for the parents
What to Expect at Camp Big Cedars
Hey parents, we know sending your child or teen to a week away at summer camp may have you feeling a little nervous—but don't worry! Over the years, we've dealt with quite a few questions from anxious parents. So, to make things a little easier, we've put together this resource based on the most commonly asked questions from parents like you. Browse the links below to learn everything you need to know before sending your child to Camp Big Cedars!
Drop Off & Pick Up
Camp Big Cedars does not provide transportation to and from the campgrounds. If your camper is coming with a church group and you or a family member cannot provide transportation, contact that church to see if group transportation is available. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting your camper to and from the campgrounds.
To ensure the drop-off and pick-up process is as smooth and safe as possible, we ask all parents and guardians to please abide by the following policies:
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Registration begins at 10 AM on the first day (Monday) of camp. If your camper did not register online or mail in an application prior to camp, please bring a completed application and payment.
Please have all medication in its original containers with instructions for medical staff.
If your camper has a cellphone, make sure it is turned off and ready to turn in upon check-in. See our cellphone policy in the Communication section.
Please do not unload your camper's luggage until he/she has been assigned a cabin. Everyone must go through registration before entering the cabin areas.
Registration ends at at approximately 11:30 AM. To make arrangements for late drop-off, contact your camp directors (contact information can be found on the camper application).
Note: While our check-in staff will do their best to ensure your camper is placed in a cabin with friends, due to limited space, we cannot guarantee your child will be placed in his/her first choice of cabin.
DROP OFF
Camper pick-up is at 8 AM on Saturday. Please arrive on time to allow our staff time to clean and prepare for the next camp session.
Upon arrival, check in at the gate. Only those designated on the camper application will be allowed to pick up your camper. This is for the safety of our campers. Valid I.D. may be required for identification purposes.
All campers must check out with their cabin leaders before leaving the campground.
Arrangements for early pick-up must be made in advance by calling the camp director (contact information can be found on the camper application).
PICK UP
TRANSPORTATION
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Food & Nutrition
Camp Big Cedars strives to provide a variety of delicious and nutritious foods for our campers. Read below for more information on food allergies and what we provide for each meal.
Breakfast: The breakfast menu for all three camps includes a main entrée as well as fruit and cereal options.
Dinner: The dinner menu for all three camps always includes one main entrée, a vegetable side dish, and dessert options.
Lunch: At Senior Camp, since the schedule is different from the other camp schedules, only two large meals are served at. Breakfast is scheduled later at Senior Camp, so sandwiches are available for those who are hungry around early afternoon.
Intermediate and Junior campers are served a full lunch around noon.
MEALS
All food allergies must be communicated in full on the camper application. At this time, we cannot provide special meals if your camper has a food allergy or intolerance; however, we will inform our staff of your camper's restrictions to help them choose allowed foods from our regular menu. Cabin leaders and the camp nurse will be notified of any serious allergies.
Your camper may be allowed to bring their own allergy-friendly ingredients or pre-made meals, but please communicate with the Camp Director ahead of time to make sure this is a possibility.
FOOD ALLERGIES
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Medical Care
Your camper's health and safety is extremely important to us. An experienced nurse will be on-site during all three weeks of camp. All preexisting medical conditions (including allergies) must be communicated in full on the camper application. If your camper has a medical condition that may be a problem during camp, please contact the camp's director prior to camp with any questions or concerns.
In the event of an illness, accident, or injury (other than minor scrapes, etc.), the camper's parent or guardian will be contacted as soon as possible. The camp nurse will examine the camper and, in combination with the parent/guardian, determine whether or not the camper needs further medical care.
ILLNESS OR INJURY
ALL MEDICATIONS must be in original containers and turned in to the camp nurse upon check-in. The camp nurse will administer all medications. To ensure the safety of all campers, no medications are allowed in the cabins (including over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.).
MEDICATIONS
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Communication
We endeavor to create an atmosphere that minimizes distractions and maximizes a total "camp" experience. To accomplish this, we ask campers and their parents/guardians to adhere to the following communication policies:
We want all campers to feel safe and secure. If a camper wishes to call home, our cabin leaders are instructed to make sure they have access to a phone to make the call.
Calls will be allowed to parents/guardians only, except in the case of emergency. If you do need to speak to your camper, we do allow phone calls during daytime hours. Contact the camp director to speak to your camper (contact information is listed on the camper application). If there is a problem or an emergency, we will always contact you immediately.
PHONE CALLS
For the safety of all of our campers, all camp visits must be approved in advance by contacting the camp directors by phone (contact information can be found on the camper application). No visitors (including parents) are allowed in the cabins without a dean present except during check-in and check-out. All visitors must check in with the camp directors upon arrival.
VISITATION
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We ask that campers turn their cellphones off and turn them in at check-in or leave them at home. This is to enable campers to unplug from outside distractions for a week. Many campers enjoy the break from technology and constant communication. We guarantee the privacy and security of the phones which will be returned upon check-out from camp.
CELL PHONES
Dress Code
Because Camp Big Cedars is a Christian Camp with a distinctly Christian atmosphere, we ask all campers and staff to adhere to a modest dress code. Camp clothing is to be well-fitted and appropriate. Staff members reserve the right to ask campers to change if deemed necessary. Please bring clothing to camp which fully complies with the following regulations:
Spaghetti straps are not allowed at camp. Tank tops and sleeveless shirts should fit appropriately without gaping arm holes. If wearing leggings, wear a shirt that falls below the hips. Appropriate clothing and shoes must be worn at all times outside of cabins.
SHIRTS, PANTS, & SHOES
Regular camp swim time is not co-ed, however, Speedos or thongs are not allowed. Please bring shorts, shirts, or a robe (and shoes/flip flops) to wear to and from the pool.
SWIMMING ATTIRE
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Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be a modest length. If you are in doubt about appropriate length, here is a general rule of thumb: Your shorts/skirts should be around fingertip length and should not be too tight.
DRESSES & SHORTS
"Camp Big Cedars has impacted my personal life, my childrens' lives, and many others in my local church. My children look forward to being at camp every year. Their relationship with God has grown, and they have built lifelong friendships."
Senior Camp Director
Jackie Chavez
My children look forward to being at camp every year.
Interested in renting Camp Big Cedars for your event? Fill out the contact form below, and our team will get back to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camp Big Cedars does not provide transportation to and from the campgrounds. If your camper is coming with a church group and you or a family member cannot provide transportation, contact that church to see if group transportation is available. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting you camper to and from the campgrounds.
Yes! A licensed lifeguard will be on staff during all three weeks of camp.
Every camper, regardless of age, takes a swim test at the beginning of the week. If your child does not pass the test, or does not take the test, they will need a life jacket to enter the deep end of the pool. If you know your child will need a lifejacket, please have him or her bring it to camp. Children without a lifejacket who do not pass the swim test will be required to stay in the shallow end.
Yes. Because Camp Big Cedars is a Christian camp with a distinctly Christian atmosphere, we do ask campers and staff to adhere to a modest dress code. Details about our dress code can be found under the "Dress Code" tab above.
Campers will need to pack all overnight essentials, including bedding for a twin-sized mattress, towels, and enough clothing for 6 days. Click here to watch our packing tutorial video. For a full list of recommended items, download our Packing List below!
Yes. Campers are not allowed to bring any dangerous items to camp (including drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or weapons). We ask that campers turn in their cellphones at check-in to minimize distractions for all campers. For a full list of prohibited items, download our Packing List below.
Keeping campers and staff safe is a top priority for us. All camp staff is trained prior to camp regarding safety and emergency procedures. We monitor weather and safety conditions and notify staff well in advance if relocation to a safe place might be necessary. In the event of a weather emergency, campers and staff will be taken to the safest locations on our campground.
Yes! Visit our Rental page for information on how to rent Camp Big Cedars for your event.
