups, and they will be a great way for your child to be connected with other children and the awesome staff we will have on staff this summer.

Interest groups:
Every day, there will be time dedicated to activities that your child can choose from. These will include activities like games, sports, crafts, art, writing, photography, and Legos. Each day is different!

Free time:
The day begins and ends with some free time for kids to explore different stations like board games, crafts, and video games in a supervised setting.

While each week of camp is different and the schedule varies slightly, the morning and afternoons follow the same general format.

8:40 a.m. – Drop-off begins. All campers will be in one room for “morning free time”. There will be a variety of activities for campers to choose from.

9:00 a.m. – Camp programming begins with big group assembly and family group meetings.

10:30 a.m. – Morning Activity. This will vary by camp, but will include field trips, hands-on experiences, etc.

12:00 p.m. – Lunch & Family Group Meeting

1:00 p.m. – Interest Groups

2:30 p.m. – Afternoon Activities. This will vary by camp, but could include field trips, hands-on experiences, etc.

4:00 p.m. – Pick-Up begins. All campers will be in one room for “afternoon free time”. There will be a variety of activities for campers to choose from

5:00 p.m. – Pick-up deadline

Each day, campers will need to bring a lunch (nuts will be allowed in lunches) and a reusable water bottle.  Occasionally, campers will need to bring a change of clothes for messy activities. We will always communicate when you need those.  We recommend campers wear clothing and shoes that they are comfortable being active in.  For example, closed-toed shoes are optimal.

Proof of a COVID vaccine will be a requirement for participation in camps.

We will have a better idea when we get closer to camps about masks, social distancing, group size and cleaning procedures. Please check your email as we approach camps.

Please keep in mind that things are constantly changing with COVID and we are monitoring the information and current trends.

Yes! We want to get to know your child, so sign them up for as many weeks as you want. Each week of Camp is going to be different with new things to experience and learn!

If a camp has filled, you can add your information to the waitlist through the online registration. You will enter your complete registration information (including your credit card). If a spot opens, we will contact you before we charge your card to make sure you still are interested in the camp.

There is a $25 deposit to hold your spot for Camp. Please see the refund policy for schedule of refund availability. After May 11, 2022, registrants will pay the balance in full.

After May 11, 2022, registrants will pay the balance in full.

After May 11, 2022, registrants will pay the balance in full.

Cancel on or before May 11, 2022 – Full refund less $25 administrative fee per camper per week.

Cancel after May 11, 2022 – No refund will be issued.

ALL BALANCES WILL BE AUTO-DRAFTED ON May 11, 2022.

Spots at camp may not be given or transferred to another camper.

PLEASE NOTE: All cancellations must be in writing by emailing summercamp@fumcdallas.org.

We can accommodate epi-pens, asthma rescue inhalers, and daily medications. Your child’s group leader will be carrying a backpack all day and will ensure that these things are with your child at all times. Instructions will be included in the pre-camp communication.

An awesome team of trained educators, clergy, staff, college-aged students and high school Jr. staff are hired and trained to run the day-to-day operations of the camp. Our entire staff and volunteers are background checked and trained in MinistrySafe™ procedures and policies. There will be at least 2 adults per group of campers.

We will be taking photos and videos of campers to capture images of all the fun they are having. We will use these images at camp and through camp emails. Also, we might use them for publicity purposes in the future. We will not share your registration information and email with anyone, but photos and video might be used. Participation in camp require parents signing a photo/video release.

Drop off begins at 8:40-9:00 a.m.  The pick-up deadline window is 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Details will be provided in the Camp welcome packet.

Campers will be responsible for bringing their lunch every day. Please note that lunches WILL be allowed to have nuts and we will take every precaution to wash hands before and after lunch. Camp will provide an afternoon snack, which will be nut free. Nut and/or gluten allergies must be reported at the time of registration. If needed, we will offer a gluten free snack.

We use a variety of methods for transporting campers. They include: walking, buses owned by First UMC Dallas, charter buses, and DART train. The detailed schedule of the week will indicate what forms of transportation are being used. Individual’s vehicles will never be used for transporting campers. All of our drivers have been background checked, are insured, and are over the age of 25.

No. Because of our MinistrySafe™ policy, parents are not allowed to visit during camp. This includes visits during lunch.

Camps are full-day. No discounts will be given for those who drop-off late or pick-up campers early. Additionally, there is no partial week availability.

Please call the main church line at 214-227-2020 and tell them you have an emergency that deals with a Camper.

Email us at summercamp@fumcdallas.org.

We would love to talk to you in person about this. Please email Wendy Westberg at wwestberg@fumcdallas.org.

Email us at summercamp@fumcdallas.org. We would be glad to answer any questions you have.