Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see the answers you’re looking for? Contact us at (701) 244-5225 or director@shretreat.org and we will do our best to answer your questions!
What will my child be doing at camp?
Your child will be participating in a variety of activities to enrich both their faith and lives. To enrich their faith, campers will participate in daily chapel services, Bible studies, and campfire devotions, led by our Pastor of the Week. In addition to these specific times of faith formation, our summer staff are trained and encouraged to model Christ in their daily lives with campers through their conduct, leadership, and interactions with campers. It is our goal that we reflect and support the faith formation that is occurring in the everyday lives of campers in their homes and/or churches.
To provide life enrichment to campers, we fill each day with a variety of activities and opportunities to learn and grow. Each morning and evening we have a “Program Time” where campers have a 2-hour intensive on their specific camp. For example, Encounter Camp will spend 2 hours diving into a Bible study, examining a current issue through a Christian worldview, playing a cooperative large group game, etc.; Chess Camp will spend 2 hours learning different playing strategies and practicing their skills by playing against each other; Horse Camp will spend 2 hours at the barn working with horses and applying the skills they learn. All campers spend afternoons together, participating in activities that challenge, encourage, and strengthen campers in a variety of life skills such as communication, good sportsmanship, independence, and the Fruits of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5. The activities that campers participate in during camp may include, but are not limited to: large group games, challenge course, hiking, crafts, archery, canoeing/kayaking, and free time in our game room, lake, or playground/recreation area. Throughout all these activities, campers are carefully supervised by our summer staff and program volunteers, who lead and participate alongside them.
Are the camp counselors trained?
Before camps begin, summer staff gather for a 1-2 week training program. During this time, staff will be participating in community-building activities and training sessions to prepare them for the round-the-clock leadership and care they will be providing to campers. Staff will be trained in such topics as SHCR Policies and Procedures, camp programming, first aid/CPR, Emergency Action Plans, schedules, SHCR mission and core values, outdoor skills, games, music, and more!
All staff and volunteers 18+ that are working with youth and are recruited by Shepherd’s Hill at the Crossroads are required to go through a background check before working or volunteering at camp.
What if my child gets sick or injured?
If your child gets sick or injured while at camp, you will be contacted in a timely manner. We will discuss your child’s condition, what we have done to treat them, and work together to determine what is best for your child moving forward. In the event of an emergency, our policies direct staff to call emergency services first, with parents being called shortly after.
Where will my child be sleeping?
We have 4 overnight spaces for campers, depending on their age and the number of campers. Younger campers will be staying in our bunk lofts: Hawkeye and Sparrow’s Nest. Both are attached to the Chapel, providing a shorter trip for little legs. Older campers may stay in the bunk lofts or in our bunk cabins: Shiloh and Bethel. These cabins are further from the Chapel but close to our Showerhouse! Regardless of where campers stay, they will have at least one camp counselor stay with them overnight.
Adventure campers get a more unique overnight experience. When able, campers attending Adventure Camp or Expedition Camp will be staying in tents outside. At least one counselor will be assigned to spend the night outside with the campers.
Can my child bring their cell phone?
Campers are allowed to bring cell phones if their parents want them to. However, we encourage parents to keep their child’s phone while they attend camp. As an outdoor ministry, Shepherd’s Hill strives to make camp a time to disconnect from technology and reconnect with God’s creation and people. During daytime activities there is no need for campers to have their phones and would be more of a hinderance to them than a benefit. Campers who do bring their phones will be asked to keep their phones in their cabins during the day. Counselors do allow campers to use their phones for a few minutes in the evening before lights out.
What if my child has food allergies?
We do our best to accommodate all food allergies! However, due to our smaller commercial kitchen and limited food resources in our area, we cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate your child’s food allergies. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s dietary needs being met while at camp, please contact us ahead of time so that we can find the best solution possible.
Please list any food allergies in the registration form and health form. If we have questions or concerns about accommodating your child’s food allergies, we will contact you.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! Shepherd’s Hill at the Crossroads has a scholarship fund thanks to the generous donations of congregations and laypeople throughout the ND District. We have half and full scholarships available for campers who need financial assistance to attend camp. Please contact our office if you are interested in a scholarship.