Monday Arrival
Summer Camp Dates
Camper Check-In is at the Thomas Administration Center between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Please do not arrive before this time. Drivers and campers will need to go inside to check in and to be assigned to your cabin. If you arrive a little early, just wait outside until the office opens. If you are bringing any medications or vitamins to camp, you must bring them to check-in at the Thomas Center. No medications, vitamins, or supplements are to be retained by camper with the exception of an EpiPen, inhaler, or other life-saving medication (see full medication information below).
Junior High 1: June 15-20
Teen Camp: June 22-27
Junior High 2: July 6-11
Kids Kamp 1: July 13-18
Kids Kamp 2: July 20-25
Teen Camp: June 22-27
Junior High 2: July 6-11
Kids Kamp 1: July 13-18
Kids Kamp 2: July 20-25
Saturday Departure
Campers must be picked up between 9-10 AM. Please be prompt in picking up your camper(s) as we have a lot of cleaning to do to begin our next week of camp. Please stop at the Thomas Center once again and come inside with your Photo ID. Without a photo ID corresponding with the "Pick-up Driver" listed on the registrations form, you will not be allowed to pick up your camper(s). If you need to update your pick up driver’s information, you may do so by contacting the camp office by phone or email.
What To Bring:
What Not To Bring:
-Sleeping Bag (or bedding for a twin-sized bunk) and Pillow
-Flashlight
-Backpack
-Water Bottle
-Two Towels, Personal Toiletries, and Hygiene Products
-Appropriate Swimwear (See "Dress Code") and Sunscreen
-Enough Clothes for the Week (See "Dress Code")
-Hawaiian Wednesday Outfit (See "Hawaiian Wednesdays")
-Throwback Thursday T-shirt (See "Junior and Teen Only")
-Rain Gear
-Bible, Notebook and Pen
-Any Prescription Medications your Camper Needs (See "Camper Medications)
-Two Pairs of Sturdy Walking Shoes
-Box of cereal or bag of chips (See "Chips and Cereal")
-Spending Money for Snack Shop, Camp Store, and TReats (Bring small bills or buy pre-paid card at check-in.)
-Flashlight
-Backpack
-Water Bottle
-Two Towels, Personal Toiletries, and Hygiene Products
-Appropriate Swimwear (See "Dress Code") and Sunscreen
-Enough Clothes for the Week (See "Dress Code")
-Hawaiian Wednesday Outfit (See "Hawaiian Wednesdays")
-Throwback Thursday T-shirt (See "Junior and Teen Only")
-Rain Gear
-Bible, Notebook and Pen
-Any Prescription Medications your Camper Needs (See "Camper Medications)
-Two Pairs of Sturdy Walking Shoes
-Box of cereal or bag of chips (See "Chips and Cereal")
-Spending Money for Snack Shop, Camp Store, and TReats (Bring small bills or buy pre-paid card at check-in.)
-Cell Phones, including phones without service or SIM cards
-Other Electronic Devices like Charging Devices, MP3 Players, Video Games, Tablets, headphones, etc.
- Cameras including digital, polaroid/instant, and disposable cameras
-Weapons, Pocket Knives, or anything that would endanger campers or staff
-Alcohol, Tobacco, Vapes, Electronic Smoking Devices, or Illicit Drugs
-Morally Offensive Literature or Images, and materials related to sexual activity
-Items to sell or distribute
-Clothing that isn’t approved in the Dress Code
Finding these items in a camper's possession may result in dismissal or that item being confiscated and returned to the parents/pick-up driver at the end of the week of camp.
-Other Electronic Devices like Charging Devices, MP3 Players, Video Games, Tablets, headphones, etc.
- Cameras including digital, polaroid/instant, and disposable cameras
-Weapons, Pocket Knives, or anything that would endanger campers or staff
-Alcohol, Tobacco, Vapes, Electronic Smoking Devices, or Illicit Drugs
-Morally Offensive Literature or Images, and materials related to sexual activity
-Items to sell or distribute
-Clothing that isn’t approved in the Dress Code
Finding these items in a camper's possession may result in dismissal or that item being confiscated and returned to the parents/pick-up driver at the end of the week of camp.
Dress Code
At Trail Ridge, we strive to honor God through our words, actions, and appearance. All camp staff, volunteers, and campers are expected to follow the dress code, which will be enforced by camp staff. When packing, please choose clothing that reflects modesty. Here are the guidelines:
Shorts must be no shorter than mid-thigh.
Skintight Clothing (like leggings or spandex) may not be worn on their own. Even if a shirt or sweatshirt covers the hips or bottom, leggings by themselves don’t meet the dress code. They may be worn under other clothing that fits within the dress code—shorts, a skirt, or a dress—but not as pants.
Undergarments should never be visible.
Sleeveless shirts are permissible, but tank tops are not allowed.
Clothing with inappropriate messages (suggestive language or content promoting non-biblical values) is not permitted.
Cover-ups that comply with the dress code must be worn to and from the pool.
Ladies/Girls: Swimwear must be a modest one-piece or full coverage shorts and shirt combination. Skirts (including skorts) and dresses must be knee-length or longer, and shorts must be worn underneath for camp activities.
Men/Boys: Swimwear must be boxer-style swim trunks.
Trail Ridge reserves the right to request any camper to change clothing if, in the staff's judgement, the outfit is immodest, inappropriate, or inconsistent with the camp's standards.
Some items of clothing you will want to consider bringing: long pants and long-sleeved shirts or hoodies for cool evenings, a raincoat or poncho, a pair of close-toed shoes (many camp activities require them) some sturdy sandals (flip-flops do not hold up well here), a hat, sunglasses, and some clothes you don’t mind getting very dirty or stained.
Shorts must be no shorter than mid-thigh.
Skintight Clothing (like leggings or spandex) may not be worn on their own. Even if a shirt or sweatshirt covers the hips or bottom, leggings by themselves don’t meet the dress code. They may be worn under other clothing that fits within the dress code—shorts, a skirt, or a dress—but not as pants.
Undergarments should never be visible.
Sleeveless shirts are permissible, but tank tops are not allowed.
Clothing with inappropriate messages (suggestive language or content promoting non-biblical values) is not permitted.
Cover-ups that comply with the dress code must be worn to and from the pool.
Ladies/Girls: Swimwear must be a modest one-piece or full coverage shorts and shirt combination. Skirts (including skorts) and dresses must be knee-length or longer, and shorts must be worn underneath for camp activities.
Men/Boys: Swimwear must be boxer-style swim trunks.
Trail Ridge reserves the right to request any camper to change clothing if, in the staff's judgement, the outfit is immodest, inappropriate, or inconsistent with the camp's standards.
Some items of clothing you will want to consider bringing: long pants and long-sleeved shirts or hoodies for cool evenings, a raincoat or poncho, a pair of close-toed shoes (many camp activities require them) some sturdy sandals (flip-flops do not hold up well here), a hat, sunglasses, and some clothes you don’t mind getting very dirty or stained.
Camper Medications
Campers who bring medications, vitamins or supplements must bring them to camp in their original labeled containers. Medications, vitamins or supplements that are expired or are not in their original labeled containers will not be received or dispensed. Any prescription medication must be prescribed to the camper bringing the medication. Camper medications will not be shared (even between siblings). Over the counter meds for things like headache, inflammation, cough, indigestion, allergies, etc. are all stocked in our infirmary and do not need to be provided by campers.
Chips and Cereal!
Help us make meals at the Dining Hall even more fun! In addition to our regular breakfast menu, we're once again planning to serve a cereal bar with as many kinds of cereal as possible-Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Raisin Bran, you name it. Additionally, we'd like to do something similar with bags of chips at each lunch. We are requesting that each camper bring one of those items for our kitchen! (Boys-box of cereal. Girls-bag of chips.) Please note that boxes of cereal and bags of chips must be in their original sealed packaging, within the expiration date. These items will be collected and shared by all campers.
Kids Kamp Only
Junior and Teen Camp Only
We're excited to host a Builder’s Banquet for our Kids Kampers! Campers will enjoy a special themed supper and games, and can come dressed up for the part! This is a chance to get creative-think tool belts, paint shirts, hard hats, safety colors, and overalls. Dressing up is optional, but our staff will be joining in dressed as tradesmen like carpenters, painters, electricians, and welders! Here are some outfit ideas (Builder's Banquet Ideas) if you’re looking for inspiration-though there’s no need to buy anything new! Feel free to check the garage or use old clothes to create the perfect outfit for a fun night at camp!
New this year! Wear your oldest Trail Ridge T-Shirt on Throwback Thursday. Do you still have your shirt from "Topsy Turvy" in 2023? How about "Carry the Torch" in 2021? Wear it loud and proud on Throwback Thursday!
All Campers - Hawaiian Wednesdays
Campers are encouraged to bring something Hawaiian to wear on Hawaiian-Wednesday! Our staff typically breaks out the Hawaiian shirts, straw hats, grass skirts, and sunglasses. We'll have extra leis available for campers to wear if they'd like.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
We do our best to accommodate those with food allergies. If you let us know about an allergy on your camper's registration form, we'll strive to provide a comparable meal options to fit their needs. If there are any updates to your camper's dietary restrictions after you've registered them, please let our office know. While we take precautions, our kitchen is not an allergen-free facility (for example, we are not able to operate as a completely peanut-free kitchen). In certain cases, we may ask parents to send supplemental food items to ensure their camper’s needs are met.
Sick or Injured Before Coming to Camp
If a camper is showing signs of illness such as an upset stomach, vomiting, fever above 100, diarrhea, etc. within 24 hours of coming to camp, that camper may not attend the week at Trail Ridge. In the interest of that camper, their fellow campers, and our camp staff, we ask that parents contact the camp office as soon as possible. Staff and camper health is evaluated by our camp staff upon arrival at Trail Ridge. To read our cancellation policy, click HERE.
If a camper has a serious injury preceding their week of camp, we ask parents to make an educated decision about them attending considering any limitations, potential for further injury, and their potential elevated discomfort while attending camp. Our desire is for everyone to have a great week of camp. If you feel it is not in their best interest, please contact the camp office as soon as possible.
If a camper has a serious injury preceding their week of camp, we ask parents to make an educated decision about them attending considering any limitations, potential for further injury, and their potential elevated discomfort while attending camp. Our desire is for everyone to have a great week of camp. If you feel it is not in their best interest, please contact the camp office as soon as possible.
Contacting Your Camper
Campers love getting notes from home during the week. If you’d like to send postal mail to your camper, make sure you have it sent out early in the week to:
Camper's Name c/o Trail Ridge
S2695 Cherith Way
Hillsboro, WI 54634
S2695 Cherith Way
Hillsboro, WI 54634
To help campers stay focused on their Trail Ridge experience, we ask that parents send letters or care packages rather than calling. Any mail received after camp has concluded will be returned to sender unopened. Please do not expect to speak with your camper by phone through the camp office. Of course, in the case of emergency, feel free to contact the office. Should a camper be seriously injured or ill, parents will be contacted by Camp Administration or our Health Care Staff. For the safety of campers, personal visitors are not allowed on camp property during summer camp.
Please note that we will not be offering the "Email Your Camper" option this year.
Please note that we will not be offering the "Email Your Camper" option this year.
Spending Money
Throughout the week, campers have the option to purchase various items from our Snack Shop and Camp Store. If you'd like us to help track your camper’s balance, you can open up a tab at check-in. This allows them to make purchases without carrying cash around. Any unused balance at the end of the week will be returned. We recommend bringing $10-$40, depending on how much your camper may want to spend on snacks and souvenirs.
Camp Photos
If you paid for cabin and group photos when registering, they will be handed out during Camper Check-Out on Saturday. There will not be an option to buy photos at check-out as we only print photos for those that have purchased them ahead of time. Pictures from the week of camp will be found on our social media sites, on the web site, and will be used in camp promotional materials. We are not able to immediately upload photos from the week of camp, so we appreciate your patience as we take time to get those edited and uploaded online.
Pets At Camp
We know that many of our campers have wonderful pets at home that they will be very excited to reconnect with. Dogs and other pets are not allowed to be out on camp property even if they are on a leash. Accidents in various forms happen even with pets that have always been reliably well-behaved. Trail Ridge is not a place to let your pet out for a stretch, to use the bathroom or meet new friends. We respectfully ask that your pets (even the ones you consider to be family) stay home, ideally, or remain secured in your vehicle while picking up your camper(s).
How To Prevent Homesickness
Homesickness can be a common and extremely natural occurrence for campers, whether it's their first time here or not! Follow these tips before and during camp to help your camper have the best experience possible and enjoy every moment of their time at Trail Ridge.
Praying for your Camper
As we prepare for an incredible summer, our staff prays individually for each camper who registers. Please join us!
Safety and Protection: We pray that each camper will arrive safely, and be safe throughout all camp activities.
New Friendships: We pray that our campers will form lasting friendships-encouraging and uplifting each other.
Hearts Open to God's Word: It is our prayer that every camper’s heart will be receptive to God’s word.
Safety and Protection: We pray that each camper will arrive safely, and be safe throughout all camp activities.
New Friendships: We pray that our campers will form lasting friendships-encouraging and uplifting each other.
Hearts Open to God's Word: It is our prayer that every camper’s heart will be receptive to God’s word.
Directions To Camp
When you get to the top of the hill on Cherith Way, turn left through the gates. Continue on the gravel road. You will pass a small log cabin on the right. The next building on the left side of the road is the Thomas Administration Center. Park in front of this building and come inside the “Registration” entrance to check-in your camper.
From Madison
Get onto I-94 W
Take Exit 92 for WI-12
Turn Left on WI-12
Turn Right onto WI-33 W toward Reedsburg
Follow WI-33 W all the way through Hillsboro
Turn Left onto WI-82
Turn Right onto Warner Avenue
Turn Right onto Cherith Way
Get onto I-94 W
Take Exit 92 for WI-12
Turn Left on WI-12
Turn Right onto WI-33 W toward Reedsburg
Follow WI-33 W all the way through Hillsboro
Turn Left onto WI-82
Turn Right onto Warner Avenue
Turn Right onto Cherith Way
From LaCrosse
Get onto WI-33 E
Turn Right onto WI-131 S
Turn Left onto County Road P
Turn Right onto Warner Avenue
Turn Left onto Cherith Way
Get onto WI-33 E
Turn Right onto WI-131 S
Turn Left onto County Road P
Turn Right onto Warner Avenue
Turn Left onto Cherith Way
New to camp? Watch our YouTube video on how the check-in process works at Trail Ridge, by clicking the button below.