Find answers to common questions about summer camp below. Don't see your question? Email us at [email protected].
Do you offer Scholarships or financial Aid?
Generous donors give to our Scholarship Fund to provide families with financial assistance who otherwise would not be able to come to camp. You can fill out an application at this link or by emailing [email protected]. Please also ask your local church if they have summer camp scholarship funds available.
We also offer monthly payment plans that divide a family’s balance into even payments charged once per month over a number of months. Payment plans can be chosen on Step 5 of the initial online registration process. If you would like to start a payment plan after you have submitted the initial registration, please email [email protected]. Payment plans are only available until April 30th.
We also offer monthly payment plans that divide a family’s balance into even payments charged once per month over a number of months. Payment plans can be chosen on Step 5 of the initial online registration process. If you would like to start a payment plan after you have submitted the initial registration, please email [email protected]. Payment plans are only available until April 30th.
When is check-in?
Check-in for our Overnight & Wilderness Camps is on Sunday from 3:30-4:30 PM. Staff will greet you upon arrival and direct you where to go. Parents will have the opportunity to meet their camper's Cabin Leaders and help them move into their cabin.
Check-in for Day Camp is 7:30-8:30 AM Monday through Friday. Day Camp check-in is a "drive-thru" model. Please enter through our east gate where you see the welcome flag (camp is located at the south end of the lake) and drive through to the office. Park outside the office doors and stay in your vehicle. A staff member will exit the office to get your campers checked in.
Check-in for Day Camp is 7:30-8:30 AM Monday through Friday. Day Camp check-in is a "drive-thru" model. Please enter through our east gate where you see the welcome flag (camp is located at the south end of the lake) and drive through to the office. Park outside the office doors and stay in your vehicle. A staff member will exit the office to get your campers checked in.
When is check-out?
Check-out for our Overnight & Wilderness Camps is 5:00-6:00 PM on the last day of the week. Staff will greet you upon arrival and direct you where to go. Do not pick up your camper(s) until you have been checked out by the appropriate office staff member. Be prepared to show a photo ID. Your camper can only be released to those on the authorized pickup list.
Check-out for Day Camp is 4:30-6:00 PM Monday through Friday. Be prepared to show a photo ID. Your camper can only be released to those on the authorized pickup list. ALL DAY CAMPERS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 6:00 PM DAILY, or a late fee may be assessed.
Check-out for Day Camp is 4:30-6:00 PM Monday through Friday. Be prepared to show a photo ID. Your camper can only be released to those on the authorized pickup list. ALL DAY CAMPERS MUST BE PICKED UP BY 6:00 PM DAILY, or a late fee may be assessed.
What if i Can't Make it to check-in?
If you will be arriving after 4:30 PM on Sunday (Overnight & Wilderness Camps) or after 8:30 AM (Day Camp), please contact us as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or calling 320-245-2777.
Do you offer early check-outs?
Yes, please contact us to schedule an early check-out by emailing [email protected] or calling 320-245-2777.
What if my camper gets homesick?
We understand that many campers will experience at least some degree of homesickness while away at camp. This is a very normal and often temporary response to being away from home. Preparation and preventative measures can start even before your camper’s arrival at camp. With sensitive handling by you and trained camp staff, most homesickness can be prevented or overcome, leading your camper to feelings of independence and self-assurance.
Tips to help your camper prepare:
Tips to help your camper prepare:
- Talk with your camper before they leave for camp to help ease the transition. Speak of how exciting camp will be, new friends they might make and how proud you are that they are willing to try something new. Further, let your child know that if they are feeling sad, afraid, or lonely, there is always someone at camp they can talk to, such as their Cabin Leaders, First Aid Staff, or Camp Leadership.
- Please do not tell your camper they can call home or can be picked up early. These statements can often make homesickness worse and can prevent campers from fully investing in the camp experience. We find it much more successful to work with your child to acknowledge that their feelings are normal and to provide support for them as they participate in the community and activities at camp. If your camper is experiencing extreme homesickness or if their homesickness lasts more than 24 hours, we will call to inform you and work with you to create a plan specific to your camper.
Can i send my camper mail?
Yes! We distribute mail to campers daily - please follow the instructions below:
Emails
Letters and Packages
Emails
- Email [email protected] with your camper's name, camp program, week, and cabin in the subject line (Example: Jane Doe, Overnight Camp Week 1, Esther's Palace)
- Emails will be printed daily before lunch and distributed to campers.
- Emails will be printed in black & white and will not include any attachments or images.
Letters and Packages
- The best way for your camper to receive physical mail is for you to bring letters and packages to check-in and drop them off with the office staff. Please label all envelopes and packages clearly with the camper's first and last name and the day you would like it delivered to them.
- We do not recommend sending letters through the US postal service because there will be no guarantee that items will arrive before your camper's week is done.
- Do not put cash into letters or packages. Grindstone Lake Bible Camp is not responsible for lost or stolen money or mail.
Can my camper be in a cabin with his/her friend?
Yes, you can list your camper’s cabinmate request during the online registration process. Please include first AND last name. We will do our best to honor cabinmate requests, but cannot guarantee that all requests will be accommodated. If you decide you want to add or make changes to a cabinmate request after you have completed the initial registration process, please email [email protected] no later than two weeks prior to check-in and we can enter the change. Do NOT request cabinmates at check-in. We are unable to accommodate requests at that time.
Who will my camper's cabin leaders be?
Your camper will be placed in a cabin group with two staff members, typically a college-aged Cabin Leader and a high-school-aged Assistant Cabin Leader. Our staff's main priority is the safety of the campers. All staff are Christians who are vetted and trained to work with children. You will have the opportunity to meet your camper's Cabin Leaders at check-in.
How much money should I Put on my camper's canteen account?
During the online registration process, you will be able to add money to a Canteen account for your camper to use while at camp to purchase snacks, drinks, and store items during Canteen time. They can also choose to donate to our camp missionary!
- Canteen time is offered twice a day for Overnight and Wilderness Camps and once a day for Day Camp.
- The amount to put is entirely up to you. We recommend $20-$40 per camper for a full week of camp.
- You can log back into your account at glbc.campbrainregistration.com at any time (even during the week of camp) to add additional funds, check your camper's balance, or see what your camper has purchased.
- You can choose what happens to leftover funds during the online registration process (refunds are available if the leftover amount is greater than $3). You can also tell us if you would like to limit what your camper can get at the Canteen.
What if my camper takes medication?
We have first aid staff available to administer medication to campers at mealtimes and before bed. Please provide details of your camper's medications during the online registration process. All medication, including over the counter, must be turned in to the First Aid Director upon arrival (look for the First Aid table at check-in).
What if my camper has a food allergy or requires a special diet?
With advance notice, our kitchens can accommodate gluten free, dairy free, and peanut/nut-free diets. Please note that while we make every effort to provide safe meals, we cannot guarantee the complete absence of cross-contamination. Our kitchen is not a fully allergen-free environment, and traces of allergens may be present in food preparation areas.
To help us accommodate your child’s dietary needs, please provide detailed information on the medical form during the online registration process.
If your child has dietary needs beyond those listed above, please email [email protected] at least two weeks prior to check-in.
To help us accommodate your child’s dietary needs, please provide detailed information on the medical form during the online registration process.
If your child has dietary needs beyond those listed above, please email [email protected] at least two weeks prior to check-in.
What is your lost and found policy?
If you believe your camper left something at camp, please contact us as soon as possible at [email protected] with a description of the item. If we are able to locate your item, we will work with you to arrange a time for you to pick up the item or for us to ship it to you at your cost. Lost and Found items will only be held onto for two weeks after the camp session. Please note that socks, underwear, and toiletries are immediately discarded at the end of the week.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
- Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel.
- Refunds (minus the non-refundable deposit) are issued if the camp is notified of the cancellation 72 hours or more in advance of the check-in time.
- If a camper goes home after check-in, or leaves early for any reason, no refund will be given.
- Discounts are not given if a camper is scheduled to leave early or show up late.
Still have a question? Email us at [email protected].