PASSPORTkids! Camp FAQ
[expand title=”What is PASSPORTkids like?”]
PASSPORTkids is designed with the total well-being of each camper in mind. There are games, parties, interactive Bible studies, and creative worship times for everyone to enjoy. Campers also get to choose a special interest activity for each day from options such as soccer, basketball, drama, crafts, worship leadership, nature hikes, and more! Each summer, we focus on missions somewhere in the world; we learn about the people in that country, pray for them, and collect an offering for them. We even have a simulated marketplace where campers experience what life is like for the people in that country. There will also be time for swimming and the PASSPORTkids camp store!
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[expand title=”What are the ages of campers?”]
Children eligible for PASSPORTkids must have completed 3rd grade through 6th grade at the time of camp. Adult chaperones must have been out of high school at least one year.
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[expand title=”What is the dress code”]
Campers should dress modestly and appropriately, according to their size and developmental stage, the entire week of camp. Please take into consideration modest shorts, skirts, and swimsuits; properly fitting clothing; avoiding low-riding and/or revealing clothing; no clothing with inappropriate language or advertising.
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[expand title= “How many adults should we bring?”]
Your group’s adult-to-child ratio MUST be a minimum of 1 adult for every 5 children (adult and children of the same gender). In other words, if you have three girls and seven boys, you must bring one female adult and two male adults. All adults coming to camp are required to conduct a statewide background check. (This includes all chaperones and any adults who may visit with your group.)More information about this can be found in the Group Leader Packet. Additionally, for every 10 campers that you bring, we need you to provide 1 adult (not the group leader) to serve as a Bible study assistant, whose name(s) you will give to the PASSPORTkids staff during check-in. Adult chaperones must have been out of high school at least one year.
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[expand title=”What are the goals of PASSPORTkids camp?”]
The goals of PASSPORTkids are:
- Providing Encounters with Christ
- Opportunities for Faith Expression
- Building Self-Esteem in Every Child
- Nurturing Community
- Exploring the Gospel through Mission Interaction
- Having Fun!
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[expand title=”With what denomination is PASSPORT affiliated?”]
PASSPORT is intentionally integrated and ecumenical. We realize that campers represent a variety of denominations, including Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, The Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), United Methodist Church, and Evangelical Lutheran, among others, and we respect those denominational values represented.
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[expand title=”Can PASSPORTkids accomodate a child with special needs?”]
Absolutely! PASSPORT simply asks that the group leader notify PASSPORTkids staff of the individual need(s) by completing the PASSPORT Special Needs Information Form, provided to group leaders. Group leaders should bring any Special Needs Information Forms to camp check-in.
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[expand title=”When do we have to pay deposits and report our male/female counts?”]
Deposits must be paid at the time you register. At that time, you will also indicate your initial male/female counts of both campers and chaperones. You can update those numbers at any time. Please see our Registration Policies for a full explanation of deposits, payments, and updating your numbers.
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[expand title=”What do my kids need to bring to camp?”]
• Medical Release Form (2 copies)
• Clothing, including t-shirts, shorts, modest swimsuits, at least 1 pair of long pants, jacket or sweatshirt
• Variety Show costume
• An outfit for a messy Recreation Party and closed-toe shoes (these are very important—two pairs recommended)
• Sleeping bag or sheets (see your group leader for size), pillow, washcloth, towels (for swimming, bathing, and drying hands)
• Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• Bible and pencil or pen
• Sunscreen, bug repellant, flashlight
• Water bottle (a must!)
• Lightweight backpack and a bag for wet things
• Some money for mission offering and camp store
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[expand title=”What can my kids NOT bring to camp?”]
Prank items like shaving cream or water balloons. Campers will be held responsible for property damage or clean-up costs incurred. We ask that all electronics be switched off and put away while at camp, so that campers can focus on God, camp, relationships, and themselves.
Cell phones are not permitted during PASSPORTkids programming.
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[expand title=”Do you require background checks on your leaders?”]
PASSPORTkids requires a statewide background check for each adult attending camp, including chaperones and any adult visitors. Complete instructions for this can be found in the group leader pack.
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[expand title=”What will children’s ministers do at camp?”]
We love the ministers, pastors, and volunteers who lead the church groups who come to PASSPORTkids. These group leaders are our partners in ministry, and we couldn’t have camp without them.
Our staff’s job is to provide a high quality, trustworthy program so that group leaders may focus on building Christ-centered relationships with your children.
We invite and encourage all the adults at camp to participate in the program and assist the staff however they are interested and able. At night and during meals, free time, and devotional times, your church group will be together under the supervision of your group leader.
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[expand title=”What will adult leaders do at camp?”]
For your spiritual refreshment, we offer an adult devotion time while our staff are leading your campers in their Bible studies. We invite and encourage all the adults at camp to participate in the program and assist the staff however they are interested and able. During the adult Bible study time, there will be an opportunity for you to sign up to help with various activities throughout the day and session.
At night and during meals, free time, celebrations, worship, and devotional times, your church group will be together under your supervision.
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[expand title=”Who can I talk with if I have questions about my location?”]
Prior to camp, you may contact the PASSPORTkids Camp Coordinator, David Burroughs, by emailing him at david@passportcamps.org or by phone at (205) 822-1990 or (800) 769-0210. During camp, you can contact the PASSPORTkids 2017 Camp Assistant Director at kids@passportcamps.org or by phone at (205) 588-6937.
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[expand title=”What will lodging accommodations be like?”]
Each of our campus facilities provides safe lodging for our campers. Whether they stay in a private lodge, a dormitory suite, a spacious cabin, or a campus apartment, campers will enjoy the adventure and independence of being in a cool camp setting, spending the nights with friends and church family. All of our campus facilities have bathrooms in the building where campers are lodged. Find more detailed information on your locations here.
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[expand title=”What are meals like?”]
All meals beginning with supper on the first day are provided by the camp facility. Breakfast, lunch, and supper are served on the second and third days, and breakfast and lunch on the last day of camp.
Each camp facility has a unique menu, but the options are child-friendly, served buffet- or cafeteria-style, with plenty for our hungry campers to enjoy. Our camp facilities can generally handle special dietary needs if we have advance notice. If your child has a particular allergy or intolerance, it’s also a good idea to send a few alternative items as a backup. Seating is open, so campers can enjoy socializing with their church friends as well as new friends they meet at PASSPORTkids!
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[expand title=”Will our group stay together or be split up?”]
Your group stays together for celebrations, worship, meals, free time, and devotional times in the morning and evening – all great times to build community within your group. For Bible study, recreation, missions experiences, and afternoon interest groups, campers are blended with children from other churches., which is a great way to build new friendships and learn how Christ is at work in a variety of faith communities! We will provide you a roster of where your campers will be during these times.
Lodging varies from one camp facility to another. The boys from your group will lodge together and the girls from your group will lodge together. In some cases, more than one church group may share a larger lodging space. You can find more details about lodging by clicking on the links to your particular camp location.
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[expand title=”What kinds of activities should I expect?”]
There are games, parties, interactive Bible Studies, and creative worship times for everyone to enjoy. Campers also get to choose a special interest activity for each day from options such as soccer, basketball, drama, crafts, worship leadership, nature hikes, and more! Free time options include swimming, recreation, and the PASSPORTkids! camp store. Each summer, we focus on missions somewhere in the world; we learn about the people in that country, pray for them, and collect an offering for them.
[/expand]
[expand title=”What kinds of activities should I expect?”]
There are games, parties, interactive Bible Studies, and creative worship times for everyone to enjoy. Campers also get to choose a special interest activity for each day from options such as soccer, basketball, drama, crafts, worship leadership, nature hikes, and more! Free time options include swimming, recreation, and the PASSPORTkids! camp store. Each summer, we focus on missions somewhere in the world; we learn about the people in that country, pray for them, and collect an offering for them.
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