SUMMER CAMP

## My child is participating in the Bible Lessons Program. Should I wait until after they complete the lessons to register for camp?

***No! Register your child as soon as possible. Our registration software requires that you pay the $50 deposit to complete your child’s registration and reserve their place for camp. If you have a new overnight camper and they are going to earn the free week of camp, we will refund you the $50 in mid-May when they are awarded the scholarship. (Contact the Registrar at campgilead.registrar@gmail.com if you would rather we allocate it toward the Oasis, Missions offering, Crafts, Paintball, etc). In mid-May, we will automatically apply the scholarship amount to all Bible Lesson participants who complete their lessons by April 15th in. ***

## My child didn’t participate in the Bible Lessons Program. Can we still apply for financial aid?

All summer campers were sent home with their first Bible lesson and the opportunity to participate in the program and earn a scholarship for the next summer season. The deadline to begin Bible Lessons is in December. Bible Lessons Program participants will be given first priority for scholarship funds, and all financial aid applications will be reviewed and granted based on remaining funds and true need. We would never want a camper who would otherwise not be able to afford camp to miss out! Visit the Financial Aid page to download an application. We strongly encourage that your child participate in and complete the Bible Lesson program next year to guarantee they receive a scholarship!

## Can my child attend a week that is lower/higher in grade than his/her actual grade?

For older children, some exceptions to this would be a large group that is coming together, where only one of the campers is one year older, or a sibling pair that is from a long-distance away. Please contact our Registrar at campgilead.registrar@gmail.com for assistance. There are no exceptions made for younger children – they must attend camp during the week that is designated for their age category.

## Who will monitor my child throughout the day and night?

Your child will be assigned to a cabin that will be supervised by one Senior Cabin Leader (18 years old +) and a Junior Cabin Leader (16 years old +).

## How will my child be monitored at the lake?

Red Cross certified Lifeguards are posted at multiple locations surrounding the lakefront. On day one, all campers will take a swim test. Any campers who do not pass will be considered “shallow-end only” swimmers. We also have an outstanding “swim number” system, in which your child will be assigned a number and will hang this number on a board to signify they are in the water and remove this number from the board when they are no longer in the water.

## Are parents/sponsors/chaperones allowed to attend camp with their children?

Due to limited housing, the size our summer staff, and our child-safety screening processes, guests are rarely permitted during summer camps.

## Does Camp Gilead serve gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian foods?

If your child has medically-necessary dietary needs, please contact us so we can work out the details of your child’s care. (There are places you can indicate these needs on the registration form.)

## What if my child gets sick during camp or needs medical attention?

In the event your child is sick, needs medicine, or requires minor medical attention, there are First Aid Providers and designated adult staff members always available. During check-in, each child's medication, along with instructions for use, is turned in to the designated staff member who personally administers all medications as directed. Many of the cabin leaders and staff are also First Aid and CPR certified. In the rare event of an emergency, you would be notified, 911 would be called and/or your child would be driven to the nearest emergency room by two of our staff members.

## My child gets homesick. Can I visit or call them during the week?****

We find that most children do not experience homesickness, especially once they become immersed in all of the new activities and making new friends. In the event that homesickness happens to occur, our cabin leaders are trained to encourage the camper to stay through the night and see how they feel in the morning. They are usually fine when they wake up because they are excited about that day’s activities. Our cabin leaders are wonderful at encouraging campers to look forward to “tomorrow’s events” and also to encourage and comfort them! Usually a child’s first time away from home is harder on the parent than it is on the child! Since cell phones are not permitted (for the safety of all campers), it's helpful when parents send encouraging letters and/or e-mails, or send a care package to the camper. Parental visits during the week are greatly discouraged; however, exceptions are made for birthdays!

## How can I reach my child?

*** Mail is delivered to campers daily. You may also communicate with your child through e-mail by sending a note to: GileadFLcampermail@gmail.com. Put your child's first & last name and Cabin name in the subject line. Your child will not be able to e-mail back, but will receive the e-mail in the same manner they would receive regular mail. ***

## Can my child stay with a friend or the rest of his/her church group?

Your child may request one same-gender friend to stay with, who must also request him/her. This is the only camper guaranteed to be in your child's cabin. Sometimes, additional bunkmate requests can be granted, but Camp Gilead’s setup is not able to accommodate large group requests, due to the exclusion it causes to other campers. Part of the camp experience is making new friends.

## Will my child get money back if he/she doesn’t spend it all in the camp store/Oasis?

*** Yes if you have indicated in your reigstration you want it back.. If you check no it will be donated to help Camp Gilead continue the ministry. At the end of the summer camp season, you will receive your refund.***

## What should my child pack?

Please refer to the Packing List posted on the website and in your confirmation email.

## What NOT to bring?

***Cell Phones, smart watches, iPods/ipads, personal electronic devices (PSP, Game Boy, MP3 players, CD Players, etc.), firearms, alcohol, tobacco, vapes, or illegal drugs. We reserve the right to send a camper home without a refund if found with any of these items. DO NOT bring VALUABLES. Camp Gilead is not responsible for broken or lost items. ***

## What time do I need to check-in and check-out my child at Camp Gilead?

Regular Overnight Camps • Check-In is 4:00-5:30pm on Sundays. If you will be arriving later than 5:30, please let us know as soon as possible. Please do not arrive early as our staff will be in a pre-camp meeting. • Check-Out starts at 4:00pm on Friday afternoon. (A driver's license is needed to verify permission to pick-up, and the person must be listed on the camper's Pickup Authorization List.) • Please DO NOT make plans to pick your child up earlier than the designated check out time. Campers are engaged in camp-wide activities, and will not be able to receive the full camp experience if they leave early.