DEAR YOUTH PASTORS
DEAR YOUTH PASTORS
Some of the most meaningful moments in youth ministry happen when we serve alongside our students—sharing a task, having an unexpected conversation, and watching them
discover what it means to lead by serving others. At Cedar Canyon, we’re creating a week that makes room for those moments.
Beginning Summer 2027, we’re inviting youth groups of 10–20 students to join us for S.A.L.T. Crew: Service And Leadership Training. This free week brings together hands-on service, leadership development, outdoor adventure, and opportunities to grow closer to God, their peers, and their leaders.
Students will serve alongside camp staff in the kitchen and help prepare cabins and camp spaces for incoming guests. Through these shared responsibilities, they’ll practice teamwork, take ownership of meaningful work, and experience how everyday acts of service can show Christ’s love to others.
Just as importantly, you and your leaders will be right there with them—getting in the trenches, washing dishes together, tackling projects, and celebrating a job well done. Away from everyday distractions, camp offers a focused setting where you can walk alongside your students, encourage them through challenges, and help them connect what they’re doing with what God is teaching them. Those conversations can continue on the trail, over a meal, or around the campfire.
The week follows a rhythm of serving, resting, playing, and growing. Students will enjoy camp activities and Black Hills adventures, including zip lines, waterslides, Mt. Rushmore, and horseback riding. A five-day devotional, nightly worship and teaching, and sample talks you can use or adapt will help you guide your group deeper in their faith.
The entire week is free—lodging, meals, activities, and excursions included. We want to make this opportunity accessible so your group can come ready to serve, build friendships, and enjoy camp together.
There’s also room to shape the week around your group. Bring your student leadership team for a focused week of team building, or bring students who are ready to discover the joy of serving and grow closer to God and one another. We’ll work with you to make the experience meaningful for your students and leaders.
I’d love to talk with you about bringing your group to Cedar Canyon for Summer 2027.
In Christ,
Ben Sutton, Executive Director
WHY YOUR YOUTH SHOULD BE HERE
COMPLETELY FREE
YOU WORK ALONGSIDE YOUR STUDENTS
SERVING BECOMES REAL
GENUINELY FUN
BUILT AROUND YOUR GOALS
SPIRITUAL CONTENT PROVIDED
SMALL ENOUGH TO BE PERSONAL
WHO THIS IS FOR
STUDENTS ENTERING 9TH GRADE THRU GRADUATING SENIORS
10-20 STUDENTS PER GROUP
ADULT LEADERS (1:10 RATIO)
COST
FREE
YOU PROVIDE YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM CAMP
Tentative Schedule
MONDAY: Arrival Day
12pm: Arrival & Check-in
12-2:30pm: Settle into cabins; camp orientation — what we do, why, and how to do your job this week
2:30-8pm: Whole group: Kitchen Service (dinner prep, serving, clean-up)
8-8:30pm: Change/Free Time
Evening: Night activity - campire, night game
TUES-THURS: Typical Day
6-10am: Morning Work Shift — half the group: Kitchen (breakfast); half: Cleaning & Changeover Projects
10-11am: Change/Free Time
11-11:30am: "God & I" Time - devotional
11:30am-12:30pm: Lunch
12:30-1:30pm: Rest/Nap
1:30: Afternoon Activity
Afternoon-8pm: Afternoon Work Shift — groups swap assignments from the morning
8-8:30pm: Change/Free Time
8:30-9:30pm: Worship & Teaching
9:30-11pm: Free Time/Campfire
FRIDAY: Changeover & Celebration Day
6-10am: Same half/half work shift as Tuesday–Thursday
10am: Whole group: camp-wide changeover & cleaning, prepping for next week’s incoming group
6pm: End-of-Week Celebration Dinner — themed dinner, prizes & awards, S.A.L.T. Crew completion certificates presented
Evening: Relaxed — optional youth pastor closing session, free time, campfire
ACTIVITY
OPTIONS
1. Zip Line / High Ropes Course
2. Hike in the Black Hills
3. Horseback Ride in the Black Hills
4. Waterslide
5. Field Games at Camp (run by Cedar Canyon staff)
6. Pickleball and/or Disc Golf Tournament
7. Mt. Rushmore Trip (full day)
8. Crazy Horse Memorial Trip (full day)
9. Low Ropes Course — Team Training (great for leadership-focused groups)
10. Downtown Rapid City Shopping & Ice Cream Trip
More activities are being added —ask your Cedar Canyon contact for the current list when you register. Please note that activities are available based on CCC staffing.
WHAT WE PROVIDE FOR YOU
Worship and Teaching Outlines with subjects tailored to your goals
Five days of devotional's for the student's "God and I" time
Memory Verse Challenge with prizes
End of week celebration with themed dinner, awards, and completion certificates
A week tailored toward your goals for your Youth Group
NEXT
STEPS
Email Ben Sutton:
director@cedarcanyoncamp.com
Pick available dates and go through goals
Get students and leaders to sign up
- AVAILABLE 2027 DATES -
May 24-28
May 31-June 4
June 7-11
*June 14-18
*June 21-25
June 28-July 2
July 5-9
*July 12-16
July 19-23
July 26-30
*August 2-6
August 9-13
*These dates are the weeks we would love to fill first!