Frequently Asked Questions
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REGISTRATION
How do I register a camper?
PLC conducts all our registrations online. If you need help or would like us to arrange for a paper registration, you can contact us at (641) 849-1066 or office@pinelakecamps.org
What is PLC’s cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us quickly since many of our camps are full and have campers hoping to get in. Keep in mind that a portion of your fee is non-refundable, depending on the date of your cancellation.
Up until one month prior: $25
One month to one week prior: $75
One week prior to camp & later: 100% (May be able to transfer to another week of camp.)
No refund will be given if your child leaves camp early due to illness, homesickness, or behavioral issues.
Does PLC offer financial aid?
Families registering three or more kids from the same household may be eligible for a discount. Please email office@pinelakecamps.org
If family finances would prevent your child from attending camp, you can apply for financial assistance. Free Grace United has a limited amount of need-based scholarship funds available that, combined with a payment plan, may help make camp possible for your kiddo.
To apply for financial assistance you will need to register for child for camp and pay the $25 deposit. After your child is registered, fill out the scholarship application HERE. Our team will review and contact you to discuss financial assistance and payment plans.
How do I know what camp to send my child to?
Register your child under the grade level they have already completed, not the one they are entering in the fall. Note: Free Grace United churches in Minnesota will provide busing for the last two weeks of camp, but all campers from any church - or no church - are able to register for these weeks.
How much does camp cost?
Weeklong Camp is $398 per camper. Primary Camp is $200 per camper.
Three or more siblings from the same family will receive an automatic 10% discount.
Does PLC offer payment plans?
We would like to help make PLC accessible to all. During registration, you will have the option to select Monthly Payments, and it will automatically calculate the monthly payment amount in order to have your total paid in full by one week prior to your child's arrival at camp. Payments will automatically be withdrawn from your payment account on the 15th of each month.
If you have questions, please call camp at 641.849.1066 or email office@pinelakecamps.org
If my child is going to camp with a friend, can they be in the same cabin? How are cabins assigned?
Each camper is permitted to request ONE cabin mate. Please ensure that your camper and their cabin mate EACH request to room together. Cabin assignments are made one week before camp.
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 included even though they may not have come with someone they know.
To protect this type of atmosphere, we will not put more than four campers who know each other together in a cabin. If your child is part of a large group of friends, we welcome your input regarding how a large group should be split. Please e-mail office@pinelakecamps.org.
Requests for a specific type of cabin (modern vs. rustic) will only be considered in situations that involve wheelchair accessibility or medical disability.
HOW CAMP WORKS
What is the appropriate clothing to bring?
Campers should pack comfortable, casual clothing. Check the packing list for specifics. Clothing with negative, inflammatory or inappropriate statements or images are not allowed. We ask that clothing is modest & doesn't reveal underwear. Girls, no bikinis, please. Tankinis are ok. No super short-shorts or crop tops. If the belly is showing, the camper will be asked to change. If you are questioning whether something is appropriate for camp, it may be best to leave it at home. Staff may discreetly ask campers to change if needed. Closed toe shoes and pants are required for the ropes course.
What activities are available for my camper?
Crafts, Boating, High Ropes/Zipling, Swimming, Fishing, Court Games, Riflery, Archery, Sling Shots, Disc Golf, Worship & Chapel Classes, Ga Ga Ball, Rock Climbing Wall, 9 Square, Game Cabin, Large Group Games
What does a typical daily schedule look like?
Elementary
7:00 - Wake up
7:30 - Breakfast
8:15 - Bible Hour
9:00 - Quiet Time
9:30 - Activities/Games
12:00 - Lunch
1:00 - Camp Activities
5:00 - Dinner
6:00 - Evening Rally
7:00 - Night Game
8:00 - In Cabins
8:30 - Evening Devos
9:00 - Lights out
Jr. High/Senior High
8:00 - Wake up
8:30 - Breakfast
9:00 - Bible Hour
10:00 - Quiet Time
10:45 - Activities/Games
12:30 - Lunch
1:30 - Camp Activities
5:30 - Dinner
7:00 - Evening Rally
8:00 - Camp Activities
9:00 - Night Game
10:00 - To Cabins
10:30 - Evening Devos
11:00 - Lights Out
What if my child gets homesick?
Every case of homesickness is a little bit different. In some cases, it only lasts a moment, and in others it lingers.
In mid-level to extreme cases, staff will contact a parent to seek advice. We will typically speak with the parent a couple times before putting them on the phone with their child. Once the child adjusts to camp and gets busy having fun, the homesickness usually passes. It is very rare that we have a parent pick up their camper in the middle of the week.
HINT: Never tell your child that they will get homesick at camp, or tell them what you or PLC will do in the event that they are homesick. Every case is a little different. We promise to contact you if your kiddo is struggling.
What if my campers forget something at camp?
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 held for 2 weeks after camp.
What if there is severe weather while my child is at camp?
Our leadership staff closely monitors weather forecasts and receives real-time updates from the Hardin County weather emergency system.
Our summer staff are trained to respond to a variety of situations including medical emergencies, fire, weather, and intruders. Campers will be led to designed, safe locations when severe weather is a threat.
When do I drop my camper off? When do I pick them up?
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TIMES
CHECK-IN
Camp check-in is between 3:00-5:00pm on Sundays. Please do not arrive early, as the gate will be closed prior to 3:00.
When you drive onto camp, families with boys please park in the lot between the driveway and the pool, and walk to the chapel for check-in. You'll return to your car and can drive your boy(s) to unload on Boys' Hill.
Families with girls please park on the road in front of the chapel, check in, and then proceed to Main Hill to unload.
Please bring the following with you to check-in:
ALL vitamins and meds
Any balance due
Camp store money to deposit, if desired
Names of anyone permitted to pick your camper(s) up on Friday. ID will be required for pickup.
PICK-UP
Pickup is between 9:00-11:00am on Fridays. Please do not arrive early, as the gate will be closed prior to 9:00.
When you arrive at camp, please be prepared to show ID at the gate, so we can ensure you have permission to pick up your camper(s).
You will be directed to your camper's pick-up point and will be given any leftover meds or camp store funds. Camp store will be open if you'd like to shop before you go.
Are there things my campers should leave at home?
Fireworks, non-prescribed drugs, alcohol and tobacco products, vapes, and weapons of any kind are not allowed at Pine Lake Camps. Camp is a NO PHONE ZONE! No screens, please. If something is brought to camp that the staff deems inappropriate or unsafe, we will hold the item in safekeeping and return it to parents at pickup.
What types of beds are there at camp?
All of Pine Lake Camps cabins have twin size mattresses - typically on a bunk bed. The best bedding to bring would be a fitted sheet for the mattress and a sleeping bag & pillow. Some campers prefer to bring a blanket and two sheets rather than a sleeping bag, which works as well.
How does my child receive mail at camp?
Here on our website, you can message your child! Or...
Mail to:
Pine Lake Camps
Attn: Susie Camperkid
32203 230th Street, Eldora, IA 50627
Mail will be delivered to campers at lunch each day.
Can I see a camp map?
Yup! Right here!
MEDICAL ISSUES
My child has food restrictions - can PLC provide specialty food for them?
Please make sure to notify us on the medical form if your child has a food restriction. Appropriate food will be provided for each meal but you will want to pack snacks that your child can eat.
Does PLC have medical staff during the week?
Pine Lake Camps medical staff are adult volunteers who are 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.
Being sick at camp is a bummer. 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.
Are there any accommodations for special needs?
Program Access - PLC will accommodate special needs into existing programs to the extent that financial and physical resources permit.
If my child has prescription meds, how do they receive them during the week?
Camp must be informed of all prescription medications and instructions (via PLC medical forms) PRIOR to your child’s arrival at camp. All meds must be given to the nurse at registration. The nurse will then work with your child's counselor to ensure dispensing at the appropriate times. Prescription meds will not be dispensed without the original prescription bottle. Any camper with multiple prescriptions will be required to send a doctor’s note including all prescriptions, in order to ensure that PLC dispenses safely.
Are there over-the-counter medications available for campers?
Over-the-counter medications (i.e., Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl), are available for campers as needed under nurse supervision. Campers may not have ANY medications in their possession but are allowed to give their own to the nurse at registration if they expect to need them.
MISCELLANEOUS
Where should my child keep his/her money?
We suggest that campers do not keep money in their cabins or in their pockets during the week - camp is a busy place, and it's never fun to lose your spending money!
Campers are encouraged to deposit their money in the camp bank at registration. When the camper makes purchases, the amount spent will be subtracted from their account. Upon depositing money in your camper's account, you can choose to donate any remaining funds at the end of the week to Teresa Missions, an orphanage in Kenya. (teresamissions.org)
If you choose not to donate, at the end of the week, your camper(s) will be given a sealed envelope containing the remaining money in their account.
What should my child bring to camp?
Here is a list of suggestions for what your child should pack for camp. LABEL ALL ITEMS.
Sleeping bag
Fitted twin sheet
Pillow and case
Blue jeans/pants (must wear long shorts or pants for ropes course)
T-shirts (girls, no crop-tops, please. Campers will be asked to change if clothing will not sufficiently cover the body for safety during camp activities.)
Warm sweatshirt
Raincoat/poncho
Summer jacket
Shorts
Socks
Underwear
Pajamas
Swimsuits (girls, no bikinis; bring a tankini or one piece)
Refillable water bottle (label!)
Tennis shoes (closed toe shoes required for ropes course)
Flip flops or sandals
Bath & beach towels
Washcloth
Toiletry articles
Flashlight
Pens
Notebook
Bible
Camera
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Labeled laundry bag
Spending money to deposit
Prescription meds in original bottle with doctor’s note (leave with camp nurse)
Can parents shop at camp?
Yes, the camp store will be open on camp opening and closing days. Get your kiddos squared away and then shop 'til you drop.
After we got back home from camp, my child slept all day. Is that normal?
Yes, we keep our campers very busy. Although we have curfews and rest times, your child may not have gotten as much sleep as they are used to at home. Sometimes they were just simply more active this week than their body is used to. It might take a day or two for them to recover following a week of fun at Pine Lake Camps!
How do I get to Pine Lake Camps?
Make sure you know how to get to camp! Here are directions.
Is Pine Lake Camps affiliated with any specific denomination?
While we are owned and operated by Free Grace United Church, PLC welcomes campers from any church (or no church at all!) All kids are welcome at PLC, no matter where they are on their faith journey. Our goal is to give every camper a safe environment to learn more about who Jesus is and who they are in Christ.
