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Click here for:  Questions from Campers

  

Click here for:  Questions from Parents

  

Click here for:  Questions from adults who want to help with camp

  

Click here for:  Questions from clergy & congregations

  

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Questions from campers

• What happens at camp?

• How many campers are in a cabin?

• Are there other people my age?

• How do I register?

• Where is camp held?

• Who are the counselors?

• Can I become a counselor?

     

Questions from parents

     Why Camp

     

Signing My Child Up For Camp  

• How do I register my camper?

• What is the cost of camp?

• Is there additional financial assistance?

   

  

Pre-Camp planning

• What needs to happen after I register?

• Where is camp held?

• What should my child bring to camp

• Why do I drop them off and when do I pick them up?

• Can I become a counselor?

   

   

While at camp

• What happens at camp?

• Can I send mail

• Who are the counselors?

   

  

Questions from adults who want to help with camp

• Can I become a counselor?

• Can I stop by to help with camp?

• How can I help if I don't want to be a on staff?

   

  

Questions from clergy & congregations

• Why Camp

• How can we support the program?

    

        

   

What happens at camp?

Senior Camp is run quite differently from Middle School & Junior Camp, but at all camps we have time for fun & games, sleep, worship, eating, singing and meeting a lot of other people.

Click here to see more about Senior Camp

click here tosee more about Middle School Camp

Click here to see more about Junior Camp

   

Every year camp has an outreach component - an activity where we do a project that goes along with our theme & teaches us to give something to the large community.  In past years we've made birdhouses & greeting cards to sell at Diocesan Convention (the money went to Habitat for Humanity and other organizations) and we've learned about water consumption and evangelism.

     

   

How many people are in my cabin?

There are usually 10 campers in each of the cabins, and 2 adult counselors.  The cabins are split by age, so you will have people in your grade, and perhaps also the grade above and/or below. The cabins are also split between gender (girl campers and boy campers have separate cabins!).

     

   

Are there other people my age?

We have campers in grades 3-12.  Campers of these grades attend camp. 

If you are 13-16, you can also become an LIT (Leader in Training) during Junior Camp. And if you are 16 or 17, you can also become a CIT (Counselor in Training) during Middle School Camp. 

   

   

How do I register?

Click here to go to the download page & download (fill out & send in) the registration form.   When it comes up, you fill it out and send in a non-refundable $100 deposit.  If your parish is paying the deposit, please still send the form directly to us.

Be sure to register by the Early Bird Special if you want to recieve a discount, and by the Registration Deadline so you won't be left out.

   

   

Where is camp held?

Our practice has always been to rent space for weeks during the summer.  Our current site is Camp Newaygo, in Newaygo, MI. 

    

   

Who are the counselors?

Staff at the Episcopal Youth Camp are all volunteers, and they are amazing!  We have clergy, teachers, parents, retirees, nurses, stay-at-home moms, lawyers, accountants and college students.   Click here to see the staff page

   

Can I become a counselor?

All of our counselors and staff people are out of high school and over the age of 18. If you are and you'd like to apply to be on staff, please click here to see the staff page, or click here to go to the download page and fill out an application. 

If you are 16, 17 or 18 and still in high school, you can become a CIT, or Counselor in Training. 

  

     

Why Camp?

The Episcopal Youth Camp in the Diocese of Western Michigan is striving to be a pivotal part of the formation of the young people in our Diocese.  We work together to form a Christian Community as we play & pray, sing & share.  We invite young people into a deeper relationship with each other and with God. 

This camp is supported financially by the Diocese as a whole, and supported through the time and talents of congregations, adult volunteers and the Episcopal clergy in western Michigan. 

Our adult counselors serve as mentors for the young people, as we model friendships with each other. 

  

Why A Christian Camp?

    

"While a week of camp in the summer can not replace the need for faithful service to the Lord on a year round basis, there is ample proof that the camp experience can certainly help to change the direction of a young person's life. It is this change of direction that can help a child to come home to a local congregation and work in the Lord's kingdom with greater faith."

From an article written by John L. Rice for  Back Woods Christian Camp.

   

This quote reminds me of two things.  The first is that the experience the young people can have at camp and the second is how they are welcomed back home.

The experience at a Christian camp is astonishing.  They are able to live in a Christian community and experience what that means.  A place where the campers often tell us they can "be themselves".  It doesn't matter that they're geeks at home, or that they're jocks or skateboarders or goth, at camp they just "are".  The counselors set the tone for the cabins, and the campers see each other through different eyes.  

      

We pray before and after every meal, we have a daily Eucharist and daily Compline (the traditional final service of the day).  We have an hour and a half of Christian Education and practice a form of theological reflection that we call "Goodnight Groups."  They go home knowing the prayers and singing the songs that glorify God.  

       

But what happens when they go home?  Are they fully included in the church, welcomed into the service?  Are they allowed to read, serve as Eucharistic Ministers and speak allowed during the prayers of the people?  How are they invited and allowed to Serve the Lord?

         

Why go to camp?

   

“When I am at camp, I am my best self.” That’s what campers unanimously say about their camp experience, because the camp environment creates a positive community for children to practice growing up. Trained, caring professionals shore up campers to leave their comfort zones; with no pressure of grades, they can try new activities while acquiring independence, resilience, and self-discipline. In fact, camp provides the supports and opportunities for youth to become productive, connected, and able to navigate from childhood through adolescence into adulthood.

Research confirms that children feel safe and happy, and that they reinvent themselves at camp, finding out what they are good at and putting forth effort in areas where they want to improve.  They learn the skills needed to become successful, belonging, contributing members of society: leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and coping to name just a few.

Camp is a perfect partner to family, school, and community youth activities. In fact, the camp experience is a vital part of a child’s total education, a place to gain knowledge through first-hand experiences: at camp, children have the opportunity to connect with nature, to participate in human-powered activities, and to benefit from personal and intergenerational relationships. As such, it is the gift of a lifetime, leaving an indelible imprint on every child who attends.

From an article written by   Marla Coleman, Past President, American Camp Association

   

   

  

What is the cost of camp?

 $375 – for a week of camp
 $325 – if registering by the Early Bird Special (postmarked Easter Monday, April 9, 2012)

 $300 – for CIT or LIT

We will have  gift certificates  available for purchase – consider sending your grandchild or Godchild to camp this summer.  Click here to e-mail Gennie Callard about purchasing a Gift Certificate.

There's is no fee for staff or day clergy, and they are also volunteers.  There is also a $200 fee for children in the Pumpkin Patch.

        

We are so grateful that we can keep the camp cost low, and also have enough financial assistance available to have never turned a camper away because of finances.  Thank you all for being a part of this bless!

Last year we did not raise the cost of camp, as we knew everything else in life was costing more and we wanted to help families out.  This year, however, we will be raising it.  But please remember that if you register by the Early Bird Special (April 9) the cost will only be slightly raised. 

The price is still dramatically covered by the diocesan budget and a number of grants & special funding that we receive  (the actual cost of camp is about $200.00 in addition to the camper fees we charge) .  Financial assistance will always be available for those who truly could not afford to go to camp otherwise.  It is our hope that each parish pay a part of the camper fee, the parents pay what they can, and that each person look for other sources (Grandparents, Godparents, etc.).  We never want a child to not be able to go to camp because the family cannot afford it.

   

Financial Assistance

The Diocese of Western Michigan does have additional financial support available for camp. However, it is our request that you also seek other additional sources also, such as your parish, your Rector's Discretionary Fund, the ECW or other organization in your church, and your deanery. 

If you are seeking financial assistance from the Diocese, please fill out the following form and submit it by the deadline:  Click here to go to the Download page and find the financial aid form.

    

    

What needs to happen after I register?

After you register, you will receive the following information

• Camper Information Record & Health Form

• Financial Invoice & Financial Aid Request Form

• Parent & Camper Handbook

  

  

What should be brought to camp?

The list is also available in the Parent & Camper handbook.  Click here to go to the download page and find the handbook

Remember to pack enough for the entire week

We have found that a plastic tote or footlocker to keep clothes in comes in handy.  An idea from parents of younger children was to put the entire outfit for one day in a zip lock baggie and label it with the day of the week – the children who had this loved it.

Packing list:  The following clothing and equipment list is what we suggest.  Although we do our best to help each camper be responsible for his/her own belongings, it is impossible for us to be sure campers go home with everything they bring.  And please be sure you have prepared your child to care for his/her clothing before coming to camp.  Remember make sure to mark everything with a tag or indelible pen & look on the lost and found table before you leave.  We are usually not able to return any lost items after camp is closed. 

    

    

Clothing for an entire week

Pajamas

pairs of underwear

pairs of socks

shirts

Shorts and long pants

Sweater or sweatshirt

Warm jacket or sweatshirt

Dress-up outfit for Friday night

Sandals and/or water shoes

Shoes for running and hiking (sneakers, etc.)

Extra pair of shoes

Rain Gear

Shower shoes

Swim suit and beach towel

   (for girls - one piece, tankini, or  t-shirt to wear over top – no stomachs shown)

      

      

Personal Items

Prescription medication & supplies

     MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS!!!!!!!

All other necessary medication

Shower caddy or tote to carry personal items to bath house

Bath towel (at least 2 suggested)

Sleeping bag

(or sheets & WARM blanket)

Pillow

Comb or brush

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Soap & shampoo

Deodorant

Other personal hygiene items

    
     
Other Necessary Items

Canned food for outreach

Flashlight/batteries

Water bottle (refillable) – bring 2

Personal Bible

Pen/pencil

Bug spray

Bag for dirty clothes

Sunscreen

Hat or cap

     

    

Optional Items

Watch

Letter writing materials with addresses & stamps

Stuffed animal

Camera (inexpensive)

Reading book

Musical instruments

Journal

      

      

Do not bring…

Gum (as it falls out of the mouth, onto the ground, and sticks on the bottom of shoes – ew!) we don’t allow it.  Any candy that is brought will be shared with the entire camp.  We try to fill the campers with healthy snacks, not sugar.

Please do not bring money or valuables to camp!  Money is not needed at camp - there are t-shirts & sometimes other items the campers can buy, they are only sold at registration and check-out times. The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan and the facility we rent from are not responsible for theft, loss or damage of personal possessions.

Please do not bring electronics!  If cell phones or music players (IPods, MP3 players, etc.) are brought to camp, they may be mailed back home at the expense of the parents/guardians.  We don’t want the campers to have them, and we don’t want to be responsible for them, so they may be returned by mail. 

Cell phones:  With electronic communication (texting, facebook & cell phones) so prevalent in the lives of young people, we focus on inter-personal relationship (actually talking to one another).  If campers need to call parents, they will be able to do so with the camp phone and the camp director present. 

MP3 players & electronic games:  As with cell phones, young people seem to always be “plugged in” – this is a week of unplugging.  If you child has trouble sleeping without music at night, please practice this for a few weeks before he or she attends camp.

Do not bring knives, guns or other weapons or fireworks, alcohol, cigarettes or tobacco of any kind or any illegal drugs (all medications must be given to the health director at check-in)

     

       

When do I drop off my campers and pick them up?

Registration for campers begins Sunday at 4:00pm.  We cannot accept campers before that.

Check out begins at 11:00am on Saturday.  All campers must be picked up by noon.

      

       

Can I become a counselor?

You can certainly Be a Part of it!

Every year we need cabin counselors, nurses, formation leaders, organizers & planners to help before-hand, go-fors to come for the day to help out, people to donate snacks & other supplies, clergy to celebrate at our Eucharists.  We need YOU to Be a Part of it!

Click here to find out how YOU are needed, and how YOU can help!

      

      

Can I send mail and other packages to camp?

Mail is distributed to the cabins and given out there.  Any snacks that are sent to or brought to camp are shared with the entire community.  We are trying to help the campers eat healthy food, so please refrain from sending too much candy and junk food. 

If you’d like to help us with providing healthy snacks, please let Gennie Callard know.

Address mail to:
(Camper’s Name)
EYC - Camp Newaygo
P.O. Box 610
Newaygo, MI 49337