1) When is check-in/check-out?
Youth camp check-in is from 1:00-1:30 and check-out is at 12:00.
2) How much money should I send with my camper?
- Our canteen is open twice a day and items are between $1.00-$2.00.
- Our camp store has items ranging from T-shirts ($15.00) to Sweatshirts ($40.00) and some items in between.
- Our craft cabin is open daily and items range from $.50 to $2.00.
- We sell a picture DVD with all the pictures and videos from the week at the end of the week for $10.
- Our missions fund is a great way to give, and an offering is taken at the end of each week.
3) Can my child bring a cell phone?
No, cell phones are not allowed. We collect them at check-in. If they are not handed in during check-in and we find it later in the week, a $25 donation to our missions fund is required to get the phone back. In the event that a camper needs to get in touch with a parent/guardian, they are able to use the phone in our camp office.
4) How should I send medications with my child?
We collect medications during check-in. Please send medications in original container and make sure dosage is legible on the container. Please write further instructions if needed. Medication is stored in our First Aid Room and our nurse distributes the medication to each camper as directed by the dosage instructions. We have basic medical supplies in our First Aid Room. Campers are encouraged to bring sunscreen and bug spray as you see fit.
5) What should I send for bedding/towels/etc.?
Campers sleep on bunk beds with single mattresses. You can send either a sleeping bag or bedding for single bed. Campers will need a pillow and a towel as well.
6) Can I send mail to my camper?
Absolutely! We deliver mail to campers at supper each night. Note that it may take an extra day to be delivered to camp so it is a good idea to send your mail before your camper comes to camp. Also, since our mail arrives around 2:00 pm, campers do not receive mail that arrives on their departure day. This is another reason to send it early! If you wish to email your camper, send an email to office(at)bluewatercamp.com with his/her name in the subject line. We will print it off and deliver it to the camper. Please limit emails to one per day.
7) How do you deal with Homesickness?
We want your child to have a positive experience at camp. In order for this to take place, a collaborative effort on the part of the parents/guardians and the camp staff is essential. It may be helpful to discuss, prior to the camp session, what may happen if your camper gets homesick.
We offer a couple suggestions. First, always be pro-camp. Prior to the camp start date, begin sharing your excitement for them by talking about the fun they will have and watch the camp videos from prior summers. When writing a letter, ask how much fun they are having and avoid informing them of what they may be missing at home. Secondly, never tell your child “if you get homesick, we will come and get you.” You can always pick-up your child if they are homesick. Most children, and even some staff, feel homesick at some time, and that is OK. However, knowing this as an option often proves to be a downfall. When campers speak of being homesick our staff are trained to redirect toward the next activity rather than having the camper call home. Calling home is seen as the last option after other methods have been tried.
9) What clothing do you recommend?
We want Bluewater to be a place where Jesus is the focus, not our clothing. We recognize the distraction clothing can be. Therefore, please leave at home: short shorts, tight or midriff baring shirts, two-piece swimsuits and revealing tank tops. We want the focus of campers, staff and volunteers to be on what campers are doing and saying and not on what they are (or are not) wearing. If the clothing is believed by the camp staff to be inappropriate, the camper will be asked to either change his or her apparel or wear an item that will better align to the Bluewater environment.
10) Do you have a lost and found?
Bluewater counselors try their best to send kids home with the articles they brought to camp. It would be helpful to label all items (including suitcase and sleeping bags) and leave valuables at home. Items left at camp will be held until Labor Day Weekend, and then given to charity. If you know of a particular item left, please call camp promptly at 218-326-6058.
11) What does a typical day at camp look like?
Each day at Bluewater is different and unique, but days often follow a similar structure. Below is a sample Junior High camp schedule. Please note that the schedule will vary based on the age-group we are serving.
- 8:00 Breakfast
- 8:45 Cabin Clean-up
- 9:15 Rotations: Fishing, Sailing, Hiking, Rock wall, Group Activities, Canoeing, etc.
- 10:30 Morning Chapel
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
- 1:00 All Camp Game
- 2:00 Free Time (Basketball, volleyball, swimming, Rock Wall, etc.)
- 3:00 Canteen/ Tubing/ Waterskiing/ Wakeboarding
- 6:00 Supper/ Mail Call
- 7:00 God & I Time
- 7:30 Evening Chapel
- 8:30 Canteen
- 9:00 All Camp Activity
- 10:15 Get Ready for Bed/Devotions
- 11:00 Lights Out
Lights out time changes with the camp sessions. Scouts will be at 10:00 and Trailblazers will have lights out at 10:30.
12) What is your cancellation policy?
Each registration is secured with a $50 non-refundable deposit. If you cancel for a camp, you will receive the remainder of your registration back minus the $50 deposit. Our camps do fill up quickly and often have a waitlist. If you know you need to cancel, the earlier you can let us know means a better chance another camper can attend.
If your question is not answered here, send us an email. We will update this list with more questions as we receive them.