GENERAL INFO, POLICIES, & RESOURCES

Your Child's Cabin Mate Preference, if any:

1. We honor ONE AND ONLY ONE cabin mate request (ie a pair of campers)
2. The campers must be registered for the same camp and week.
3. The request must be reciprocal/mutual. Each camper must list the other camper in the registration to comply. For example, Jane requests Judy and Judy requests Jane.
4. WE DO NOT GROUP campers.
5. NO CHANGES are made at the time of Check-In,
6. We are unable to "confirm" cabin mate requests due to privacy. Camper families should communicate directly with each other regarding confirmation.

Why we do not allow groups:

There is much research that indicates that providing children opportunities to meet new people and finding ways to understand and connect with each other is highly valuable to their overall growth. Our staff have training in ways to help kids get to know each other and create mutual experiences throughout the week. Additionally, we have observed that groups which include several campers who already know each other often lead to campers feeling excluded or isolated. We strive to ensure that no camper is in a group where there are only friend pairs, but we cannot guarantee it.

What we ask of parents:

Please do not attempt to group in the registration as we have multiple groups of the same age group for some weeks and there is no guarantee this will work. We suggest you invite a friend if there is an odd number so that you comply with the pair policy.

Discuss this with your child prior to their camp week. Confusion and disappointment at check-in can be avoided if parents help choose their child's one cabin mate and make sure it is reciprocal. Please call if you do not clearly understand this policy.

Campers may receive letters by mail or through the website email system. Mail letters/packages one week prior to camp so they will arrive timely. NO food, candy or gum. If sent, these items will be disposed of. Label all mail/packages with camper name, event name, camp week. You may also leave packages when you check-in. Have your camper's name and the date you want it delivered to them written on it.

Any mail received at Tekoa after the camper's week of camp will be shredded. We are unable to forward any mail or packages on to our campers.

1. Each camp week has a NON REFUNDABLE/NON TRANSFERRABLE $250 deposit ($150 for day camps).
2. For cancellations up to 21 days before camp, a refund will be given of the balance paid, minus the deposit.
3. There will be no refund for cancellation within 21 days of the camp event.
4. Once the camp session begins, there are no refunds. (Campers who are sent home during camp due to illness, inappropriate behavior, or homesickness are not eligible for a refund.)
5. The camp director reserves the right to dismiss any camper whose conduct becomes in any way detrimental to the best interests of other campers. No refunds will be given in these cases.

Sunday Drop-off

• 3:00-3:30 pm: First Half Mini Campers, First Half Older Elementary Starter Campers, and Elementary Overnight Campers
• 3:30-4:00 pm: Middle School Overnight Campers and First Half Middle School Starter Campers
• 4:00-4:30 pm: High School Overnight Campers

Wednesday

• 9:00-9:30 am: Pick up for First Half Mini Campers
• 4:00-4:30 pm: Drop off for Second Half Mini Campers, Older Elementary Starter Campers, and Middle School Starter Campers

Saturday Pick-up

• 9:00-9:30 am: Mini, Starter, and Elementary Campers
• 9:30-10:00 am: Middle School Campers and Middle School Starter Campers
• 10:00-10:30 am: High School Campers

Food Allergy and Special Diet Procedures for Camp Tekoa Kitchen

The Camp Tekoa kitchen is prepared to handle a variety of food allergies and special diets, using the following procedures:

During Registration: Parents are prompted to answer whether the camper has any allergies or special diets. They are asked to elaborate on the severity of the allergy and what the allergic reaction might be. They are encouraged to reach out to the food service director to further discuss their camper's needs. Parents are also encouraged to prepare their camper for communicating their needs and being aware of what they are not able to eat.

During Check-in: Parents are able to meet with the food service director if needed. We do not encourage campers to bring their own food, but this is ultimately decided on a case by case basis, after consultation with the FSD. The FSD receives a list of allergies/diets ahead of each week of camp and uses this information to create menus, purchase the necessary food, and create an allergy list that is posted in the kitchen for reference. The FSD shares any relevant information with other kitchen staff, including the cookout resource, and with the camper's FGL.

In the Dining Hall: Meals are served cafeteria style, so campers are able to choose what they eat. The menu for each meal is posted behind the serving line, and the allergies are identified on a separate section. When a camper comes through the serving line, they let the servers know what their dietary needs are. If necessary, alternate food is provided. The kitchen strives to ensure that although exact substitutions may not always be available, each camper has a full meal that meets their specific needs. During food prep and serving, precautions are taken to prevent cross contamination, but this cannot be guaranteed.

Off-Site Meals: When campers go off site, allergy friendly foods are packed separately for them and labeled with their name. If they eat somewhere else, their FGL helps them navigate the menu. When they visit the camp store, campers are responsible for checking snack labels and knowing what they are able to eat.

It is really important to us that each camper is able to fully eat standard meals and enjoy treats while they are at camp, and doing this requires full communication between camper, parents, and staff. Parents are able to check in with staff, staff will check in with the campers, and campers will communicate with servers and other staff.

In the Event of Exposure: In the event that a camper is exposed to an allergen, the FGL and other staff will contact the camp nurse. The nurse will handle the situation as needed, and parents will be contacted.

Financial Aid

Camp Tekoa is dedicated to providing youth with a meaningful camp experience - the "Tekoa Experience." No child should be excluded from this experience due to financial concerns. Families are welcome to schedule a monthly payment plan if they register before April 1, after the initial $250 deposit ($150 for day camps) has been made. All payment plans must be paid in full by May 1.

Final Payment: If the full balance of camp is not paid by May 1st, the payment will be drafted from the original form of payment through Active Network. If you are awaiting a scholarship from your church make sure the payment is received by Camp Tekoa prior to May 1st.

Service Fee: If your final payment fails for any reason, or if your payment is not received by May 1st, a $50 service fee will be charged to your account on May 2nd.

If you need to request a scholarship, fill out the Scholarship Request Form

Waivers and Required Forms

• Barnabas: Special Needs Questionnaire
• Camper Early Release Form: Early Release Form
• Camper Release Form: Camper Release Form
• NEW Medical Check-In Form: Medicine Pre-Check In Form

• High School Overnight (TKO) Camp: White Water Rafting Waiver
• Breakout! (Rising 6th Grade): White Water Rafting Waiver
• Cascade: Horseback Riding Waiver
• Journey: Horseback Riding Waiver
• Water Adventure (HS): Nantahala White Water Waiver
• Leap: The Gorge LLC Zip Canopy Tour Waiver
• Expedition Extreme: Horseback Riding Waiver

1. All forms of TOBACCO, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ILLEGAL DRUGS, FIREARMS and FIREWORKS are PROHIBITED on site. We reserve the right to dismiss campers for violations. In addition electronic devices of any type (radios, CD players, smart watches, cell phones, MP3 players, hand held video games, etc.) are not allowed and will be confiscated if brought to camp.
2. Should there be reasonable or probable cause, for the health and safety of all campers and staff, your camper may be asked to inventory his/her belongings in the presence of administrative staff.
3. Visitors are permitted in camp ONLY WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR. For the security of your child and others, we request advance notice for visits.
4. Telephone policy: Summer camp is a sacred space where campers can connect with God and other people. We do not allow campers to have cell phones, smart watches, or any other device that has communication functionality.
5. Dress Code: Nothing with slogans promoting alcohol, sex, tobacco, drugs, profanity, or death themes. One-piece swimsuits for girls; swim trunks instead of briefs for boys. We have a dress code of modesty.
6. NO PETS are allowed with campers during their stay at camp, except those assisting persons with special needs.
7. NEW: No items will be returned after the week closes. Any items that are in good condition will be washed and donated to a local charity.

Want to send a special surprise to your camper during their week at camp? Camp Tekoa offers pre-made gift bags for $30 that include a selection of camp store favorites — snacks, drinks, a t-shirt, and other fun camp goodies.

Gift bags are a great way to let your camper know you are thinking about them!

It is natural for most campers to experience a degree of homesickness, mainly if it is their first time away from home.

Tekoa's Family Group Leaders (FGL) plan the first few hours in great detail to help campers feel more comfortable at camp. Campers arriving at camp will quickly engage in games and ice breakers to help them meet new friends and feel more connected with their cabin.

Camp Tekoa's role in helping with homesick campers:

• The camper's FGL informs the director of the camper's homesickness and encourages active involvement.
• If needed, directors consult with parents about the best approach.
• Several options are possible, with staying and becoming involved being the best solution.

If you know in advance that your camper will be arriving later than the normal check-in time please email Holly Lane to let her know your camper's name and planned arrival time.

If you are stuck in traffic on the day of check in, please call Holly Lane at (828) 692-6516 x 10 and leave a message with an estimated time of arrival and your camper's name.

Due to limited space and the amount of time involved in handling hundreds of lost and found items:

• CAMP TEKOA is not responsible for items left behind, lost, or stolen.
• Parents are urged to label all clothing and personal items with a permanent marker with the camper's full name, not just initials.
• All items left behind will be displayed during the week as well as at checkout on Saturday. This will be the only opportunity to collect lost items.
• NEW, no items will be returned after the week closes.
• Any items that are in good condition will be washed and donated to a local charity.

Hendersonville Mailing Address:
Camp Tekoa
PO Box 1793
Flat Rock, NC 28731

• Rather than sending packages we encourage you and your family to write letters to your child.
• PLEASE LIMIT PACKAGES TO ONE PER CAMP SESSION.
• Do not send candy, baked goods, or packaged food of any kind.
• At check in you may drop all letters off in the designated area. Mail is delivered Monday-Friday evenings for overnight campers only.
• The login information to send camper emails (overnight campers only) and to view photos is provided to you in a welcome email sent at least two weeks prior to your camper's week of camp.
• Mail sent via USPS - please put in the mail at least two weeks prior to your camper's week. Any mail received after their week of camp is not forwarded.

During check-in, ALL MEDICATIONS must be checked in with the nurse. Prescription medication(s) should be in the original container in a Ziploc bag, clearly marked with the camper's name, dose amount, frequency, and any other instructions. Bring ONLY the amount necessary for your camper's stay.

What happens in an emergency? Our registered nurse is on duty 24 hours a day. In the event your camper is sick for more than 6 hours, you will be contacted by phone. For any major injuries/illnesses when your camper has to be transported to the hospital or doctor's office, you will be contacted immediately.

Insurance: Camp Tekoa does not carry health insurance on campers. Campers must be covered under a policy provided from home. Any unpaid medical bills incurred at camp will be sent home and/or collected at time of check-out.

Important: Please label ALL items with your camper's full name (not just initials) using a permanent marker.

We recommend sending approximately $30 in store money with your camper. Parents are requested to pre-pay store money as it expedites the check-in process.

The camp store sells snacks/drinks ($2.50), t-shirts ($20+) and other clothing items, stuffed animals ($2 to $14+), hats, Nalgenes ($22), jewelry ($2-$12), and many other items. Unused store money will be available for return at check-out. Balances under $1.00 will automatically be transferred to the Tekoa Scholarship Fund.

How do I add my camper to the waitlist?

To add your camper to the waitlist, navigate to the 2027 registration system, place the camp in your cart, and follow the prompts. At the end, it will show as zero payment and you will receive a confirmation email. Your camper has not been added to the list unless you receive this confirmation email.

How will I be notified if a spot comes open?

When a spot becomes available, the system will send you an email. You must respond within 24 hours to accept the spot and make payment. If you do not respond within the 24 hour time frame, your camper will be removed from the waitlist automatically and the spot offered to the next camper on the list.

How late do you add campers from the waitlist?

We close waitlist notifications two weeks prior to the start of the camp week. For example, your camper is on the waitlist for June 7th. If you have not received notification by May 24th, you can assume they will not get a spot from the waitlist.

Please make sure that you have hlane@camptekoa.org marked as safe, and add active.com and activenetwork.com in your address book so that you do not miss any of these important messages.