YM Camp 2024

Greetings and a warm welcome to all young men, families, and leaders! We are excited to have you visit our camp website, where we aim to provide you with all the information you need for the upcoming camp.

This summer, we will come together once again in faith and fellowship, fostering an atmosphere where young men can grow both spiritually and personally. Our camp is not just a place for fun and adventure, but also a platform for strengthening testimonies, creating lifelong friendships, and learning valuable skills.

The Gastonia Stake Young Men's Camp is dedicated to the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We are committed to providing an environment that embodies the teachings of Jesus Christ and fosters a deep understanding of His gospel.

We hope this site will help prepare you for a memorable, faith-filled experience this summer. On this site, you will find important details about camp registration, what to bring, the camp schedule, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

We're looking forward to a wonderful camp this summer. May we continue to grow together in faith, fellowship, and fun.

God bless,

Jason Guffey, Neil Blackwelder, Rob Letterman, and Steven George
Gastonia Stake Young Men's Presidency

Our Mission:

The mission of the Gastonia Stake Young Men's Camp is to provide a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience that helps young men deepen their understanding and testimony of the gospel. We strive to create a supportive environment where attendees can grow their relationships with each other, their community, and most importantly, with Heavenly Father.

Our Purpose:

1. Spiritual Growth: The primary purpose of our camp is to nurture the spiritual growth of our young men. We focus on strengthening their understanding of the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and building testimonies that will guide them throughout their lives. Through scripture study, testimony meetings, and thoughtful discussions, we strive to bring the gospel to life.

2. Community Building: We aim to foster a sense of community and brotherhood among the young men of our stake. Through cooperative activities and shared experiences, we hope to build lasting bonds of friendship and mutual respect that extend beyond the camp.

3. Personal Development: Our camp also seeks to contribute to the personal development of our attendees. Through various workshops and activities, we aim to cultivate leadership skills, resilience, responsibility, and other essential life skills that will serve them well in their journey into adulthood.

4. Fun and Adventure: While spiritual and personal growth are our key focuses, we also believe in the value of fun and adventure. We offer a variety of outdoor activities and games to make this an enjoyable and memorable experience for all attendees.

5. Service: In line with the teachings of the Church, we believe in the importance of service. We incorporate service projects and opportunities into our camp schedule, helping our young men understand the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others.

Through these purposes, we hope to make the Gastonia Stake Young Men's Camp a memorable and meaningful experience for all attendees. We believe that the time spent here will aid our young men in their journey towards becoming faithful, compassionate, and capable individuals.

Significance in the Young Men Program:

Young Men's Camp is a vital component of the Church's Young Men program. The camp's mission and purpose are directly aligned with the program's broader goal of aiding young men in their spiritual journey, helping them build strong relationships with God and develop personal integrity.

The Young Men program emphasizes gospel learning, service and activities, and personal development. Our camp encapsulates these principles by providing an immersive, hands-on experience. This allows our young men to not only learn about their faith but to live it, strengthening their testimonies through practice and experience.

Serving the Young Men of Our Stake:

Our camp serves the young men of our stake by providing a unique, dedicated space for them to explore their faith and personal growth. Through the camp experience, we aim to:

1. Deepen Understanding: Enable our young men to delve deeper into the scriptures and principles of the Church, enhancing their understanding and relationship with God.

2. Strengthen Testimonies: Provide experiences that solidify their testimonies, building a strong spiritual foundation that can guide their lives.

3. Develop Leadership: Facilitate the development of leadership skills and encourage active participation in Church activities and responsibilities.

4. Foster Brotherhood: Promote a sense of unity and brotherhood among the young men, strengthening bonds within our stake community.

5. Encourage Service: Instill a lifelong commitment to service, in line with the Church’s teachings about the importance of helping others.

We believe that this camp, as part of the Young Men program, plays a pivotal role in the spiritual and personal development of our young men. It’s a chance for them to step out of their daily routines and dedicate time to reflection, learning, friendship, and growth in the light of the gospel.

We're thrilled that you're interested in joining us for this year's Young Men's Camp! The registration process is simple and straightforward. Please follow these steps to secure your spot:

1. Fill out the Registration Form: Click on the link provided on this page to access the online registration form. The form will ask for some basic information about the attendee, including full name, ward, age, and any specific dietary or medical needs that we should be aware of. Please fill out the form completely and accurately. This information will help us ensure that we can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all camp attendees.

2. Make the Payment: Each ward has set a camp fee to cover the costs of food, accommodation, and activities. This fee is due at the time of registration. Please consult with your local ward leaders to confirm the amount and learn how to make the payment. The payment should be completed within a week of submitting the registration form to secure your place at the camp.

3. Confirmation: Once your registration form and payment have been received and processed, you will receive a confirmation email. This email will confirm your registration and provide additional information about preparing for camp. If you do not receive this confirmation email within two weeks of completing your registration, please contact us.

Please remember, the deadline for registration is May 28, 2024. We encourage you to register as soon as possible to ensure we are able to accommodate all interested. If you have any questions or encounter any issues during the registration process, don't hesitate to reach out to us via the 'Contact Us' section of this website.

We're looking forward to a wonderful and spiritually enriching camp this year and can't wait to have you join us!

Forms & Waivers 

We are excited to share with you the fun and enriching itinerary we have planned for this year's Young Men's Camp. Here's an overview of what you can look forward to:

July 15, 2024: We'll kick off our camp experience with the Priest aged young men and Stake YM Leaders ONLY at Camp Coker in Society Hill, SC. Arrival for Priest aged young men will be 10:00am. The day will be spent in great fun, activities, and preparation for the arrival of the rest of the young men and ward leaders.

July 16, 2024-July 19, 2024: Deacon and Teacher aged young men will arrive at camp between 9:30am and 10:00am on Tuesday July 16, 2024. The week will be spent immersed in the natural beauty of Camp Coker. We've planned a variety of exciting activities to keep you engaged, including wilderness survival classes, water activities, firesides, and more. The blend of fun, learning, and spiritual development is sure to provide a rich and memorable camp experience.

July 19, 2024: We'll wrap up our camp, packing up our gear and saying our goodbyes to the beautiful Camp Coker. After some closing activities, we will then travel back home, carrying with us new skills, strengthened testimonies, and cherished memories.

We look forward to sharing this unique adventure with you. Please stay tuned for more detailed daily schedules and other important camp information.

Preparing for our upcoming camp adventure is an important part of the experience. To ensure that you are well-equipped for our time together, we have compiled a list of essential items you will need.

Packing appropriately is not just about comfort and convenience - it's also about safety and preparedness. The items on this list will help you fully participate in camp activities, protect you from the elements, and contribute to a successful and memorable camping experience.

As you go through this packing list, remember, our time at camp is a retreat - a time to focus on spiritual growth, fellowship, and enjoyment of nature. While it's important to be adequately prepared, try not to overpack. Aim to bring what you need, but keep in mind that part of the camping experience is living simply.

Take a look at our suggested packing list below and get ready for a wonderful time.

1. Clothing: Pack enough clothing for the duration of the camp, plus a couple of extra sets. Include swimwear for water activities, a jacket or sweatshirt for cool evenings, a rain jacket, and a hat to protect against the sun. Remember to pack enough underwear and socks. Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers are a must. Also, please be sure to bring work gloves for our service project.

2. Sleeping Gear: A sleeping bag suitable for the season and a camping pillow. There are cabins for us to stay in this year.

3. Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, shampoo, and any other personal hygiene items you need. Don't forget a quick-drying towel!

4. Eating Utensils: A water bottle, mess kit (reusable plate, bowl, cup, and cutlery), and a small cooler if you wish to bring additional snacks or drinks.

5. Sun and Bug Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, insect repellent, and after-sun lotion or aloe vera.

6. Personal Medication: If you take any prescription medication, remember to bring enough for the duration of the camp. It may also be helpful to bring a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any over-the-counter meds you may need.

7. Study Materials: Scriptures, a notebook, and a pen for note-taking during scripture study and firesides.

8. Outdoor Gear: A good flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, fishing gear, or any other specialty gear for planned activities.

9. Miscellaneous: Other useful items could include sunglasses, binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera, and a backpack to carry your daily essentials.

10. What not to bring: Large knives, firearms, fireworks, and a poor attitude.

11. IMPORTANT WE ARE IMPLEMENTING A NO TECHNOLOGY RULE AT CAMP THIS YEAR. Please keep technology at home this will help maintain the spiritual experience that happens when we disconnect from the world and connect with Heavenly Father. In cases of emergency priesthood leaders will be available for direct communication with parents and guardians at home.

Our camp will be held at the beautiful Camp Coker, located in South Carolina. This camp, a haven of natural beauty and tranquility, will serve as our retreat for a few days of faith, fellowship, and adventure.

Address:

Camp Coker
2029 Camp Coker Rd
Society Hill, SC 29593

Accommodations:

The camp provides a vast area for connecting with nature and most importantly Heavenly Father. There are shelters for sleeping. This will allow us to truly immerse ourselves in nature and enjoy a simpler way of living for a few days.

There is no electricity, so make sure to pack items like flashlights or headlamps, and remember to fully charge any necessary electronics before arrival. Battery packs could also be useful for charging essential items.

Camping at Camp Coker is a unique opportunity to live close to nature, appreciate God's creations, and simplify our lives. We hope you are as excited as we are for this wonderful experience at this year's Young Men's Camp!

We're thrilled to have you join us for our upcoming Young Men's Camp! As we prepare for this exciting experience, we understand that you might have some questions. To assist you, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about the camp.

This FAQ section is designed to provide essential information about the camp, from registration deadlines to accommodations, meals, and more. Our aim is to make the preparation process as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Please take a moment to go through these questions and answers. If you have any additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out using the 'Contact Us' form below or by contacting your local bishop directly. Our priority is to ensure that every participant has a clear understanding of what to expect at this year's Young Men's Camp.

We look forward to creating an inspiring, fun, and memorable camping experience for all our young men!

What is the registration deadline for the camp?

Please ensure your registration is submitted by no later than May 28, 2024. This is important to secure your place at the camp and aid our preparations.

Who can attend the camp?

The camp is open to all Young Men aged 11-18 as of January 1, 2024. Adult volunteers are also welcomed and integral to the camp's success, as designated and approved by the bishops of the wards.

What is the cost of the camp, and what does it cover?

Camp is $190 and the payment can be submitted to a member of your bishopric on a tithing slip. We recommend reaching out to your bishop for more details.

What are the arrival and departure times for the camp?

We request Priest aged Young Men and Stake Leaders to arrive at camp on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 10:00am We request that Deacon and Teacher aged Young Men along with ward leaders arrive Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 9:30am.

What will the meals be like at the camp? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

We'll be providing simple, yet nourishing meals throughout the camp. For special dietary considerations, please coordinate with your local bishop.

What kind of supervision will there be at the camp?

Each level will be overseen by a minimum of two adult leaders at all times to ensure safety and guidance.

What should I do if I have a medical condition or need to take medication regularly?

We ask that any pertinent details regarding medical conditions and medications are disclosed for our records. This information will be confidentially maintained and made available to leaders in case of an emergency. In any emergency situation at camp, please immediately inform a leader, who will take necessary action to ensure the proper care and treatment is administered.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Young men will be sleeping in shelters in quorum levels. For safeguarding purposes, adult volunteers are not permitted to share sleeping accommodations with any young men to whom they are not directly related.

What if I have more questions or need additional information?

If you have further inquiries or require additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out directly to your ward bishop or use the 'Contact Us' form provided below. We're here to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable camp experience for everyone.