General Summer Camp Questions
How long are my kids at camp?
Arrival for campers is Monday from 10 am–12 pm, and pick up is Saturday at 9am for all programs.
When should I register?
Register as soon as possible! There are no deadlines, but weeks fill up quickly. Call the office at 231-275-7329 to check availability or waitlists.
What is included in my registration fee?
The fee includes housing, meals, and all program activities. Campers are responsible for snacks or souvenirs at the Red Canoe or Craft Station.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund if cancelled with 7 days notice. Cancellations less than 7 days before camp incur a $125 deposit forfeit.
Can I tour the camp?
Yes! Call the office to arrange a tour during office hours Mon–Fri, 8a–5 p. A free tour with lunch is also offered at Monday drop-off.
How qualified are the counselors?
Counselors undergo extensive screening, including references, background checks, and 150+ hours of training before campers arrive.
What is parent-camper communication like?
Parents can send letters, packages, or emails. Email is one-way (up to 10 emails/week) and costs $3 for 10. Call the office to set this up.
Can campers request cabinmates?
Yes — campers can request up to 2 cabinmates they know.
Health Questions
What sort of medical staff is available?
There is a full-time registered nurse and five health assistants on site throughout the summer.
Are there exemptions from immunizations?
Immunizations are recommended due to the camp environment. Exemptions are possible by submitting this form: Immunization Exemption Form.
How are food allergies handled?
Allergies are taken seriously, and our kitchen staff provides alternative meal options when possible. Please be aware that our facility is not completely allergen-free, so families are encouraged to communicate needs and concerns with us prior to attending.
Please make note of your dietary allergies in your health form when registering. If you have any questions or concerns on whether we can accommodate your dietary needs please call our office during office hours from 8am – 5pm or by email to our Director of Food Service at [email protected].
What if my camper has specific health concerns?
Call the camp office to discuss any specific health issues in more detail before camp.
Camp Life Questions
How much money should campers bring?
Spending money for the Red Canoe store typically ranges from $20–$80. Unused store funds over $5 are refunded to the card on file.
What should my camper pack?
Campers should bring:
- Bible, notebook, and pen
- Bedding (sleeping bag or bedding for a twin bunk recommended)
- Clothes for various weather and activities
- Closed-toed shoes
- Modest swimwear, towel, toiletries
- Insect repellent, flashlight, water bottle, spending money
Plus program-specific items depending on the camper’s age and activities.
What is your cell phone policy?
Cell phones are allowed except on Tuesdays and Thursdays (technology-free days). Counselors may retain phones during camp if they become a distraction.
What does a day at camp look like?
Days begin with flag raising and songs, followed by breakfast, chapel, activities, meals, games, and evening programs. Each day is full and structured to ensure there’s never a dull moment at camp!
How much free time will my campers have?
Campers typically have 1–2 hours of free time each day, often spent with cabinmates or counselors.
Where do campers stay?
Housing varies by age:
- Juniors, Junior High, and Senior High campers stay in traditional cabins with indoor bathrooms or nearby bathhouses
- Fresh Start campers enjoy the great outdoors with tents and yurts
- Jump Start campers get a “treehouse experience” in our Tamarack cabins!
What is chapel like?
Chapel sessions feature games and announcements, worship music, and a message from God’s Word tailored to the age group of the campers attending. Friday includes our exciting “Big Chapel” night.
What free time activities are available?
Free time options include swimming, arcade games, paddle boarding, ice cream from the Red Canoe, crafts, disc golf, and much more!
What is the food like at Lake Ann Camp?
Camp meals include favorites like spaghetti, pizza, chicken tenders, hamburgers, and homemade cinnamon rolls — with plenty to keep campers full and happy.
What does the Swim Test include?
Campers must swim 25 yards, tread for 1 minute, and return 25 yards. Those who don’t pass can still swim in shallow waterfront activities.
Guest Groups & Retreat FAQs
What is expected at a student or church retreat at Lake Ann Camp?
All retreat groups receive a mandatory orientation on arrival that covers camp mission, safety procedures, and expectations. Retreat groups are responsible for their own supervision and adults must stay overnight with campers.
How many adult leaders do we need for a retreat group?
Churches must bring at least one adult leader for each cabin of campers of the same gender. These leaders must stay overnight in cabins with their campers.
Are background checks required for retreat leaders?
Yes — all adult leaders (including youth pastors) must have a national, criminal, and sexual offender background check completed within the last 3 years. Lake Ann Camp can assist with the background check service if needed.
Who supervises medical needs during retreats?
Retreat groups are responsible for their own first aid and medications. Lake Ann Camp does not provide health services or manage medications for guest groups; groups should bring first-aid supplies and a certified first-aid/CPR person.
Do retreat guests need health forms?
Yes — leaders should collect and have signed health forms for every participant, with emergency contacts and relevant medical/allergy info.
Are linens provided for retreat guests?
No — retreat guests must bring their own linens, pillows, towels, and toiletries.
What if retreat attendees damage camp property?
Retreat groups are responsible for repair or replacement costs for any abuse or damage beyond normal use.
Can retreat guests use Lake Ann Camp’s specialty activities?
Special activities (e.g., swimming, challenge course, high adventure, zipline, boating) are led and supervised only by Lake Ann Camp certified staff; independent use is not allowed.
Is the waterfront available for retreats?
No — waterfront use is prohibited for student retreats unless specifically supervised by Lake Ann Camp staff.
Are pets allowed during retreats?
No — pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome.
Are weapons permitted on camp property?
No — firearms or knives with blades over 3″ are not permitted without prior written approval from the Executive Director.
What is Lake Ann Camp’s policy on smoking, drugs, and alcohol?
Tobacco products, alcohol, and illegal drugs are not permitted anywhere on camp grounds.
Can guests use camp vehicles?
No — only Lake Ann Camp staff may operate camp vehicles (golf carts, etc.).
Lost & Found FAQs
Does Lake Ann Camp hold lost items?
Yes — found items are kept for two weeks after an event before being donated to charity.
How do I report a lost item?
You submit a Lost & Found form online with item details so staff can attempt to locate it.
What happens if an item is found?
Camp staff will contact you; you can choose to have the item mailed and pay for the cost of shipping or pick it up.
What items does Lake Ann Camp wash?
Clothing and bedding left behind may be washed by camp staff to help prevent odor or mildew before return or disposal.
Guest Housing FAQs
Can I request housing at Lake Ann Camp for a group or personal stay?
Yes — there is a Guest Housing Request form for affiliates and event participants to request cabin/RV/dorm/tent accommodations, though submission does not guarantee housing.
Are meals available with guest housing?
Yes — guests can choose meal passes (pastor/leader or standard rates) or pay per meal as part of the housing request.
Are background checks required for guest housing?
Yes — adults staying on site must have a current national, criminal, and sexual background check (past 3 years). If not, Lake Ann Camp can help with completing one.
NEW FAQs
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major forms of credit and debit cards through our online registration platform. We are also able to accept checks by mail or cash in person. Please alert our office if you plan to pay through check or cash.
Do we offer payment plans?
Yes! We offer flexible payment plans for Summer Camp to make the cost of camp accessible for families. There are no fees or additional costs involved when choosing a payment plan. You may select the payment plan option when registering or contact our office for assistance.
How do I put money in my camper’s store account and is unspent money refunded?
Log into your account or contact our office to add money to your camper’s store account. Unused funds over $5 can be refunded; funds under $5 are donated to our camper scholarship fund.
What does Monday morning arrival look like for my first time at camp?
Our staff will be ready and excited to greet you on Monday morning! We will have staff directing traffic and ready to help with luggage or questions you may have. We will have program stations on our front lawn where campers can check-in and meet their counselors. Other stations include the Health Office for camper medications, Mail Drop off, and our Registration team (for balance, cabin mate questions, and Red Canoe accounts). Parents will have until noon to help their campers settle in. At noon, parents are invited to say goodbye to their campers and enjoy a free pizza lunch and tour of camp.
What does Monday morning arrival look like for my first time at camp?
Our staff will be ready and excited to greet you on Monday morning! We will have staff directing traffic and ready to help with luggage or questions you may have. We will have program stations on our front lawn where campers can check-in and meet their counselors. Other stations include the Health Office for camper medications, Mail Drop off, and our Registration team (for balance, cabin mate questions, and Red Canoe accounts). Parents will have until noon to help their campers settle in. At noon, parents are invited to say goodbye to their campers and enjoy a free pizza lunch and tour of camp.
Help! My camper is on a waitlist – now what?
Please contact our office to see where your camper is on the waitlist. If a camper is waitlisted for a certain week, we are happy to help families register for an additional “back up” week to ensure they do not miss out on attending camp!
Can parents volunteer or help during the summer?
For safety and consistency, our summer camp staff and volunteers are hired, trained, and background-checked. Due to housing limitations, we are not generally able to invite parents to volunteer or stay during their camper’s week of camp.
Where can I find the official packing list and detailed packing tips?
We’ll probably need to re-work this, or package it differently Gillian Gardner
Which camp week/program is most appropriate for my child by age/grade?
Lake Ann Camp offers age-specific programs designed to meet campers where they are developmentally and socially. From younger campers just starting their camp journey to high schoolers ready for deeper challenge and leadership, each program is intentionally designed. If you’re unsure which week or program is best, our office team is happy to help you choose based on your child’s age, experience level, and interests.