Christian Summer Camp and Retreat Center
Hartfield, VA / 804-776-9552
Summer Camp
General FAQ
We understand you may have questions, and we want to keep you informed. Below are some of the most commonly asked general questions about camp. For inquiries related to a specific program, please take a moment to read the camp description thoroughly. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out via email. Contact Niki, and she will ensure your question gets to the appropriate person: niki.gourley@camppiankatank.org.
What are the benefits of summer camp? Spiritual- As a Christian program, we are learning the Bible together, attending a worship service daily, and overnight campers do a devotional daily. Sharing the Gospel with our campers is one of our highest priorities. We understand that campers come from many different places spiritually; some have never attended church, and some have a strong faith-filled background. We try to meet children where they are and share about God’s love and plan for life. Emotional- Facing challenges isn’t a bad thing. It helps children learn independence and problem-solving skills that lead them into adulthood. Social- Learning to make new friends and how to treat your friends is practiced daily at camp. Campers live in a community together, which often grows a very strong bond of friendship quickly. Physical- We get outside. We are away from technology. Every day, campers are exercising and enjoying God’s creation. Campers experience many new physical experiences like archery, canoeing, swimming, games, and challenges on the ropes course.
What is the cost of camp? Why are there two prices listed? We offer what is called tiered pricing. The higher price is the actual cost of camp. However, we recognize that the cost is a challenge for many families, so the second tier is subsidized without a scholarship application. You can choose this option with no questions asked. The camp experience does not change in any way. If you need additional financial assistance, you may email Cal at cal.hedeen@camppiankatank.com for a scholarship application. Our need-based scholarships are always partial assistance; the only exception is if you qualify for the Angel Tree Camping program. Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree offers a full scholarship of the camp fees if you have received Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas gifts at any time in your child’s life. For all scholarships the parents are responsible for optional additional costs like the camp store, shirts, or camp program additions. In Virginia, the average overnight camp costs are in the range of $800-$1,200 for similar programs. Our fees are well below the average overnight summer camp costs in Virginia. Our day camp is very comparably priced to other local full day programs, but keep in mind that our program includes lunch each day and daily onsite activities like swimming, rock wall, archery, ropes course, canoeing, and more. Camp Piankatank does offer payment plans, early registration discounts, tiered pricing, and additional need-based scholarships.
Are the ages separated? For lodging, we tend to have a “younger cabin” and an “older cabin” for each gender. When we have enough campers, we sometimes have a third group in the middle. There is no set age for who will be younger or older; it completely depends on the ages signed up for that session. It is important that if you have a buddy request, your buddy is within 1 year of your age. We also have large lodges that have two “cabin” groups under the same roof, so the older cabin and younger cabin of a gender are often actually under the same roof, in different rooms/bathrooms. Cabin groups stay together for most of the camp experience. There are many times when all campers are together, but with their cabin group, like meals, worship services, and all-camp games. The same is true for day camp. There is a younger group and an older group, but there are times when the day campers are together. Day camp and overnight camp are separated at all times, except occasionally in passing as they walk around the property.
Are boys and girls separated? Boys and girls are separated for overnight camp lodging and bathrooms. Boys and girls are at camp at the same time, they are in activities together, and they eat meals together. Camp Together (our parent with child camp program) utilizes one building with separated bunk rooms and bathrooms for boys/men and girls/women. The living room area is a shared space between the two bunk rooms.
My child isn’t ready for Overnight Camp; how can we get involved? We have two camp options that we usually recommend. We do offer a day camp for ages 6-10. We do sometimes make age exceptions for mature 5-year-olds, but we do not allow 11-year-olds to attend day camp. This is because it is a program designed for younger kids. We find that around age 11+ kids don’t have as much fun, and we want a good experience for everyone. However, our overnight camp program is designed to meet the needs of older children. We also have our Camp Together program. This is a two-night camp where a parent and child attend camp together. This is for kids ages 6-17, with their parent or guardian. It is designed to be a one-on-one time of bonding for parent and child. We also offer Minnow Camp, which is a 2-night camp for ages 6-10. A great first time away from home option. Additionally, we of course believe that an overnight camp has a lot of great benefits for children, especially older children and teens. Yes, they may face some challenges. Growth happens when they face these challenges in the community of a camp setting or independently. When they grow up to face their challenges independently, this creates self-confidence. There can be a lot of growth opportunities in taking steps towards an overnight experience eventually.
Is this a Christian camp? Do I have to be Christian to attend? Yes, we are an unashamedly Christian program. Our mission statement is “Making dynamic disciples of Christ through relationships and adventures.” Sitting out of the Bible studies or worship services is not an option. We incorporate faith into everything we do here. Campers attend Bible studies daily, are encouraged to read their Bible in a personal devotional, and sing worship songs. You do not have to be a member of a church to attend camp. Campers do not have to know anything about Christianity in order to attend. We meet them where they are. They will hear a lot about Christianity and the Bible, and will be presented with the opportunity to accept Jesus as their savior. This is an opportunity offered to every camper and never “forced”. We do not offer Baptism here because we believe this should be done in the setting of a local church. We are Baptists by denomination and will teach the Bible through a traditional protestant theology.
There are extreme weather advisories for when my child is signed up. What do you do about that? We keep up to date with multiple weather forecasts daily, often hourly. Extreme heat- We often change our schedules to incorporate more water activities to stay cool. We require kids to take regular water breaks. This is when the water bottle on the packing list comes in clutch. In extreme heat, we offer Gatorade to replenish electrolytes. We get kids in the AC at regular intervals in the day. Our cabins, activity hall, and dining room do have AC. Thunderstorms- If there is thunder, we go indoors. We plan indoor games to keep everyone happy. If there is just light rain, with no thunder, we may continue some outdoor activities. Rain gear is on the packing list and may be important for keeping your camper comfortable.
My child has food allergies. Can you accommodate them? To attend camp safely, children with food allergies should understand their allergy, be able to inform us about it, ask questions when needed, and cooperate with eating safely. It is important to report food allergies on your health form and submit the form early. We can accommodate most common food allergies and vegetarians. We provide an alternative safe food item if the main dish contains the allergen, and we will ensure they have at least one safe side dish. For children with multiple broad-category allergies (no meat, no dairy, no gluten), it can get tricky and may require sending additional foods. For example, we can handle no gluten or no meat just fine. However, a combination of no gluten and no meat is more difficult because most meat alternatives have breading or binders. No soy and vegan diets are also categories where we usually recommend sending some extra safe foods your child enjoys. We serve meals cafeteria style. Our staff has a list of campers and will prepare their alternative items, but the child must identify themselves to staff each time. The camper will need to do this at every meal since our team rotates and there are many campers. The kitchen staff will not know who “Jimmy” is unless he tells them. If your family chooses not to eat certain foods, it is important to ensure your child understands what not to eat and cooperates with your preferences. We cannot watch every child at all times to prevent them from eating items with restricted ingredients. The child must understand and make safe choices.
What do I pack? When do I arrive? What do I do about medications? For the overnight camp, there is a full page on this site called “Getting Ready for Camp”. It is in the navigation under Summer Camp Ministry. Day Camp times and packing list also have a full page on this site called “Day Camp”. It is in the navigation under Summer Camp Ministry.