Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

General
Brookwoods and Deer Run
Moose River Outpost

What Does It Mean to Be a Christian Camp?

At camp, we want to share the love of God and the gift of eternal life with our campers, all the while having the time of their life. We stick to the “major” points of the historical Christian faith and leave the rest to parents. Please read Bob Strodel’s blog post about being a Christian camp.

Will Siblings See Each Other?

The short answer is “Yes”. The amount of time that siblings will see each other depends on their selection of activities. Each afternoon we have Beach Afternoon, (open waterfront) and that is generally the best time to hang out. Siblings can also see each other at Lazy Day breakfasts and cookouts.

How Are Cabin Assignments Made?

Making the Cabin List is one of the hardest things we do! Camp directors make assignments based on age and grade. We know you want to be with your friends, so please remember to type your friend’s name under “cabinmate request” on the online registration. We know you have lots of friends, but please limit this to one friend. Please note: cabinmate requests need to be made reciprocally by both campers. We will do our best to honor requests, however, we will make decisions that are in the Camp’s best interest, which may not always be your camper’s preference.

I’m Concerned About Homesickness. Do You Have Any Advice?

Some campers do get homesick. However, this is not a large problem at camp, as homesickness usually fades after a few days of fun activities and making new friends. If the parent gets a letter or postcard from the camper that indicates a problem, please feel free to call us. We will speak to your child’s counselor and call you back. Experience tells us that many of those letters are written on the first night of camp. When the parent checks the mailbox on Thursday or Friday…the natural assumption is that the child has been miserable the whole time! Thankfully, by then, most of the homesickness has dissipated. Please give us a call and we’ll check on the situation. Please do not expect to speak to your camper, as that usually sets them back.

What if I’m a ‘Kid-Sick’ Parent?

If you are a “kid-sick” parent, please give us a call and we’ll connect you with a staff member who can assure you that your child is doing well. With the exception of emergencies, we do not permit camper phone calls. We don’t want to turn a “kid-sick” parent into a “homesick” camper. Thank you for understanding and your cooperation.

What Rules Do Campers Need to Follow?

Too much emphasis on “the rules” takes away from the fun atmosphere we strive to create at Camp. While our rules are few, they are necessary to keep your child safe and foster an environment of encouragement, self-discipline, creativity, and responsibility. Camp reserves the right to dismiss any camper who violates these guidelines.

When participating in camp activities and when on camp trips, campers must follow instructions and protocol as directed by staff.

Unsupervised swimming is not allowed.

Smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol, swearing, and possession or use of weapons, or unprescribed drugs is not allowed.

After-hours socializing with or entering the cabins of members of the opposite sex is not allowed.

What if My Child Needs to Take Medications at Camp?

All medications, including vitamins and over-the-counter meds, must be turned in to the camp medical staff on Incoming Day and noted on your child’s Medical Form. All prescription medications must be in their original marked container, indicating the name of the drug and dosing instructions. Our medical staff is not permitted legally to dispense any medications that are not in an original, marked container.

Our local pediatrician has provided written orders, allowing us to dispense common, over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, Sudafed, and Advil. You do not need to send these with your camper.

A special note about vitamins and herbal supplements: The states of New Hampshire and Maine do not permit our medical staff to dispense these without a doctor’s signature. If your child needs to take vitamins and herbal supplements, please have your physician indicate permission on the Medical Form or a note on their letterhead.

What Immunizations Does My Child Need?

All campers must be up-to-date on their immunizations, including Tetanus Toxoid (within the previous 10 years). All campers age 16 years or older (including all those enrolled in the Leadership Programs) must have a valid tetanus immunization (within 5 years) before participating in any of our extended tripping and wilderness programs. If your doctor deems otherwise, it must be noted on the Medical Form.

Is My Child’s Medical Information Confidential?

In keeping with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (or HIPPA), information regarding your child’s medical background, diagnosis, medications, and treatments will only be released to camp staff who have a need to be involved in providing health care to your child at camp. We also limit the release of information to organizations or individuals that are providing care (i.e., emergency room personnel) or paying for care (i.e., insurance companies).

When Is Tuition Due?

Camp tuition, including Leadership Development Programs and special programs, is due in full by April 15th, regardless of whether the other required forms have been submitted. If you would like to pay with your credit card you can use our online portal. We will send you a reminder statement by mail before April 15th. If you would like to set up a payment plan, please contact Debbie Strodel, Finance Director, to make arrangements.

I Live Outside the United States. How Do I Make Payments?

Thank you for entrusting your children to us, we know that it’s a lot of work to get them here. Because there are many fees associated with international transactions, we require one payment (tuition and any additional fees) to be wired directly to Camp’s bank. Please email Debbie Strodel for wiring information. An additional fee of $200 per family ($100 for Canada and Mexico) is required for families living outside the U.S. Any check or money order drawn from an account outside the United States, even if designated in U.S. Dollars, will be returned to you.

What Do I Need to Bring to Camp?

A complete packing list is available in the Camper Handbook. Please mark your camper’s name on all articles, including shoes, socks, hats, clothing athletic equipment, etc. Campers are encouraged to keep track of their belongings and are given the opportunity to claim lost items each week. Camp clothes experience a lot of wear and tear, please do not pack items that you wouldn’t want to be damaged or can’t be replaced.

What Kind of Footwear Should I Pack?

Many foot injuries at camp are the result of improper footwear. Camp is a tough environment for feet with an abundance of rocks, roots, sticks, along the paths and dirt roads. The BEST footwear you can provide your campers is closed-toed shoes that remain on their feet while running. Sneakers and closed-toe sport sandals work well. Campers may not be able to participate in an activity if they do not have on the appropriate footwear. Flip flops are permitted at the waterfront and on the path to the boys’ shower house.

Lost and Found

Camp will not accept responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Marked items left at Camp may be mailed home only when a parent calls or emails the office to identify the missing item. Please understand that hundreds of items, everything that you can possibly imagine, are left at Camp every summer. We can neither pay to mail everything nor hold the items indefinitely. We ask that you kindly reimburse Camp for the mailing expenses and larger items may need to be pre-paid. Unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable organization by mid-September.

What Should We Leave at Home?

In keeping with Camp’s philosophy, electronic equipment is not allowed, please keep these items at home. This includes radios, television, iPods, GameBoys, hand-held computer games, and cell phones. If your camper brings these items, they will be placed in the Camp office for the duration of their stay. Digital cameras are permitted if used appropriately.

What Does It Mean to Be Accredited?

Camp Brookwoods, Deer Run, and Moose River Outpost are accredited members of the American Camp Association (ACA), Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA) and Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). We work hard to meet their requirements for membership and to earn the highest recognition with these organizations. The ACA accredits member camps every three years by qualified personnel and camp directors to determine their compliance with industry standards.

Are Brookwoods and Deer Run One Camp?

Brookwoods and Deer Run are separate camps, but they share the same property and facilities. Each camp has its own distinct traditions and programs (Brookwoods: crazy hats at Friday Breakfast Cookouts, Deer Run: Syncro Swimming). During the day, many activities are co-ed (riflery, bb’s, swimming, etc.) Evening programs are single-sex (when Deer Run has Cabin Night, Brookwoods has Unit Night). Typically once a session, there is an All-Camp program with both Deer Run and Brookwoods, like Krazy Karnival. Brookwoods cabins are on one side of the Main House and Deer Run cabins are on the other side of the Main House. They share some common facilities (Waterfront and Dining Hall) and support staff.

Will Siblings See Each Other?

The short answer is “Yes”. The number of time siblings, brothers and sisters, will see each other depends on their selection of activities. Each afternoon we have Beach Afternoon, (open waterfront) and that is generally the best time to hang out. Siblings can also see each other at Lazy Day breakfasts (twice a week) and Wednesday night cookouts on the front lawn.

How Is Camp Organized?

The maximum number of campers in the regular camp program is 118 at Brookwoods and 130 at Deer Run. (This does not include older campers in the Leadership Development Programs). Campers are then assigned to a cabin based on their age (as of June 1st). Each cabin has 12-13 campers and 2 counselors. Deer Run has 11 cabins and Brookwoods has 10. Campers are divided into two units based on age: the Junior Unit is typically 8-11-year-olds and the Senior Unit is typically 12-16-year-olds. Each unit is made up of 5-6 cabins (50-60 campers) and is under the guidance of a Unit Director. The respective “UD” organizes age-appropriate programs.

What Is the Camper to Staff Ratio?

There are approximately 300 campers and 110 staff members on campgrounds at any given time, approximately a 3:1 ratio.

How and When Do Campers Pick Activities?

Our goal is to give campers the chance to take activities they are interested in. Here are some details about the process, known as “Activity Sign-Ups”:

At the beginning of the week, campers sign-up for 3 activities for the upcoming week. We encourage campers to first sign-up for the activity they are most excited about taking.

Due to age restrictions limiting their choices, our youngest campers are given the chance to sign up for all 3 of their activities at the same time.

The remainder of Brookwoods and Deer Run then sign-up for 1 activity. Once both camps have signed up for one activity, they will choose their next 2 activities.

Before Activity Sign-Ups, campers are given a schedule of what activities are offered each period. Not all activities are offered every period. Counselors help campers to navigate the process and help them select activities.

Campers cannot sign up for a popular activity (example: waterskiing and archery) as a first choice, two weeks in a row. We encourage campers to try new things the second week!

Fourth Period is a supervised free period. Campers do not sign up for activities but are able to enjoy the Waterfront, Moose Hall (boys), or Deer Run Lodge (girls).

What Does an Average Day Look Like at Camp?

7:00 – Wake Up and Cabin Cleanup
7:30 – Devotions
8:00 – Breakfast & Singing
9:00 – Bible Study
10:00 – 1st Activity
11:15 – 2nd Activity
12:30 – Lunch
1:30 – Rest Hour
2:45 – 3rd Activity
4:00 – Open Waterfront
5:30 – Dinner
6:30 – Evening Program
9:00 – Return to Cabins/Devotions/Lights Out

Are There Activity Age Limitations?

To ensure the safety of all our campers, some activities have minimum ages for participation:

Archery: Brookwoods age 10, Deer Run age 11
Axe Throwing: age 13
Climbing Wall: age 11
Horseback Riding: 10 years of age
Mountain Biking & Boards: age 12
Riflery: age 12
SCUBA: age 12
Wakeboard: age 10
Woodworking: age 10

Please note that these limits are due to the size of equipment, the nature of the activity, American Camp Association guidelines, and NH state regulations. For consistency, we use the camper’s age as of June 1st. Camp reserves the right to make program changes as necessary and commits to providing activities that meet safety standards.

Who Gets to Play Paintball?

Paintball is not offered during an instruction activity period. Paintball is offered to different cabins in the Senior Unit (at least age 12) during 4th period free. Paintball is also scheduled by Unit Directors as a Cabin Night activity.

Will My Camper Participate in An Outdoor Adventure?

Every cabin will experience outdoor adventures during camp. This might include hiking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, or sleeping on Plum Island, or an overnight in the White Mountains. If your camper has any medical issues that might preclude their participation, we don’t want them to risk further injury. This should be noted by their physician on their Medical Form or a separate note. Otherwise, we will assume your child can fully participate in these camp activities.

What if My Child Becomes Ill or Injured?

If your child is ill or injured, Camp will comply with the American Camp Association’s regulations:

In the event of minor injury/illness such as headache, simple abrasion, or earache, the camp medical staff will provide appropriate treatment. A phone call home is not required.

In the event of major injury/illness such as broken bones, concussion, allergic reaction or any other event requiring a hospital visit, you will be contacted as soon as we have all the details. Please note, we will try to speak to you in person and will not leave a detailed message on your voicemail. In an emergency, Camp Brookwoods and Deer Run use Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro (7 miles away) .

Please be assured that we will act in the best interests of your child when determining medical care. When in doubt, we will always take your child for treatment.

If a non-hospital incident happens at night (not serious) we will call you the next morning.

If your child spends the night in the Loon (medical facility) for any reason, we will call you the following morning.

What if My Child Has Severe Allergic Reactions And/or Asthma?

The State of New Hampshire has legislation controlling the use and storage of inhalers and Epi-Pens at camp. The purpose of the law is to allow your child to keep his/her inhaler or Epi-pen on his/her person to be used if needed while at the same time providing a safe environment for other campers.

Currently Camp Brookwoods and Deer Run staff one to two medical staff at all times. Our staff are trained to use of inhalers and Epi-pens, are available 24 hours a day, and maintain a stocked emergency bag with Epi-pens and other emergency first aid supplies and equipment. In addition, all trips leaving camp include a first aid bag, including two Epi-pens.

If you or your health care provider feel that your child’s allergic reaction is severe or potentially life-threatening, an Epi-pen should be carried on his/her person at all times. The state law requires that two Epi-pens be provided to camp: one for the camper to carry and one to be stored in the Loon (medical facility). Each Epi-pen must be clearly marked with the camper’s name as well as that of the prescribing physician.

Regarding asthma, the law states that the child may carry his/her own inhaler. It must be clearly marked with the camper’s name and recorded by the medical staff on Incoming Day. We strongly recommend a second inhaler for any camper carrying his/her own inhaler to be stored in the Loon.

Camp requires campers needing inhalers and/or Epi-Pens on his/her person to carry them in a small “fanny pack” worn at all times, other than swimming and other water activities.

If your child must carry an inhaler or an Epi-pen, your licensed health care provider must complete the information on the form located in the Camper Handbook.

How Do I Contact Camp in An Emergency?

You can always reach the Brookwoods and Deer Run office by calling 603-875-3600 during the hours of 8:00am – 6:00pm. If you need to contact the Loon (medical facility), please call the main number (above) and we will transfer you.

For after-hours emergencies only: call 603-875-3602 (the home of our Executive Director and the message will get delivered).

Bed Wetting

Please note that if your child experiences occasional or frequent bed-wetting, you will need to make some special preparations. Sleeping bags should not be used for daily sleeping. Please bring sheets and a washable blanket for your child (sleeping bags can be used as a blanket and on their overnight). Please give us a call if you expect this to be an issue with your child. This information can also be noted on the “Camper Confidential” form.

Is There a Camp Dress Code?

Daily clothing should be modest and appropriate. Tops should have straps that are two fingers wide and long enough to completely cover their stomach. Shorts should be a minimum 3″ inseam, and not too tight. If girls wear leggings, they must wear a shirt that covers the bottom completely. Tops should be no lower than a bandwidth from their neckline. Only modest one-piece bathing suits are permitted. End-of-month banquet dresses and skirts should also be a modest length. Please do not plan to wear strapless, spaghetti strap, or backless dresses and tops. We reserve the right to ask your camper to change clothes, which can be awkward and uncomfortable for them. Thank you for helping them pack appropriate clothing.

On Sunday mornings, we require the following uniforms that are available online or at the Camp Store.

Deer Run: Green or khaki shorts and Deer Run Camp t-shirt

Brookwoods: Navy or khaki shorts and Brookwoods Camp t-shirt

How Can My Child Get to Camp?

The majority of campers drive to camp with their parents on Incoming Day, arriving between 1:00pm-5:00pm.

For those who choose to fly, we can pick up your camper at Logan Airport in Boston or Manchester Airport in New Hampshire between 11:00am-5:00pm. A staff member (wearing a Brookwoods or Deer Run staff shirt and holding a clipboard) will meet your child at the airline’s baggage claim and help them retrieve their luggage. Please note that transportation to Brookwoods and Deer Run is only available for those campers arriving or departing by airplane. Airport transportation can be either round-trip or one-way.

How Can I Contact My Child at Camp?

Campers love to receive mail, perhaps more than they like to answer it! We encourage you to write often and with a cheerful tone. Also, campers are encouraged to write home and we do provide free postcards in the Camp Store. If you are not hearing from your child and are concerned, please let us know and we will be happy to confirm that your child is doing well. You will also receive a letter from their counselor about cabin life and your camper’s time at Camp.

Our mailing address is:
Camp Brookwoods and Deer Run
34 Camp Brookwoods Road
Alton, New Hampshire 03809

You can denote their cabin on the bottom corner of the envelope. If you don’t know the cabin, we will look it up when it arrives.

As a convenience to parents, we offer BunkNotes, a one-way email service to campers. Different packages are available. On Incoming Day you will receive a code to sign up and the link will also be on our webpage. If you have any questions, please contact the Main Office at 603-875-3600.

While we encourage parents to write campers, we unfortunately cannot use our fax machine for this purpose. We need to reserve the fax for emergencies and business use only.

Can I Call My Child on The Phone?

With the exception of emergencies, we cannot permit camper phone calls, our phone is already ringing off the hook! If you are a “kid-sick” parent, please give us a call and we will have you talk to a staff member who can assure you that your child is well. We don’t want to turn a “kid-sick” parent into a “homesick” camper problem. Thank you for understanding.

Can I Send a Care Package?

Please do not send care packages. For a number of reasons, we updated our policy to no care packages. If your camper has forgotten something essential at home, please email our registrar Corey. For example, we consider a raincoat essential. A hammock is not essential. Packages that are not essential will be held until Outgoing Day and the camper can pick them up in the Main Office. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Do You Have Horseback Riding?

The horsemanship program is designed to introduce campers to riding and to develop skills, horsemanship, grooming, safety, and care of the horses. Our staff instructors are certified by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). Campers must be 10 years of age or older by June 1st in order to register for riding. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis by mail only and is limited to 32 participants per two-week session. The cost is $120 for two weeks and $220 for four weeks.

Camp Brookwoods and Deer Run staff seek to provide quality instruction in a safe environment. The horsemanship program has been developed based on safety codes, regulations, and camp standards in mind. To reserve a place in the riding program, please complete the form in the back of the Camper Handbook.

Is Scuba Offered at Camp?

Camp Brookwoods and Deer Run offer the opportunity to become Certified SCUBA Divers to campers who are 12 years of age and over. The program lasts for 2 weeks and meets each afternoon for about 2 hours. As to which sessions this is available, varies based on instructors’ availability. The course includes:

An academic section (textbooks and videotapes are supplied);
A confined water section (where safety skills are learned); and
A series of dives to explore Lake Winnipesaukee.

Camp will supply all necessary gear. Taking this course does require a commitment from each camper to do their reading and attend training sessions. However, the reward is a SCUBA certification card good for a lifetime of fun and adventure in the water. We recommend that interested campers in SCUBA, take one of the “Introduction to SCUBA” classes offered during regular morning activity periods prior to the year they plan to take the Certification Program.

To indicate interest in the Certification Program, please complete the Medical Questionnaire and the Liability Waiver forms, which you can find online. Look under the “Forms” button. Or, call the office at 603-875-3600 and we will mail them to you.

Because this class requires a commitment and is limited to only 6 campers, interested campers will be notified once they arrive at Camp if they’ve been accepted into the class. Once accepted, you will be billed for payment. The fee for this course is $ 100.00. Should you or your physician have any medical questions, we can supply you with more information.

What Is the Basic Program?

The BASIC Program (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) is a four-week experience for 15 and 16-year boys and girls (Impala and Bear cabins, respectively). In addition to their regular camp activities, participants will spend three days on our low and high ropes course, guided by a trained facilitator. There are some BASIC adventures as well, the group will go on an overnight canoe trip and also spend three days hiking in the White Mountains. When we place campers in the Impala and Bear cabins, we give priority to those campers who are registered for four weeks, as the program incorporates a month-long program and is designed to emphasize relationship building. There is no extra cost or application for this program.

Can I Visit My Camper?

Unfortunately, due to COVID we are not allowing outside visitors on camp property this summer.

Below is our normal visiting information which we hope to resume sometime in the future.

Visiting times are available for month-long campers only. There are no visiting days for two-week campers.

The schedule is as follows:

Middle Sunday of the first-month session from 1:00pm-5:00pm
Middle Sunday of the second-month session from 1:00pm-5:00pm

See Dates and Rates

On visiting days, you are warmly invited to our morning worship service held in our outdoor chapel at 10:30am. Campers are expected to attend morning worship and then are free to leave Camp with their parents for lunch—we are sorry we’re unable to provide meals for parents and visitors on these special days. All campers must have signed written permission on file, in the Camp office in order to leave property with someone other than their parents, PRIOR to the Visiting Day. A Permission Slip, available in the office or on the camp web site, may be completed and faxed back to camp, or the parent may e-mail our Executive Director, Bob Strodel at bob@christiancamps.net or his wife, Debbie, at debbie@christiancamps.net. As a matter of general rule, we will NOT allow last-minute phone calls home to make arrangements for visiting day.

While we welcome visiting adult alumni and prospective parents during the summer, please check in with the main office to meet the Director and obtain a visitor’s badge before touring the Campgrounds—we must follow this policy to preserve the safety and well-being of our campers and staff at all times. If you are visiting with children, or the siblings of a Camper, they must stay with their parents at all times.

International Campers

We recognize that our international Campers are at a disadvantage in terms of communicating with their families. We strive to provide top-notch service to families living outside the U.S. Here are some important things you need to know if you’re coming to Camp from abroad. . Therefore, international campers may:

Bring their handwritten letter to the Main Office and we will scan it and email it to the family.

Receive a reasonable number of letters by email from their families. Please type your camper’s name in the “subject” line and send the email to corey@christiancamps.net.

Campers may make a brief call to their parents upon their arrival at camp.

When your child arrives at Camp, they will need to turn in their passport, return plane ticket, and any extra discretionary money, cell phones and other valuables for safekeeping in the Camp office.

Where Can I Stay in The Area?

If you are planning on staying in the Lakes Region, it’s important that you make advance reservations early and directly with motels or resorts. Many of the small motels and lodges only accept reservations via phone or email. Also, many will require a minimum stay. There are several local Bed & Breakfasts that you can find on the web.

Holiday Inn Express, Rochester, NH 603-994-1175
Wolfeboro Inn, 44 N. Main St., Wolfeboro 603-569-3016
The Inn on Main, 200 N. Main St., Wolfeboro 603-569-1335
Crescent Lake Inn & Suites, 280 S. Main St., Wolfeboro 603-569-1100
Pickering House Inn, 116 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-6948
Lake Wentworth Inn, 427 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1700
Greystone Inn, 132 Scenic Dr., Gilford 603-293-7377
Marriott—TownePlace Suites, 14 Sawmill Rd., Gilford, 603-524-5533

Where Do the Locals Eat?

Here’s a few of our staff favorites. You’ll find more on Yelp.

Rochester

Grill 110, 136 Marketplace Blvd, 603-948-1270
Eastern Paradise, 150 Marketplace Blvd #13, 603-948-1253
La Carona, 83 Farmington Rd, 603-948-1050

New Durham

Johnson’s Seafood and Steak, 69 Route 11, 603-859-7500

Alton & Alton Bay

Ackerly’s Grill & Galley, 83 Main St, 603-875-3383
Pop’s Clam Shell, 55 Mt. Major Hwy, 603-875-6363
River Run Deli, 32 Suncook Valley Rd, 603-875-1000
Shibley’s at the Pier, Rt. 11, 603-875-3636
Sandy Point Resort, Rt. 11, 603-875-6001
Dunkin’, Alton Circle
MacDonald’s, Alton Circle
Hannaford’s, Alton Circle

Wolfeboro

Bayside Grill & Tavern, 51 Mill St, 603-515-1002
Bayberry Juice Bar, 19 Main St, 603-569-9956 (camp parents!)
Downtown Grille Cafe, 33 S. Main St, 603-569-4504
El Centenario, 14 Union St, 603-569-3445
From Scratch Bakery, 36 Center St, 603-515-1049 (Deer Run alumna!)
Garwoods, 6 N Main St, 603-569-7788
Huck’s Hoagies 104 Lehner St, 603-569-6122
Jo Green’s, 33 Dockside St, 603-569-8668
Lydia’s Cafe, 33 N Main St, 603-569-3991
Morrisey’s Front Porch, 285 S Main St, 603-569-3662
Nolans Brick Oven Bistro, 39 N Main St, 603-515-1028
O Bistro (The Inn on Main), 200 N. Main, 603-569-3016
Seven Suns, 61 Railroad Ave, 603-515-1010
The Farmers Kitchen, 5 N Main St, 603-515-1006
West Lake Asian, 495 Center St, 603-569-6700
Wolfe’s Tavern (Wolfeboro Inn), 44 N Main, 603-569-3016
Wolfetrap Grill & Rawbar, 19 Bay St, 603-569-1047
Wolfeboro Dockside Grille & Dairy Bar, 11 Dockside St, 603-515-1053

Is My Son or Daughter Safe Way Up There in The Woods?

The answer is, emphatically, YES. Safety is our first priority in everything we do. We hire qualified staff, put them through rigorous training, including multiple safety certifications and emergency scenarios. We’ll admit that kayaking, rock climbing, and paintball aren’t as risk-free as reading a book, but activities at MRO compare favorably with the risk taken when they play soccer, tennis, or other common sports. The best way to understand whether or not camp will be safe for your child is to call us and ask. Call 603-875-3600 and ask for Seth, he’d love to answer your questions.

How Much Is Christianity Involved in Camp?

We’re a Christian camp, so it’s right at the center of our identity. Our counselors are Christians and we encourage campers to develop Christian values and disciplines. That said, you should not expect any kind of “big tent revival.” MRO is about mentoring, not preaching or meetings. Anytime we talk about faith, it’s in a low-pressure setting.

If My Child Isn’t an Athlete, Can He Still Enjoy Camp?

Absolutely. You don’t need to be an all-star to enjoy Moose River Outpost. With our wide variety of activities, our counselors take it as their responsibility to help your son or daughter find something they’re good at. Not everyone is a climber or a mountain biker. Some excel at archery, some at crafts, and yes… a few of our campers can run a 6-minute mile. But that’s what makes camp great. Whatever their gifts, your child will come home proud of something they accomplished at camp.

Are There Bathrooms in The Cabins?

Yes….and showers. Each cabin has private bathroom (2 sinks, 2 toilets, 2 showers). Each shower has its own individual space with a changing area.

How Far Is MRO from Medical Attention?

There is always an RN on property. If necessary, there is an ambulance crew in Jackman and they typically transport to Skowhegan. For more severe medical incidents, patients will be transported to Waterville, Greenville, or Bangor.

Is It Alright if I Tell My Son or Daughter that I’ll Visit Them Regularly?

If your camper is a two-weeker, please do not plan on visiting during at camp. Part of the camp experience is for campers to be independent and to have an experience that is truly their own. Visits from parents can disrupt this experience. For campers staying for 4 weeks, parents are allowed to visit on the middle Sunday of their session. See camper handbook for details.

What Is the Camper-To-Staff Ratio?

The 96 campers on Base Camp are served by 45 staff, for a ratio of better than 3:1. In cabins we have up to 12 campers and always have 2 counselors, so never less that 6:1 in the cabin.

When Do Campers Pick Activities?

At MRO, campers pick activities every morning! If Archery and Kayaking, weren’t their favorite on Monday, Tuesday brings a clean slate and a chance to try out three different activities, maybe Stand-up Paddleboarding, Skeet Shooting, or Fishing.

What Does an Average Day Look Like at Camp?

7:00 – Wake Up and Cabin Cleanup
7:30 – Quiet Time
8:00 – Breakfast
8:45 – Worship and Cabin Devotions
10:00 – Activity Period 1
11:15 – Activity Period 2
12:45 – Lunch
1:30 – Rest Hour
2:30 – Activity Period 3
4:00 – Free Time/Open waterfront
1:30 – Rest Hour
5:45 – Dinner
6:30 – Evening Game
9:00 – Cabin Debrief and Bed

Are There Activity Age Limitations?

No. Every activity at Moose River Outpost is available to every camper. Any restriction would be based on ability. For example, a camper must pass a swim test before being allowed to go out in a boat. Likewise, campers must show and develop certain skills before being able to go on advanced level trips in activities like whitewater kayaking and rock climbing.

If My Son or Daughter Has a Driver’s License, May They Drive Their Own Car to Camp?

Because of safety and parking limitations, we ask that student drivers do not bring a vehicle to camp.

Does Moose River Outpost Have Any Policies Regarding Animals and Pets?

Pets are not allowed to come to camp with their owners. We do allow service animals on property during Incoming and Outgoing days. Otherwise, we ask that you please keep your pets at home.