What is included in my camper registration?
Your camp registration is all-inclusive! Your tuition fee covers all housing, food and activities during camp. Unless otherwise specified by your dean, the only additional costs are optional expenses for missions offerings and camp store times. NOTE: for Main Camp sessions, PLEASE FEED YOUR CAMPER DINNER PRIOR TO CHECK-IN AS NO DINNER IS SERVED THE NIGHT OF CHECK-IN. A snack will be served later that evening, but please ensure your camper has eaten dinner prior to arriving at camp. Dinner is provided following check-in for Wilderness Camp sessions ONLY.
Campers have the opportunity to meet and learn from a missionary during their week of camp. After learning about that person's ministry, they are given the opportunity to donate if they would like to financially support that cause. Campers typically donate anywhere from $5-20 on average should they choose to donate. This is entirely optional.
For the camp store, that is open during recreation time for campers starting with our 3rd-4th grade sessions. Campers have the opportunity to purchase snacks and souvenirs at that time. Again, this purchase is entirely optional. Most snack items cost $1-1.50, and clothing typically starts at $10. Souvenirs start around $4. We recommend sending about $20-30 for a full week of camp if your student plans to purchase a souvenir as well as daily snacks from the camp store.
What does housing look like?
Main Camp housing is dormitory-style, meaning your camper will typically stay in a dorm room with about 10-14 other campers and at least two adult volunteers. Dorms are air conditioned, so there is no need to pack a fan. Campers sleep in twin-sized bunk beds. Campers must provide their own bedding, towels, toiletries, etc. Restrooms with showers are located in each hallway.
Wilderness Camp housing is in primitive camping cabins. There is no air conditioning. Bunk beds are set up in the cabins. Please see the packing list FAQ for more information. There are two flush toilets plus outhouses at Wilderness Camp. Showers are taken in the river with swimming suits. There are no running showers at Wilderness Camp.
I'm concerned about my child growing homesick. What can you tell me to ease my fear?
It is true that some children do experience homesickness. This is a normal part of the camp experience, especially for campers attending for the first time. It is extremely rare, however, that a camper will become so homesick that he or she will need to return home before the end of camp. Campers are involved in so many activities from morning to evening that they quickly forget about their homesickness amidst all the fun of camp! Generally, they may be homesick during the first few hours or during the first night, but once they have settled in they quickly forget about their homesickness and focus on enjoying camp and making new friends. Our staff intentionally strives to get each camper involved and connected during those initial hours to ease homesickness.
Oftentimes, a camp session is harder on parents, who may be away from their child for the first time. It is perfectly normal for you to miss your child. Know that this is a normal part of the parenting experience. There are several ways that you, as a parent, can help prepare your camper to avoid or lessen homesickness. As you encourage your child to attend camp, avoid talking about how much you will miss them or asking them if they will miss you (don't worry, they will miss you). Instead, talk about how much fun they will have at camp and how you look forward to hearing about all their adventures once they return home. Camp helps children develop valuable life skills. Allow them to grow; do not encourage them to call home as that will only increase the chance of homesickness. If a problem arises that needs your involvement, rest assured that you will be called. Another great tip is to send letters or a care package to your child while at camp. More information on mail is available during your registration process.
My child is nervous about attending camp for the first time. What can I do?
Encourage your child to invite a friend! For most campers, this is the best way to ease fears. When your child invites a friend to attend camp, both come in with at least one friend, and they will quickly make new ones together. Churches often encourage their students to sign up for the same camp sessions as other church members, so you may want to contact your church to see if a group is attending a particular week. Many of our churches encourage this by paying a portion of the camper's tuition. Check with your church for details.
What activities happen at camp?
| Teaching |
Canoes , Kayaks and Row Boats |
Waterslide |
| Worship |
Aqua Cycles |
Fishing |
| Bible Memorization |
Paddle Boats |
Rock Wall (7th-12th grade) |
| Campfire |
Pontoon Boat |
Archery (5th-12th Grade) |
| Crazy Games |
Laser Tag (7th-12th grade) |
Pottery Classes (7th-12th grade) |
| Swimming |
Sling Shot Range (4th-6th grade) |
Group Initiatives |
| Carpet ball |
Jet Ski Rides (7th-12th grade) |
Hiking (Wilderness) |
| Small & Large Group |
Tubing (7th-12th grade) |
Rappelling (Wilderness) |
| Interaction |
The "Blob" (7th-12th grade) |
Zip Line (Wilderness) |
My child is interested in a Wilderness Camp program. How does Wilderness Camp differ from a program at the Main Camp or Lodge facilities?
Wilderness Camp is located at our second property about one hour south of Main Camp. Wilderness boasts smaller groups (about 30 campers per week) for a closer-knit feel. The Wilderness Camp setting is used to “show off” God’s creativity. Teaching is done in unique places, such as Ott Rock, Star Gaze Hill and Buzzard’s Rock. Housing is provided in primitive camping cabins. Activities include rappelling, archery, hiking, zip line and more, depending on the specific week of camp. Places will be explored such as Gault’s Undercut, Pipes Pond, Mushroom Rock, Alligator Rock, Saddle Club, Turtle Rock, Ott Rock, Pine Bluff, Covered Bridge, Buzzard’s Rock, Star Gaze Hill, Split Rail Fence, Top of the World and Water (Split) Rock. Wilderness Camps are available for grades 4-12.
Can I visit during the camp session?
We love having visitors at Round Lake, but during the camp session is not a good time. Given the spontaneity of each program, your arrival could interrupt a special moment or activity God is using to make an impression on your child. It is best to hear about these activities at home following the camp session.
For the protection of campers and respect of the volunteers and staff, each visitor is required to sign in at the camp office upon arrival. Visitors are then given a wristband that must be worn at all times on camp property. Notice prior to arrival is appreciated. Should you arrive at mealtime and desire to eat, payment is expected at the dining hall at the time of the meal. Camp rules apply to everyone. Please do not interfere with campers or the camp schedule. If the office is closed, please notify the Dean upon arrival.
Will my child be safe at Round Lake?
Safety is a high priority at Round Lake. Great care is taken to provide a safe place for everyone who attends a camp session. All Round Lake volunteers ages 18 and up are required to complete background checks before coming to camp. While campers sleep, a night watchman is on duty patrolling the campgrounds. In the dorms, no fewer than two volunteers are available per room to ensure your child’s protection. During the daily schedule, many more staff and volunteer members are available to care for your child’s needs. Volunteers are encouraged to be at the lakefront while campers swim to aid the certified lifeguards with safety issues. The directors of the camp have worked diligently to prepare policies and procedures to care for your child. The Round Lake staff is very competent in handling the day-to-day issues of camp.
I am really interested in sending my child to camp. What are some of the benefits from this investment of time and money?
“Camping takes people away from the noise, demands, routines and pressures of daily life. It removes them from the constant onslaught of the world’s influence which comes through TV, magazines, family, friends, unsaved teachers and so on. Unlike church attendance, camp life is a 24-hour-a-day experience of living together over a period of several days. People have time to absorb truth and think through the implications. Trust and relationships are developed. People find time to relax, build friendships and think deeply.”
-Thoughts from Bob McKemey, “Church and Camp Cooperation”
The investment you are making in a camp session will prepare your child for life and eternity. It is one of the most important investments you will make in your child’s life. Campers grow in their faith, build friendships and develop independence.
Medical Treatment, Medications and Insurance
Any significant change or changes regarding a camper’s physical, medical or emotional condition, different from that stated at the time of registration, should be reported in writing to the camp prior to the camp session. Primary insurance coverage is the responsibility of the camper’s family insurance. All doctor and hospital forms will be completed using patient’s name, home address and personal insurance. Camp insurance will cover no part of a pre-existing illness or injury. All medication for campers must be in original containers with name and specific instructions to be given to the camp nurse at check-in.
How does check-in work?
- Be sure to verify your check-in times. Check-in will begin promptly at the time listed and last no longer than 30 minutes. (See schedule for times)
- It is the parent’s responsibility to make proper arrangements for transportation to and from camp. Any special dismissal transportation arrangements must be provided to the office and dean at check-in time.
- Paying the balance of your campers’ tuition before arriving to camp will greatly expedite your check-in process. Complete payment is due no later than 7 days prior to check-in.
- Campers must check-in BEFORE going to the dorms.
- All medicine must be in original containers and given to the camp nurse during check-in.
- Swim tests will not be offered during check-in. They will be taken during the first swim session on the first day.
- Each camper will have a wristband placed on his/her wrist at check-in time. A tab with matching number on the wristband will be given to the person checking-in the camper. The person picking up the camper at the end of the camp session is responsible for bringing the matching tab as proof that he or she is responsible to pick up the camper. This is done for the safety and protection of your camper.
- After campers have settled into their dorms, parents are free to leave.
How does check-out work?
- Be sure to bring the matching tab to your camper’s wristband (which you received at check-in). If you do not have this, we ask that you provide your drivers’ license to your child’s dorm parent for identification confirmation.
- Your camper can be picked up ONLY at their DORM room. (Day Campers will be dismissed from the Multipurpose Building.)
- If applicable, parents may arrive about 30 minutes prior to camp dismissal to join your camper for the closing program and baptisms. Please see your specific session's page for more information.
What happens if my child makes a decision to be baptized at camp?
If a camper desires to be baptized at camp, the Dean will phone parents for permission and may also contact the camper’s home church. Baptism is by immersion.
Are there any other camp policies I need to be familiar with?
- You are registered to be at camp. Leaving without permission is a safety and liability risk. Campers are not permitted to leave the grounds during a camp session unless prior permission has been granted.
- Accidents happen and things break. Intentional destruction will be paid for by the camper.
- Choose your fashion statements based on what God would say before you leave your house. Dorm parents and the Dean monitor clothing.
- Wristbands are for safety – keep them on.
- No one may record/store/send/transmit the spoken word or visual image of any person, including the individual, campers or staff members in the dorms, showers, restrooms or dressing rooms for any purpose.
- Volunteers/campers who drive to camp must park their vehicles in designated parking lots.
