Day in the Life of a Camper
6:45 – Polar Bear Club, Fishing Club
7:30 – Rise and Shine
7:45 – Flag Raising
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Cabin Clean Up
9:15 – Personal Devotions
9:30 – Chapel
10:15 – Game
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Rest Time
1:30 – Cabin Elective
3:00 – Snack Shack/ Camp Store
3:30 – Cabin Electives
5:00 – Dinner
6:00 – Flag Lowering/Chapel
7:00 – Reflection
7:15 – Funny Bone (Skit Night)
8:30 – Get Ready for bed
8:45 – Cabin Hang out time (Cabin Devotions)
9:30 – Lights out
What to Pack
Wondering what to pack for camp? We have compiled a quick list of the essentials you or your camper will need for their week of camp.
What to Bring
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Bible
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Bedding (sleeping bags work great!)
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Toiletries
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Towels
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Modest one-piece swimwear (no white swimwear)
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Sandals (these can be worn to and from the pool and lake)
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Sneakers (closed toed shoes are required for games and hiking, they might get dirty)
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Pants (required for trails and paintball)
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We recommend bringing six changes of clothes
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Old clothes (you won’t mind if your camper gets these dirty)
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Rain gear
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Flashlight
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Fishing pole and tackle (optional)
What Not to Bring
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Cell Phone
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Electronic games
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Audio or video player
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Valuable items that you don’t want broken or lost
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Cigarettes
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Illegal Drugs
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Alcohol
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Knives or weapons (this includes pocket knives)
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Anything that will distract you from the camp experience
General Information
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Arrival: Check in is from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the camp dining hall.
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Departure: Parents are invited to join us for our closing program at 6:30 pm on the last day of camp. You will enjoy hearing from the speaker and seeing the video from the week. Campers will be dismissed by 7:00 pm.
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Check in: When you arrive at camp with your camper, your registration paperwork and payments should have all been completed online. You will need to check in with staff, get your child checked for head lice (state requirement), and visit our nurse and drop off vaccination records and medications if necessary. We then encourage parents to meet your child’s counselor and see the cabin in which they will be staying. This is a good time to address any questions or concerns that you may have about the week.
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Camp Store and Snack Shack: The Camp Store and Snack Shack will be open during check in and departure, as well as several times throughout the week for our campers. Our Snack Shack has several different snacks, treats and drinks available for our campers. In the camp store you will find camp clothing, souvenirs, water bottles and other merchandise. Campers usually spend $20 to $30.
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Training: Our counselors receive training from professionals who we invite to campus. They are trained in topics such as emergencies, home sickness, camper behaviors, and age-group characteristics, as well as spiritual discipleship and evangelism. They also receive training to help recognize the signs and how to address things such as suicide risk, self-harm, gender-identity issues, and abuse.
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Medical Information: Our camp nurse is on campus at all times throughout the week and is available to dispense medications as needed and prescribed. All medications (both prescription and over the counter) that your camper may need while at camp must be listed on your medication form. All prescription medications must come in the original bottle/package which clearly identifies the patient’s name, prescribing physicians name (if prescription), name of medication, dosage and frequency of use. Medication must be given to the nurse at the time of check in and will be returned when you pick your camper up at the end of the week.
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Food and Dietary Info: Food and medical allergies need to be communicated to us at the time of registration. We ask that you communicate with us about these allergies and related needs before you arrive with your camper. There are alternative options available at every meal for campers with food allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health and Diet
What vaccinations are required?
All vaccinations required for public school are required for camp, unless there is a religious exemption, which needs to be communicated to us. We will need to have this vaccination record on file in order for your camper to attend.
How do you manage food allergies?
Food and medical allergies need to be communicated to us at the time of registration. We ask that you communicate with us about these allergies and related needs before you arrive with your camper. There are alternative options available at every meal for campers with food allergies.
What if my child takes medication daily?
Our camp nurse is on campus at all times throughout the week and is available to dispense medications as needed and prescribed. All medications (both prescription and over the counter) that your camper may need while at camp must be listed and have a recent signature of the camper's doctor before the camper can attend camp. All medications must come in the original bottle/package which clearly identifies the patient’s name, prescribing physicians name (if prescription), name of medication, dosage and frequency of use. Medication must be given to the nurse at the time of check in and will be returned when you pick your camper up at the end of the week.
Safety
What kind of training do your counselors receive?
Our counselors receive training from professionals who we invite to campus. They are trained in topics such as emergencies, home sickness, camper behaviors, and age-group characteristics, as well as spiritual discipleship and evangelism. They also receive training to help recognize the signs and how to address things such as suicide risk, self-harm, gender-identity issues, and abuse.
Do you perform background checks on your counselors/staff?
Yes, everyone 18 or older is checked against the National Sex Offender Registry.
What are your emergency procedures?
We have policies in place for emergencies related to fire, weather, lost campers, evacuations, active shooters, and health emergencies. We also recognize our status as a mandated reporter of child abuse and have policies in place regarding that. We have security on campus at all times, day and night, as well as a nurse and several other individuals with certifications to deal with emergencies. We have also consulted with law enforcement regarding safety/security measures.
How will my child be supervised?
Your child will be supervised at all times while here at camp. We have a 10 to 1 camper to counselor ratio, and our counselors are trained in keeping your child safe.
How do you choose your staff?
All of our staff go through an application and interview process before being hired. The process of hiring counselors involves both pastoral and character references, as well as background checks through the National Sex Offender Registry. In the interview process, we look for evidence of a relationship with the Lord as well as spiritual growth and a good fit for our camp in all areas (physical, emotional, spiritual, mental). Our goal each summer is to get the best people here to help give your kids the best week of camp possible.
Family Communication
How do you respond to homesickness?
Our counselors are trained to recognize and help manage homesickness in our campers. They will do their best to comfort them and get them distracted with all the fun that is going on at camp. If necessary, they will consult with the nurse and if it gets to the point where we feel they will not be able to enjoy their week of camp because of it, we will call the parents. Please note, we are not able to give refunds to families who have a camper leave during the week due to homesickness.
Can I write to my child?
Yes, and we encourage it! You can send letters via regular mail or email. We have mail call every day at dinner. You can also send care packages.
Can my child call home?
No, but they can write a letter. Feel free to send pre-stamped envelopes with your child, or they can buy these supplies and stamps at our camp store once they are here.
Can my child bring a cell phone?
No, we ask campers to leave cell phones and electronics at home. You are welcome to write to or email your camper, however, and we will be sure they get it.
Financial
Does my child need to bring spending money?
No, but you can put money on their account for the snack shack and camp store when you register them, or can even go online during the week and add money. Our camp store and snack shack do not accept cash. Please do not send cash with your child.
Do you give discounts for siblings?
Yes! This year we are offering a 50% off discount starting with the 3rd child from the same immediate family.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
We require a non-refundable $50 deposit at the time of registration. The balance of whatever has been paid is refundable up until the first day of camp.
Are there any discounts or scholarships available?
Discounts will be posted each year on our website along with our rates. Scholarships are considered based on need and go through an application process. Scholarship applications can be found on our website.
Registration, Check-in, Check-out
Can you help me get into my account to register?
If you previously made an account through our website and are having difficulty logging in, please email office@bayouca.com or call us during office hours and we would be happy to help you access your account.
What time should we arrive to check our child in to camp?
Registration begins at 6:30. Please do not come early as our staff will be working hard to make final preparations for the week.
What happens when we arrive at camp?
When you arrive at camp with your camper, your registration paperwork and payments should have all been completed online. You will need to check in with staff, get your child checked for head lice (state requirement), and visit our nurse and drop off medications if necessary. We then encourage parents to meet your child’s counselor and see the cabin in which they will be staying. This is a good time to address any questions or concerns that you may have about the week.
Can I request my child be in the same cabin as a friend?
Yes, while we cannot promise it will happen, we make every effort to put kids together in cabins when it is requested by both families. We cannot honor requests that are only made by one family.
Can my child arrive late or leave early?
We recommend, for the best experience possible, that your child remain at camp for the entire week. However, we realize that there may be reasons you need to pick up your child early or bring them late. If this is the case, please reach out to us and let us know. Registration fees will remain the same even if they come late or leave early.
General
Is there a dress code?
We require modest dress but don’t have specific guidelines other than one-piece swimwear. Staff will address any clothing deemed to be inappropriate.
What kind of clothes should my child bring?
Please send your child with old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or stained. They will need a mix of shorts, pants, sweatshirts, rain gear. The days are hot, but the evenings can get cool. Please make sure your child is prepared to be comfortable. Also your child needs to have sneakers and flip flops/sandals. We recommend a lot of socks, as their feet will get wet! We do have a packing list available on our website.
What activities are available at camp?
A description of our activities can be found on our website. In addition, each week of camp will have games and activities unique to that camp group.