Cabins.
Children entering grades 3-12 live in a cabin environment with others their age and two adult counselors. Each camper has their own bunk and storage space for their belongs. The cabins have a rustic feel, with electicity and screens on all windows and doors. Worship and Formation Worship is a very important in our community life and we offer a variety of worship opportunities. We celebrate Holy Eucharist (church service) every day using a variety of liturgical forms (informal and formal) in various locations and times. Campers plan and participate in worship services. We also have a Formation (christian education) daily. At the beginning of the week, we provide an instructional service so campers understand what we are doing and why we do it. Any materials needed are provided. It is our practice to offer the bread and wine to all present at the service. At the time of registration, please let the Camp Director know if you would prefer your child to receive a blessing rather than the bread and wine. Waterfront: Swimming and boating are available most days. Swimming tests will occur early in the week. Campers who are able to tread water for 5 minutes can swim in the intermediate area and those who can tread for 10 minutes can swim in the deeper swimming area. The licensed waterfront is run by certified lifeguards. Bedtime: Bedtimes vary by cabin group, everyone gets at least 8 hours. It may help to talk to your children about it before they go to camp. The camp bedtime routine includes getting ready for bed, debriefing the highlights of your day with cabin and counselors, and a goodnight prayer. Cabins may also read a bedtime story or sing some of our favorite camp songs. Before camp, it may be helpful to get your children used to a similar bedtime routine, such as reading, praying, or journaling. If your children are accustomed to listening to noise when falling to sleep, such as music or the tv, please be aware that isn't on option at camp, however, we recommend packing a fan for white noise. Outreach As you may know, whenever we gather with young people in our diocese we do something to give back to God, and to give to others. More information will be availabel closer to camp date. 
Health Service: We have a Medical Professional on campus 24/7 serving as our "Camp Nurse," who will distribute medications and see to bumps and scrapes. Physicians are on call 24 hours a day for consultations and hospitals are close by.
Please be as specific as you can when you fill out your registration form. At camp check-in, please speak with the Camp Nurse and your camper's counselor with questions or helpful suggestions about your camper. Showers and personal care: It is recommended that campers shower every day because they will be very busy! Bathrooms are supervised by counselors and showers are individual and private stalls. 
Meals & Snacks: The dining hall is run by Camp Newaygo which is licensed by the State of Michigan. Campers are served three hearty meals each day and snacks are available. The cooks are attuned to special needs, such as a gluten allergy and other food allergies, and will do their best to accommodate those needs. It would help our staff, however, if you could send along a few extra snacks that meet your child's requirements. All snacks are kept in the main lodge. No food is kept in cabins. Please note all allergies, food restrictions and other dietary needs on your child’s registration form.
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GENERAL SCHEDULE
Wake up Breakfast Formation Activities Lunch Rest hour Activities Eucharist Dinner Activities Bed time |
Homesickness - Many campers experience home sickness for a brief time at camp. We regard homesickness as a normal, healthy occurrence in a child. The cabin counselors are trained to manage home sickness. Counselors will encourage him or her to talk it out and also make every effort to involve the camper in all activities. Occasionally, a camper may send a “homesick” letter to you. We have found that by the time you receive it your child is likely having a good time and is no longer homesick. We recommend your letter in response be upbeat and encouraging. Keep the wording to how much fun he or she must be having, not how much you miss him or her and how much fun you're having at home. Sometimes a camper asks to phone home because they are “homesick.” We usually discourage this and will work with your child for as long as necessary to help integrate him or her into camp. If you are worried, don't hesitate to call the Camp Director.
Bed Wetting – Bed wetting is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is our policy to treat bed wetting honestly, in a straight forward manner, with discretion and compassion. If bed wetting is or could be an issue for your child, please make sure you speak to your child’s counselor when you check in. It may be best to pack pull-ups for your child. These can be kept with the camper in the cabin, or given to the nurse for discretion. Often bed wetting can cause the first-time camper a great deal of anxiety. Please let your child know that the counselor will help in every way possible and to tell the counselor if this occurs. We will wash all soiled bedding and clothing and keep it as confidential as possible.
Bed Wetting – Bed wetting is nothing to be embarrassed about. It is our policy to treat bed wetting honestly, in a straight forward manner, with discretion and compassion. If bed wetting is or could be an issue for your child, please make sure you speak to your child’s counselor when you check in. It may be best to pack pull-ups for your child. These can be kept with the camper in the cabin, or given to the nurse for discretion. Often bed wetting can cause the first-time camper a great deal of anxiety. Please let your child know that the counselor will help in every way possible and to tell the counselor if this occurs. We will wash all soiled bedding and clothing and keep it as confidential as possible.
Camp Rules
Respect the dignity of every human being
• Conduct yourself in a responsible manner, which sets a good example for others and reflects positively on the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan and the camp program.
• Hazing, bullying and peer pressure are not allowed.
• Language should be used to lift up and support.
• Refrain from any kind of physical violence.
• Respect others’ need for privacy and quiet & the property of others.
• Campers must not go anywhere without being accompanied and have permission of their own cabin counselor.
Care for yourself as you care for others
• Smoking is not allowed for any camper.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Shoes or boots must be worn at all times. Open toed shoes, sandals or flip-flops should not be worn in any activity where people will be running around or on trails.
• Wash hands before every meal and every time after you use the bathroom.
• Valuable items & electronics must be left at home.
Respect the property of others and be good stewards to the environment
• Ask permission before entering another cabin.
• Males must only enter male cabins and females only female cabins
• Clean up after yourself, keep areas neat and tidy, and do not waste food and supplies.
• Take care of camp property and make sure you get permission before using supplies.
• Never play with or touch the camp’s fire extinguishers or use any item that could cause a fire in a building.
• All snacks must be given to cabin counselors and kept in the designated area in a sealed container in the lodge (keep raccoons & skunks out of your cabin).
• Conduct yourself in a responsible manner, which sets a good example for others and reflects positively on the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan and the camp program.
• Hazing, bullying and peer pressure are not allowed.
• Language should be used to lift up and support.
• Refrain from any kind of physical violence.
• Respect others’ need for privacy and quiet & the property of others.
• Campers must not go anywhere without being accompanied and have permission of their own cabin counselor.
Care for yourself as you care for others
• Smoking is not allowed for any camper.
• Wear appropriate clothing.
• Shoes or boots must be worn at all times. Open toed shoes, sandals or flip-flops should not be worn in any activity where people will be running around or on trails.
• Wash hands before every meal and every time after you use the bathroom.
• Valuable items & electronics must be left at home.
Respect the property of others and be good stewards to the environment
• Ask permission before entering another cabin.
• Males must only enter male cabins and females only female cabins
• Clean up after yourself, keep areas neat and tidy, and do not waste food and supplies.
• Take care of camp property and make sure you get permission before using supplies.
• Never play with or touch the camp’s fire extinguishers or use any item that could cause a fire in a building.
• All snacks must be given to cabin counselors and kept in the designated area in a sealed container in the lodge (keep raccoons & skunks out of your cabin).
We do our best to help each and every camp have the best time possible.
The Episcopal Youth Camp has a complete manual of policies that is kept on site and available to all parents and clergy at any time. The following behavior policies must be upheld as we live, pray and play together – and work to form a Christian community.
We know that each camper is an individual and needs to be treated as such, and we do our best to accomplish that. And there are some issues that we know need special attention. Whether your camper is outgoing or shy, misses your every day or forgets your name when you come to pick them up, or has special dietary restrictions, we will try to accommodate. If you still have questions, or your issue wasn't covered, do not hesitate to contact our camp directors at camp@edwm.org.
The Episcopal Youth Camp has a complete manual of policies that is kept on site and available to all parents and clergy at any time. The following behavior policies must be upheld as we live, pray and play together – and work to form a Christian community.
We know that each camper is an individual and needs to be treated as such, and we do our best to accomplish that. And there are some issues that we know need special attention. Whether your camper is outgoing or shy, misses your every day or forgets your name when you come to pick them up, or has special dietary restrictions, we will try to accommodate. If you still have questions, or your issue wasn't covered, do not hesitate to contact our camp directors at camp@edwm.org.
Violating Camp Rules
Immediate dismissal will result from the following occurrences:
• The possession or use of alcohol (regardless of age) or illegal drugs or the misuse of legal drugs
• Using or possessing firearms or weapons
• Sexual misconduct with a staff member or camper
Dismissal for other disciplinary problems may also occur. If dismissal because of a disciplinary problem occurs, transportation will be provided by or paid by the parent/guardian and any registration fees will not be reimbursed. A copy of the incident report and the course of action will be sent to the person’s home rector or sponsoring clergy person and the Bishop.
Immediate dismissal will result from the following occurrences:
• The possession or use of alcohol (regardless of age) or illegal drugs or the misuse of legal drugs
• Using or possessing firearms or weapons
• Sexual misconduct with a staff member or camper
Dismissal for other disciplinary problems may also occur. If dismissal because of a disciplinary problem occurs, transportation will be provided by or paid by the parent/guardian and any registration fees will not be reimbursed. A copy of the incident report and the course of action will be sent to the person’s home rector or sponsoring clergy person and the Bishop.
