Preparing For Camp

A few pointers, tips and frequently asked questions about getting ready to come to camp.

Arrival and Departure

Check-in takes place at PIne Lake Camps from 4:00-5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Please wait until this time to arrive. This is when campers move into their cabin, meet their counselor and get acquainted with their new home.
A picnic supper is provided for the entire family from 5:30 - 6:15.The camp week ends at 10:30 a.m. the following Friday.
Primary Camp is the exception, due to its shorter week. Primary Camp check-in for the 2020 program is on Sunday from 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. followed by a family picnic. Pick up is on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Directions

You can find maps and directions to Pine Lake Camp online.

Spending Money

Campers have the opportunity to spend money on a variety of “extra” items and activities. They can choose to buy snacks, ice cream or pop from the canteen or soda fountain; small gifts or T-shirts from the camp store; Some activities such as craft projects have additional fees. For each person, the amount of spending money brought will vary. Last year the “average” camper spent $20-25. Campers are encouraged to deposit their money into the camp bank.

Medical Issues

Pine Lake Camp medical staff are adult volunteers currently, or have been employed, in the medical field. These are professionals who give a week of their time to camp. Medical staff are on duty at all times and available by phone for fast response. Additionally, all camp staff are also trained in emergency medical response.

Daily medication is dispensed according to printed instructions. All medication must be turned in to the camp nurse upon arrival. Medication is typically dispensed at meal times and before bed.

Camp is not a fun place to be when you are sick. If a camper becomes ill, they will be monitored closely. If they are too uncomfortable to stay or have not improved in 24 hours, arrangements will be made for your child to return home.

Calling Home

Campers are allowed to use phones only when they have a significant need or problem. It's simply not practical to give campers access to phones. Camp counseling staff will contact parents immediately if a camper has a problem. We do not encourage homesick campers to call home without our staff first calling the parents to determine the best course of action. Parents who need to contact their child should call the camp office and set a time when your child can be near the phone.

Family and friends are encouraged to write to campers. All contact information, including fax numbers and e-mail addresses, are on the contact page.

Cabin Assignments

Cabin assignments are made one week before camp. This enables us to grant most requests for cabin mates. It's important to us that each cabin group has a positive and accepting atmosphere. It's also important to us that campers become acquainted with other campers outside their current circle of friends and that individual campers feel comfortable and accepted even though they may not have come with someone they know.

To protect this type of accepting and friendly cabin atmosphere, we will not put more than four campers together in a cabin who know each other. If your child is part of a large group of friends we welcome your input regarding how a large group should be split. Friends who wish to be together should request each other. All cabin requests should be made in writing. Requests can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to info@pinelakecamps.org.

Requests for a specific type of cabin (modern vs. rustic) will only be considered in situations that involve wheelchair accessibility or extreme medical handicap.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us quickly since some camps are full and do have waiting lists. Keep in mind that a portion of your fee is nonrefundable depending on the date of your cancellation. Pine Lake Camp does not issue refunds for campers who leave because of homesickness or illness.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are not available for campers. Enough clothing should be packed for the entire week. Of course in emergency situations, counselors are happy to wash sleeping bags or other clothing. All clothes and a bag for dirty laundry should be labeled with the camper's name and phone number (the single largest lost and found item at Pine Lake is an unmarked black garbage bag of dirty clothes!).

Packing For Camp

Suggested packing list:

Sleeping bag
Fitted twin sheet
Pillow and case
Blue jeans/pants
T-shirts
Warm sweatshirt
Raincoat/poncho
Summer jacket
Shorts
Socks
Underwear
Pajamas
Swimsuits
Tennis shoes
Flip flops or sandals
Bath & beach towel
Washcloth
Toiletry articles
Wallet or coin purse
Flashlight
Pens
Notebook
Bible
Camera a
Insect repellent
Labeled laundry bag
Spending money
Sports equipment

Stuff to Leave at Home

Skateboards, roller blades, fireworks, non-prescribed drugs, alcohol and tobacco products, and weapons of any kind are not allowed at Pine Lake Camps. Please also leave music players, TVs, video games and cell phones at home. There will be so much great stuff happening campers won’t have a minute to waste on the electronic world. Take this opportunity to get away from it all. We reserve the right to take anything from campers that we feel is contrary to the atmosphere and spirit of camp. These items will be safely stored and returned at the end of the week.

Clothes to Leave at Home

Campers should pack modest clothing. To us this means that swimwear adequately covers the body, pants stay up around the waist, and underwear shouldn't be visible. For girls, spaghetti straps may be inappropriate depending on the garment. All girls should pack a one-piece swimsuit since most camp water activities are very active (two-piece swimsuits simply aren't practical for the active nature of camp).

Clothing that advertises alcohol or tobacco products is not allowed. If an item of clothing is questionable, leave it at home. Camp staff will ask campers to change if they are wearing something inappropriate.

Lost and Found

Items left behind are washed and inventoried on a weekly basis. We are happy to return items, but do ask that you reimburse us for postage costs. The amount due will be included with the item along with a return addressed envelope. Lost and found items are only kept until the end of October.