Preparing for Camp

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Camp can be a very exciting time for campers, but a nervous time for parents. Apprehension is understandable. Rest assured, we want your child to have the very best experience at camp, and be safe and well-cared for while learning, growing and having fun. In preparation for your child’s stay at camp, please explore our website and social media to learn more about us! We have also provided information below to help reassure you and prepare you for your child’s attendance. If you do not find the answers you are looking for below, please check our FAQ or contact us!

Prepare with Prayer!

As you fill out the necessary paperwork, help your child pack, and prepare to drop them off, pray! Consider praying with your child as a family. Pray for your child, that they will have the best experience and grow in faith, character, and abilities. Pray for peace as you cast your burdens of worry on Christ, knowing that He cares for you and your child (1 Peter 5:7). Pray for the campers, staff and volunteers at Shepherd’s Hill, that everyone would be kept safe during the week and do well in their roles.

Our summer theme is on our website homepage and summer brochures. Consider reading our theme verse with your child, and talk about what they might learn in chapel services, Bible studies and campfire devotions.

After dropping off your child, continue to pray and meditate on God’s Word! Every morning (without fail) campers, staff and volunteers will gather for morning chapel service at 8 AM. Consider setting apart time at 8 AM to pray and read scripture, knowing that your child will be doing the same.

 

Registration

In order to attend camp, each camper must have a registration form, a health form, and liability waiver form filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian. An online registration process is available on our website, or a paper registration form can be mailed/emailed to the camp. Health and liability waiver forms can also be filled out online, mailed/emailed to the camp, or brought along to check-in.

  • Printable forms, as well as a link to an online health form and liability waiver can be found on the “Downloads” page of our website
  • If health forms and liability waivers are not filled out at the time of registration, parents or legal guardians will be asked to complete these forms at check-in.

Packing

A packing list is provided on the “Downloads” page of our website. Here are some additional tips for those new to camp:

  • Campers are asked to bring their own bedding. Some just spread their sleeping bag over their bunk mattress, others prefer to bring a fitted sheet to put on the mattress along with a blanket or two. Some bring a fitted sheet and a sleeping bag. We do have some spare bedding for campers who may forget something.
  • Check the weather forecast when packing clothes. The weather can range from 50-90 degrees during the summer. In addition, some weeks can be dry, while other weeks have frequent rain. This can all affect what clothes are best to pack.
  • Consider packing an extra change of clothes. You never know when you might need it.
  • Campers attending a horse camp will need long pants and boots. Horse campers spend a lot of time at the barn. Boots and pants will keep them comfortable and protected. Please contact us if you are unsure what type of boots are needed.
  • We recommend that close-toed shoes be packed, even if the camper is used to wearing open-toed shoes. Campers spend a lot of time walking on our gravel roads, running in the grass, and hiking on our trails. While this can be done in open-toed shoes, sometimes close-toed shoes are preferred as they provide better protection and support. Campers that intend to participate in a lead ride or trail ride will need close-toed shoes. They are not required to wear long pants.

Medications

In our health form, you will be asked to list the medications your child is currently taking, along with directions for when to administer these medications. You will also be asked to indicate which over-the-counter medications you give permission to staff to administer to your child. As part of our camp policy, medications must be handed to the Camp Manager or designated Camp Medic at check-in. Medications will be stored in a secured location. The Camp Manager or designated Camp Medic will assist with dispensing of camper medications, always respecting the camper’s privacy of information. Summer staff may not be notified of medical concerns unless it is pertinent to supervision, but will be asked to assist with helping campers report to the designated staff for administration of medications. Staff are not allowed to administer over-the-counter medications to campers without first clarifying with the Camp Manager or designated Camp Medic what has been approved on their health forms. 

  • Please pack medications in secure, clearly labeled containers.
  • In addition to leaving directions in the health form, consider packing written instructions with your child’s medications.

Canteen and Camp Store

Canteen is typically open twice a day, where campers can purchase snacks and drinks. Canteen items are $2 each, with a limit of 2 items per canteen session. Please bring canteen funds to check-in. Canteen funds are handed to staff at the beginning of the week and the camper’s balance is written down. Campers draw from that balance at each canteen. Staff will keep track of how much campers have spent, and campers will not be allowed to purchase any more canteen items after their balance has been spent. At the end of the week, any remaining balance will be refunded. Consider this a time for your children to practice money management!

The camp store is open the last day of camp during check-out. Camp store items range from $22-$55. Funds may be provided at check-in to use at the camp store, or payment can be provided at check-out.

Lead Rides/Trail Rides

Campers may choose to participate in a lead ride (Ages under 10) or trail ride (Ages 10 and up) on a horse while at camp, for an additional fee ($10 and $20, respectively). Campers can sign up for a lead ride or trail ride at check-in, and payment will be made at this time as well. Parents must sign the horse liability waiver in order for their child to ride a horse.

Lead rides and trail rides are only provided to campers that are not attending a horse camp. Campers attending a horse camp will be riding horses as part of their programming.

Check-In

Check in is from 2:30 – 5:00 on Sunday, unless otherwise indicated. If your child will be arriving outside of the check-in time, please notify the camp. At check-in, the following things are done:

  • The camper’s registration is confirmed, and any remaining fees are due at this time.
  • The camper’s health form and liability waiver are reviewed by staff. If these forms have not yet been filled out, staff will provide the forms for you to complete.
  • Medications are handed over to the Camp Manger or designated Camp Medic
  • Canteen and camp store funds are paid and written down by staff
  • The camper’s desire to participate in lead rides or trail rides is confirmed and fees are paid.
  • If a different person will be picking up the camper at the end of camp, the person dropping off the camper will notify the staff and provide any necessary information.
  • Any questions from parents or campers can be asked at this time
  • Campers unload their bags and start meeting counselors
  • Once a group of campers have checked in, counselors will lead campers to their cabins to pick their beds and drop off their bags. Parents may go along to see where their children will be staying, or they may choose to say goodbye here.
  • Once bags are dropped off in cabins, final goodbyes are said and campers go with counselors to play games until suppertime.

Check-Out

Unless otherwise noted in registration, camps end at 1:00 PM on Fridays. Check-out begins at 1:00 and typically ends at 3:00. If you will be arriving outside of check-out time, please notify the camp. At check-out, the following things are done:

  • Parents arrive at the Chapel and notify the staff that they are there to pick up their child. If you arrive before or during lunch, you are welcome to join us!
  • Parents will be reunited with their child and can talk to the staff about their child’s time at camp. Staff will be glad to talk about the week and answer questions!
  • Any remaining canteen funds will be reimbursed to the camper/parent.
  • The camp store will be open for purchases at this time.
  • Any medications will be returned to the parent/camper.
  • Final goodbyes are said and campers are returned to the care of their parents to load up their bags!

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.