What are the age divisions for summer camp?
Age divisions are in place so we can best serve your campers along with those in their immediate age group. The age divisions represent the grade the camper will have completed by June of 2026. For example, if a camper has just finished 5th grade, he would qualify for Kids Kamp.
Any exceptions to this must come from the camp office. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!

Kids Kamp: Grades 3-5
Junior High Camp: Grades 6-9
Teen Camp: Grades 10-12

What is the cost for a week of camp?
Last year we introduced tiered pricing for our youth camps. We know that every family has different abilities and we want our guests to be able to choose the tier that is most affordable for them. No matter which price is selected, all campers receive the same awesome camp experience. Tiered pricing offers an opportunity for you to take an active role in supporting Trail Ridge Camp as your financial situation allows. Gifts toward our Camp Scholarship help subsidize each tier and make camp possible for even more families!

Tier 1 – $175 is the lowest rate. This price does not reflect what it costs to run our summer camp program.
Tier 2 – $250 is a partially subsidized rate for families who wish to pay a little more and help support Trail Ridge, but cannot afford the full price of camp.
Tier 3 – $325 more closely reflects what it costs for us to run a summer camp program, but still is subsidized through the Camp Scholarship Fund.

Early Bird Discount: All campers registered by Wednesday, April 1 will receive a $25 discount off their registration fee! This discount will be automatically applied when you register for camp.

How long does a week of camp last?
Camper Check-In is from 9:30 AM to 11 AM on Monday. Campers are to be picked up between 9 AM and 10 AM on Saturday. It is extremely important that drivers be punctual in dropping off and picking up their campers. We also ask that parents do not stay around long when dropping off or picking up campers so we can resume normal activities without a big interruption.

What are the accommodations?
Campers stay in gender restricted cabins with other campers their age and their Cabin Leaders. There are several bunk beds in the cabin and a private restroom/shower house facility in their campground.

How many chapel sessions are there?
Throughout the week there are 9 one-hour chapel sessions. Sessions include a time of songs as well as a message from God’s Word.

Can I call my camper during the week?
We ask that parents do not encourage their campers to call home during the week. Calls home take out a lot of valuable time with our campers. They also are quite distracting and disruptive to the program. In the case of an emergency, if you need to get a hold of your camper during the week, please call the camp office at (608) 489-3810 to get in touch with our staff. The best way to communicate with your camper during the week is by sending them letters in the mail.

Can I send letters to my camper?
Absolutely. Postal mail is welcomed by campers. Send all postal mail early in the week with enough time to reach campers. Mail call will be held at supper time each evening.
Postal mail can be sent to:
(Camper's Name)
c/o Trail Ridge Camp
S2695 Cherith Way
Hillsboro, WI 54634
Please note that we will not be offering the "Email Your Camper" option this year.

Why can't my camper keep their phone with them? 
Camp is a place to unplug and enjoy the experience! Phones simply aren’t a good fit for camp life. Even our camp staff has a hard time protecting their phones from the occasional water balloon launch, lake incident, or mud puddle.  Beyond the physical risks, phones can also be a big distraction. Camp is designed to help campers focus on building friendships, growing in their faith, and engaging in activities without the pull of screens. Phones can be used in many ways that would not be acceptable at camp, so for safety reasons, phones and other electronic devices are not permitted at camp. We encourage you to give your camper’s phone a vacation while they’re here!
If your child has grown dependent on their device, we recommend beginning to limit usage in the weeks leading up to camp. This helps make the transition smoother and allows them to get the most out of their time at camp.

What kind of activities will they be participating in? 
Camp is a place with a broad range of activities. We spend as much time outdoors as we can--it's camp! Here's a general idea of the types of activities we offer during summer camp: Outdoor "Campy" Activities--Boating, hiking, stargazing, Swimming pool, Horseshoes, Pocket-soccer, Disc Golf, Hike the Solar System, BB Guns, Slingshots, Archery, Playground, Go-Karts, Blow Guns, Tomahawk Throwing, etc. Game Room: Foosball, Pool, Carpetball, Ping-Pong and Board Games. Group Activities: Basketball, Octo-Ball, Sand Volleyball, Gopher Ball, crafts, mini golf, pocket soccer, scooter hockey, and 4-Way Volleyball. We also have a Rec Centre where campers can use various recreational equipment to start their own activity like a game of croquet, soccer, kickball, football, etc. At camp, the possibilities are endless!

My camper is not inclined toward athletics or is not competitive. Do they have to participate?
At camp, we believe that every activity is an important part of the overall experience. Unless a camper has a medical reason, they are expected to participate in scheduled activities.
Why do we encourage this? Camp is a community! Shared experiences—whether through games, challenges, or team competitions—help build trust, camaraderie, and a sense of family. When campers compete and play alongside each other, they not only have fun but also form lasting bonds with their cabin leaders and fellow campers.
Our activities are designed with everyone in mind. While some may be more athletic, many focus on skills like problem-solving, strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking. Every camper brings something unique to the group, and participation allows them to grow, connect, and make the most of their time at camp.

What kind of snacks should I send with my camper? 
NONE :) We do not allow our campers to snack in their cabins as that attracts unwanted critters.

What will they eat at camp?
Our kitchen staff takes great care to be sure campers are well fed. This includes serving three healthy meals each day with a hearty variety of options for our campers to choose from. Appropriate portions are served, but many campers still enjoy going back for seconds after the "Seconds Bell" rings.

My camper is a picky eater. What will you do for them?
As mentioned, we offer several options for campers at each meal. With the variety of options at each meal, even the pickiest of eaters always seem to find something. Campers are also encouraged to try new things while they're here at Trail Ridge.

What if my camper has a food allergy or intolerance?
We do our best to accommodate campers with food allergies and intolerances. If your child has a severe allergy or dietary restriction, please be sure to note this on their registration form. Our priority is to keep every camper safe and healthy.
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.
If your child has a highly sensitive or life-threatening allergy that requires a fully controlled food environment, we encourage you to explore a camp that can provide those specific accommodations.

What do you sell in the snack shop?
The snack shop is open for a special treat in the afternoons and evenings. The snack shop sells ice cream and popsicles for hot days, and campers can also get refreshed with a cold bottled water, juice, fruit drink, soda, or sports drink. If campers are hungry, they might enjoy some candy, popcorn, beef jerky, chips, or trail mix. Campers are limited to how many sweets they are allowed to purchase.

If you have any other questions regarding food service, please call the camp office or email info@trailridge.org.

Is there a 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.

Some items of clothing you will want to consider bringing: long pants and long sleeved shirts or hoodies for cool evenings, rain coat or poncho, a sturdy pair of sandals (flip flops do not hold up well here), a hat, sunglasses, some clothes you don’t mind getting very dirty or stained.

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.

How is my camper protected at camp? 
We take great care to ensure that the volunteers and staff we bring in are vetted with thorough background and reference checks. Our staff is constantly keeping track of their campers at every activity. Every week of camp, a camp nurse is on hand for all medical needs throughout the week; and all waterfront and pool activities are supervised by a certified lifeguard. All people entering or exiting the camp property are monitored throughout the day, and our Camp Safety Administration oversees all issues related to camper safety.

Do you have a camp nurse?
Yes, each week there is a licensed healthcare professional on the campground. They are in charge of dispensing medications and taking care of any and all other medical concerns. We also have a certified lifeguard on hand for all pool and waterfront activities. Several other staff members are also certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED.

What if my camper gets sick or needs me?
If a camper is facing challenges at camp that cannot be met by our camp staff, we will have that camper give their parents a call. The camp director will follow-up with parents to determine an action plan. It's recommended parents of campers answer all calls placed to them while their campers are at camp as we may need to reach you from a cell phone or another unfamiliar phone number. It's also very important that parents complete camper registration forms as thoroughly as possible with phone numbers, emails, and emergency contact information.