What to Expect at Camp
SYC is a week packed with worship, games, friends, and experiences you’ll remember long after camp ends. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before, this guide gives you a clear picture of what your days will look like—where you’ll stay, what you’ll do, what you’ll eat, and how to get ready. You don’t need to know everything ahead of time; just come ready to participate, try new things, and be part of an amazing week with your church group.
Each year SYC has a theme that shapes our worship, teaching, and activities. Check out This Year’s Theme to see what we’re diving into.
Who You’ll Meet at Camp
SYC brings together students from churches all across Alberta, along with a whole team of people who help make the week awesome. You’ll meet the SYC Team, mission teams, volunteers, and tons of students from across the province. Everyone is here to help you have a fun, safe, and meaningful week.
If you want to learn more about the people behind SYC, you can check out the About Us page.
Before You Arrive
Getting Ready for Camp
The week goes smoother when you show up prepared. Make sure you’ve packed everything on the list, talked with your church leader about any questions, and know what time your group is leaving.
Staying Connected With Your Group
Your church leader will let you know where to meet, what to bring for travel, and any last‑minute details. They’re your go‑to person for anything you’re unsure about before camp starts.
Your Week at SYC
First Day at Camp
Check-In
Getting Settled
When you arrive, your church group will check in together. You’ll get your dorm assignment, drop off your luggage, and meet the people you’ll be staying with for the week. Leaders will help you get settled and answer any questions.
Once you’re in your dorm, you’ll have time to unpack, choose your bed, and get to know your roommates. Leaders stay in the same suite, so they’re close by if you need anything.
Kickoff Activities
Starting Strong
After everyone is settled, the whole camp gathers for the first big session. You’ll meet the SYC Team, learn the camp rules, and get a preview of what the week will look like. Then it’s time for games, worship, and your first church group time.
The first day is all about getting comfortable, meeting new people, and jumping into the fun. You don’t have to be outgoing or know anyone—everyone is in the same boat, and leaders are there to help you feel at home.
A Day at Camp
Each day at SYC has a steady rhythm of worship, teaching, activities, meals, and time with your church group. While the exact schedule changes a bit from day to day, a typical day looks something like this:
- Morning — Breakfast, morning worship, and a short devotional time
- Late Morning — Big group games and activities
- Afternoon — Lunch, track times, Bible study, and free‑time options
- Evening — Dinner, evening worship, and church group debrief
- Night — Late‑night activities, snacks, and lights‑out in the dorms
Activities
Recreation: Large group games where teams compete for points through challenges, teamwork, and team spirit. Each team has its own colour, and cheering loud definitely helps.
Track Times: Choose a hobby‑style activity you’ll do a few times during the week—options like soccer, basketball, board games, art, or yard games.
Free Time: Hang out with friends, go swimming, try the rock wall, or relax around campus.
Evening Activities: A mix of campfire hangouts, big group games, or quieter time to wind down and get ready for bed.
Worship & Small Groups
Morning Worship: A fun, high‑energy way to start the day with songs, skits, and activities.
Time Alone With God: A short devotional time to help you build the habit of spending time with God each morning.
Bible Study: A chance to dig deeper into Scripture with your church group and talk about what you’re learning.
Evening Worship: A full worship service with music, teaching, and space to respond to what God is doing in your life.
Church Group Time: A relaxed time at the end of the day to debrief, share highlights, and connect with your group.
Making the Most of Your Week
Dorms & Leaders
Where You’ll Stay
You’ll stay in a dorm with students your age and leaders from your church. Leaders are there to support you, answer questions, and make sure you have a great week.
What Dorms Are Like
Students stay in Prairie’s residence building, which has modern four‑, six‑, and eight‑bed suites. Each suite has its own bathroom, and rooms are assigned by gender, church group, and age. You can request a roommate during registration, and your church leaders help organize room groups so you’re placed with people you’ll be comfortable with.
How Leaders Support You
Your church leaders stay in the suites with you. They’re nearby if you need anything at night, help keep everyone on schedule, and make sure your dorm feels safe, relaxed, and fun.
Food & Free Time
Meals & Snacks
All meals at SYC are served in Prairie College’s dining hall, buffet‑style. There’s always a mix of tasty and familiar options—things like burgers, spaghetti, lasagna, tacos, scrambled eggs, and hash browns. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure you include that during registration. The Dining Room is great at accommodating special diets, and your church leader will help make sure you get the meals you need.
Free Time Options
There’s lots to do during free time, whether you want to be active or just relax. Some options include:
- Swimming at the local pool
- Playing sports in the gym
- Hanging out with friends around campus
- Joining a board game group
- Taking a nap or relaxing in your dorm
- Exploring tons of other safe, on‑campus activities
As long as you stay on campus and make safe choices, you’ll have plenty of ways to enjoy your downtime.
What to Bring
Packing Essentials
You’ll want to pack for a full week of worship, games, activities, and dorm life. Bring clothes you can move in, shoes you can run in, and a few warm layers for cooler evenings. You’ll also need your Bible, a notebook, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Toiletries & Personal Items
Pack your usual toiletries—things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and soap. Don’t forget a towel, sunscreen, bug spray, and any personal hygiene items you need.
Bedding
Dorms have twin‑size beds, so bring a sleeping bag or sheets, plus a pillow. An extra blanket is optional but nice to have.
Optional Extras
You can bring things like a hat, sunglasses, a small fan for your room, or snacks to share with your group (nut‑free is best). Just remember: you’re responsible for your own stuff, so leave anything valuable at home.
Rules & Expectations
How We Treat Each Other
SYC is all about creating a safe, fun, and Christ‑centered community. You’re expected to be respectful, kind, and encouraging to the people around you. Follow your leaders’ instructions, stay in designated areas, and help make camp a place where everyone feels welcome.
Cell Phone Use
Phones are allowed, but not during scheduled activities. We want you to be present, have fun, and connect with your group. You can use your phone during free time, but if it becomes a distraction, your leader may hold onto it until later.
What Not to Bring
Some items aren’t allowed at camp for safety reasons. Leave at home anything like weapons, vapes, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, or prank materials. You also don’t need expensive electronics or anything you’d be upset to lose.
Heading Home
On Saturday morning, you’ll pack up your things after breakfast and bring your luggage to the Maxwell Center. Look for your church group’s sign and place your bags underneath it. If your group’s vehicles are nearby, you can load your things directly into them.
Cleaning Your Dorm
Before you leave, your dorm room needs a quick clean‑up. Once your luggage is out: Throw away your garbage bag, wipe down surfaces, and check every drawer, closet, and cubby so nothing gets left behind. At 8:45 am, a Dorm Inspector will check it off and give your group the “all clear.”
Leaving Camp
Once everyone in your church group has passed inspection, your group is free to head home. Leaders will make sure all students have left before they sign out at the SYC office in the Maxwell Center.