Q&A
COVID-19
A couple of years ago, COVID-19 was not in our vocabulary, but it is now and we responded. Your child's health and safety are of utmost importance, therefore, we made some changes and additions to our procedures. We asked for your cooperation and understanding. We are thankful for you.
We follow recommended protocol as set by the CDC, state, and our county health organizations. Camp can still have a big social, emotional, and spiritual impact without campers being arm in arm.
We will continue to have small groups and practice social distancing but in a fun camp way. We will practice healthy hygiene habits in an upbeat, positive, and energizing manner. We will practice rigorous hand washing. Hand washing songs are FUN! As usual, we will have hand sanitizers all around camp and at each activity.
If at any time, your child should run a fever greater than 100, he will be quarantined and you will be asked to pick him up. If there is an exposure to COVID-19 while your child is at camp, everyone will be notified.
We take extra measures in food service to protect our campers. Our food service, dining hall, and all other high-touch areas are cleaned and disinfected using EPA approved products for use against SARS-Co-2, which kills the virus COVID-19.
The staff at Charis Hills is doing everything that we can to prevent the spread of communicable diseases at camp. Having done this, we pray. The Lord has blessed our ministry and has allowed us to be here for such a time as this. We pray for the health and safety of our campers and staff, trusting The Lord to protect and direct each of us as we strive to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.
Campers
CAN I CALL HOME WHILE I'M AT CAMP?
Cell phones are not allowed at camp, and we also don't allow phone calls.
What about my medicine I take everyday?
Other campers are taking daily medications too! We have awesome nurses who will talk to your parents and make sure we get your schedule just right. Then, our nurse will bring your medicine to you at the right time.
Parents
When is check-in and check-out?
Check-in: Sunday, 3:00 - 5:00 pm | Check-out: Saturday at 9:00 am SHARP
Check-in: You will receive an assigned time for check-in between 3:00 and 5:00 pm on Sunday. Early arrivals will be asked to wait.
Expect to be greeted at your car by a smiling face when you arrive!
Please remove all medications from your luggage and bring them to check-in.
Come sign-in your camper.
Your camper will get their photo taken.
A staff member will do a quick health screening with your child in the infirmary.
We will escort your camper and luggage to their cabin to begin unpacking.
Parents will proceed to check-in to finalize registration and discuss their camper’s medication schedule. Any allergies or other medical conditions will also be discussed at this time. All medications that you bring must be in their original bottle! Please don’t make a fuss, it’s the law! Please mark any non-prescription bottles with your child’s name and dosage.
Parents will review the recreation activity schedule with the activity director.
Parents will have an opportunity to discuss any behavioral aspects or recent changes at home that might affect their camper while at camp.
Camp t-shirts, caps...etc. are available for purchase in the camp store at this time.
Parents will then join their camper in the cabin to see where campers will be staying, and meet some of the counselors.
Our counselors will involve campers in an activity so we ask parents to say a quick goodbye!
Check-out: Parents should arrive at 9:00 am Saturday morning. Please do not be late.
You will be met as you drive in and your camper will be called to come meet you in the parking lot with his/her counselor. You will have an opportunity to speak with your child's counselors at this time.
You will be asked to sign-out your camper.
You will pick up all of your camper's luggage and laundry bag.
You will be given any completed arts and crafts projects.
You will be given any medications from the infirmary.
What sets Charis Hills apart from other summer camps?
Charis Hills is a special needs camp geared to provide a structured, safe camp experience for children who, due to their unique learning challenges, may not be able to participate in a traditional summer camp. We also offer NOVA, a hands-on educational activity, to give your child a fun, non-traditional learning experience.
What if my child gets homesick?
Campers who have never slept away from home, or have not yet established an independent schedule from home, may experience some homesickness. THIS IS TO BE EXPECTED! We take great pains to make certain your camper is given ample love and attention, and to direct them into activities that will help them have the best camp experience Charis Hills has to offer. For more information on limiting homesickness by preparing your child for camp feel free to give us a call.
What is your staff to camper ratio?
We have a low counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:3, which does not include administrative, dining, or maintenance staff. We provide highly trained, experienced counselors who want to work with your child to help him be the best he can be.
Camp sounds great but I’m not sure I can afford it. Do you offer any assistance?
Charis Hills accepts payments for camp with checks made payable to Charis Hills or money orders. Additionally, payment plans are available, though tuition is expected to be paid in full by June 1st. Credit card payments are also available online. We accept most major credit cards. Charis Hills Summer Camp has also been granted a small scholarship endowment and offers a limited number of partial scholarships each year based on financial need. Contact our office prior to April 1st for an application.
How do I register my child for camp at Charis Hills?
An application process is used for all campers. You may register your camper by clicking on the registration button below, or the button on our home page. A non-refundable, $200 deposit is also required to hold a spot, along with the application. The information on this application is useful in determining if your child will experience the best from Charis Hills. Please be forthright and thorough in completing the application. It will not only help us in deciding if Charis Hills will be a good fit for your child, but it also gives his or her counselors much needed guidance into how we may help your child. We will protect the integrity of this information, considering your right to privacy our top priority.
What kinds of activities will my child participate in at Charis Hills?
The focus at Charis Hills is on participation, skill development, and social skills, not a competition so your camper will find success in a variety of ways every day. We offer “traditional” recreation activities for your camper to choose from, such as swimming, camping, hiking, riflery, archery, arts & crafts, and horseback riding, among others. Nova is another elective activity that is academic in nature often involving hands-on activities, experiments..etc. Consideration is given to those who register early regarding activity scheduling. There is limited opportunity in some activities such as horseback riding. Register early and choose activity preferences.
My child takes daily medications. How will these be dispensed?
Many of our campers take daily medications! Charis Hills employs licensed nurses who dispense medications according to the schedule you provide. You will need to enter the medications your camper takes in CampMinder as well as complete a Medication Administration form for each medication. Bring the Medication Administration forms along with your camper’s medications in the original, prescription container(s) to check-in when you arrive. Our nursing staff will meet with you at check-in to review your camper's scheduled medication(s) and discuss any remaining concerns or allergies. No medications will be kept in the cabin. All medications are administered by infirmary staff.
My child has had some behavioral issues during the school year. How will Charis Hills address these if they occur at camp?
Because of the nature of our campers’ behavioral and learning differences, we know they sometimes react to situations adversely. Our staff has been trained to respond to children with different levels of emotional behaviors. Our focus will always be to help your camper work through his or her emotions so they begin to see how their choices and actions do not always need to negatively impact themselves and others around them. You are encouraged to contact a Director to discuss any specific concerns you may have about your child interacting at camp.
What kind of food does Charis Hills serve its campers?
Charis Hills serves a nutritious camp menu with foods that kids enjoy. Meals are served by our friendly kitchen staff. We emphasize good manners, social skills, and healthy food choices while at meals. Also, we can meet most special dietary requirements and administer alternative supplements that you provide (i.e. soy milk products, protein supplements, etc.).
How do you hire and train your staff?
Our staff is carefully screened through extensive interviews, a background check, and the completion of a medical report. They are thoroughly trained in many methods of Red Cross emergency responses, CPR and First Aid.
My child is not a Christian. Can he attend Charis Hills?
Charis Hills is all about loving and nurturing children, teaching patience and understanding for themselves and others, and opening up our camp and our hearts for their enjoyment. Our staff does not force our spiritual views on children who need help learning to deal with the challenges of their learning differences. Please contact us if you have any further questions.
Will I be able to contact my camper while he or she is at camp?
YES!!! The camp encourages letter writing and emails from family and friends to the camper while at camp. Parents should bring letters from home to leave at check-in, which eliminates postal delays. You may contact your camper by emailing them at: camper@charishills.org and placing your child's name in the subject line. The Charis Hills Summer Camp program is designed to build a sense of independence, therefore, we do not allow telephone calls from campers to home.
Will my camper be able to contact me during camp?
Your camper will be encouraged to write letters home during camp. For safety purposes, campers do not have access to the internet. Your camper will not be allowed to have a cell phone at camp and will not have the opportunity to call home.
What happens if my camper can't attend the scheduled session?
We want to encourage each of our campers to attend. If your camper can't attend the scheduled session, we will make every effort to reschedule your camper into another session that has openings. If that doesn't work out then we will follow a refund schedule as shown:
Cancellation prior to 60 days before the camp session starts = Full refund; minus the deposit.
Cancellation between 30 and 60 days before camp session starts = 50% refund
Cancellation between 15 and 30 days before camp session starts = 25% refund
Within 15 days of camp session start = No refund!
Refund of the registration deposit ($200.00) will be made only if the applicant is not accepted, otherwise, the deposit is non-refundable.
How will my child maintain personal hygiene while at camp?
Campers wash hands before each meal, and they are given structured shower time at the end of each day. They are guided by their counselors to complete their hygiene process each morning and before retiring to bed. This time is an opportunity to earn beads and incentives, so our staff work to remove the drudgery often associated with this time of the night.
Staff
What is your staff-to-camper ratio?
We have a low counselor-to-camper ratio of 1:3, which does not include administrative, dining or maintenance staff.