CYF Camp
The ultimate summer camp experience for high schoolersyouth.
CYF Camp is our capstone program, designed for teens in 9th–12th grades to unplug from everyday life and plug into Christian community. For one week, high schoolers from across the region come together to form an incredible fellowship – encouraging each other, learning together, and having an outrageous amount of fun. Many call CYF the highlight of their summer (and alumni campers remember it for a lifetime).
Ages
CYF Camp (Completed 9th – 12th Grade)
Directors: Elli Ball & Emily Shao
Date
July 12-18, 2026
Junior & Chi-Rho Camps are during the same week, but run separately with separate staff.
Some things to expect from the week
Youth-Led Adventures
At CYF, teens take the lead in many activities. Under guidance of staff, campers plan talent shows, help lead worship music, and take on leadership roles in group challenges. It’s empowering for them to shape their camp experience. Of course, we still pack in tons of fun: beach volleyball tournaments, late-night bonfires, ping-pong competitions, trust-building obstacle courses, off-campus service projects, and more.
Dynamic Worship
Worship at CYF Camp is joyful and youth-friendly – you might find us rocking out to contemporary Christian bands, singing classics with a guitar around the campfire, or even doing interpretive prayer through art. Campers participate in leading prayers, skits, and even delivering short messages. The week concludes with a powerful closing worship service that teens often help plan. It’s common for CYF campers to say they felt God’s presence and acceptance more strongly than ever during our camp worship.
Deep Discussions
High schoolers are ready to dive deeper. CYF features daily small-group discussions and Bible studies that wrestle with real issues – justice, purpose, identity, and what it means to follow Christ in today’s world. We create an open forum where different viewpoints are respected. These talks often happen in creative settings (around a bonfire, during a nighttime beach stroll, or over ice cream in the snack shack). Many teens find their faith truly becoming their own during CYF week.
Lifelong Friendship
Ask any CYF alum – the friendships formed here are different. Living in intentional community for a week, sharing authentically, and cheering each other on through challenges creates bonds that last years. Many of our campers stay in touch with camp friends long after summer, and they often reunite each year at CYF. Newcomers are welcomed immediately, and by the end of camp everyone feels like one big family.
Mentorship and Next Steps
Our adult directors and counselors treat the high schoolers as emerging young adults. We offer guidance on things like college, leadership in the church, and navigating life after graduation as a person of faith. CYF campers also get a chance to connect with Disciples of Christ campus ministries and other opportunities – helping them see that their faith journey continues beyond camp.
❊ FAQs
You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers
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A typical day includes warm-up games, skill-building drills, sport-specific training, team challenges, and fun group activities. There are also scheduled breaks for snacks, lunch, and rest. Each day balances structure with plenty of active play.
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Campers should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, lunch (unless provided), athletic shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any necessary medications. We’ll provide any sport-specific equipment unless otherwise noted.
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Medical forms can be submitted via our online registration portal or emailed directly to [camp email address]. All forms must be submitted before the first day of camp.
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Our staff is certified in CPR and first aid, and we maintain a low camper-to-coach ratio for close supervision. We also follow safety protocols for heat, hydration, and equipment use. Allergies and medical needs are documented and closely monitored.
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We have indoor facilities and alternate activities planned in case of rain or extreme heat. We’ll communicate any schedule changes via email or text to parents as early as possible.
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Yes! While we encourage full-week participation for the best experience, we also offer flexible options for single-day registration based on availability.
CAMP & CONFERENCE
More to Explore…
Loved. Included. Together.
Junior Camp
Adventure and growth for elementary youth. Junior Camp is a week-long day and overnight camp for children who have completed 3rd through 5th grade. It’s the perfect next step for kids growing more independent and ready for full-on camp fun. Campers this age are bursting with energy and curiosity – and we channel that into a week of exploration, friendship, and faith-building.
Overnight Camp with Conference Lodging & Meals
July 5-11
Chi Rho Camp
An awesome week for middle schoolers to have fun, make friends, and explore faith on a deeper level. Chi Rho Camp (named after ancient symbols for Christ, pronounced “KAI-RO”) is our middle school camp for youth who have completed 6th through 8th grade. This week-long camp (offered as overnight camp, with day-only option available) meets the unique needs of early teens – providing high-energy activities, creative outlets, and meaningful discussions in a judgment-free, inclusive space.
Overnight Camp with Conference Lodging & Meals
July 5-11
CYF Conference
The ultimate summer camp experience for high school youth. CYF Camp is our capstone program, designed for teens in 9th–12th grades to unplug from everyday life and plug into Christian community. For one week, high schoolers from across the region come together to form an incredible fellowship – encouraging each other, learning together, and having an outrageous amount of fun. Many call CYF the highlight of their summer (and alumni campers remember it for a lifetime).
Overnight Camp with Conference Lodging & Meals
July 12-18
Family Camp
Bring the whole family for a week of faith and fun! Our Family Camp sessions are a beloved tradition at Bethany Beach. Family Camp is open to all ages – children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends – everyone is part of the experience. It’s like a summer vacation with purpose: your family gets to relax and play together by the beach, grow in faith as a family, and connect with other Christian families in a warm, supportive setting. We offer two week-long sessions (choose the one that fits your schedule) with identical programming.
Overnight Camp with Conference Lodging & Meals
July 26 – Aug 1
Young Adult Conference
An awesome week for middle schoolers to have fun, make friends, and explore faith on a deeper level. Chi Rho Camp (named after ancient symbols for Christ, pronounced “KAI-RO”) is our middle school camp for youth who have completed 6th through 8th grade. This week-long camp (offered as overnight camp, with day-only option available) meets the unique needs of early teens – providing high-energy activities, creative outlets, and meaningful discussions in a judgment-free, inclusive space.
Overnight Camp with Conference Lodging & Meals
July 23-26
Discovery & Pioneer
The ultimate summer camp experience for high school youth. CYF Camp is our capstone program, designed for teens in 9th–12th grades to unplug from everyday life and plug into Christian community. For one week, high schoolers from across the region come together to form an incredible fellowship – encouraging each other, learning together, and having an outrageous amount of fun. Many call CYF the highlight of their summer (and alumni campers remember it for a lifetime).
Overnight Camp with Conference Lodging & Meals
June 26-28