PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE CAMP
July 7 – 11, 2025
Drop off: 8:45-9:00 am
Pick up: 4:00-4:15 pm
Location: We will have a home base in Riverdale for drop offs and pick ups. We can always use Riverdale Baptist Church but we’ve also applied to rent one of the school gyms in Riverdale. We will inform you of the home base as the camp gets closer.
Ages: 7 – 11 years old (on first day of camp)
Fee: $175 (if this fee is a financial hardship for your family, please reach out to officerbchurch@gmail.com for possible assistance)
Registration Opens March 5 at 8 am ( a link will be available here)
Once you have completed the registration form, we will reply within 48hrs to let you know if we have space for your child in our camp and to provide you with payment methods. Your child’s spot will be held for 24 hours from the time we contact you. In order to secure the spot, payment of the camp fee must be received before the 24hr deadline.
We want our camp to be as inclusive as possible but our leaders aren’t capable of providing 1:1 support. We can accommodate inclusion workers that parents/guardians find to attend with their child. Please remember that this camp is outdoors all day, if you would like to talk to us about your child’s specific needs, please reach out. An inclusion worker would need to be at least 16 years old, provide a Criminal Records Check, meet with the camp coordinator and sign a Release Form at least 1 week ahead of the start of camp.
Frequently Asked Questions?
1. What to bring? Campers will need to arrive dressed for the weather. This is primarily an outdoor camp. Each camper should have a backpack and running shoes (we will be hiking so sandals wouldn’t be appropriate). A healthy snack and lunch will need to be sent with your camper each day. Campers may bring sunscreen/bug repellent. Don’t forget a water bottle and a hat. A complete packing list will be provided ahead of the first day of camp.
2. What if I need to drop off late or pick up early? You will have a phone number for a camp leader who can let you know where the group is in case of late drop off or early pick up.
3. Will there be religious teaching during this camp? Each day there will be a 15-20 minute age appropriate devotional/activity. Daily topics will relate to their activities at camp that day and will focus on a message of God’s love for them and that God is on their side.
*Polarizing or political topics will not be discussed with the campers, any inquiries like that will be redirected to parents.
Examples:
When the campers are getting to know each other and finding connections with their leaders, the devotion might speak about how God wants a relationship with them. God loves them.
When the campers learn to use a map and compass to find directions, the devotional might speak about following God’s path in their lives. God loves them.
When the campers take on survival challenges, the devotional might speak about how they can turn to God when they’re having challenges in their life. God is on their side.
When the campers play the “Get Un-Lost Game”, the devotional might speak about how each of them matter to God and that they are important to Him. God loves them.
When the campers learn about bear and wilderness safety, the devotional might speak about God as being a safe place and a source of comfort. God is on their side.
4. Who is staffing this camp? This camp will have a camp coordinator on site leading the group each day. We’ll have 2 youth leaders (ages 13-18) who will lead a group of 6 multi-aged kids…let’s call this a “pod”. The youth leaders will be coached and supervised by helper adults. With this structure in place each day, we intend to build familiarity and connection within the “pod”. The various “pods” will do activities with other “pods” to create larger groups.
5. How many spaces are there for this camp? To ensure great ratios of campers to staff, we have room for 48 campers. There will be approximately 16 youth leaders and 5 adults.
6. Have all adults submitted a criminal records check? Yes
7. Is this camp nut-free? We are nut friendly unless there is a child in the camp with a severe nut allergy. If there is such a camper, we will notify families ahead of the start of camp that nuts will not be allowed.
8. What’s your refund or withdrawal policy? If you withdraw your camper from the camp with 28 or more days notice, you will receive a full refund (less $50 non-refundable deposit). If you withdraw your camper from the camp with less than 28 days notice then no refund will be issued.
9. Do you have a late pick up fee? Yes, if parents fail to pick up their camper by 4:15pm, an additional $25 may be charged. If the parent is late by 30 minutes or more (4:45pm), an additional $25 may be charged. All charges must be paid before the camper is left at camp the next day.
10. Do you have a waitlist? Yes, we will keep a waitlist and we’ll reach out to the next eligible family as we’re able.
11. What is your policy when it comes to a child whose behavior is inappropriate or causes safety concerns? Great question! The expectations will be clearly set at the beginning of the camp so campers know the rules. If a child’s behavior is inappropriate, the youth leader will remind the camper of the rule and explain why following the rule is important. They will discuss what the child can do differently next time. If the child repeats the unacceptable behaviour a second time the adult helper will step in to have a conversation with the child and an agreed upon consequence will take place. If the behavior is repeated a third time, parents will be contacted and if the behaviour is severe enough, parents may be asked to come pick their child up and a new action plan will need to be collaboratively made prior to the child coming back to camp.
Unacceptable behaviours would include but is not limited to:
– bullying other campers or staff
– leaving the group area without permission
– verbal or physical abuse towards other camper or staff
– destruction of property or vandalism
– stealing items from other campers or staff
All campers are expected to:
– be respectful towards others
– follow the camp rules
– treat others the way they want to be treated
– use equipment appropriately
– use positive language
– be cooperative and participatory
– respect other’s space
Campers can expect leader to:
– model positive, appropriate and respectful behaviors at all times
– promote a positive and inclusive space for each camper
– encourage campers to be in a growth mindset
– promote the development of self-esteem, confidence and kindness
– discourage rough play
– provide quality supervision
– acknowledge camper’s feeling
– foster leadership skills and independence
12. Can campers bring toys or valuables from home? No, toys, electronics, cell phones, video games and valuables should be left at home.
13. Will guest speakers be supervising campers? No, guest speakers will not be in a supervisory role. Guests will never be left alone with campers.
14. What if my camper needs first aid? The camp will have multiple first aid kits and adults have been trained in first aid. If your child gets a minor injury like a cut, scrap or bruise, they will receive comfort and minor medical attention. If your child suffers a larger injury, leaders will call the parent/guardian and or the emergency contact as soon as possible. If warranted, leaders will call 911 immediately.
15. Can my child come to camp if they aren’t feeling well? Campers must be free of fever, vomiting and diarrhea for at least 24 hours before being able to come to camp. If your child has a communicable disease, virus or infection, they need to stay home from camp.
16. What kinds of activities and skills will campers be doing?
Orienteering: Orienteering expert, map and compass exercises, compass games, orienteering courses, “get un-lost challenge”, hide and seek, map treasure hunts
Camping Skills: Setting up a tent, starting a campfire, marshmallow stick, setting up a tarp, backpacking expert, hike
Wilderness Safety and Survival: Shelter building, bear aware, staying warm, cold water game, edible food, wilderness expert, survival games
Nature ID: animal tracking, flora and fauna, mushrooms identification, edible berries, trapping expert, fishing expert, visit fish ladder, hike
Adventure Day: scavenger hunt, challenge stations, park visit
17. Do campers need to be signed in and out each day? Yes, parents/guardians need to come sign their camp in and out each day. Campers will only be released to people authorized to pick your child up.
18. Is there a lost and found? Yes, we will have a lost and found box at pick up and drop off each day. Please label your camper’s belongings.