Ways to Play

The serious fun of camp doesn’t have to just happen in the summer. It can technically happen anytime, anywhere! If you’ve ever found yourself missing the laughter, energy, and pure joy of your favorite camp days, good news: you can bring that same spirit home. Whether you want to relive some of your favorite traditions or make new family memories, here are some seriously fun ways to keep the camp spirit alive all year long.

1. Practice your favorite camp cheers (or come up with a new one!)

Why let the cheering and serious fun stop at camp? Rally your family together, pick your favorite camp cheer, and shout it out at the top of your lungs. Bonus points if you invent your own family cheer for whatever task or activity you’re doing together (and extra bonus points if it rhymes).

2. Turn family dinner into a Theme Night, complete with theme night costumes!

Dinner is way more fun when it’s a theme night! Choose a theme together: it could be pirates, ‘80s neon, superheroes, or even a pajama party. Then come to the table in full costume! You’ll laugh, eat, and maybe forget what “normal” dinner feels like (in the best way).

3. Practice some memory verses

One of the best parts of camp is holding God’s Word close to our hearts. Pick a verse of the week as a family and challenge each other to memorize it. Reward the winner with a silly camp-style prize like getting to pick dessert for the night!

4. Implement camp sayings into your normal conversations

“Incredible, we love it!” “Let’s count ‘em!” Camp lingo is contagious, and it makes everything more fun. Try using classic camp sayings at home. Warning: you might start smiling a lot more.

5. Dance along to the camp dance playlist

You know the moves, you know the songs: it’s time for a family dance party! Pull up the Pine Cove dance playlist, crank the volume, and don’t be afraid to dance like you’re back at camp.

6. Have a Pit ‘N’ Palace competition with your siblings

Want to have serious fun while keeping tidy? Compete alongside your family members to see who can have the tidiest room each morning! Want an extra challenge? Choose a theme the night before, and integrate decorating your room to your heart’s content!

7. Family Talent Show

Just like at family camp, every person in your house has a hidden (or not-so-hidden) talent. Host a family talent show, complete with clapping, cheering, and maybe even a judge panel.

8. Write and perform a camp skit with your family (including walk-in songs and character catchphrases)

Skits are a Pine Cove classic. Write your own silly script, assign characters, pick walk-in songs, and don’t forget those ridiculous catchphrases. If you can make your family laugh until they cry, you’ve done it right!

9. Recreate Club worship

Worship is a highlight of camp, and you can bring that same spirit into your home. Check out this Worship Song Favorites Playlist! Grab a guitar or even just a speaker, find some worship songs everyone knows, and praise the Lord together as a family.

10. Welcome family visitors like it’s Opening Day

Next time family or friends pull up to your house, greet them Pine Cove style! Grab signs, cheer at the top of your lungs, and never stop jumping. It’ll be the most unforgettable welcome they’ve ever had.