Camper FAQ's
General Questions:
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 stand for the grade the camper will have completed by June of 2025. For example, if a camper has just finished 5th grade, he would qualify for Kids Kamp.
Please note that our age divisions have changed! With these new updates, a camper who was eligible for a certain week of camp last year may fall into a different category. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the camp office.
Alpha Camp: Grades 1-3
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?
We know that every family has different abilities and resources to pay for camp which is why we offer a voluntary three-tiered pricing program for Kids, Junior, and Teen camp programs. This gives you the ability to choose the tier that is most affordable for your family. No matter which price is selected, all campers receive the same camp experience. Our goal in offering tiered pricing is simple: we want to continue to provide a safe, active, and awesome week of camp for all who attend. Trail Ridge has in the past and will continue to use money from our Camp Scholarship Fund to provide camp opportunities to those who cannot afford it. Going forward, we want to offer a partnership for those who value this ministry and wish to help preserve it for generations to come. This voluntary program offers an opportunity for you to take an active role in supporting more closely the true cost of the camp experience as your financial situation allows.
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.
Alpha Camp - $75 Parent/child combo
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.
Age divisions are in place so we can best serve your campers along with those in their immediate age group. The age divisions stand for the grade the camper will have completed by June of 2025. For example, if a camper has just finished 5th grade, he would qualify for Kids Kamp.
Please note that our age divisions have changed! With these new updates, a camper who was eligible for a certain week of camp last year may fall into a different category. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the camp office.
Alpha Camp: Grades 1-3
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?
We know that every family has different abilities and resources to pay for camp which is why we offer a voluntary three-tiered pricing program for Kids, Junior, and Teen camp programs. This gives you the ability to choose the tier that is most affordable for your family. No matter which price is selected, all campers receive the same camp experience. Our goal in offering tiered pricing is simple: we want to continue to provide a safe, active, and awesome week of camp for all who attend. Trail Ridge has in the past and will continue to use money from our Camp Scholarship Fund to provide camp opportunities to those who cannot afford it. Going forward, we want to offer a partnership for those who value this ministry and wish to help preserve it for generations to come. This voluntary program offers an opportunity for you to take an active role in supporting more closely the true cost of the camp experience as your financial situation allows.
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.
Alpha Camp - $75 Parent/child combo
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.
Camper-Parent Communication:
Can I call my camper to talk during the week?
The best way to communicate with your camper during the week is by sending them letters in the mail or by e-mailing your camper. During camp, there will be a link on our homepage so you can send a one-way email to your camper. 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.
Can I send letters to my camper?
Absolutely. Postal mail is welcomed by campers. Send all postal mail 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
Sending an email to your camper is also a great way to brighten their day. The "Email Your Camper" link will be available on our home page. Simply complete that form and submit it. Our camp office will print these emails and deliver them to campers during mail call. Even though campers aren't able to respond to these emails, they sure do a great job in bringing smiles to their faces.
Why can't my camper keep their phone with them?
Camp is not the greatest place to have a phone. Even our camp staff has a hard time protecting their phones from the occasional water balloon launch, lake incident, or mud puddle. There are many hazards that threaten the integrity of your phones, so it's best to leave them at home. Phones are distracting. There are many ways phones can take our focus away from where it should be. Lastly-- for safety: Phones can be used in many ways that would not be acceptable at camp. Leave your phones at home and give them a nice week of vacation! If your camper has built up a reliance on their cell phone or other electronic device, it's best to wean them off that device in the weeks preceding their camp week.
The best way to communicate with your camper during the week is by sending them letters in the mail or by e-mailing your camper. During camp, there will be a link on our homepage so you can send a one-way email to your camper. 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.
Can I send letters to my camper?
Absolutely. Postal mail is welcomed by campers. Send all postal mail 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
Sending an email to your camper is also a great way to brighten their day. The "Email Your Camper" link will be available on our home page. Simply complete that form and submit it. Our camp office will print these emails and deliver them to campers during mail call. Even though campers aren't able to respond to these emails, they sure do a great job in bringing smiles to their faces.
Why can't my camper keep their phone with them?
Camp is not the greatest place to have a phone. Even our camp staff has a hard time protecting their phones from the occasional water balloon launch, lake incident, or mud puddle. There are many hazards that threaten the integrity of your phones, so it's best to leave them at home. Phones are distracting. There are many ways phones can take our focus away from where it should be. Lastly-- for safety: Phones can be used in many ways that would not be acceptable at camp. Leave your phones at home and give them a nice week of vacation! If your camper has built up a reliance on their cell phone or other electronic device, it's best to wean them off that device in the weeks preceding their camp week.
Programming and Activities:
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 list of the types of activities we offer during summer camp: Outdoor "Campy" Activities--Boating, hiking, stargazing, Swimming pool, Horseshoes, Pocket-soccer, Tetherball, 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 sports shack where campers can check out different recreational equipment to start their own activity like a game of croquet, kites, 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?
If a camper is not experiencing a medical reason for not participating in an activity, they are required to participate. That may seem a little inconsiderate to you, but let us explain. At camp, young people are living in a community environment. We hold activities for a few reasons. Camp activities help strengthen a family atmosphere. When you compete alongside someone else, elements like trust and camaraderie are strengthened between the participants. Competing together helps campers bond with each other and with their cabin leaders. These activities are meant to allow campers to enjoy some competition, provide opportunities for cabin leaders to connect with campers, and to get everyone together for a good time of fun! Not all big group activities are "athletic" related. Group activities also require skill, critical thinking, agility, speed (both mental and physical) and strategy.
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 list of the types of activities we offer during summer camp: Outdoor "Campy" Activities--Boating, hiking, stargazing, Swimming pool, Horseshoes, Pocket-soccer, Tetherball, 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 sports shack where campers can check out different recreational equipment to start their own activity like a game of croquet, kites, 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?
If a camper is not experiencing a medical reason for not participating in an activity, they are required to participate. That may seem a little inconsiderate to you, but let us explain. At camp, young people are living in a community environment. We hold activities for a few reasons. Camp activities help strengthen a family atmosphere. When you compete alongside someone else, elements like trust and camaraderie are strengthened between the participants. Competing together helps campers bond with each other and with their cabin leaders. These activities are meant to allow campers to enjoy some competition, provide opportunities for cabin leaders to connect with campers, and to get everyone together for a good time of fun! Not all big group activities are "athletic" related. Group activities also require skill, critical thinking, agility, speed (both mental and physical) and strategy.
Food Service:
What kind of snacks should I send with my camper?
NONE :) We do not allow out 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. The majority of the cooking is done from scratch, so our staff is very mindful of the ingredients going into the food. We are also sure to provide 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 for those with food allergies and intolerances. If your camper has a SEVERE allergy or intolerance, please get in contact with our kitchen staff. Our goal is to keep all campers safe and healthy; however, we do not have facilities to provide all services required for things like a "peanut-free kitchen." There are times we will ask parents to send food to camp to supplement the provided meals. In the case that your camper has a sensitive life-threatening allergy, we'd suggest finding a camp that would be able to make such 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, popsicles, and slushies for hot days, and campers can also get refreshed with a cool drink like a bottled water, juice, fruit drink, soda, or sports drink. If campers are hungry, they might enjoy some candy, a pack of crackers, 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 contact our head cook by e-mailing kitchen@trailridge.org.
NONE :) We do not allow out 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. The majority of the cooking is done from scratch, so our staff is very mindful of the ingredients going into the food. We are also sure to provide 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 for those with food allergies and intolerances. If your camper has a SEVERE allergy or intolerance, please get in contact with our kitchen staff. Our goal is to keep all campers safe and healthy; however, we do not have facilities to provide all services required for things like a "peanut-free kitchen." There are times we will ask parents to send food to camp to supplement the provided meals. In the case that your camper has a sensitive life-threatening allergy, we'd suggest finding a camp that would be able to make such 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, popsicles, and slushies for hot days, and campers can also get refreshed with a cool drink like a bottled water, juice, fruit drink, soda, or sports drink. If campers are hungry, they might enjoy some candy, a pack of crackers, 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 contact our head cook by e-mailing kitchen@trailridge.org.
Dress Code
Is there a Dress Code?
Over the years, we've come up with what we believe is a reasonable, modest dress code that everyone can live with. Dress standards are maintained by all camp staff, volunteers and campers; and are enforced by camp staff and administration. Here's the camp Dress Code: Please bring clothes to camp with modesty in mind. Dress at camp is casual, but not sloppy. The length of the shorts and skirts must be no more than one hand’s width of the top of the knee (About 4 inches). Because of the nature of camp activities, when wearing skirts, shorts must be worn underneath. Tank tops, tight-fitting, or revealing clothes are not to be worn. Pants will be worn at the waist. Messages on clothing, jewelry, and other personal belongings that relate to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, immorality, and vulgarity are not permitted.
Girls: Bathing suits must be a modest 1-piece, or a shirt and shorts combo that provides full coverage. Modest cover-ups must be worn to and from the pool.
Boys: Bathing suits must be boxer-type swim trunks. A shirt must be worn to and from the pool.
What if I can't find clothes that will fit within these guidelines?
As mentioned, we feel this is a reasonable dress code for everyone to follow. When parents are having a difficult time, we recommend looking at second hand stores, online retailers, and even places like Wal-Mart. It's surprising when you start looking how much you can find at a reasonable price. Campers who bring clothes to camp that do not fit within these guidelines will not be allowed to wear that clothing. We'll let that camper know they need to find a replacement article of clothing, and we'll offer for them to find something that will fit from our lost and found closet.
Over the years, we've come up with what we believe is a reasonable, modest dress code that everyone can live with. Dress standards are maintained by all camp staff, volunteers and campers; and are enforced by camp staff and administration. Here's the camp Dress Code: Please bring clothes to camp with modesty in mind. Dress at camp is casual, but not sloppy. The length of the shorts and skirts must be no more than one hand’s width of the top of the knee (About 4 inches). Because of the nature of camp activities, when wearing skirts, shorts must be worn underneath. Tank tops, tight-fitting, or revealing clothes are not to be worn. Pants will be worn at the waist. Messages on clothing, jewelry, and other personal belongings that relate to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, immorality, and vulgarity are not permitted.
Girls: Bathing suits must be a modest 1-piece, or a shirt and shorts combo that provides full coverage. Modest cover-ups must be worn to and from the pool.
Boys: Bathing suits must be boxer-type swim trunks. A shirt must be worn to and from the pool.
What if I can't find clothes that will fit within these guidelines?
As mentioned, we feel this is a reasonable dress code for everyone to follow. When parents are having a difficult time, we recommend looking at second hand stores, online retailers, and even places like Wal-Mart. It's surprising when you start looking how much you can find at a reasonable price. Campers who bring clothes to camp that do not fit within these guidelines will not be allowed to wear that clothing. We'll let that camper know they need to find a replacement article of clothing, and we'll offer for them to find something that will fit from our lost and found closet.
What to Bring:
What not to Bring:
-Sleeping Bag and Pillow
-Water bottle
-Flashlight
-Backpack
-Two Towels and Personal Toiletries
-Swimwear and Sunscreen
-Enough Clothes for the Week
-Bible, Notebook and Pen
-Any Prescription Medications (Must be in their original, labeled container)
-Two Pairs of Sturdy Walking Shoes
-Spending Money for Snack Shop and Camp Store (suggested amount $20-$40)
-Water bottle
-Flashlight
-Backpack
-Two Towels and Personal Toiletries
-Swimwear and Sunscreen
-Enough Clothes for the Week
-Bible, Notebook and Pen
-Any Prescription Medications (Must be in their original, labeled container)
-Two Pairs of Sturdy Walking Shoes
-Spending Money for Snack Shop and Camp Store (suggested amount $20-$40)
-Cell Phones (including phones with no service or SIM card)
-Other Electronic Devices like MP3 players, video games, tablets, etc.
(Cameras are the only exception although we still do not recommend bringing an expensive camera to camp.)
-Weapons, pocket knives, or anything that would endanger campers or staff
-Alcohol, Tobacco, Electronic Smoking Devices, or Illicit Drugs
-Morally Offensive Literature or Images
-Items to sell or distribute
-Clothing that isn’t approved in the Dress Code (see above)
Any of these items found in a camper’s possession will be confiscated and returned to the parents or pick-up driver at the end of the week of camp.
-Other Electronic Devices like MP3 players, video games, tablets, etc.
(Cameras are the only exception although we still do not recommend bringing an expensive camera to camp.)
-Weapons, pocket knives, or anything that would endanger campers or staff
-Alcohol, Tobacco, Electronic Smoking Devices, or Illicit Drugs
-Morally Offensive Literature or Images
-Items to sell or distribute
-Clothing that isn’t approved in the Dress Code (see above)
Any of these items found in a camper’s possession will be confiscated and returned to the parents or pick-up driver at the end of the week of camp.
Health and Safety:
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.
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.