Jesus in My Backpack
A day camp preparing students for the return to school
For children entering kindergarten through 7th grade in Fall 2026
Jesus in My Backpack is a day camp preparing students for the return to school. The camp emphasizes:
- Tools to manage big feelings & social situations
- Bible stories with life lessons
- Songs that get us moving
- Time for creativity, play & relaxing
Camp is for children entering kindergarten through 7th grade in Fall 2026. Older siblings may also participate in camp or serve as assistants.
August 31 - September 3, 2026
9am - 3pm
Camp Fee: $100 per child
Optional extended day 9am - 4:30pm
Camp fee:
$125 per child
What to expect
Here’s a sample day for a camper entering 2nd grade
- Morning meeting (singing, breath practice, skit, day’s focus)
- Art lesson
- Snack (provided)
- Music
- SEL lesson
- Lunch (from home)
- Outdoor recess
- Reading/quiet choice
- Bible lesson
- Yoga
- Choice time
- Closing meeting
About
Our goal is to ease campers into a school-like routine, while also teaching the soft skills that they need to build and maintain relationships at school, home and in the world.
Jesus gives us the command to “love one another” just as God loves us, so love of self and of others forms the foundation of camp.
Campers move through the day in grade-based cohorts.
Meet the Leadership Team
Sarah Brainard-Marsh – logistics. Sarah has volunteered with children’s programs at Immanuel for many years.
Emily King – operations. Emily has been working with children at Immanuel since the late 2000s as a VBS volunteer, Faith Formation teacher and director of children’s ministry.
Jennifer Erickson – logistics. Jennifer is a school speech pathologist and a regular volunteer at Immanuel. She has 2 children who assist on our panel of experts of All Things Kid.
Kate Johnston – logistics. Kate is director of Student Success & Career Integration at Hamline University. Her 2 children also serve on the kid panel.
Kelsey Maniaci – logistics. Kelsey is a school nurse and a regular volunteer at Immanuel. Her 2 children also serve on the kid panel.
Chrissy Mignogna – mindfulness/mind-body practices. Chrissy is the lead trainer with Move Mindfully and is a licensed yoga teacher.
Linda Tantzen – Bible lessons. Linda has a master’s in children’s ministry and has taught Faith Formation at Immanuel for decades.
Caroline Thompson – Cherries (children entering K-1). Caroline is a retired teacher, a Girl Scout troop leader and volunteer, and a Faith Formation teacher.
Mary Gwen Thompson – social-emotional learning. Mary Gwen works for the Girl Scouts of the St. Croix River Valley and teaches Faith Formation at Immanuel.
