What should I pack? Click here!

Packing for camp can seem overwhelming, but we're here to help! Click on the title above to get our Packing List and you'll be sure to have everything you need. Under-the-bed storage should be no taller than 12 inches for Cabins or 15 inches for Sukkahs. Sukkah campers should bring a sleeping bag; cabin campers may bring either a sleeping bag or twin sheets/blanket.

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Can I send my camper mail?

Yes! Campers love mail! Campers can get mail in three ways:

1. You may leave letters for your camper with our program team at registration. Please place them in envelopes with your camper's full name and the day you want the letter delivered (Monday, Tuesday, etc.)

2. You may send letters to 2239 Camp Roosevelt Road Fort Valley VA 22652. On the envelope, please include your camper's full name and their camp name or Cabin/Sukkah number.

3. You may send a message via Google form, found on the Camper Mail page under the Summer Camp tab. The Camper Mail page is linked in the title above.

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What does a typical week at camp look like?

A typical week starts on Sunday afternoon with registration from 3pm-4pm. Counselors work with their campers to build the group community, help them create expectations as a group covenant and get each camper settled. Sunday night campfire gives campers an idea of who's who at camp and shares the basics of what the week will be like. We sing songs, enjoy the fire, laugh at some silly skits and frequently enjoy some s'mores! Each day finishes with a closing prayer time, typically followed by cabin time and lights out.

 

The rest of the week starts with breakfast at 8am, followed by morning worship, led by our chaplain. Each cabin/sukkah has time after worship to either do their Bible study, a planned activity, or something of their own design.

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Lunch is at 12:30 and the afternoon for most camps is Options. Options can include swimming, games, crafts, canoeing, woods romping, fishing, creekwalking, board games, tree climbing,  or a variety of other possibilities. There is time in the late afternoon for campers to shower and to hang out together in their cabin group or with others at camp.

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Dinner is at 5:30. All meals are served family style in camp or cabin/sukkah groups. In the evenings, we hold camp-wide field games (Capture the Flag and Color Tag are classic favorites) and other activities (like scavenger hunts), typically followed by a campfire at one of our many fire circles. On Wednesday evenings we all meet at St. John's Chapel for a worship service. There is more time for showers and an evening snack before the day ends with closing prayer, cabin time and lights out. Bedtime tends to get easier and easier as the week goes along, because of all the fun we have throughout each day!

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What is the camper to counselor ratio?

A minimum of 2 to 1 contact with campers and staff is maintained at all times (meaning our staff are never alone with a camper). We keep a 1:6 ratio or better for cabin groups. Cabins sleep 12-14 each, and Sukkahs sleep 8 each. Learn more about our training and supervision policies here. 

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Do counselors sleep in the cabin/sukkah with campers?

Yes, counselors stay in the cabin or sukkah with campers. Each cabin has 12-14 beds. There is a half bath (toilet and sink) in each cabin in a separate space that can also be used for changing. Sukkahs are for older campers (typically middle and high school ages). There is no electricity or toilet in a Sukkah, just 8 cots and screened half walls (with rain flaps). The nearby bathhouse has flush toilets and showers. There is also a screened, lighted pavilion for Sukkah groups to gather for games, conversations and other activities. 

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How far away are emergency services?

While camp has the feel of being "remote," we are fortunate to be within 15 miles of two area hospitals and less than 10 minutes from emergency response through the Rescue Squad in Fort Valley. If a camper requires medical attention, we notify the contact person(s) listed with their registration and Health Form.

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How are first aid, medications, and allergies handled?

All medications are kept locked in our health center, except for inhalers and epi-pens, which counselors keep with them (and send with the camper during options). Our on-site Health Care Coordinator administers meds at mealtimes, bedtime, and as needed, and stays available throughout the week to care for any injuries or 
illnesses that arise. All staff are CPR and First Aid trained. Out-Trip staff are Wilderness First Aid certified.

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We run a scratch kitchen, meaning all foods are made with minimal processing and a low risk of cross 
contamination. Our chef provides a substitute for any meals that campers/staff cannot eat due to an allergy 
or dietary restriction. We cannot accommodate dietary preferences, but we assure you our meals provide 
plenty of options for each camper. Please include allergies in your medical form - we’ll be in touch.

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What is Bible study like?

Bible Study time is active, creative and customized to each age group. Each day has a focus, with skits, crafts, games, creating songs or reading and discussing to explore the day's idea. Each days' theme has lesson plans for early elementary, late elementary, middle school, high school and adult. The counselors lead their campers each day, starting from a passage in the Bible and going from there. They have the flexibility to tailor their Bible study to the style that works best with their campers.

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Where do campers swim?

We have a five acre lake with a designated swimming area with deep and shallow sides. There is a lifeguard on duty whenever campers are in the lake. Campers must pass a swim test to swim in the deep section where the jumping board and floating dock are available. We strongly suggest all campers bring swimwear (girls need a one piece or tankini) even if they don't plan to swim. Campers enjoy a lot of water activities in addition to the lake.

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What does the camp store sell?

The camp store sells ice cream and souvenir-type items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, water bottles, and more.

 

How hot or cold does it get at camp?

Even in the summer time, temperatures can dip into the lower 60s during the night or in the mornings and can feel chilly. We recommend all campers bring either a sweatshirt or jacket. During the daytime, camp can get hot. On days when the temperature is over 100 degrees, we add water activities, re-locate activities out of the direct sun, add slower activities into the schedule (i.e. crafts, board games, etc.), and/or make use of our new air conditioned meeting facility.

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Why no sandals?

Trails, roots, toes! Campers travel all over camp, using our network of trails. The trails have exposed roots, tree limbs, holes, rocks, gravel and other surprises that have stubbed toes, scratched feet and twisted ankles. All campers are required to wear closed toe shoes while on camp. The croc type shoes that cover your toes are allowed on camp; however, they do not provide as much protection for your feet as sneakers. We recommend sneakers or closed toe Keens style hiking sandals.

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What equipment will my child need to bring to camp?

We provide boats, camping equipment, backpacks, dry bags, PFDs and safety equipment for activities like caving, rappelling and whitewater rafting. Campers need to pack their basics including flashlight, water bottle, sleeping bag, clothes, shoes and toiletries. See our Packing List at the top of this page for more information.

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How many towels should my child pack?

We recommend packing 2-3 towels, one for showering, one to take to the lake or creekwalking, and an extra one, just in case.

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What kind of bedding do you recommend?

Campers that are staying in the cabins can bring twin size sheets and a blanket OR a sleeping bag. Some campers bring a sleeping bag and a top sheet to use on warm nights. Campers that are in the Sukkahs or going on out trips, we recommend a sleeping bag. Don't forget your pillow! If you are canoeing, a polyester/synthetic sleeping bag is recommended, should you swamp your canoe. (Note: we do have extra bedding on hand, just in case).

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How long will registration take?

Sunday check-in should take no longer than an hour. There are several steps: checking in, health care forms and medication, and cabin assignments. After you have gone through the registration line and completed all steps, you can move into your cabin/sukkah and visit the camp store. The amount of time will vary according to the number of campers checking in. 

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When should we arrive at camp on Sunday?

Plan to arrive on Sunday between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Follow the signs to registration in Moyer Lodge. If your camper is to leave on Friday with someone other than who they arrived with, please provide a note with that information at check-in.

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When should I arrive at camp on Friday to pick up my camper?

The closing ceremony begins on Friday at 3:00 PM and is generally finished by 4:00 PM. (Confirmation Camp may end at a different time.) Families are encouraged to attend the closing ceremony to hear stories from the week. Campers are expected to depart following the closing ceremony.