Question 1

We're not Presbyterian.. Can my child still attend camp at Hopewell?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!! While we are owned and operated by St. Andrews Presbytery, we welcome people of all faith traditions! Each day, we will have Bible study and worship at Hopewell. We just ask that your camper participate in these practices.

Question 2

How is the health of my child cared for?

Accepted Answer

A health history is required for every camper and a health screening is done after arrival at camp. All medications brought to camp are kept safely in the Health Center and dispensed by our Health Care Manager. Our Health Care Manager works under the direction of our camp nurse who visits the camp daily and our camp physician who is on call. Baptist Memorial Hospital is only 15 minutes away. Basic accident and illness insurance is carried on all campers. All adult camp staff members are certified in first aid/CPR. Parents or guardians will be called in the event of any illness or injury that requires a doctor’s care.

Question 3

How are staff selected and supervised?

Accepted Answer

All counselors are 18 years old or older. Most have completed one or more years of college. All have a firm Christian faith. All prospects complete a written application, are interviewed by a director, and undergo a background check. For some positions, like lifeguards, we require proof of certification and require a skills test performed at Hopewell. For other positions, such as Challenge Course Lead, we require special training and review skills on our course. All staff are required to attend two weeks of counselor’s training. A director is at camp during all camp sessions. Staff is observed daily. The directors conduct formal performance reviews. Staff members Lindsay & Robert Hall live onsite and share responsibilities for care of campers and staff.

Question 4

May siblings or friends come together?

Accepted Answer

YES! Even though camp programs are separated by age and special interests, there is something for all ages almost every week. Cabin mate requests can be made with campers who are in the same camp session. We try to honor requests for a cabin mate. We ask that you only request ONE cabin mate. It may be impossible to put multiple requests all together.

Question 5

May I visit BEFORE my child's camp session?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!! We have open house at the beginning of April as an opportunity for you and your camper to come see our facilities and meet some of our staff. You can find this date at camphopewell.com/programs. If that date does not work for you, reach out and we will be happy to set up a tour!

Question 6

May I visit DURING my child's camp session?

Accepted Answer

Experience has shown that visits during a 6-day camp can detract from the child’s experience and often will trigger missing home in other campers. We ask that parents and friends do not visit during camp. If a visit is necessary, please make arrangements through the office before arriving at camp. Upon arrival, please remain in your vehicle until greeted and directed by a staff person. No visitors are allowed on camp property after 10:00pm, except in case of an emergency.

Question 7

When will I be contacted in a situation pertaining to my child?

Accepted Answer

Counselors and Camp Directors are trained extensively on handling personal and medical situations with your children. However, in extreme cases of missing home, medical illness or injury, or other situations where a Director deems it necessary to contact a parent, you will be phoned by a Director.

If you would like to call and check on your child, you may call the camp office during the hours of 9 am-4 pm at 662‐234-2254 for an update. If there is an after-hours emergency, call the camp office and an emergency number will be given to you on the voice mail.

Question 8

What is the staff to camper ratio?

Accepted Answer

Our ratios for staff supervision of campers are as follows: Ages 6‐9 is 1:6 (staff to camper) and ages 10‐16 is 1:8.

Question 9

Can my child take swimming lessons?

Accepted Answer

Swimming instruction is not a part of our camp program. Campers will be taught safety procedures for the swimming areas. They will also be orientated on swimming procedures, but will not be given formal lessons as for certification. A “Swim Check” is performed for each camper shortly after arrival at camp to assess their abilities to insure a most safe and enjoyable experience for them.

Question 10

How do you handle dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to accommodate most dietary restrictions for your camper while with us at Hopewell! Just be sure to put those details on their health form when you register. If the restriction is something uncommon or you are worried about your camper, feel free to reach out and we can talk more about what accommodations may look like!

Question 11

What's in the camp store? How much should I put for a store deposit?

Accepted Answer

The camp store is filled with souvenirs and Camp Hopewell merch. We do not sell snacks in our store -- all snacks are provided to your camper! On average, people put $20-30 in as a store deposit. If you'd like to see what might be found in our store, head over to www.camphopewell.com/shop. The items listed here are also sold in our camp store.

Question 12

What's Bunk1? Is it free? Can my camper write me back?

Accepted Answer

Bunk1 is a website we use to share photos of your camper while at camp and is a service you can choose to use to send letters to them while they are here. Campers cannot send you notes back through Bunk1 from Camp Hopewell. They can, however, write you letters during downtime, so we encourage you to pack addressed and stamped envelopes in their luggage!

Sending letters costs "credits", but photo gallery access is free with our code (which will be shared with you via email). Sometimes the free option tries to hide from parents, so be sure to close out of any pop-ups and scroll all the way to the bottom!

Question 13

How can I stay in touch with my camper while at Hopewell?

Accepted Answer

While electronics are not allowed at Hopewell, we do have a couple ways in which you can stay in touch with your camper while they are here!

First, you can write some letters! Encourage your child to have fun and inquire about new friends and new things being learned. Tell your child how proud you are of him/her and how much you love them, while avoiding references to how much they are being missed. Pack these letters with your camper, as mail will not be collected during registration or delivered during our sessions this year by camp staff. Do not send snacks. The camp will provide all snacks.

You may FAX letters to (662-234-4150) and they will be delivered around lunchtime each day.

For a fee, you may also wish to use Bunk1.com’s one-way email service. You may access this service via our website (www.camphopewell.com) by clicking on “Summer Camp” and then “Bunk 1”. Bunknotes and faxes must be sent prior to 10 am on the desired delivery day otherwise they will be delivered the following day. Bunknotes or faxes sent from parents after 10 am on the last full day of the camp session will not be delivered to the camper.

Question 14

Where will my child be sleeping?

Accepted Answer

Your child will be sleeping in one of our many cabins or lodges. Which one depends on the age and number of kids signed up for that session. You will be informed of the specific cabin that your camper will be staying in at check-in prior to your camper's stay. To view our cabins, head over to www.camphopewell.com/lodging-and-facilities. All cabins at Hopewell have private bathrooms and air conditioning!

Question 15

What does a typical day look like at Hopewell?

Accepted Answer

How your camper will spend their time at Hopewell depends on their age, weather, and the choices of our staff; however, here is a snapshot at what a week might look like for your camper while they are here with us! We have many fun activities, and each day will be filled with excitement and trying new things.

Question 16

Still have questions?

Accepted Answer

Feel free to call us at 662-234‐2254, email us at info@camphopewell.com, or send us a chat!

We are committed to making this experience the best one it can be for you and for your camper.

Frequently asked questions