Evangelical Christ Centered
Various evangelical denominations are represented each year.  Rules for acceptance or participations are the same for everyone without regard to religion, race, sex, color or national origin.  A Statement of Faith can be seen by clicking HERE.  Previous lesson overviews are available upon request.

Staff Counselors

Ponderosa Pines believes strongly in the value of providing staff counselors for the summer program.  That belief in no way implies that church staff and volunteers are not welcomed or wanted.  To the contrary.  Pondo was an industry leader in charging half-price for church staff and volunteers to attend camp.  Having a staff counselor in each cabin simply provides a partner who knows the ropes of the summer camp program and is prepared to lead morning buzz groups (cabin Bible studies).  This also frees up the church staff and volunteers to hang out with students and build meaningful relationships without the hassles typically associated with being a camp counselor.  It also provides the opportunity for Pondo to provide a meaningful camp experience for individuals who do not attend with a church group.

Education Method

Each day counselors and staff will use the morning buzz groups, teachable moments, skits and campfires to help each camper discover and apply the principles inherent in the lessons.  Couple that with great worship and relevant messages from the speaker, and you have the makings of a fantastic learning and growing experience.

Criteria for Staff Selection
We look for staff members who have the highest integrity, personal and spiritual maturity, genuine caring and an infectious enthusiasm for life.  The backbone of an effective camping experience is the relationship between a camper and these role models. And we take that responsibility very seriously!

Hiring Procedures

We have labored to guarantee the finest full-time professional summer staff possible.  College students, schoolteachers, medical professionals, trained activity instructors, and other caring adults make up our team.  Every employee is carefully screened with character references, history checks, past employer references, a criminal background check, and in-depth application and interview. Once they are accepted, they undergo 40 hours of intensive training to prepare they for a summer that is sometimes as life changing for them as it is for the students they are with.

Hang Time

Screaming down the Zip Line, hitting a bulls-eye at the Archery Range, learning new tricks at the Skate Park, conquering the trail on a Mountain Bike, or lounging by the pool – just some of the many free time options available at Pondo.  Better yet, how about a quiet walk along our beautiful nature trail, or hanging out with old friends and new at the snack shop.  You can even relax with a fun game of horseshoes, crafts, volleyball, basketball, foosball, frisbee golf – you get the idea – more things to do than you could ever get to in one week.  And if none of these float your boat, one of the all-time favorites is still an option – a nap!

Team Competition

Nothing provides teachable moments at Ponderosa Pines better than team competition.  When students are placed in an environment where they must work together to be successful, you have the makings of a great learning experience.  And besides that, we have a rippin’ good time in the process.  Whether it’s the classics like Kajabe Can-Can or Soccer in the Dark, or brand new experiences – fun, teamwork, spirit, winning and losing are all what makes team competition at Ponderosa Pines a memorable experience.



BACK for 2010! - Optional Ski/Wakeboard at Big Bear Lake

Spend an afternoon on beautiful Big Bear Lake skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing.  PONDO is partnering with Designated Wakesports to provide this great option for 2010.  And it’s available for both experienced and beginner skiers, wakeboarders, and tubers.  We’ll take care of everything from transportation to equipment to a great sack lunch for the trip.  You can check out Designated Wakesports at www.designatedwakesports.com.  We’ve lowered the cost from 2009 and we believe we have enhanced the experience - only $40 for the entire trip.

 
An EPIC Week

· Experiential – The nightly sessions emphasize great worship, relevant messages from the Bible, and unique experiences to help students process and remember what they have learned.
· Participatory – Whether it’s engaging worship, wacky games on the rec field, Buzz Groups, or a quiet walk on the nature trail, students are encouraged to participate rather than spectate.
· Image Driven – Videos, drama sketches, and still images that bring a point to life are thoughtfully woven into all the sessions.
· Community – Living in a cabin with 10 of their peers and caring counselors will teach lessons and create memories and relationships for students that will last a lifetime.