Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE CAMP PERKINS CANCELLATION POLICY?
Cancellation refund requests must be made in writing to our camp office, by email ([email protected]) or by mail.
Deposit amounts are not refundable or transferable.
If a cancellation is made at least two (2) weeks before the check-in date, registration and other fees - minus the non-refundable deposit - may be refunded.
If the cancellation is made less than two (2) weeks before the check-in date, there will be no refund of registration fees.
The camp administration may make exceptions for medical reasons or family emergencies when provided sufficient documentation.
Price adjustments will not be made for late arrivals or early departures.
Deposit amounts are not refundable or transferable.
If a cancellation is made at least two (2) weeks before the check-in date, registration and other fees - minus the non-refundable deposit - may be refunded.
If the cancellation is made less than two (2) weeks before the check-in date, there will be no refund of registration fees.
The camp administration may make exceptions for medical reasons or family emergencies when provided sufficient documentation.
Price adjustments will not be made for late arrivals or early departures.
Who will be supervising my youth?
Please read about counselors on our Summer Staff page.
What if my child doesn't know anyone?
The first activities the counselors lead are get-acquainted activities. Through these activities, the counselors and campers get to know each other. Many campers arrive without knowing other children at first, and they usually make friends quickly.
Where do the campers sleep and eat?
Your child will sleep on a bunk bed in a comfortable log cabin (they need to bring their own sleeping bag and pillow) along with other youth their age. A counselor and assistant will stay in the cabin. As a cabin group they will go to meals and activities together. Meals are served in the Lodge dining hall that overlooks the lake. Mealtime is a highlight, not only for the delicious food, but also for the fun activities that occur before and after meals.
My child really wants to attend camp but we simply can't afford it.
Please do not let finances prevent your child from experiencing the summer program at Camp Perkins. There are several options:
- Many churches and organizations have funds available. Please contact your church office or local organization for information.
- Camp Perkins will be happy to help you set up a payment plan.
- Camp Perkins also has Financial Aid available. Priority is given to applications submitted by May 15.
How do I know my child will be given proper nutrition while at Camp?
Camp menus are written by an experienced Food Manager with experience in public school lunch planning. Meal plans are in compliance with government standards providing proper nutrition while at the same time offering a variety of delicious, colorful foods that youth enjoy. We accommodate special dietary needs like diabetes, gluten allergies, and vegetarian diets. The registration process requests information on special dietary needs, and you can also contact us with any questions or concerns.
Camp Perkins is at a high altitude in a dry climate, and dehydration can become a problem. We make every effort to ensure that everyone (including our staff!) drinks plenty of water.
Camp Perkins is at a high altitude in a dry climate, and dehydration can become a problem. We make every effort to ensure that everyone (including our staff!) drinks plenty of water.
What will my child do at camp?
Daily activities include Bible studies, crafts, music and skits, hiking or biking (age appropriate), games, meals, and water play. We also have specialized experiences, which include horseback riding, rafting, backpacking and hiking, art, fly fishing, or sailing. For more information on the different camps available, please look through the Summer Camp section of our site.
Will my child be swimming in your lake, and are there lifeguards?
We have very strict water safety guidelines. No youth is allowed to be at the waterfront without an adult. During swim times, youth are only allowed in the water when our American Red Cross (ARC) certified lifeguards are on duty. All youth perform a swimming test so that the lifeguards are aware of the various abilities. A roped-off area is used to keep boats and canoes out of the swimming area. If youth desire to go boating or canoeing, they are first given a lesson, required to wear a life jacket, and are supervised by an adult at all times.
What happens if a camper gets sick or injured while at camp?
When a camper gets sick or injured, the youth is seen by the Health Care Volunteer. A parent or guardian is contacted if the camper spends the night in the infirmary, vomits, or has a fever for more the 3-6 hours. It is then determined if the camper is able to participate in the remainder of camp, depending on factors such as whether he/she is contagious or well enough to participate in camp activities. The youth is closely monitored by the Health Care Volunteer or picked up by a parent.
Does my child need to have a physical examination?
No, but you will need to fill out the online Health Information form through your child’s registration portal. This form contains emergency contacts, authorization for emergency treatment, health history, immunization history, and information about prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
What should my child bring?
A complete list is available in the Pack and Prepare section of our site. However, the list is largely items you would expect, such as sleeping bag or bedding, pillow, clothes, swimsuit, towel, toiletries, sunscreen, Bible, and flashlight. Please use the packing list to make sure you pack all that is needed!
Can I phone my child at Camp?
We discourage this for many reasons. First, the campers are rarely near a telephone, which means we would have to track them down or have them return the call. Second, a camper missing home might be thrown into full-blown separation anxiety by a well-intentioned call from Mom or Dad. And last, if everyone did it, the volume of calls would turn our secretary into an answering machine. Sending a phone card with your youth is also discouraged.
We highly recommend regular mail or email for communicating with your youth, though it is also recommended you send your letters early to ensure they arrive in time. Generally, letters sent on Thursdays do not arrive in time for the camper to receive it, but letters sent on Wednesdays do. For the mailing address and more details, visit the Prepare for Camp page.
We highly recommend regular mail or email for communicating with your youth, though it is also recommended you send your letters early to ensure they arrive in time. Generally, letters sent on Thursdays do not arrive in time for the camper to receive it, but letters sent on Wednesdays do. For the mailing address and more details, visit the Prepare for Camp page.
Can I pick my child up early?
We realize that family outings and other events may require a youth to be picked up before the closing program. This is fine. However, if you know this will occur, please tell us in advance when you drop your child off on Sunday so that we may plan accordingly.
What’s a day in the life of a summer camper like?
Camp counselors, responsible for campers 24 hours per day, lead their assigned cabin group through the week. Each day of the week is divided into three parts:
- Cabin Group Time: Counselors lead their cabin group in activities that lend themselves to relationship building. Bible studies, team challenge course, cookouts, and sleep-outs are all part of this process.
- Activities (Sessions): Campers can learn new recreational skills by signing up for various activities each day. Depending on the age group, these include canoeing, kayaking, climbing tower, swimming, day hikes, playing in the clay pit, arts and crafts, archery, monster soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, and many more classic and new camp games.
Optional Add-On Experiences: Campers have the opportunity to register in advance for a 90-minute trail ride on horseback or a one-day raft trip down the Salmon River. - All-Camp Activities
The entire camp gathers together each day for recreational and educational opportunities: daily devotions and Bible studies, group worship, campfires, evening games, and programs such as talent shows. - Jumping into the Word
Morning Bible Study: In the large group worship gathering, counselors use skits, dramas, and activities to deliver the message of the day. Afterward, counselors lead their cabin in a study of God’s Word.
Nightly Devotions
Devotions within the cabin group bring the day to a close with a brief look at the Word. - Friday Closing and Lunch
A closing service on Friday at the Outdoor Chapel wraps up the week. Campers share how God has been working in their lives during the week at camp. Parents are invited and strongly encouraged to attend the closing and join us for lunch afterward with their camper.
CAN MY CHILD ATTEND CAMP IF HE/SHE IS NOT LUTHERAN?
Absolutely! While Camp Perkins' affiliation and confession of belief is Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we welcome everybody!
