Frequently Asked Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of commonly asked questions. If it does not answer your question below, please call us at (701) 676-2681 or use the contact form.
REGISTRATION
Q: When does registration open?
Registration opens in Jan. of the year. We have an early bird special that will give a discount of some sort that ends at the end of March.
Q: How do I register for camp?
You can register using our online application.
If you have any questions during the registration process, don't hesitate to contact us.
Q: What if the camp I signed my camper up for is full?
You can be put on a waitlist, and we will call you if an opening becomes available. There are also several camps for the different age ranges throughout the summer.
Q: Does Red Willow Ministries offer aid or scholarships?
Yes, we have a scholarship program. Please contact us for more information.
Q: Can I stay in the cabin with my best friends?
Yes, when you are registering, you can request to be bunkmates with friends. You can list up to 2 people you would like to stay with. We do everything in our power to grant these requests.
GETTING TO CAMP
Q: What should I bring to camp?
A detailed packing list is available here.
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Please do not bring cell devices, tablet computers, laptop computers, portable music players, or other electronic devices. Alcohol, tobacco, weapons, and non-prescription drugs are strictly prohibited.
Q: Where do I go to drop off/pick up my camper?
The main entrance of camp with be blocked off until registration starts, you can wait in your cars lined up on the road outside of the camp gates.
When the registration time opens summer staff will direct you to the parking area that is closest to your child's cabin.
Heads up, you may have a little walk to get to your camper's cabin from the parking areas.
Q: What time should I drop off and pick up my camper?
Drop-off and check-in will be between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm on the first day of camp. Staff will not be ready for campers before 2:00 pm; please do not come before 2:00pm. Opening worship will be held at 3:00 pm; family and friends are invited.
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Closing worship will be held at 1:30 pm; family and friends are encouraged to join us for worship. Campers will be ready for pick up around 2:00 pm on the last day of camp.
Q: Does Red Willow Ministries provide transportation to camp?
No. We do not provide transportation.
CAMP DETAILS
Q: How can I contact my camper while they are in camp?
Email hospitality@redwillowbiblecamp.org and write your camper's full name in the subject line, or address a letter to:
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Camper's Full Name
Red Willow Bible Camp
1651 Jacob Drive
Binford, ND 58416
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Emails will be delivered to your camper between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm.
You can also bring letters to registration; write the days of delivery on the envelope.
Q: Can I call my camper while they are at camp?
The campers are not allowed to have their phones while attending camp, You are more than welcome to call the main office and we can either give your child a message or get them so you can speak with them personally.
Q. Can my camper bring a cell phone to camp to call me?
No. We will hold onto all devices brought to camp and store it in a safe place at camp and return them to campers before departure. The office phone is available to use in case of emergency.
Q. How much money and how and when do I put money on my camper's account? Can they bring cash during arrival to charge the account or charge the account before camp?
Do not send money with your campers for the week. You can put money into their Campise account, either before camp or on the day of registration for your camper to charge snack and apparel purchases from the canteen.
You are also able to purchase any merchandise for them before you leave or when you pick them up from camp.
Q. What are the clothing policies at camp?
Make sure to pack closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops and Crocs can only be worn for showers and while at the waterfront. Keep in mind that you will be outside most of the day, so be sure you pack some clothes that can get dirty!
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We require modest, appropriate bathing suits. Any clothing deemed to be inappropriate by the camp director will not be allowed.
Q. How do you care for campers with homesickness?
Home sickness is a common reaction to a new environment. Our staff and counselors are trained to help you camper adjust to camp life. You can help by -
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Refraining from using the title "homesick". At camp, we will talk about "missing home".
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Talk positively about the upcoming camp experience and about the possibility of missing home. Assure them that this is normal and okay to miss home,
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Don't express your anxiety about your child being away from home.
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Let your camper know that you love them, and that camp will be a great experience.
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Send letters or emails to arrive on the first or second day of camp. Focus on what is happening at camp rather than home.
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Please speak with the Program Director or Executive Director if you have any questions or concerns about your camper or homesickness.
Q. What are the sleeping arrangements like?
Each camper is assigned a cabin and a counselor. That is their home for their time at camp. The counselor stays in the cabin with the campers to make sure everyone is safe and at the daily activities at the correct times.
Q. What happens in extreme weather conditions?
We train our staff in extreme weather conditions protocol. We have weather shelters in the retreat center that children and staff go to in case the need arises.
Q. How old are your counselors and what type of training do they receive?
The counselors that are in the cabins with the children are 18 or older; there are times when we have Jr. counselors that are helping that can be 16 or older.
We have intensive training for all staff at Red Willow. The training teaches the staff the policies and procedures, CPR and first aid certification, the curriculum, and different skills to best teach and guide the campers throughout the week.
Q. Do you check on the background of summer staff before hiring them?
Everyone who works with the children has a background check performed before they start working at Red Willow.
Q. Is your camp accredited?
Yes, we are accredited through the ACA guidelines.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Q: My camper is on medications. How do I send them?
All prescriptions and over-the-counter medication must be in their original containers with the dosage, purpose, and camper's name on the container. Include detailed instructions and bring all medications to the registration table during arrival.
Q: My camper has dietary allergies; how does your camp handle special diet requirements?
When registering online, there will be health forms you need to fill out. Put all information about this there and we will accommodate these needs.
Q: Does your camp have a medical professional on site? How do you handle medical emergencies?
Yes, we have a licensed nurse that is here during registration that organizes any medications and medical needs. During the week we have a medical professional (EMT, CNA, etc.) on staff that handles the day-to-day medications and needs of the children.
We also have an emergency contact of a licensed nurse who lives close by in case of an emergency that our medical professional needs assistance with.
Q: Are there over-the-counter medications available from campers?
Yes, we can give them out with permission from guardians, but if a child is running a fever, the parents/guardians will be called to take the child home.
Q: When will camp medical staff contact me?
If a camper has an accident that is more serious than general first aid, if a child is not feeling well and running a temperature or if a child is having a hard time following the rules of the camp.
We will contact guardians to fill them in on any of these situations to discuss the next steps that will be needed to be taken.
Q: What if my camper has special medical needs?
We ask that you give us any information needed to help guide your camper through the week.
If your child needs an RN to provide daily help, a camp that allows family members to join them may be the best choice for your camper.
Please contact us to discuss any questions about a specific situation.