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!