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FAQS
This page is dedicated to hopefully answering any in-depth questions about your camper's attending Camp Allendale. For a general description of each camp session, click here
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When does registration open?The Priority Registration link that was distributed by partner churches only opens on the third Monday in January at 6:00 p.m. EST. Allendale Admin staff will be in the office during registration opening to field questions via email, phone calls, etc. The General Link opens and is accessible on the camp website at 12 am, April 1st. This is also when the price increases by $50.00.
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What is priority registration?This is only available to partner churches and their members. It is an incentive and benefit for partner churches and their members to register, ensuring they get a spot at the lowest price possible before they add a church discount (if applicable). For 2025, Priority Registration for partner churches will launch at 6pm on January 20 and will run through the end of March. On April 1 at 12am, registration will be open to the public through our website and the Early Bird discount will be removed.
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Why are some sessions different lengths than they had been previously?The Camp Committee discussed some of the common issues with campers and discovered that a large percentage of campers from younger grades were having more behavioral issues as well as homesickness as the week went on. In response to this, we changed the lengths of sessions at the discretion of the Camp Committee members acting as Program Directors for the week of camp. Some sessions are shorter and some are longer, but all sessions for younger campers have been cut in order to ensure a better experience for them.
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What if my camper is not able to attend our church's scheduled session of camp?The camp sessions listed with church names next to it signify the churches that are promoting that week of camp and will be providing leadership and volunteers for that particular session. So while we highly encourage campers to attend the session that they are affiliated with by location/church, we want to make sure every child has the opportunity to attend camp. When you go through our registration software, you will be shown all of the different camp sessions that your camper is eligible for based on their grade level. Contact the camp office if you have specific questions. office@camp-allendale.org
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How do I access registration?Beginning January 20, at 6pm, members of partner churches will be able to access our priority registration site. This site address will be distributed only through partner churches, so please contact your church for the link. On April 1, registration will open to the public and will be accessible through our website.
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How Do I Know If My Church is a Partner Church AND/OR Provides a Church Discount Code?Camp Allendale has an extensive list of phenomenal Restoration Movement Christian Churches in the Central Indiana area who, via an established partnership from that church's leadership with Camp Allendale, have special priority registration access and early bird discounts so members of these churches can attend camp at a lower cost. Please contact your children's pastor or youth pastor to see if a Church Discount Code is available. Camp Allendale does not hand out church discount codes.
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How Do I Find My Camper’s Account Information?Camp Allendale uses a third-party database called Campbrain to register and secure your records and information. You can find the link that connects you to Campbrain by clicking here when registration is active. **Campers attending Connection Point & Cornerstone ONLY: Click here when registration is active. In Cambrain, you can register your camper and update records such as medications, emergency contacts, home addresses, etc.
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When I Register My Child, How Do I Determine The Grade They Are In?Sessions at Camp Allendale are based on the grade your child will enter in the fall of the coming school year. For example, if your child is currently in or finishing 5th grade, you would register for a 6th-grade camp.
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Can I Register Another Child For Whom I am NOT The Parent or Guardian?It is not recommended; the Registration Health Form is a legal document that permits the camp to treat the camper and make hospital decisions without the parent or guardian. If someone other than the parent has completed the camper’s registration, please download the Health Form and return it to the office. We also run into issues of confirmation, and email communication may not be sent to the correct individual.
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What is Camp Allendale's Refund Policy?Refund Policy If you cancel your registration more than 2 weeks prior to the beginning on the camp session, you will be refunded the entire amount, less the non-refundable deposit ($50). Cancellations that take place after 2 weeks prior to the session will not be refunded. Absolutely NO refunds will be issued IF: 1. The camper is sent home due to behavioral or disorderly conduct issues. 2. Early Dismissal for sports or extracurricular activities. 3. A camper is sent home on the first day of camp due to sickness (came to camp already sick) While our general policy is no refunds, we understand that unexpected circumstances can sometimes disrupt your plans. We want you to know that we hear your concerns and are committed to ensuring you and your child have the best camp experience possible. Camp Allendale's Executive Director and Guest Services Director will carefully consider each refund request on a case-by-case basis. However, the food and supplies for your camper to be here have already been purchased and will be accounted for if a refund is determined necessary.
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Can My Child Attend A Camp Session For Younger Campers IF They Are Too Old or Not In That Specific Grade?I.E., My child is going into the 5th grade. He wants to attend a session with his friend who is going in the 4th grade. Children must attend a camp session that corresponds to the grade they will enter in the fall. This policy helps the Program Directors as they plan and implement their camp sessions. It also serves as one of the defense systems we have put in place to help us control bullying.
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I Did Not Get an Email Confirmation That My Child is Registered For Camp. What Should I Do?PLEASE FIRST CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK FOLDER! If email correspondence is not in your spam or junk folder, please feel free to contact us by email at Office@camp-allendale.org or by calling the Camp Allendale Office at (317) 878-4400. Camp Office Staff can help get you the information you need.
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Waitlist InformationWhile we strive to accommodate all campers, our priority is safety. Camp enrollment is capped based on factors like the adult-to-camper ratio, available beds, and housing for different age groups, which leads to our programs filling up quickly. Waitlist Information Order on the Waitlist: Placement is first come, first served based on sign-up order after the desired session is full. Movement on the Waitlist: Only Camp Allendale’s office manages waitlist movement. We’ll contact you by phone and email as soon as an opening becomes available. Likelihood of Entry: While there’s no guarantee, campers at the top of the waitlist have a better chance. Openings may arise from last-minute cancellations or early departures. Alternative Sessions: You can register for another available session, but this won’t affect your spot on the original waitlist. Important Reminders Do Not Show Up Without Confirmation: Only bring your camper to camp if you've received direct confirmation from the Camp Office. Rely on Camp Office Communication: Trust only official communications from the Camp Office regarding your camper’s waitlist status. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work to create a safe and meaningful camp experience!
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I Have a Balance on my Child’s Account, Can I Pay it on Check-in Day?All camp balances must be paid 2 weeks before your camper’s session begins. In order to receive your check-in forms, all account balances must be paid in full 14 days prior to arrival. Unpaid balances at that time will be charged to the payment method on record. Contact the camp office before then if you have alternative forms of payment or for help logging into your account to make payments. If there are any balances on check-in day, you will be asked to pull off into a specific line during the drive-thru registration, slowing down your check-in process. Cash, credit cards, or money orders will be accepted as payment on check-in day.
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My child is a picky eater. Can he/she bring snacks?Campers receive three meals per day and are served a snack twice a day at Canteen. As such, we do not allow food/snacks inside the cabins; to maintain a clean environment. Plus, snacks brought pose a health threat to children that suffer from food allergies. Campers can make their own sunflower butter & jelly sandwich at lunch. You can view the Summer menu below.
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Does the camp have a dress code?Due to the active nature of a session of camp and our desire to strive for a modest environment where everyone feels comfortable, campers, faculty, and staff should adhere to the following dress code: • Shoes must be worn everywhere and at all times except for in the dorms, at the pool, or at the beach. • Shirts must be worn at all times unless involved in a water activity. • Please refrain from wearing halter tops, crop tops, or spaghetti straps. • Shirts should not be longer than shorts. • Clothing should not expose undergarments. • Pants/shorts/skirts should not be tight or form-fitting through the hips or legs. • Any clothing or accessories that advertises the use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or any slogans or symbols that are in contradiction to our statement of faith is prohibited. Water Attire: Guys are not permitted to use brief swimwear. Girls may wear one-piece or tankini swimsuits offering similar coverage. If suits are worn at other activities or mealtimes they should be covered. Please encourage campers not to wear wet suits all day.
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My child has diagnosed food allergies. Can Allendale accommodate his/her needs?Camp Allendale is a nut free camp. There are no items containing peanuts served in the Kitchen or at canteen (snack) time. Allendale Food Service staff will do our best to accommodate children with other food allergies. The camp kitchen does prepare food items that contain gluten as an ingredient. Some options, but not an entire different menu, are available for those with gluten and celiac allergies. Special precautions are taken to make sure that those items are not cross contaminated during the preparation process. We have a kitchen staff member who prepares trays for campers with allergies. The staff are happy to discuss with parents’ supplemental items that can be brought for the child. There is limited storage and refrigerated space for items brought from home. Camp staff have prepared a notebook of ingredient labels for every food utilized in the preparation of our meals. Parents may review food ingredients prior to the camp session or on the day of check-in. We also provide as much information as is provided to us concerning possible cross contamination with the product at the facility where it is manufactured. Our Food Service Manager receives an allergy report prior to the week the campers arrive. Therefore, it is imperative that the Allergy section of the camper health form is completed in as much detail as possible. Please be sure to indicate the severity of the allergy. A staff member will contact the parents of campers with severe allergies. If you are not contacted prior to your child’s session; feel free to contact the Food Service Manager. A copy of the Summer Menu is available here. Parent’s may also discuss snack options in the canteen and any specials snacks that may be served. It should be noted that although we do not allow snacks in cabins, Allendale cannot be held responsible for what snacks other campers bring onto the grounds. At registration on Sunday, a Food Service staff member will be available to talk with the parent and child about allergy food concerns. Parents may drop any food or snack items during that time as well. Children with severe allergies are given a special wrist band that identifies them. This is not intended to make them stand out in an embarrassing way; but to allow the faculty and staff to exercise proper caution when food items are being served. If you have specific questions about your child's allergies, you can contact camp staff at allergy@camp-allendale.org.
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What should my child bring to camp?• Bible • Twin size bedding, or sleeping bag & pillow • Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.) • Towel & washcloth • Sportswear, casual clothing & tennis shoes (please note the dress code) • Pajamas • Swimsuit, flip flops, & beach towel • Flashlight • Labeled Bag for dirty clothes • Prescriptions/Medications taken regularly (All medicine should be in the original container & must be given to the session's medical staff at check-in) • Sunscreen and bug spray • Refillable Water Bottle • Optional: Disposable Camera or Camp Snap, money for missionary, lifejacket/goggles, hat Please leave these at home: • Cell Phones or Other Electronic Devices • Snacks or Food from Home - Nut Products of Any Kind are Prohibited • Any Attire outside of our Camp Dress Code • Fireworks, Firearms, or any Weapon • Alcohol or Tobacco Products - Including Vapes/E-Cigarettes
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My child has medication, who do I discuss those with on check-in day?Each camp session will have a Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse, or Licensed EMT that will administer all medications prescriptions and over the counter meds as well as address any medical issues as they arise. They will be available at check-in for you to discuss your child’s medications and any pertinent medical issues. All medications must be in the original container and checked in with the session's medical staff.
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Does my child need to bring spending money?Canteen money for snacks has been included in the registration for all camps. The only remaining money needed would be for mission offering, which is optional. Each summer we host a Resident Missionary for the entire summer. The missionary meets each day with the campers to share about their ministry. Campers are given an opportunity to voluntarily share financially for the mission projects. For information on the current and previous Summer Resident Missionaries, visit our Summer Camp Missionary page.
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What Time Does Camp Start?Camp Check-In, dismissal, and location depends on the session you are attending. Please make sure to check your emails for important communication from the camp to ensure you are following the correct procedures for your specific session. Unless otherwise stated, all vehicles are to enter through the Back Entrance of the Camp off of County Road 150. Use this address in your GPS to direct you to the correct entrance: 4873 S 150 W, Trafalgar, IN 46181 Will need Camper Health Check Form filled out Will need Camper Car Tag printed out, placed on dash Will need Camper Medication Form filled out (if applicable) ALL medications (including over-the-counter medications) MUST be checked in to the camp nurse and be in its original container
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What Time Does Camp End?Camp Check-In, dismissal, and location depends on the session you are attending. Please make sure to check your emails for important communication from the camp to ensure you are following the correct procedures for your specific session. Camp Dismissal Each household will be given a car tag for check-in and checkout. The person picking up will post the car tag in their window for camper pickup. If you lose or forget your car tag, make sure you bring a picture ID. Proof of Identification will be required for picking up campers in sessions younger than 6th grade. Unless otherwise stated, you will enter through the 150 entrance (same as Check-In) and pick up your camper at the cabin where you dropped them off. Medication will be picked up toward the exit, please follow signs and directions. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes earlier than your camper’s dismissal time. With the exception of 1-2 day camps, baptisms will happen at the lake approximately 30-45 minutes after camp dismissal time, or whenever everyone who is being baptized has arrived at the Beach Shelter. All campers are encouraged to stick around to celebrate the Lord’s work during their week of camp.
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Does camp serve dinner on Sunday night?The camp does not serve dinner on Sunday nights. Please ensure your camper has had dinner before arriving on the grounds. An evening snack time will be served around 8pm on Sunday evening.
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What if my camper cannot arrive at the designated check-in time?In the spirit of maintaining our mission for campers to truly engage with the Living God, we encourage every camper to attend the entirety of the session for which they register. If you need to arrive late for your camper’s session, you must make arrangements with the office ahead of time. No late arrivals will be accepted after 1.5 hours after the time of Check-In (on a typical Sunday check-in, that is 7pm). The reason is because we need all of the campers to hear the expectations, rules, consequences, etc. For week-long camps, on Monday morning, you can check-in your camper at 8am at the office, and all late arrivals will have an orientation before being settled into their bunks. If campers are unable to arrive by 8am on Monday morning, you will need to look into a different session when your schedule best allows your camper to be able to fully experience camp. Exceptions will be made for medical reasons or family funerals, but will need to be approved by the Executive Director on a case-by-case basis.
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Can my Child Leave Camp and Then Return Later For Sports or Extracurricular Activities?Here at Camp Allendale, we have a strict "No Return to Camp Policy" for several important reasons, including safety, accurate meal planning, and minimizing disruptions to camp programs, family groups, and individual campers. We recommend choosing a session without conflicting activities to ensure your camper can participate fully. If you need to pick up your child early, and not return, please fill out our Early Dismissal Form. To ensure camper safety and as little distraction as possible, you must select an assigned time on the form (9am, 1pm, or 6pm).
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Can a friend or relative pick up my child?The short answer is yes, if you follow these guidelines: All campers were mailed a car tag for drop off. This car tag is also used to pick up your camper at the conclusion of camp. A picture of this car tag will also be accepted in addition to the actual printed off car tag for pickup. Be sure that whoever you wish to pick up your camper from camp has the car tag or an image of the car tag. If pickup plans change while your child is at camp, please call the Camp Office so we can notify your child.
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Is it okay to bring our dog when checking in or picking up our child?Because of health codes and possible medical allergies of other guests, Allendale has a no pet policy, so please leave your favorite furry creatures at home.
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How can I send mail, packages, or contact my child?The camp will not deliver camper mail or packages including those dropped off by parents or delivered to the camp by USPS, Fed Ex, UPS, or any other delivery service to campers this summer. We encourage parents to put notes in their campers' luggage. We discourage your child from bringing his/her cell phone to camp to avoid distraction and interference with the program. Camp staff have the right to collect phones from campers that have been deemed to be a distraction to the camper, other campers, or the camp program. The camp cannot be responsible for loss, theft, or damage of personal phones. If you need to contact your child and know the number of the Program Director, you may contact them directly. Otherwise, call the camp office and a staff member will see that the message is placed in the hands of the Program Director for delivery to your child. If it is necessary for your child to return your call, the Program Director will be the one making arrangement for your child to do so.
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Can I visit my child while at camp?To assist in campers getting the most out of their camp experience, removed from distractions, visitors are strongly discouraged. Those still wishing to visit must contact the camp office to schedule a time before arriving on the grounds. Visitors must check in at the camp office as soon as they arrive. They are not allowed to enter lodging cabins, dining hall, or chapels. Campers will be removed from their activity and brought to a visiting area near the camp office.
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My child has talked about getting baptized at camp. Will I be notified if he/she makes a decision?Absolutely! When a child shares with us that he/she has a desire to be baptized one of the camp faculty discuss with them what a decision for Christ involves. If someone from their home church is here at camp, they typically would have this discussion because of the prior knowledge of the camper. We don’t want a camper to make a decision simply because a friend is doing it. During the process the Program Director or another staff member will contact the parent or guardian listed on the camper’s registration information. If a camper is going to baptized at camp, we welcome parents, grandparents and friends to attend the baptism service which is typically at 11:15am on Friday mornings, after the parent pickup time. Sometimes parents and campers have already had a discussion about baptism before they arrive at camp. If so, feel free to share that with his/her dorm parent or Program Director at check-in.
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My children will be on-site at the same time but are attending different programs. Will they see each other?Campers attending different programs may see each other in passing between activities. Except in rare situations housing, programming and recreational activities are all divided by age level; this ensures that teaching content is age appropriate and that recreation activities are geared toward the physical and emotional abilities of the campers. We offer a mid-week cookout where all sessions come together for a picnic dinner. This is the only time of the week where different programs would have a portion of time to interact.
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How are the campers housed?All camp housing, restrooms, and changing areas are based on biological sex at birth. Allendale does not have private accommodations for those who desire not to be housed based on biological sex at birth.
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Does the Camp have a Lost & Found?Each week there are two Lost & Found areas located in front of Hillside Chapel and in the Ark recreation building. Parents are strongly encouraged to check those areas before leaving the grounds. If after arriving home, you realize some items are missing contact the camp office. We will gladly sort through the items we have to hopefully locate your lost items. It helps us greatly if all belongings are labeled with your child's name. We keep all Lost & Found items until October 1st.
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