Camp Culture | Inside the Cove | Prep for Camp
by Mina Hudson
If you’ve ever wondered what a day at camp looks like, the truth is: no two days are ever exactly the same! And that’s part of the fun! Some days are full of silliness, theme nights, and spontaneous camp-etition. Others are packed with favorite activities and traditions that never get old. While there’s really no such thing as a “typical” day at camp, here’s a look at the rhythm of daily life, including what you can usually expect from morning to lights out.
Mornings at camp kick off with a burst of energy and a whole lot of fun. First things first, cabins team up for something we call ‘Pit ‘N’ Palace’, a fun time to tidy up their space together (because who doesn’t love a little friendly competition for the cleanest cabin?). From there, everyone gathers at the flagpole to start the day as one big camp family, cheering loudly and raising our nation’s flag.
Then comes one of the best parts of the morning: slowing down together to spend time in God’s Word. It’s a chance to refocus our hearts, learn more about Him, and set the tone for the adventures ahead.
Once cabins are cleaned and the flag is raised, everyone heads to the dining hall for breakfast! The dining hall buzzes with energy as campers swap stories from the night before, chant a few silly cheers, and gear up for the adventures ahead. By the end of breakfast, everyone’s fueled and ready to dive into a full day of camp fun!
After breakfast, it’s time to jump into the first big adventures of the day: morning activity classes! Campers travel with their cabin and co-cabin, trying out two different activities before lunch. From swimming at the pool to climbing the rock wall, practicing archery, or learning new skills at crafts, every activity class is a chance to discover something exciting together. Moving as a group keeps the cabin bond strong, and it means campers always have friends by their side to cheer them on as they tackle challenges and make memories.
By the time lunch rolls around, campers are more than ready to refuel! The dining hall is filled with laughter, cheers, and the sound of silverware clattering as cabins dig in. But lunch isn’t just about the food. It’s also when the winners of Pit ’N’ Palace and the coveted Spirit Stick are announced, which always brings out big cheers (and sometimes playful groans). The meal wraps up with a camp favorite: a zany skit put on by the staff that leaves everyone laughing and quoting lines for the rest of the day!
After the energy of lunch and skits, it’s time for a little R&R with FOB: Flat-On-Back time. (Or, to some: “Feet on Bunk!”) This is the perfect chance for campers to recharge, read their Bible, write a letter home, or just relax in their cabins. It’s a calm pause in the middle of an action-packed day, giving everyone the energy they need for afternoon activities while still enjoying the simple joys of camp life.
One of the most meaningful parts of the day is Bible study with your cabin. Campers gather with their counselor to dig into God’s Word, ask questions, and talk about how it connects to real life. It’s a time for heartfelt, honest conversations, and discovering more about who God is, all alongside friends who are walking the same journey. These moments often become some of the most memorable at camp, shaping hearts long after the week is over.
After Bible study, campers dive into their afternoon activity, getting another chance to try something new or challenge themselves at a favorite skill. Following that, it’s time for one of the most popular parts of the day: free time! Campers can grab a snack or some merch from the camp store, spend one-on-one time with their counselor during their “hangtime,” or pop by any activity that catches their eye. Free time is all about choice, fun, and making memories in whatever way feels right for each camper.
As the sun begins to dip, everyone gathers together again to lower the flag before heading to the dining hall for dinner. It’s a time to refill energy, share stories from the day, and enjoy camp favorites with your cabinmates. Between bites and laughter, campers unwind from the day’s adventures while getting ready for the evening ahead, whether that’s games, songs, or one of the camp’s signature events.
Some nights at camp are extra special, thanks to our beloved theme nights. Whether it’s a wild costume dance party, a silly talent show, or a camp-wide challenge in the forest, these evenings are full of laughter, creativity, and plenty of surprises. Campers come together to cheer each other on, laugh together, and make classic camp memories.
Most days at camp include one of the most exciting and powerful activities of the week: Club! This is when the entire camp gathers together to worship by singing, dancing, and hearing a message from one of the camp directors. It’s the all-camp teaching time which gives everyone a chance to pause from the games and activities of the week to focus on what matters most: growing their faith and learning more about God. Club is often a highlight of the day, uniting all of camp as one big family.
After all the evening excitement, it’s time to slow down with reflection, a moment to think back on the day, share highlights, and thank God for the little and big moments alike. Then comes TAPS, when the lights go out and campers settle in for the night. It’s quiet, calm, and peaceful, rounding out a full day of adventure, laughter, and memories.
And there you have it—a day at camp! Of course, every day comes with its own surprises, laughs, and memories you can’t plan for. Whether it’s zip-lining through the trees, laughing with your cabin at lunch, or ending the night worshipping arm-in-arm with your cabinmates, one thing’s for sure: no matter what the schedule says, every day at camp is a good one.
Want the quick version? We’ve put together a trusty graphic that sums up a good example of what a day at camp might look like. Perfect for keeping handy as you picture what camp days are all about, you can download that graphic here.
Posted Sep 17, 2025
Categories: Camp Culture, Inside the Cove, Prep for Camp (Browse all)
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Tags: schedule, summer, summer prep, typical day
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