FAQ

Please also check out our Guide to Summer Camp at CWS!

Is your camp certified/accredited? CWS is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and is also a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association (CCCA).  In addition, certified instructors lead all of our waterfront and adventure recreation programs.

How many campers are there each week and what is the staff to camper ratio? There are up to 144 campers present each week of camp, and the staff to camper ratio is 1:5.

How do I register for summer camp?  2024 Summer Camp Registration will open on Monday, February 5th at 10am.  Youth Camps For Christ offers online summer camp registration and accepts online payments for CWS and CWR.  Please continue to check the 2024 Registration page for information and details on this year’s registration.

Which school grade do I use when filling out the registration form? The summer sessions are based on the grade to be entered in the fall. During the registration process you will be asked to enter the camper’s rising grade and the system will automatically list the available sessions.

Is there financial assistance available for my child? It is our desire that every child have the opportunity to attend CWS.  Our financial assistance funds are intended for those children who otherwise would be unable to attend.  Both partial and full scholarships are available.  Once your camper is enrolled in a camp session, within your account there is a financial assistance application you can complete.  Note that a copy of your most recent federal 1040 tax return must be submitted with your application.  Please contact our office for further information.

Do you accept credit cards as payment for camp fees? Yes we accept all major credit cards as payment for summer camp fees.

What is the cancellation and refund policy? In case of cancellation the fee (less the non-refundable $50 deposit) is refundable if notification is received in writing 30 days prior to your child arriving at camp.

How do I request a dorm friend?  If your camper would like to make specific roommate requests, be sure to complete the “Dorm Friend Requests” step in your account.  All roommate requests must be two-sided and each camper is limited to 3 requests, for a maximum of 4 linked friends.  You may update your camper’s roommate requests up to one week prior to the start of their summer camp session. 

For more information on this process, please see page 11, of the Summer Registration Guide.(will be updated for 2024)

What does my camper need to bring to camp? You can find a baggage list here.  Please note that any personal sports equipment brought to camp will be used only in the established camp program and under the supervision of the activity leader.  Camp Willow Springs does not accept the responsibility for loss or damage to such equipment.  Skates and skateboards cannot be used while at CWS. Firearms, fireworks, alcohol, and illegal drugs are not allowed at CWS.

How many campers will sleep in each dormitory? Each dormitory is a duplex, which will sleep 9 campers and 2 summer staff members in each wing, for a total of 18 campers and 4 summer staff members per dorm.  All dormitories are air-conditioned, heated, and have bathroom facilities.  Each side of the dorm has its own separate bathroom.  An activity room connects the two sides of the dormitory, which can be used for devotions and group activities.

Is there a medical professional on duty at summer camp? A healthcare person will be present on the camp property and an RN will be on-call at all times.  This person will administer prescription medications and first aid.

What about special health concerns?  We understand that some campers require special medical, mental, or health attention while at camp.  If you have questions or concerns regarding our ability to meet these needs, please call our office and we can evaluate together the fit of our camp program with your child’s particular needs.

What happens to my child’s medications when they get to camp? Upon arrival all medications, including over the counter and non-prescription drugs, must be checked in with the camp health care person.  Please bring all medications in the original packaging that includes prescribing physician, name of medication, dosage, and frequency of administration.  The health care person will administer these medications to the child as needed.  The camp health care center will provide non-prescription medications to your child as needed under the supervision of the health care person.  EXCEPTION: If your child must carry emergency medication (epinephrine auto-injector, rescue inhaler, etc.), please provide an additional supply of the medication, if possible, to be kept in the care of the camp healthcare person.

If my child has food allergies or a special diet what should I do? In the case of food allergies or special diet restrictions the Food Service Manager will gladly work with you prior to your child’s arrival at camp.  In certain cases parents may be asked to provide food substitutes. Contact us to speak with our Food Service Manager.

How do you staff your camp? Our summer staff currently consists of 32 college-age students. They love the Lord, love serving young people, and love having fun!  Many of our summer staff are former Camp Willow Run (CWR) campers who are excited to provide your child with the same safe and exciting week of camp that they experienced as a child.  The summer staff experience is so rewarding that several of our previous staff members will return each summer.  Each staff member will go through a week of staff training prior to campers arriving.

Will campers have access to the lake? Canoeing, Waterskiing/Wakeboarding/Kneeboarding, and the Red Shark will occur in the lake.  All swimming will take place in the swimming pool.

What is the swimming pool like? The pool is a central recreation feature of CWS.  It has over 5,000 square feet of swimming area and 3 water slides.  All campers will enter through the pool house, which contains bathroom facilities.  The pool has a minimum water depth of 3 feet and a maximum depth of 5 feet.  The smaller circular part of the pool is used for beginning swimmers with a depth of 3-4 feet and is sectioned off from the larger rectangular area, which is designated for more advanced swimmers.  Upon arrival, all campers will take a swim test to determine their swimming ability.  The pool is supervised by multiple American Red Cross certified lifeguards that are stationed around the swimming area.  All campers use the buddy system while swimming to promote a safe and fun experience.

Will there be an opportunity to sign up for waterskiing/wakeboarding? There are a limited number of waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding opportunities.  This is an activity that has an additional fee ($160/5 night sessions, $80/3 night sessions) and requires registration beforehand.  Once your camper is enrolled in his/her summer camp session, within your account dashboard you can sign up for this activity.  Since CWS offers all other recreation activities on a rotation basis, it is not necessary to sign up for any of the recreation activities with an additional fee.

In your account, when you select the waterskiing/wakeboarding/kneeboarding option, a menu will appear showing the class times when this activity is offered.  You will then select the class period when your camper will participate in this activity.  Note that they will participate in this activity at the same time each day of their camp session (M-TH for 5-night sessions & M-TU or TH-F for 3-night sessions). The water-sports activity has a limited amount of spaces and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  If you are unable to select a water-sports class time, then it means that all available spaces have been filled for this camp session.  Once your camper has been enrolled into a water-sports class time, the additional fee for this activity will appear in your account.

In case of cancellation, the activity fee is refundable if notification is received 30 days prior to arrival at camp.

All campers will also have the opportunity to ride the red shark during their camp week.

How will my child participate in recreation activities? Each camper will have the option to participate in the CWS recreation activities listed here. Participation in these activities will be on a rotational basis.  Multiple recreation options will be available to campers throughout the day.

What if I want to send my camper a letter or package? We will not have a drop off area or accept letters or packages at check-in.  Parents are encouraged to include camper letters in their luggage for each day. Please do not send your child food or candy.

Can I call my camper or can my camper call home? Due to the busyness of the camp schedule there is not time to allow campers to make phone calls.  As a result we encourage letter writing by campers as the form of communication for the week.

What if my camper gets homesick? Our staff are trained to handle the few occurrences of homesickness that we encounter in a summer.  Your child will be encouraged to positively focus on the many fun activities at camp.  If you know that your child is prone to homesickness it will go a long way for you to encourage your child to be positive before arriving at camp.

Does my child need money at camp? Campers will not need money while at camp.  All snacks and canteens are included in the camp fee.  In addition our campstore, where CWS apparel and merchandise will be available for purchase, will only be open during check-in and departure when parents will be present.

What is canteen time? Canteen, also called Whistle Stop, is a snack break for the campers.  Each camper will be able to choose a drink and snack item.  Campers do not need to bring money for canteen.  All snacks are included in the camp fee.