CAMP IS ON HOLD FOR 2023
About the Camp
The Porcupine Camp has been in existence since 2007 and uses a Vacation Bible School format. The camp is a place where the love of Christ and the message of hope are shared through storytelling, singing, drama, arts and crafts, science and prayer. The theme of building healthy minds, hearts, and bodies through spiritual growth is emphasized during the week. To encourage active minds during the summer months, supporting churches of the BDLC collect new and nearly new books throughout the year. The campers may select several books from this “giving library” to take home with them at the end of the camp week.
Porcupine Presbyterian Church
The camp provides an opportunity for the youths and adults from the Baltimore Presbytery and the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to get to know each other and have fun while learning about the Bible. All camp activities take place on the Porcupine Presbyterian Church grounds. The staff prepares and eats their meals in the Porcupine Guild Hall and shares over-night accommodations at the Lakota Prairie Ranch Resort in Kyle, SD, a 20-minute ride from the church.
Camp Format
The camp is Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM. The children are picked up in vans driven by the staff and transported to the church where they have a hot breakfast that has been prepared for them by the staff and members of the community. After breakfast everyone gathers in the sanctuary of the church for opening exercises where there is lots of singing and a time for prayer. The children then rotate to four different stations: Bible stories, games, science and arts and crafts. The morning concludes with worship and singing in the sanctuary and a hot lunch is served before the children are returned to their homes.
Opportunities for Building Fellowship and Mutual Understanding
There are many opportunities for fellowship and education during the week. The staff worships with the members of Porcupine Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning and socializes after church at a potluck luncheon. A cultural presentation is arranged during the week and visits to Wounded Knee, Oglala College and the Red Cloud School are planned. In past years, the staff has had the opportunity to attend a Pow Wow, a rodeo and play softball with a community group. A family picnic is hosted by the staff in the evening on the final day of camp. Members of the Porcupine community join us during the week to help teach classes and prepare meals for the campers.
Volunteer Requirements
We are seeking a maximum of 18 volunteers for the Porcupine camp. The group will be comprised of a mixture of high school and college students to serve as counselors and adults of all ages. Students must have completed the 9th grade by the end of the school year. Experience working with children of all ages and a willingness to form relationships with the campers and their families are a plus. Staff persons should be in good health and be prepared for long, and often very warm days. There is no air conditioning at the camp and no medical facilities in the immediate area. All new applicants will be interviewed (see dates and locations on the application). A complete background check is required for all participants 18 years of age and older.
Training
Mandatory staff training is provided to prepare everyone for a successful week. The training includes child protection policies, cultural sensitivity, staff building exercises, travel arrangements, and information about the camp.
Opportunities for Learning, Travel, and Fun
Trips to the Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore are just a few of the possibilities.