Junior High Winter Blast at LSCA Camp
(Jan 30-Feb 1st) for 6-8th grade

Hey 6th-8th Graders! You are invited to JH Winter Blast at LSCA Camp in Springfield!

The camp starts at 5:15pm on Friday, January 30th and ends at 12pm on Sunday, February 1st.
The total cost is $145, and if you register by January 20th, you'll get a free Winter Blast shirt as well!

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions Below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a camp run by Athens Christian Church?
While the camp itself is put on by one of our Mission Partners, LSCA, our Youth Pastor, Evan Noggle is one of the deans for the weekend.

Will my student know anyone there?
Our goal is to get as many 6th-8th grade students at this camp from Athens Christian Church as possible. The best way to make sure you know someone there is to invite a friend!

What are the sleeping situations like?
There are two dorms that your student might stay in, Eagle Lodge or Lakeview Lodge. The dorm rooms will be assigned by LSCA, but the student is able to choose which bunk they would like to stay in. Each dorm has bunk beds, bathrooms, and single person showers. The dorms are broken down into rooms that have about 12-16 total beds. There will be atleast two background checked adult leaders in each room.

Can I make sure that I am in the same room as my friend?
The registration process will have a spot for you to mention any friends they would like to be with if at all possible. Students in the same room are able to pick out their bunks. If you would like to make sure that they are in the same room, reach out to me (Evan Noggle) and I can make sure the staff put certain students in the same room.

What do I need to pack?
Here is a general packing list that I would suggest:
Please check weather forecast as you pack!

  • Warm clothes for three days, 2 nights
     Layering is suggested, however there are some opportunities to change when needed before and after activities.
  • Pajamas for two nights
  • Socks and underwear
  • Winter coat
  • Hat/gloves/scarf/warm socks
  • Winter boots or sturdy shoes
     Even if it is warm, the ground is often muddy.  
  • Tennis shoes
  • Shower shoes
  • Bath towel
  • Shampoo, body wash
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hairbrush, etc.)
  • Bedding, pillow, and sheets for a twin bed
  • Bible
  • Notebook and pen
  • Water bottle
  • Backpack/drawstring bag

Note:
We will be outside for some portion of each day, regardless of the weather, so warm clothes are a must. Students may want t shirts or shorts to layer or bring for indoor sports activities. Extra clothes and socks also should be packed with the potential of snow and mud.

Can my child bring their phone or other electronic?
Students are not allowed to have their phone or any other distracting electronics out. We understand that this can be a major concern for parents worried about their child's safety, but this is the camp's policy. If you have any questions or concerns with that, please reach out to me (217-415-5644) or the camp (217-529-2625). If you ever need to contact your child while they are at camp, you may call the camp or call me. I will be out there all weekend and can help you reach your camper!

What happens if the student brings their phone?
The camp has a locked-box that it keeps in the camp director's office for safe-keeping. We ask that all phones are turned in or left at home. If a student is caught with a phone inside their dorm room, the leaders are instructed to have the student bring it to the camp manager to keep in her office for the remainder of the weekend.

I went to this camp all through Junior High and High school, and although it could be annoying sometimes, I was so thankful that policy was put in place. Can you think of the last time that you didn't have access to your phone for more than 24 hours? These students will get a great opportunity to experience a weekend without social media, video games, texting friends, homework, constantly in front of their eyes. They might not like it right now, but they will appreciate it later!

Can my student bring snacks in the dorm?
The camp has a "no food" policy inside the dorm. There are snack opportunities throughout the day in between meals, but no food may be brought back in the dorm. Please do not pack any snacks. Students are allowed to have water in the dorms, so I would suggest bringing a water bottle for sure!

How is the food?
The food is actually very good compared to most camps that I have been to! I legitimately look forward to the food each time I am out there! If your student is especially picky and that is a concern, give the camp a call and see if they have the meals planned yet. They will accommodate your child the best they can. If allergies are a concern, they have specific meals available for those who may need a different meal than most. LSCA is a nut-free camp, so all meals are peanut free. Please do not bring any peanuts to the camp.

How much is inside and how much is outside?
Because it is winter, most of our activities will be inside. However, be prepared to walk outside in between activities. One of my favorite activities will be a scavenger hunt/relay race that happens throughout the camp, so be prepared to be walking outside for a couple hours in a row! Please bring a coat, and please wear layers

What if my student gets homesick?
We understand that this is many students' first time spending the night in a situation like this! What a great chance to experience a night away for the first time in a safe environment. If you child ever becomes homesick and desires to go home, we will call you as soon as possible. We want to encourage students, but know that sometimes it just isn't going to work. We will do our best to encourage the student's to see all the fun that's yet to be had here, but we will never force a student to stay against their will. If you think this might be a potential situation, please let me know before hand so I can help the best I can!

What if my student has a game or appointment during the weekend?
These types of things happen all the time at camp. While we encourage students to stay on campus as much as they can, we know there are situations where they need to leave and come back later. If this is the case, call the camp to let them know before the weekend starts. This way, we can have the student ready as soon as they need to leave. Please do not drive down to the dorm to pick them up. In order to pick up your student, please come into the Camp Office where you can check them out. It is the first main building when you pull onto the campus.

How does drop-off and pick-up work?
Look out for an email from the camp that will explain that process. We are not meeting at Athens Christian Church through the whole process. You will be responsible in getting the child to and from camp. If someone else is needing to pick up your student at the end of camp, make sure that they are listed when you fill out your registration.Follow the instructions emailed to you when you register for more information on how drop off and pick-up will work.

Where is the camp located? 
LSCA Camp is located at : 1674 Lick Creek Ln, Chatham, IL 62629
It is about a 35 minute drive from Athens Christian Church. When you turn onto Lick Creek Ln, there will be people and signs directing you to the right!

If I have any more questions, who should I contact?
You can contact me, Evan Noggle, by phone or email (217-415-5644 / evan@athenschristian.net) or by contacting the camp at (217) 529-2625

We can't wait to see you at JH Winter Blast!!!