What kind of space do I need?

Each sport has its own space needs. If you have questions about whether or not your space will work, please contact us, and we can walk you through it. 

Soccer

You need an area in which you can kick a ball. The ideal is a 30x30-yard grassy area, or it can be in a gym, on the carpet, or even in the church parking lot. The space needed for soccer is VERY flexible.

Basketball

You should have at least one hoop for every 8 children. If the hoops are adjustable, this can be offered to 6-year-olds and up. Otherwise, non-adjustable hoops for 8-year-olds and up. Basketball can be done outside or inside, based on what you have available.

Cheer

Cheer needs space either inside or outside. The only other need for cheer is some audio equipment for the cheer dance.

Kickstart

This motor-skills-based program for 4-5-year-olds needs space, inside or outside. A location that can easily access a bathroom is highly encouraged.

What volunteers do I need?

Sports camp allows your entire church to join the volunteer team. Yes, this means everyone from that former World Cup champion who attends your church to someone who’s never touched a soccer ball or basketball. Here is a quick overview of the volunteer team you will need if you do not have a Base Sports team come to your church:

Director

The Camp Director is the key player for a smooth-running sports camp. The director handles the initial planning, training of the volunteers, and overseeing the daily activities. You’ll find all you need to know in the Camp Director's Guide.

Head Coach

This person oversees everything that happens in their sport. He or she prepares the field and equipment for the day and directs the skills and games. The head coach trains the other coaches on the field when they need it.

Team Coaches

Team coaches are the backbone of a sports camp. They are the first connection to your church for many children and help mentor other campers. They lead the small group discussions about the Bible lesson, coach a small team in their sport, and build the best relationships. If you don't know anything about sports, never fear. Each of our sports curricula has been designed to be usable by ANYBODY. We suggest one team coach for every 8-10 children in a sport.

Large group Leader

The Large Group Leader coordinates all activities during large group times. Everything you need to plan and teach can be found in the Large Group Curriculum.

What is the difference between a training team and a coaching team?

Even though both the training and coaching teams are prepared to train your volunteers for long-term ministry while reaching kids through the wonderful avenue of sports, we have designed two unique avenues in which you can lead your congregation. A coaching team (available within eight hours from Portland, OR) is designed for our athletic coaches to join you in your mission and run a successful week-long day sports camp, training your leadership as they go. This option allows these coaches to lead up to four sports and Large Group Times (soccer, basketball, cheerleading, and Kickstart).

A training team has a more intentional approach to helping your church be responsible for and effectively running camp. From training ahead of time for you and your leadership to on-the-ground training, our teams are ready to get in the game with you for the entire sports camp season. The two training coaches who come to your church will be able to run all of the camp elements (up to two sports) but will strive to work alongside your volunteers to increase your congregation’s involvement for long-term impact in your ministry.

What kind of training is available?

Base Sports is prepared to train your church. We have fully trained summer sports missionary teams that are prepared to come and help run the camp at your church. This helps train your entire church body to serve your community through sports better.

We also offer youth group training and a mission experience through Base Missions! This option is great for getting your youth involved and ready to serve at your camp!

If you are running camp on your own and would like somebody to teach your volunteers how to run a sports camp successfully, we can set up hands-on training specifically for you. Please contact us; we can set you up with a qualified trainer.

If you have a question or need some advice on your camp, we are always here to answer questions and help you with your camp. You can call us at (866) 487-7563 or fill out our contact form below.