What do you do at summer camp?
Each site and each week of camp is unique, but all have similar features. Discovery Camps and Adventure Camps provide a wide variety of activities such as swimming, athletics, Bible Study, worship, hikes, boating or rafting, nature study, and more. Kayaking, Canoeing and Sailing camps spend time in instruction and plenty of time on the water. Specialty Camps meet a variety of interests including sports, fishing, biking, creative arts, music and more. Every program will take advantage of the surrounding environment, develop a community, and explore the Discipleship Adventure.
How long is summer camp?
Summer camp programs are offered from late June until mid August. Some programs vary in length. Most programs are as follows:
West River: 3:00 p.m. Sunday to 6:00 p.m. Friday
Manidokan: 3:00 p.m. Sunday to 7:30 p.m. Friday
Harmison: 3:00 p.m. Sunday to 10:00 a.m. Saturday.
For Family programs and specialty camps please see the Summer Camp Brochure for more details.
How are Campers grouped?
Campers are grouped by the grade level they are entering in the fall.
May a camper request a roommate?
In most cases, a camper can request. This decision is left up to the volunteer director of the camp. Roommates or bunkmates must be in the same grade-level group and of the same gender. Roommate or bunkmate requests are not guaranteed. Our advice is to arrive at the beginning of registration so campers can choose their bunks or rooms together.
How soon should I register?
The sooner the better! Many events fill early to mid March, so it's best to get your registration in as soon as possible.
May I phone in a registration?
We do not take registrations over the phone at this time. However, you may register ONLINE or by fax, paying in full with MasterCard or Visa. You can also MAIL in registrations with a non-refundable deposit directly to the Retreat and Camping Office.
When should we pay the registration fee?
The NON-REFUNDABLE registration fee of $100 is required with the registration form to hold a camper's space. The balance due is required one month prior to the start of their week of camp.
Is financial assistance available? YES! Local Churches may apply for Campership assistance from the Conference Campership Fund. Requests for Camperships are made through the pastor. Any church may apply no matter of denomination. Visit LINK TO CSHIPs.
How will I know my camper is registered for their requested session?
When you apply for a camp session, it is very important that you include an e-mail address that works and that you check often. We will e-mail your confirmation to this address once your camper has been registered for a session. Please print legibly the e-mail address to ensure that it is not entered incorrectly and so that the confirmation e-mail does not bounce back when we send it. If no e-mail address is supplied, you will receive written confirmation in the mail.
May I register for an event in a grade level other than the one that I should?
Program content is designed to be appropriate for a specific age/grade group. An attempt is made to stay faithful to the age/grade level so that campers don't have an unhappy time dealing with activities that are not designed for their developmental level.
What if I'm registered for a camp program and need to change my schedule, can I change to another program? Please contact our office; if spaces are available you may transfer your child to a different program or different week at the same camp location. There is a $20 transfer fee for each transfer made. This fee is non-refundable.
What happens if I register for camp and cannot attend? Refunds, (less the $100 deposit) are given to those who cancel IN WRITING one month prior to the start of their week of camp. There are no fee adjustments if a camper arrives late or leaves early. NO REFUNDS will be given for cancellations within one month of camp. The registration fee is non-refundable. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.
The Camp Director or his or her designee reserves the right to dismiss any camper whose conduct becomes in any way detrimental to the best interests of the other campers. No refunds will be given in these cases.
How are the fees for summer camp used?
The fees charged for Summer Camp are used to cover the operating expenses of the camp. The fee covers expenses like: food, food service staff, life guards, trained resource staff, First Aid personnel, Camper Accident insurance, program supplies, lodging, utilities, and routine maintenance. The camps are self funded agencies of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Is a health form or exam required?
Yes, a health form is sent to each registrant. Campers cannot be accepted at camp without the form completed according to the furnished directions. The health history on the form (with signed permissions) is required of ALL campers. Health forms are NOT to be mailed to camp, but to be brought with the camper on the day of registration at camp. No health exam is required of campers.
What will check-in be like on Sunday afternoon?
ALL campers must go through the admitting line to be properly enrolled in a camp session. Admission begins at 3 PM each Sunday. We suggest that you leave all luggage and sleeping bags in vehicles or outside the lodge during this procedure. Each camper should have available their: CAMPER SIGN-OUT FORM, SIGNED HEALTH FORM, ANY/ALL MEDICATIONS and CAMP STORE MONEY. Campers will receive cabin assignments at this time. It is important that ALL campers complete the entire process. After check-in is completed, please assist your campers to their assigned cabin to unpack and settle in for the week. (Large groups should try to arrive no later than 3:30 PM).
Should a camper bring money to camp?
The Camp Store at West River or Manidokan has items for sale such as: T-Shirts, flashlights, beverages, snacks, postcards, stamps, and caps. A camper should bring no more than $30.00. All camper money is collected at registration the first day of camp and purchases are made from the Camp Store on a credit basis. Any unspent money will be returned to the camper upon departure from camp.
Can a camper come late or leave early? We encourage campers to be present for the entire program of camp. We understand that situations arise and allowances can be made to accommodate a camper who must arrive late or leave early. We must have notification in writing from parent/guardian to notify the camp of late arrival or early departure. If someone other than the parent or legal guardian is to pick a camper up, we must have signed, written consent from the parent or legal guardian.
What if a camper gets sick or injured during the week? Each camp has a nurse or health aide who is available 24 hours a day to handle all injuries and illnesses that may occur. All emergencies are handled through local hospitals in consultation with the camper's parent or guardian.
What about homesickness?
A very important goal of our camping program is a sense of community throughout the camp session. This leads to new friendships, self-expression, and self-confidence in our campers. Sometimes this doesn't always happen on the first day or so. A big concern for parents is obviously homesickness. The important thing for parents, campers, and staff to remember is that homesickness is a natural feeling and can be overcome in almost all instances. When a camper overcomes their homesickness and stays for the remainder of the camp session, they feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence that will positively influence their ability to overcome other obstacles in life. For more on how to plan for this possibility, visit www.campparents.org.
As a parent, where can I find more resources to help me prepare for my child's time at summer camp?
The American Camp Association has a great on-line resource for parents preparing their kids for this experience. Visit www.campparents.org.
Are there other opportunities at the three sites during the summer? YES! Groups can have a Saturday afternoon picnics at West River by reserving the Picnic Pavilion or the Waterfront. Those who join West River for a picnic may also enjoy the swimming pool, athletic field, outdoor grills, and rowboats or canoes. Families can enjoy a Family Weekend at Manidokan in August. Groups can also camp at Camp Harmison using their own tents or RVs or they may rent the Harmison Retreat House.
What opportunities are available year-round?
All three sites are open year-round for group retreats, conferences, day meetings, workshops, individual retreats, picnics, and many other opportunities. (Please note that retreats cannot be scheduled during the summer camp season at West River and Manidokan.)
