Frequently Asked Questions About SpringHill Summer Overnight Camp

Activities

• What activities could campers participate in each week?

  We offer a variety of activities, including indoor high ropes, rock climbing, crate stacking, crafts, target sports such as Laser Tag and Paintball, and more.

  The activities offered at specific camps depend on programming, weather, equipment safety, and staffing availability.

• Is there a complete list of activities available for your Michigan property?

  MICHIGAN ACTIVITIES include:

  Indoor High Ropes Course, Climbing wall(s), Crate Stacking, Flying Squirrel, Giant Swing, Zipline(s), Indoor Pool w/slide, Outdoor Pool w/slide, Canoeing, Paddle Boards, Gusher, Water Obstacle Course, Blobbing, Riflery, Archery, Laser Tag, Paintball, Trap Shooting (skeet), Axe Throwing, Glow MiniGolf, Nine Square, Tournaments (volleyball, dodgeball, basketball), Field Games, Nine Square, GaGa Ball, Pickleball, Crafts, Nature Trails, Fishing, Petting Farm, Campfires, and Large Group Games

• Is there a complete list of activities available for your Indiana property?

  INDIANA ACTIVITIES include:

  Zipline, Climbing Wall, Crate Stacking, Flying Squirrel, Giant Swing, Riflery, Trap Shooting (skeet), and Axe Throwing. ALL water activities are on lakes, Party Barge (blob, water trapeze, water zipline), Canoeing, Paddle Boats, Paddle Boards, Field Games, Pickleball, Fishing, Crafts, Nature Trails, Basketball, GaGa Ball, Nine Square, Campfires, and Large Group Games

• Will campers have a water activity every day?

  Most campers will have a water activity every day. However, weather, staffing, and other logistics can impact the daily schedule.

• What happens if my child does not want to participate in a particular activity?

  Campers are encouraged but never forced to participate in every activity. They will, however, stay with their group at all times, even if they choose not to join in on a particular activity.

  Activities are rotated daily, allowing campers to experience new things and participate in activities that are not commonly available at home.

Housing

• What types of housing are offered at overnight summer camps?

  Campers are assigned housing based on the camp they attend, which is divided by grade. There are four different age groups:

  • 1st to 3rd graders
  • 4th through 6th graders
  • 6th through 9th graders
  • 9th to 12th graders

  Campers who have completed 6th and 9th grade can choose which group they want to join.

  Campers bunk with their group and complete activities together. Most sleep in bunk-style cabins with nearby bathhouses. In some cases, campers might stay in unique housing, such as an airplane, caboose, or teepee.

  We offer two types of housing:

  1. Premium housing offers traditional bunk-style beds with electricity, heating, and baths with showers inside the cabin.
  2. Standard housing offers traditional bunk-style beds with electricity, heating, and bathhouses are nearby.

  Both standard and premium housing at our Indiana property have air conditioners as well.

• If my child is 18, can they still attend TST (Teens Serving Teens) as a camper?

  Yes, if they graduated from high school recently, they can still participate as campers the next summer, even if they’ve already turned 18.

• Can my child bunk with a friend who is coming the same week?

  Friends who come to the same camp in the same week can often stay in the same cabin. For consideration, both campers must add their friend’s name to the notes section at the time of registration.

• Do campers bunk with older (or younger) campers?

  Campers are assigned housing based on the camp they attend, which is divided by grade: 1st to 3rd graders, 4th through 6th graders, 6th through 9th graders, and 9th to 12th graders

• How many kids are in each cabin?

  Cabins accommodate between 8 and 18 campers, depending on the housing for their group.

• What is the staff-to-camper ratio?

  All staff members complete 40 to 80 hours of intensive job-specific training, certifying that they understand every aspect of camp and can operate all equipment safely and efficiently.

  To create the best experience for campers, we keep our overnight camper-to-counselor ratio at 8:1 for older kids and 7:1 for younger kids.

• What happens if my child has a problem with someone in the cabin?

  While it is unusual for kids to have issues with other members of their group, our summer staff is trained in areas of conflict resolution. Each cabin has assigned camp leaders who stay with campers at all times and can help resolve any issues that arise. If problem persists, leadership staff step in and parents are notified.

• My child is shy. What happens if they feel left out or have trouble making friends?

  We train our summer staff to help all campers integrate within the group and make friends so that everyone has a positive experience.

  If you’re feeling a little worried about your child’s camp experience, consider sending a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to bring them comfort at night. A familiar touch from home can make all the difference in helping them feel safe and secure.

Child Safety

• What safety measures do you take to protect my camper?

  We focus on five pillars of a safe experience:

  1. Hire the Best Summer Leaders
  2. Train All Staff on Our Safety Policies and Procedures
  3. Maintain a Safe Environment
  4. Report Known or Potential Issues
  5. Educate Campers and Parents

  To learn more about the safety measures we take to protect your campers, visit our safety page here.

• My camper has a physical disability. What activities can they participate in?

  Just about all of them! We can provide special accommodations for most of our activities regardless of physical disability. We believe every camper should be able to experience camp, and we’ve worked hard to make sure we can provide that experience to all campers. If you have additional questions, please contact our office to speak to our Activities Manager.

• My child has sensory issues. Do you offer alternatives if they have a hard time during a session?

  We understand some campers find noise and an abundance of stimulation overwhelming. To ensure everyone can fully participate, we offer a live-streaming option in the Dining Hall during all sessions. This quieter environment provides a more comfortable space while still allowing campers to engage with the retreat’s messages and worship. Ear muffs are also available for those who need them during the live session in the Auditorium.

• My child does not swim. What safety procedures do you take for non-swimming campers?

  All campers are asked to complete a swim test on the first day of camp. Those who do not take (or pass) the test can still swim in restricted areas but may not have access to all swim-related activities like deep water water slides may not have access without the use of a PFD

• Do you require a swim test for all campers?

  Yes. In order to swim in all areas and play in all water activities, campers must pass a swim test.

• Do you have personal floatation devices (PFDs) to ensure the safety of all swimmers?

  Yes. Personal floatation devices (PDFs) are required for many water activities, such as canoeing and paddleboarding. They are optional in other areas.

• What is your lifeguard policy?

  Water safety is a top priority. Campers may only swim when lifeguards are present. The number of lifeguards required depends on the number of campers and which activities are open.

  We have also buddy system where the lifeguard does a check every 15 minutes to do a head count and each camper finds their buddy.

Health Questions

• My child takes medications. What is the procedure to accommodate that?

  We accept medication in its original packaging with current dosage instructions. We will not accept medications in a plastic bag or a daily medication container without a label.

  All medications must be checked in and handed directly to a staff member during registration. Your camper may not carry any medication on them while at camp, including hydrocortisone cream and triple antibiotic cream.

  Any medication that is deemed as a rescue medication or an emergency medication (such as inhalers, EpiPens, or insulin) will be carried by your camper’s counselor at all times. This medication will be available to your camper any time they need it.

  Our infirmaries have commonly used over-the-counter medications.

• My child uses an inhaler. Will they have access to it if they need it?

  Any medication that is deemed as a rescue medication or an emergency medication (such as inhalers, EpiPens, or insulin) will be carried by your camper’s counselor at all times. This medication will be available to your camper any time they need it.

• My child has allergies. Will they have access to their EpiPen if needed?

  Any medication that is deemed as a rescue medication or an emergency medication (such as inhalers, EpiPens, or insulin) will be carried by your camper’s counselor at all times. This medication will be available to your camper any time they need it.

• What happens if my child gets sick or injured at camp?

  We have on-site infirmaries staffed by volunteer medical professionals who can administer medications, monitor sick campers, and provide first aid and initial assessments.

• What safety certifications do staff members hold?

  Members of the staff are CPR and First Aid certified. We also partner with the local fire, EMT, and hospital for emergency care situations.

• What health forms are required for participants?

  Participants must complete a health form that alerts staff to any health issues, including medications and allergies. You can review the health form here.

• Will I be notified if my camper visits the infirmary?

  Parents/guardians will receive a notification from our medical staff under the following circumstances:

  • Any emergency room or hospital visit.
  • Illness or injury requiring a physician’s attention.
  • Extended stays in the infirmary (over two hours or overnight).
  • Fever greater than 100.4°F.
  • Use of emergency medications.
  • Infirmary visits for a complaint more than once.
  • Campers use as-needed medication from their checked-in meds.
  • Camper refuses to take a medication.

Pre-Registration Camp Questions

• What is your cancellation policy?
  • Cancellations between 180 and 31 days from your camp experience, minus the deposit, are fully refundable.
  • Cancellations between 30 and 8 days before your camp experience are charged a 50% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations within 7 days of your camp experience will result in the forfeiture of the entire camp fee.

  For more detailed information about our cancellation policy, click here.

• I’ve registered for camp, but need to change the dates, can I move to a different week?

  It is typically possible to switch camp weeks based on availability. Contact us at info@springhillexperiences if you have a conflict with your current registration dates and our staff will work with you to find a suitable solution.

Camp Week Questions

• Where can I find the health form I need to complete before coming to camp?

  Go here to complete the health form before the first day of camp.

• What are the check-in and check-out procedures?

  30 days prior to the start date of your camper’s week, you will begin getting detailed emails to get ready for a great week.

  Check in begins at 2pm where you will be greeted by our staff and you will get cabin assignments. Please do not pack medications in luggage, if your camper has medication that they will need throughout the week, it will need to be turned in to our medical team at this time. You will then be guided to your camper’s cabin to get them settled in.

  Friday Check-out will take place in your vehicle, you will need provide photo ID to pick up your camper. At this time, you will receive any medication you dropped off at the beginning of the week. You will also be given a check out card, it’s important to hold onto this and it’s how you are able to pick up your camper.

• What items are not allowed at camp?
  • NO PHONES
  • No 2-piece bathing suits
  • No valuables
  • No electronic devices
  • No weapons or firearms
  • No spending money (PLEASE apply spending money to account prior to arrival)
  • No non-prescription or over-the-counter medications
  • No medications containing CBD or THC
• Where can I find the packing list?

  Go here to find our camper packing list.

• How can I communicate with my child while they are at camp?

  While campers are unplugged from their devices during the week, you can still send them encouraging messages through Campergrams (formerly known as Bunknotes)!

  Campergrams are one-way messages that you can send through the Waldo App, the same app you’ll use to view camp photos. Simply log in, type a message, and we’ll make sure your camper receives it during their time at camp.

• My child left (lost) something at camp. How can they get it back?

  Lost and found bins are in the foyers of the Dining Hall, Auditorium, and Gym. You can also fill out a lost and found form here.

• Who can I contact if I need to speak to someone at the camp before or during camp?

  For assistance during your child’s week at camp, contact us at info@springhillexpereicnes.com. We also include an emergency number in your parent packet.