Registration
Registration for 2027 will open in February.
Prepare for Animate
As you get ready for Animate, we’ve gathered all the essential information you’ll need in one place. These resources are designed to help campers and families arrive informed, prepared, and at ease—so you can focus on the week of worship, learning, creativity, and community ahead.
We encourage families and mentors to review these materials in advance and bring any required forms or items with them to camp. Additional updates and reminders will be shared through the Animate BAND group and our social media channels as camp approaches.
Theme
Instructors & Staff
Toolbox Instructors
Toolbox classes are a hands‑on space where students explore worship through their own creative expressions. These classes are guided by a diverse team of mentors—including Samford faculty and staff, local Christian leaders, and guest artists—who come alongside students to teach, encourage, and create together.
Rather than focusing on expertise alone, Toolbox instructors help students learn by doing, asking questions, and practicing creativity as part of a shared life of worship.
Student Staff
Animate is shaped in large part by our incredible team of Samford student staff. These leaders support worship, small groups, hospitality, and the everyday rhythms of Animate—while also building meaningful relationships with campers.
Student staff serve as mentors and companions throughout the experience, helping students feel welcomed, known, and supported as they grow in confidence, creativity, and faith.
Classes & Activities
Toolbox Classes
Toolbox classes are hands-on learning experiences that connect artistic practice with worship. Students choose classes based on their interests and learn from Samford faculty and staff, local ministry leaders, and visiting artists.
Throughout the week, students build practical skills, collaborate with others, and put their learning into practice by planning and leading the Festival of Worship—a shared moment that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and faithful expression.
Other Activities
Worship Services
At Animate, we gather daily for a worship service where we sing and explore God’s word together. Our guest worship leaders and preachers will guide us, with support from our Animate student staff worship team, as they lead us in worship and share God's message focused on our weekly theme. Each day presents a chance to engage with a unique worship style, highlighting diverse artistic expressions of worshiping God, including music, preaching, spoken word, dance, and visual arts, among others.
Small Groups
Small groups provide an opportunity for students to make new friendships and build lasting memories. You’ll be guided by a Samford student and placed in a group of 8-12 individuals from different age groups and artistic backgrounds. Each day, you will engage with the lessons and discuss them with your group, which will also be the team you collaborate with to create your own service for the Festival of Worship.
Animate Studios
Animate studios offer a unique backstage pass into the creative minds of our incredible guest artists. This setting allows for a deeper engagement, where we can explore their artistic processes and gain valuable insights. These large group sessions are facilitated by both Animate guest artists and the CWA executive staff.
Animate Showcases
Animate Showcases are unique evening events focused on entertainment and enjoyment but are also designed to deepen students understanding of worship, theology, and the arts. An Animate showcase might include a concert, a visit to a museum, a unique worship service, or even an idea we have yet to explore!
Animate Late Night
Animate Late Night on the Quad offers the ideal chance to unwind, enjoy time with friends, and let off some steam after a hectic day! You'll find plenty of snacks, along with art supplies, music, games, and a variety of other fun activities. Get ready for some unforgettable sing-alongs and jam sessions, although you are welcome to opt for a game of volleyball or UNO instead.
Festival of Worship
The Animate program culminates in the Festival of Worship on Thursday. This all-day event is when each Animate small group organizes and conducts a 15-minute worship service. Many campers often express that this day and activity is their absolute favorite part of the entire week at Animate!
Animate FAQ
Q: Is it necessary to bring a mentor to camp?
A: The simple answer is no. You are welcome to attend solo or with friends, with or without an adult mentor. However, we STRONGLY recommend having an adult mentor join you. Mentors play a crucial role in the growth of teenagers, and having their support can significantly assist in applying the skills learned at Animate once camp concludes and you return to your usual church environment.
Q: Is Animate a residential camp or a day camp?
A: Animate has returned to being a residential camp! We will provide accommodation and meals for our campers on Samford’s campus during camp. Campers should pack all their toiletries, bedding, towels, a water bottle, and any additional items they need for their daily routines.
Download the complete packing list.
Q: Should I bring my art supplies and/or instruments?
A: Absolutely! While we may not offer classes for every possible instrument or artistic medium, we encourage you to bring your own instruments or art supplies to enhance the creative atmosphere of the camp. Many of our classes will be more enjoyable if you have what you need to practice your skills! Just a reminder: please leave weapons and open flames at home, as they are not permitted on campus.
Q: If I don’t have a musical talent, can I still be part of Animate?
A: God, as the Creator, is the ultimate artist, and we can honor Him by embracing the various ways He expresses creativity. Whether you are a visual artist, a theatrical performer, a preacher, a poet, a writer, or indeed a musician, there is a role for you in leading worship at Animate.
Q: What does a typical day at Animate look like?
A: A day at Animate is certainly busy! While not every day is identical, we generally begin after breakfast with a worship session, followed by time spent in our small groups. Next, a guest artist delivers a presentation before we break for lunch. Our afternoons are filled with toolbox classes, followed by an hour of free time before dinner. After dinner, we engage in a day-specific activity, followed by another small group meeting and Late Night on the Quad. Our typical schedule runs from around 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Q: Will I be with my friends at camp?
A: We do our best to accommodate roommate requests, allowing you to share a room with your friends while at camp. Additionally, we encourage you to spend time with your friends during Free Time and Late Night each day, as well as during Toolbox Classes, provided you are in the same class. However, during Small Group Sessions, Worship Services, and some other activities, we expect Small Groups to sit together, and we cannot ensure that friends will be in the same Small Group.
Q: What age group is eligible for the camp?
A: Animate happily welcomes middle and high school students aged 13 to 18. Additionally, we accept 12-year-olds from middle school if they are accompanied by an Adult Mentor.
Q: Will I have the opportunity to select my Toolbox Classes?
A: Absolutely! As long as you make your toolbox class selections during the camp registration and submit them on time, we will strive to place you in one of your top three choices while aligning the class with your artistic interests. Please note that all submissions are final.
Q: Is this camp limited to the Baptist denomination only?
A: No, it is not. Although Samford is a Baptist university, we, like Beeson Divinity School, adopt an ecumenical approach. This means we acknowledge that God can be experienced through various Christian denominations and traditions. Animate serves as a gathering place for Christians from diverse traditions to unite in worship and explore various leadership styles in worship. Previously, Animate camp has welcomed participants from Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Anglican, Episcopal, non-denominational, and Eastern Orthodox backgrounds.
Q: What is the theological foundation at Animate?
A: Our goal is to ensure that Animate aligns closely with orthodox Christian beliefs, so we consciously steer clear of topics and issues that are divisive among different Christian denominations and traditions whenever possible. Our leadership team consists of individuals from various denominations, each with strong convictions, yet we collaborate to worship God together during camp. We encourage mentors to join campers to assist in navigating the new and diverse ideas that may emerge while worshipping alongside participants from different traditions at camp.
Q: What role will Adult Mentors play at camp?
A: Adult mentors are invited to participate in all activities, including meals, worship, and small group sessions. They will have their own small group for like-minded mentors, creating an opportunity for connection and idea sharing. Furthermore, mentors are invited to join toolbox classes! We encourage them to closely observe the teenagers from their respective churches, identifying their unique gifts and talents in action. This will help in brainstorming effective strategies to support these teens when they return to their own church community.
Partnership Opportunities
We invite you to invest in the next generation. By investing in Animate, you'll connect with a dynamic group of aspiring artists aged 12-18, along with their adult mentors, parents, and home churches. Partner with us to help shape the future of worship and the arts in the church community. Animate 2027 partnership opportunities and information will be coming soon!
Animate 2027 Partners
Our partners are vital in supporting the next generation of artists and shaping the future of worship and the arts in the church community. More Animate 2027 Partnership information coming soon!
