After reading through this list of questions and answers, please email us if there are additional concerns so that we can address them for you and for others.
What is the weather like at camp?
Summer temperatures range from about 60 degrees at night to about 80 degrees by early afternoon. Programs are modified during adverse conditions. Sometimes we’ll even add another swim period if it’s really hot. Current weather conditions at camp are available at Weather Underground.
Are there bathrooms in the cabins?
Mostly no. We have two centrally located bathhouses with shower stalls divided by curtains and/or walls. Our two newest cabins have inside bathrooms and are usually used for younger campers.
What about purchasing things at camp?
Our Trading Post is often open to campers. Sweatshirts, t-shirts, camp pictures, and other items are available for purchase before, during, and after a stay here at Camp Pendalouan. Be sure to note sizes needed when ordering online.
Can parents visit camp?
Yes, you can visit and get a tour during our Open House May 4. Also, you can visit just about anytime from May 5-June 6. Please contact us so we know you’re coming. We don’t have visitor days during camp. Visitor days are often stressful for the campers being visited and especially for the ones without any visitors.
What about mail, packages, faxes, email, and phone calls?
Parents can send letters, packages, one-way emails via Bunk1™ and faxes to campers. We request you don’t send food. Campers can write letters, but can’t make phone calls—remember no cell phones. Parents can call camp and speak with a director who will check on their child as soon as possible. We will help you determine if it’s appropriate for your child to call you and a return call can be scheduled. See our Parent Packet page for more information.
What sort of training does your staff have or get?
Many of our counselors are former campers or returning staff with suitable experience. In addition, all staff participate in a week-long training at camp in early June. All counselors have CPR and First Aid certification. Counselors who work on the waterfront have Lifeguard certification.
How is safety at the waterfront handled?
During free swim, there are several guards at the swim area. The buddy system is used. In the event of a missing camper, the alarm sounds and the entire staff begins an orchestrated search of the swimming area and camp property. Any time this has ever happened, the missing camper was found within a few minutes, in the bathroom, a cabin, or another activity area. We actually practice this at least once a week.
Are campers required to take swim lessons?
No, but all campers are tested and categorized by swimming ability. Swimming lessons are encouraged for those wanting to advance to a higher level.
What if a camper gets homesick?
The counselors are trained to watch for and prevent this, and to help their campers through any problems. There are also supervisory staff who assist campers and staff. In some cases we call parents to alert them to the problem. However, we have found that letting parents talk to a homesick camper often makes things worse, so we rarely do that. We work with the camper to get him or her involved in activities, and usually after the next meal they learn to overcome their fears. If you think your child may get homesick, we urge you to schedule time away from home before coming to camp for the first time. Overnights or a weekend with relatives are good.
Can you handle special food needs and allergies?
Yes, please provide details and we will respond on an individual basis.
Do you preach Christianity or have Bible study?
We have daily chapels and nightly taps talks. Chapels focus on the core values of Respect, Honesty, Caring and Responsibility, our mission statement “…to put Judeo-Christian values into practice…” and our camp motto, “I’m Third”. Although we are chartered as a Christian organization, we are very inclusive and host a number of campers from different or no faiths.
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