FAQ

HEALTH & SAFETY

WILL MY CHILD BE SAFE WHILE AT CAMP?

While there is always a fundamental risk to being at camp,  at Camp Oak Hills our number one priority is the safety of campers, guests and staff. The health and welfare of our camp community will always be our top concern. 

Our waterfront is staffed with certified lifeguards and uses a check-in/check-out procedure to account for all the campers at the waterfront. 

Our program staff is trained to safely operate the activities areas they are in charge of.

We have procedures in place and our staff is trained to respond to emergencies such as fires, severe weather, and intruders. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD GETS SICK/INJURED WHILE AT CAMP?

It is our hope that every camper will remain healthy and fully able to participate in all aspects of camp life. Just in case, though, all of the counselors and program staff are first aid and cpr certified. There is always a trained staff member assigned to administering first aid and will have access to the first aid station. If a child becomes sick or injured, a parent or guardian will be notified to discuss the best plan of action. Camp does stock many over the counter medications and first aid supplies. If needed, camp will arrange for two staff members to transport a camper to the walk-in clinic or emergency room. In an emergency, an ambulance will be called to transport an injured camper.

HOW WILL MEDICATION (PRESCRIPTION OR OTC), SUPPLEMENTS, OR HERBAL REMEDIES BE DISPENSED DURING THE CAMP SESSION?

All of these are considered “medications” and will be dispensed by our onsite First Aid Staff during the session. Meds are typically dispensed during breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime. Campers are not allowed to keep any meds in their cabins. Please be sure to check in all medications with the First Aid Staff during Check-In on Sunday.

HOW DOES CAMP OAK HILLS DEAL WITH HOMESICKNESS?

Homesickness is a reality of overnight camping, but one of the unique experiences of camping is allowing campers to gain a sense of independence. All of our counselor staff go through an extensive staff training before the summer begins that includes dealing with a homesick camper. If a camper is homesick, our counselors will do their best to comfort the camper, if the homesickness persists then a leadership or senior staff member will talk with the camper and will connect with parents to find the best strategies for helping the camper through the session. Although we have campers each session who will wrestle with some homesickness, it is extremely rare that a camper will need to be sent home. Campers who stick it out will gain an incredible sense of independence!

HOW DOES CAMP OAK HILLS ACCOMMODATE ALLERGIES?

The safety of your children is our first priority. We need to know any allergies your child has. Please provide these details on your Health History form and be as specific as possible with the information to allow us to be prepared to accommodate your camper’s allergy. If your camper’s allergy is food related, please contact the office so we can discuss any necessary accommodations.

CAN MY CHILD ATTEND CAMP IF HE/SHE HAS ADD/ADHD?

Many children with ADD/ADHD are here at camp. We handle this medication for campers just as if it were any other medical treatment. Please be sure to note the ADD/ADHD on the Health History form and turn in any medications to the Health Center.

CAN MY CHILD ATTEND CAMP IF HE/SHE HAS SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS?

Camp Oak Hills is capable of accommodating some special medical needs. Please contact the office to discuss your camper’s needs and how we can work together to make camp a successful experience.

MY CHILD STILL WETS THE BED OCCASIONALLY; DOES THIS MEAN HE/SHE IS NOT READY FOR CAMP?

Bed wetting is a common reality for many children at camp and several campers wear pull-ups. Some campers, depending on the age, are very self-conscious about this and don’t want anyone to know that they are wearing a pull-up. This is not a problem. The First Aid Station bathroom is set up in such a way that campers can put on and take off the pull-up privately. When dropping your camper off, just let the counselor know and they can help keep it discrete. If your child does have an accident at camp, our counselors quietly go back to the cabin after everyone has left and bring the bedding to the nurse to wash. Bedding is brought back to the cabin before anyone comes back.

CAN CAMP OAK HILLS ACCOMMODATE A CAMPER WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

While we are not equipped to handle campers requiring one-on-one attention, we are able to accommodate some special needs campers. Please give us a call in the office to discuss your camper’s specific needs.

STAFF

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR STAFF?

Prospective counselors go through a comprehensive interview process which includes a background check, an intensive written application, required written references and a personal interview with one of the camp directors. An extensive two week training program is provided at the start of the summer season. Staff members are trained on topics such as child development, how to recognize, prevent and take action against bullying, behavior management, risk management, emergency procedures, Bible Study and much more. During the summer, staff are supervised and evaluated by members of our camp leadership team and full-time staff. 

WHAT IS CAMP OAK HILLS’ CAMPER TO COUNSELOR RATIO?

We strive to provide the best possible experience for your child. We carefully recruit and screen to cultivate the most adept counselor staff possible. We have a 5:1 camper to counselor ratio. This allows us to create a meaningful experience and maximize the time campers get to spend with their role models in small groups.

FINANCIAL

DOES CAMP OAK HILLS OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

Yes! It is our heart at Camp Oak Hills that finances never prevent a child from experiencing Camp! Check out how to apply or how to give.

DO CAMP FEES HAVE TO BE PAID ALL AT ONCE OR CAN I PAY IN INSTALLMENTS?

All that is required to register is a $25 deposit, the remainder is due upon arrival. 

CAMP LIFE

CAN I CALL OR VISIT MY CAMPER?

One of the most significant elements of the camp experience is learning independence. It’s hard to be apart, however, kids adjust to camp life much more easily than we often assume. Typically, we find that there are many more kidsick parents than homesick campers! If a camper does become homesick, hearing a parent’s voice can intensify sad feelings. Therefore, we do not encourage campers talk to parents on the phone or allow visitation from parents except as a final option.

DOES CAMP OAK HILLS ALLOW IPODS, PHONES, OR VIDEO GAMES?

Kids spend on average 52 hours a week in front of an electronic screen. We believe in teaching kids how to be extraordinary without being tied to electronic screens, so we do not allow iPods, phones, or video games. This policy gives children the gift of a technology free environment — a place where campers, counselors and staff are fully present with each other, transporting them to a place where we can forge relationships that last a lifetime.

FIRST-TIME FAMILIES

MAY WE SEE CAMP BEFORE MY CHILD COMES?

Camp Oak Hills hosts a Open House in June from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. This is a time to come and check out Camp Oak Hills! Many of the camp activities and facilities will be open and a cookout will also be served around the campfire. It is a great opportunity to bring your children to see what camp is like before they come for their session. The Camp Oak Hills staff will be available for any questions you may have. Just come on by and enjoy the facility! Tours can also be scheduled by calling the Camp Oak Hills Office, and are available during the week.

Here are some more insights:

10 Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Child for Camp

Provided by Mr. Ed Covert, executive director at Redwood Glen, Loma Mar, Calif., a Salvation Army camp.

1. Arrange for your child to stay with a grandparent or friend for a night or two. This way, your son or daughter can experience what it is like to sleep somewhere new and different.

2. Make sure your child can manage basic personal hygiene such as brushing teeth, changing clothes and bathing. Bed wetting should not preclude a child from attendance at camp; however, the camp staff needs to be aware of the issue so that appropriate arrangements can be made and to ensure the camper’s dignity is protected.

3. During the weeks leading up to camp, take time to share your own camp stories and memories with your child to build excitement and anticipation for camp. If possible, pull out old camp photos or scrapbooks for your kids to look at.

4. Do not schedule a significant family event while your child will be away at camp. No child wants to be abandoned at camp while mom, dad and the rest of the family go on a fun family vacation or have a special celebration.

5. Develop a checklist of items needed for camp (or get one from the camp) and work with your child to get everything together. Call the camp if there are items that you cannot secure for your camper. It is not necessary to buy a lot of new gear; most camps will have extra supplies or resources that will ensure that each camper arrives at his or her cabin with all the essentials to have a successful week at camp.

6. Mark the first day of camp on the family calendar. Together with your child, mark each day off and spend a time talking about what a great experience it will be.

7. Write your child a couple of letters and pack the sealed envelopes in their luggage a day or two before they leave for camp. Tell your son or daughter they can open them while they are away at camp. It’s also equally important that you write a letter and send it through the mail. “Mail Call” is always a big event at camp and every child loves to get mail from home.

8. Pack paper, postcards and stamps so that your child can write to you.

9. Encourage your child to have a backyard sleep out by pitching a tent in your backyard. This will give your son or daughter the freedom to navigate through their feelings of anxiety, curiosity, and excitement within the safety and security of their own home. Also, consider going to the library and checking out a kid’s book about summer camp and read it together by the light of your flashlight in the tent.

10. When you arrive with your child at camp, make a point of meeting and connecting with the camp staff so your child can see that you are interested in, and trust the people that will be caring for them.