What are the safety guidelines of your camp programs?
All of the camp sites and events sponsored by West Ohio United Methodist Camps and Retreats are operated by the standards of the American Camping Association (ACA). The ACA sets standards for how camps should operate to be safe using the best risk management principles. The standards provide for levels of training for staff, staff to camper supervision ratios, waterfront guidelines and much more. For more information about the American Camping Association, see their web site at www.acacamps.org.

Our paid summer staff spend 10 days in staff training before campers arrive, and experience in-service training between sessions of camp. Each paid staff member undergoes a fingerprint background check through the state of Ohio and by the FBI if they have had residence outside the state of Ohio in the past 5 years. Reference checks are conducted for all staff.

Our volunteer staff also undergo training prior to the session of camp they are helping with, and have references checked before being welcomed as staff. All volunteers are under the leadership of our paid staff while they volunteer at camp.

Does the camp provide insurance?
If medical expenses are incurred on behalf of a camper injured in an accident at camp, insurance (up to policy limits) pays for the expenses that are not covered by the camper's family insurance, Camp insurance does not cover medical expenses incurred because of an illness. In these cases, parents are notified and asked to bear responsibility for the expenses.

The brochure mentions lodges, cabins, and tents. What does this mean?
Each camp site has unique and varied ways of housing campers. The type of housing determines the program style. In lodges and cabins, campers sleep in a room with five to ten other campers and one or two counselors. In tents, campers experience living with the elements, while being protected from the elements.

How soon should I register?
The sooner the better for many events fill early. All registrations are processed on a first-come basis. For information about openings contact the Camping Office.

How do I know if I got into the camp I wanted?
About two weeks after you send in the registration forms, you will get a letter to let you know if you got into the camp you requested. This letter will have important information about your camp, like when to arrive and when you need to be picked up.

How much spending money will I need?
Usually none. Some high adventure or other specialized events may require it. If so, the campers will be notified by letter prior to camp. There will be opportunity to purchase camp shirts, hats, etc, at the end of the camp session. Parents can purchase these items at the time of pickup from camp, so the campers do not need to bring any money with them.

May I ask to be in the same small group with other campers?
Yes, a request may be made and in most cases it is honored. To make a request, write the name of up to two buddies on the registration.

What happens if I register for camp but can’t come?
To cancel a registration, call the Worthington office at 1.800.437.0028. In the event of a cancellation, the following guidelines apply to refunds: In all cases, an attempt is made to reschedule the camper into another event. For cancellation up to 30 days before camp, refund will be the full camp fee less $50. There will be no refund for cancellation within 30 days of the camp event.

If I’m registered in an event, may I change to another one?
Usually, if there is an opening in the event you want to change to. Call the Camping office to request a change.

May I register for an event in an age level other than the one that I should?
Usually not. Program content is designed to be appropriate for a specific age group. An attempt is made to stay faithful to the age level so that campers don’t have an unhappy time dealing with activities that are not designed for their developmental level.

May I attend more than one event?
Yes, but please use separate registration forms for each event.

How do I know what to bring to camp?
A complete list is sent with the acceptance letter

May I phone in a registration?
Yes, if a Visa or MasterCard is used to make payment. All registrations are handled on a first-come basis. If you phone in a registration, DO NOT mail a duplicate. You will need to send (mail or fax) in the Release of Liability form on the back of the Registration Form to complete your registration.

Can I register on line?
Yes, you can register online with a credit card. Go to www.westohiocamps.com and click registration and click register online. Registering online assures that events have space in them for you as capacities are updated regularly.

May I fax a camp registration?
Yes, if payment is made by credit card. The FAX number is 614-781-2642. Be sure to include all credit card information on the faxed form. Please remember to fax in the Release of Liability form on the back of the registration form. If you FAX a registration form, DO NOT mail a duplicate.

May I use a credit card to pay the camp fees?
Yes, with VISA or MasterCard. The registration form has a place to provide the necessary information.

What are the qualifications of program staff?
Paid staff (program staff and counselors) are at least eighteen years of age and one year out of high school. Many have been campers in a West Ohio Camp and have special outdoor education and/or Christian education training. They are chosen because of their love for children and the outdoors, ability to communicate the faith and their enthusiasm for the task. They arrive ten days prior to the campers for extensive training.

Volunteer staff are recruited as well and are pastors and lay people within the Conference. These adults have special interest in outdoor ministry and specialized skills. These leaders are also trained and prepared to care for children and youth at camp.

All staff (paid or volunteer) must be cleared through a background check and/or reference check before being permitted to work at a West Ohio Camp.

Is a health form or exam required?
Yes, a health form is sent to each registrant. Campers cannot be accepted at camp without the form completed according to the furnished directions. The health history on the form (with signed permissions) is required of ALL campers. A health exam is no longer required of campers, but a more complete form must be entirely completed.

What happens if I don’t take my health form to camp with me?
It creates problems! If a parent accompanies the camper, the parent is asked to complete another form. If a parent is not with the camper, it is necessary to phone the parent, complete the form with at least two persons listening and the parent verbally authorizing someone to sign on behalf of the parent.

Should I mail my health form?
Health forms are to be mailed to camp two weeks before the event begins. This will lesson the time needed at registration.

How is a camper’s medicine cared for?
At registration, medicine and pertinent information is taken from campers by the camp health supervisor and stored in a safe place to be administered as needed by camp staff.

What happens if a camper is ill or injured at camp?
Immediate first aid is given by trained staff. For illness needing professional medical care, parents are notified and asked for directions about treatment. For an accident needing professional medical care, the camper is transported to an appropriate facility and the parents are notified. If the camper cannot continue as an active member of the camp group, the camper returns home. Attempts are then made to reschedule the camper into another event later in the summer.

What kind of camper accident/illness insurance is provided?
Accident: If medical expenses are incurred on behalf of a camper injured at camp, the camp insurance pays (up to policy limits) all medical expenses that are NOT covered by the camper’s family insurance.

Illness: There is no coverage for medical expenses incurred because of illness. In these cases, parents are notified and asked if they prefer to have the camper cared for by a family physician or to have the camper treated by the camp physician with the bill being sent to them.

How are special needs cared for?
A serious attempt is made to meet all special needs. Be sure to tell the camp director and/or nurse about these needs when checking in at camp.

Are campers made to eat foods they dislike?
They are encouraged to try new foods, but not forced to eat things they dislike.

Can I drop my child off early?
No. Each camp has a starting time that must be followed. Prior to the arrival of campers, the director and counselors are busy preparing for a successful and faithful camping experience.

Can I call my camper?
Your camper will be busy throughout the week with the activities of the camp and rarely near a phone. The camp phone is for business use and should only be used to contact your camper in the event of an emergency. If there is an emergency, you should call the camp and ask the director to get a message to your camper.

Can I send mail to my camper?
Yes! When addressing the letter, put your camper's name above the camp address. Keep the letter encouraging and newsy. Share the excitement of the week they are experiencing. Try to avoid triggers that could cause or worsen missing home. Do not send "care packages" of food or snacks. If you send stamped, addressed envelopes with your camper, they can write to you also.

How much Bible study occurs at camp?
There is a theme for each day with a daily scripture. This theme and scripture are a part of all that happens that day at camp. Specific time is spent each day in Bible study, worship and discussion around theme-centered topics.

Are funds available for persons needing financial assistance?
In many cases, yes! – From at least three sources:

Local Churches: Most local churches have campership funds.

Districts: Some Districts have District Campership Funds. Check with your District Office.

Conference Camping Office: A limited number of partial camperships are available. Contact the Camping Office for an application.

Questions, Information, Ideas?
Call the Conference Camping Office at 614.781.2630 or 800.437.0028
Email the Conference Camping Office at camps@wocumc.org