Camp FAQ's, Policies and Procedures
Registration Information
You must read this information before proceeding to registration (link located at the bottom of this document). We suggest you print all pages (Download full pdf) and review them thoroughly as you will be signing the Medical/Liability/Guideline form stating that you have reviewed the information with your child/children and agree to abide by the rules of the camp. Also notice that several things have changed for 2008!
What you will need before you register on-line:
- A parent with you so you both understand what you are doing and all appropriate information is read and understood.
- New for 2008 – As noted last year, deposits for camp are no longer accepted. All camp fees must be paid in full before you are considered registered
- New for 2008 – You can now pay on-line by credit card or by check on-line. A parent MUST BE present in order to complete the registration process as you will need to complete the payment information in order to register.
- You can still pay by manual check through the mail but you will be charge a processing fee per check to do this.
- Manual checks should be made payable to the F.C. Booster Club and have the campers name(s) in the memo section of the check.
It should be mailed to this address:
Camp Directors 1681 Falcon Drive Loveland, OH 45140 - A parent’s e-mail address is required on the registration form! This is imperative as all communication will be done through e-mail.
- New for 2008 – The Medical, Liability and Guideline form has changed. Please read it and all other documentation on the camp site thoroughly. We must receive this NO LATER than MAY 15th in order for you to be qualified for Express Check-In. Mail to:
Camp Directors 1681 Falcon Drive Loveland, OH 45140 - Please double check ALL of your information to make sure it is accurate before you submit the application.
Policies and Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base cost of camp and what does it include?
Camp's base cost for 2008 is $340.00 and includes the following: lodging for six nights, three meals a day excluding Sunday (drop off day) which is dinner only, Saturday (pick up day) is breakfast only and Wednesday Breakfast and Dinner only, in addition to all standard classes and activities which your child chooses (some classes have extra costs, as noted). For 2008 the cost also includes a day at Kings Island and dinner there as well, campers are on their own for lunch. That cost also pays for the expense of our Christian Volunteer's food, lodging etc... who give up their vacation time to supervise, encourage and counsel your children during camp week.
Kings Island Season Pass Holders or Kings Island Employees will have a $23.00 discount making their actual base camp fee $317.00.
If you are a utilizing the "Refer-A-Friend" ($10 discount per referral) program you need to list your friend’s first and last name that referred you to the FC Ohio Camp (since a computer program checks for this discount, please make sure spelling is correct to ensure proper credit). Remember you must not have attended the FC Ohio Camp in the past for your friend to receive a discount.
What time is registration?
Sunday 2:30-4:00 p.m. We cannot stress this enough…please DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY! Arriving early will not cause to you be finished early but only cause you to wait longer.Our staff all attend worship services in the morning and need to eat lunch before they arrive, therefore we cannot begin registration earlier than 2:30.
How can I get my child/children checked in as quickly as possible?
By using Express Check-In. This will save you approximately 45 minutes on registration day.
If you complete these three simple steps, you can skip the lines and participate in drive thru Express Check-In:
- Pay your child's camp fees, in full online, at time of registration.
- Pre-deposit money in the bank at the time of registration for your child's use during the week. You will receive confirmation at registration of the amount you have deposited.
- Mail your child's completed and notarized medical form in prior to May 15th.
What time do they need to be picked up at the end of camp?
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
How does Kings Island day work?
All campers are assigned to a specific bus supervised by our FC Ohio Camp Staff. The busses will arrive at Kings Island approximately 11:00 AM. Busses do not leave Kings Island until all children are accounted for and the system we have in place is very thorough and in 30 years of making this trip with over 6,000 total campers NO CAMPER HAS EVER BEEN LEFT BEHIND!
All of our campers wear a special t-shirt on Kings Island day so they can be easily recognized by our staff.
- If your child is in Group 1 (ages 8-9) they are chaperoned all day.
- If your child is in Group 2 (ages 10-11) they must be in groups of four during the day and are chaperoned after dinner.
- If your child is in Group 3 (ages 12-13) they must be in groups of four all day.
- If your child is in Group 4 (ages 14-18) they must be in groups of two all day.
If your child is not in group 1 but you feel they need to be chaperoned please notify the Directors or Assistant Directors on Sunday at registration.
If you wish to meet your child at Kings Island and they are in groups 1 or 2 (ages 8-11) you must notify the Directors or Assistant Directors on Sunday at registration. For security purposes, you may NOT take any of their camp friends around with you at Kings Island. They must remain with our staff in the group they were assigned unless you present a NOTARIZED permission form from those children's parents. Again, this may seem drastic but we are responsible for EVERYONE IN OUR GROUP and unfortunately there have been times in the past where Parents did not follow our staff's instructions regarding kids they were allowed to take, meeting times, loading buses etc.. leading us to these extra safety measures.
You may NOT drive any camper to or from Kings Island. They must take the bus for security purposes so that we can keep track of them. All of our campers and staff have Bible Class just before they leave for Kings Island adding yet another reason for them to be with the group and not in a private car.
How can I contact my child at camp?
Cell phone numbers of the Directors and Assistant Directors will be provided by request during registration for emergency use only.
Because of the abuse of cells phone by campers in previous years we have had to ban the use of them. Campers may NOT bring cell phones to camp any longer. If they are caught with them they will be taken and not returned until the end of camp week. We will not be responsible for the cell phone after it is taken from the camper if it is stolen or damaged. The camper will be issued a strike if caught with a cell phone. The Ohio camp has a three strike policy before campers are sent home.
We suggest you make all plans prior to dropping your children off at camp. If you plan to meet them at Kings Island set the time and place in advance with them. They will arrive at Kings Island approximately 11:00 a.m.
The only two exceptions to cell phones are:
- For medical purposes and we must have a written note by the camper’s Doctor with an explanation.
- If your child is driving to camp and needs it while they are on the road for emergencies. The phone must remain locked in the campers car. Again, if they are caught using it during camp it will be removed and a strike will be issued.
Technology spoils us, but remember for the first 24 years of our camp, most campers didn't even know how to operate a cell phone. Times …how they've changed.
As a side note we recommend that no camper drive themselves to camp. Camp is a very exhausting week for all of us and could be dangerous for them and others on the road if they are exhausted driving home.
Can I send my child a letter or package while they are at camp?
Absolutely! We encourage you to do that. Please send them to the following address:
YMCA Camp Kern
C/O FC Ohio Camp
Your Child's Name
5291 St. Rt. 350
Oregonia, OH 45054
Directions to Camp?
Click here for specific directions from your location Google Maps or MapquestHow does the Camp Bank and Canteen work?
New for 2008 – ALL campers will be required to deposit money in the bank to purchase items from “The Pouch” which is our canteen that carries drinks, snack, candy and some necessary items that may have been forgotten while packing. We have a new scanning system that allows campers to purchase items which is automatically deducted from their bank account. No money will actually be exchanged in the Canteen. They will be able to withdraw money from the bank for Kings Island day and will receive any money left in their account at the end of camp.
You may pre-deposit money while registering so you do not have to wait in line at registration. You will receive a confirmation on the day of registration of your deposit. If you do not pre-deposit money a special table will be set up at registration. You will need to bring cash to deposit in the bank at that time. A log is kept of all deposits and withdraws.
Ohio Camp Guidelines
Maintaining the high standards of this Florida College camp requires the following:
ATTITUDE: Each camper is expected to have a cooperative and respectful attitude toward fellow campers, counselors and camp activities. In general, be prepared to treat others the way you would like to be treated.
CLOTHING: Each camper is expected to wear modest clothing at all times.
- Shorts (if worn) must come to the kneecap
- Boys will always wear shirts
- No tight pants or tops can be worn
- No tank tops or tops where the stomach shows
- No "low riders" that are immodest
- No two piece swimsuits for Girls
BEHAVIOR: Deviant behavior will not be tolerated! Each camper will be expected to follow the rules of the camp at all times. If rules are not followed you will be sent home.
SKIPPING ACTIVITIES: Your schedule is very important and skipping activities can result in being sent home from camp.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Bible and pen to write with
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Linens or sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Pajamas and knee length Robe
- Towels and Wash Clothes
- Personal Items
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Razors (if applicable)
- Talent Show items
- Flashlight
- Swimsuit (no two piece suites for girls)
- War Games apparel (Group 4 only)
Specific items if you signed up for the classes below:
- Photography – inexpensive or disposable camera
- Tennis - inexpensive racquet
- Fabric Painting - something to paint on like a t-shirt
- Tie Dye - something to tie dye like a t-shirt
- A smile and positive attitude!
DO NOT BRING:
- Cell Phones (please refer to previous pages for more details)
- Video Cameras
- Jewelry
- CD Players
- IPods
- Valuables
- Pockets Knives
- Matches
We have a camp bank for you to deposit any money you wish to bring.
SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS: This camp is not affiliated with any church. However, there will be a strong emphasis on our relationship with God. Bible classes and devotionals with singing are held daily. Attendance to every Bible study, including the morning studies are mandatory and no one will be allowed to skip by sleeping in.
Make sure you are prepared to have lots of fun, make new friends, get a spiritual boost and have a great week together.
LASTLY, DON'T FORGET TO THANK YOUR PARENTS FOR SENDING YOU TO CAMP!