Highland Summer Camps will comply with any relevant guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health during the 2023 camp season. We aren’t likely to know what those guidelines will actually be until April or May, but we can guess that requirements are likely to be similar to, or more relaxed than, 2022 requirements (summarized below).

In 2022, pre-camp health screenings were required, with three options to choose from:

1. Show proof of a negative at-home COVID test 24-72 hours prior to camp and complete the tracking chart for each day after the negative COVID test.
2. Show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and complete the tracking chart for the 7 days prior to camp.
3. Complete the tracking chart for the 14 days prior to camp.

In 2022, face masks were optional for campers since the vast majority of the Highland Summer Camp experience is outdoors. Campers may have been asked to wear a mask in certain situations, such as if they started displaying COVID-type symptoms.

In 2022, family members were strongly encouraged to wear a face mask when dropping off or picking up their camper to help avoid introducing extra germs to the summer campers and staff.

We are committed to working with parents to find the best arrangement for cabin mates. It is our desire to both accommodate cabin mate requests (up to three friends together) and still allow for new friendships to grow. Cabin mates’ ages must be within a year of each other. Requests should be mutual. Cabin assignments will typically be made the Monday before camp begins, so make sure any cabin mate requests are submitted before that date. We will send an email notification to let you know your child’s cabin as soon as the housing assignments are finalized; cabin assignments will not be adjustable upon arrival at camp

Highland Summer Camp aims to provide an uplifting, enjoyable camp experience for children and youth. Specifically, we aim to:

• Provide programming that encourages meaningful spiritual growth in Jesus Christ
• Provide quality staff, each with a servant’s heart and a strong commitment to living God’s Way
• Challenge youth to make a commitment to Jesus Christ and His way of living
• Help youth develop a greater self-understanding and acceptance of others
• Help youth develop and strengthen friendships

The answer to this question really varies from child to child. According to Toni Anderson, “It’s more a maturity issue than an age issue...  Some important criteria to consider before making a decision on camp, especially one where kids spend the night, include: showing an interest in the experience; being able to tie shoelaces; cutting their own food; being able to take care of their grooming needs; being able to read and tell time; having some level of emotional maturity.”

If you are still uncertain about a particular child, we encourage you to contact the Highland Youth Office. We can partner together to try to determine your child’s readiness for camp and see which program might best meet your child’s needs.

Cheri Evans suggests the following:

• Allow your child to be involved in the decision-making process.
• Involve your youngster in selecting clothes. Do the packing together so your child is aware of what is in the suitcase.
• Select some postcards and pre-address and stamp them so your child can write a quick note and send them to you while at camp.
• Inform your child that the camp has a policy that campers are not permitted to make phone calls during their stay at camp, except in an emergency.
• Talk with your child about what to expect in all areas, particularly the area of spiritual emphasis and development.
• Pray with your child about what will be happening. Encourage your son or daughter to share concerns or fears he or she may have so you may pray about them.

If you are interested in some additional hints, contact the Highland Youth Office for a free copy of the Cheri Evans pamphlet entitled “Preparing Your Child for Camp,” a publication of CCI/USA.

Highland Retreat has been and continues to be missional in nature, providing opportunities for campers to accept Jesus Christ or recommit their lives to Him. With this in mind, we sense the continued need for presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all campers at their level of understanding, with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). This will be done through daily Bible study, worship services, and interaction with staff members who are dedicated to demonstrating their commitment to Jesus Christ in word and deed.

Most lunches and dinners are served on the kitchen deck, but campers will also have the opportunity to enjoy campfire cooking (under the supervision of their counselors) for a few meals during the week, usually breakfasts. Our kitchen staff do their best to provide balanced meals that are both healthy and child-friendly. Be sure to mention any food allergies or dietary restrictions when filling out your child’s medical information form, and read this document for information about how Highland’s kitchen staff can help make sure your child is safe and well-fed.

Camp, like life, can never be risk-free, but we work hard to make Highland Summer Camp a safe place to be. Staff are selected for their ability to work with children, their desire to serve in camp ministry, and for their Christian faith. We seek to find staff who demonstrate a desire to know, love, and share their faith with others through their words and lifestyle.

While camp is in session, a nurse is available to treat illness and injury, to manage medications, and to work with local healthcare professionals. Several additional staff members are trained in first aid and CPR.

Quality staff are the number one asset to our program. We seek to find solid Christian men and women who are living their faith authentically and with integrity, and who possess the skills and gifting for the roles they will fill.

• Staff Screening – Each staff person at Highland Retreat is carefully screened. The process starts when an application is submitted, which we review carefully, even for returning staff. We contact at least three confidential references, including one from their home church, before conducting a personal interview with the applicant. The next step is a complete criminal background check. Only individuals who meet each careful requirement are hired.
• Staff Training – All staff are required to attend 4 to 14 days of staff training. The general training that all staff attend involves sessions on health and safety, risk management, age group characteristics, organizational mission, supervision, and more. More specific training is offered for staff working with campers, in the kitchen, in supervisory roles, and so on.

The ratio changes with the age of the campers, but we generally place seven to nine campers in each cabin with one to two senior counselors, supported by experienced head counselors and other staff who are available to assist as needed. For younger campers, we set a maximum of ten campers with two counselors per cabin, and for older campers, a maximum of eight campers with one counselor per cabin.

While camp is in session, visits and phone calls are discouraged and should be limited to emergencies only. However, we encourage parents at check-in to meet the counselors and visit the cabin their son or daughter will be staying in. Parents are welcome to write or email their child. Receiving mail while at camp is a highlight for many campers. If you are concerned about how your child is doing while at camp, feel free to contact the Highland Youth Office and speak with the Program Director. We can arrange a time when your child’s counselor can let you know how your child is doing.

Our camping cabins are simple structures with bunk beds and electric lights. Each cabin has a fire circle for outdoor cooking and a bathhouse just a short distance away. For more details, including pictures of the cabins, visit the camping cabins page.

No. The camp provides snacks. We do have a camp store with T-shirts and other items available for purchase; however, we only sell them during check-in and departure time.

A parent will need to indicate during check-in if their child needs to leave early or will be leaving for a period of time and then returning to camp. Refunds are not available for those who leave for homesickness or bad conduct.

Cancellation Policy: The registration deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Any amount paid in addition to the deposit will be refunded as follows: Cancellations made at least 14 days prior to the starting date will be refunded. Cancellations made 4-13 days prior to the starting date will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made 3 or fewer days prior to the starting date will not be refunded. In special circumstances, some exceptions to this policy may be considered.