Summer Camp FAQ

On the hunt for answers to all of your most burning questions? Check out a list of common queries below!

Which camp should my child attend? And what grade will they be considered to be in this summer?

Our youth camps are broken up by age and region. In East Texas, we have the Towers (2nd-5th grades), Ranch (6th-7th grades), Timbers (8th-9th grades), and Shores (10th-12th grades). In Central Texas, we have Silverado (2nd – 5th grades), Outback (6th-8th grades), and Ridge (9th-12th grades). And in Georgia, we have the Springs (3rd-7th grades) and Springs Pro (8th-11th grades). Pine Cove City, our traveling day camp, is for campers entering 1st-6th grades. During the summer, campers are considered to be in the grade they are advancing to in the fall. So if a child has just finished 3rd grade, we’ll consider them a 4th grader at summer camp!

Can my child be in the same cabin with someone else?

Absolutely! We offer the option to request that your camper be in the same group as another specific friend or up to three friends (for a group total of four). We do not allow more than four campers to request to be together in a group so that we can make sure everyone in the cabin is included, and no one feels left out. You can submit group requests online in your registration account. Read more about overnight youth camp friend requests on our blog. (Click here for more about day camp friend groups!)

How many people stay in a cabin together?

Our youth camp cabins accommodate 7-8 campers and one counselor.

What are the theme nights for my camp this summer?

You can find a complete list of theme nights here. Just select your camp from the pull-down menu and you’ll see a list of theme nights and descriptions just below the packing list. For more details about theme night costumes, check out our handy guide!

How much is camp?

This is going to vary a little bit based on when you come. Check out our Price, Dates, and Locations page for the particulars!

What payment methods does Pine Cove accept? Do you offer payment plans?

Our online registration system makes it very simple to pay with a debit or credit card. We offer several different automatic payment plans, from monthly to more spread out. Find out more about automatic payment plans in your online account.

IS THE WORST WURST THE BEST SKIT CHARACTER OF ALL TIME?

YES OF COURSE! KETCH-UP, CAMPERS! HA HA HA HA HA!
-Editor’s note: No. Get out of here, Worst Wurst!

How do I put money in my camper’s camp store account?

You can either add money to your camper’s store account in your online account or from the CampLife App. For more information about the camp store, including how much you might want to put in your camper’s account, check out our camp store blog.

I have so many questions about packing, I don’t know where to start.

We totally understand! If you’d like to go straight to your camp’s packing list, just click here and then select your camp from the pull-down menu. If you’d like a little more help, check out our blog about how to pack for youth camp. 

When do I drop off and pick up my camper? And what does that whole experience look like?

Some of our camps have different times for you to arrive for opening and closing day, so head here to check out the correct times for your camp. Need more information? We’ve got an awesome guide to drop-off, so check out our blog to read about turning in medication, completing swim check, and more. Not sure exactly where you’re going? Find directions and addresses here. 

We’re so excited for drop-off! How can we celebrate our arrival at camp?

A big tradition for many campers is to celebrate their arrival in some way, usually with things like car paint and confetti. We love that seriously fun energy! We just ask that you please leave any non-biodegradable silly string or confetti cannons at home. At the end of the day, all that confetti and silly string gets left behind on our grounds, and it takes our amazing team of summer staffers a long time to clean up. Instead, we suggest you celebrate with small water blasters, automatic bubble blowers, colored powder poppers, or anything else celebratory! Thank you so much for helping us keep camp clean and beautiful.

How do you handle medication at camp?

You will drop off any medication your camper will need during their week of camp with our camp nurse. Read our guide to medicine at camp here.

Does my child need to have a physical before coming to camp?

Yes, each camper is required to have a physical exam by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant within 24 months (two years) of attending camp. You will indicate that your camper has had a physical when you fill out their health form, but no extra forms or doctor signatures are required. You will fill out required health forms in your online account.

Can my camper ride wave runners at Pine Cove?

Campers at the Shores, Bluffs, and Woods will have the opportunity to ride wave runners on Lake Palestine if they were born prior to 1993. Those born on or after September 1, 1993 must be at least 16 years of age and have completed a Boater Education Certification Course and bring their boater’s license to camp. Campers must have their Boater Education Card with them while they are operating the wave runners. For more information about Boater Education Certification Course, visit
https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/boater-education/.

How do I send mail to my camper?

We have a few different ways for you to do this. The first that we recommend is sending digital mail through our CampLife App! Interested in physical mail? Check out our guide to care packages and letters at camp.

I have questions about canceling, the wait list, or switching sessions.

Check out our registration policies for information about all of those topics.

Can campers bring their phones or tablets with them?

Summer camp is the perfect opportunity for kids to take a break from technology! With this in mind, we ask that campers not bring their devices to Pine Cove. This gives them a chance to focus on building relationships with their counselors and fellow campers, enjoy time spent outside doing seriously fun activities, and experience a totally phone-free week!

But don’t worry, parents! You’ll still feel connected to your camper while they’re at Pine Cove through the CampLife app, which provides an awesome window into camp! Download the app and you’ll be able to see photos, send and receive letters, add money to your camper’s store account, and more! Check out more info about our app here.

Do you offer a discount for multiple siblings attending camp?

Pine Cove does not currently offer a sibling discount, but if you’re looking for financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for a scholarship.

Where can I find a sample schedule?

We don’t have an online schedule for you to see, as different camps (and even different days) have a tendency to vary a bit. But here’s an idea of the flow of a typical day at youth camp: Flag and quiet time before breakfast, followed by Bible study and a few activities. Then it’s time for lunch, FOB (rest time), and more activities! After some free time, it’s dinner, that evening’s theme night, a snack, Club, and then bedtime. We make sure campers get about 7-8 hours of sleep each night so they’re ready for another full day of camp in the morning!

Each day at Pine Cove City begins with camper drop-off followed by Club and Bible study, activities, lunch, and then more activities!

But what about family camp? After breakfast and family devos, it’s time for speaker sessions and kid programs, followed by parent free time and more kids programs. Then it’s family free time, dinner, and theme night activities!

How do I know if my child is ready for a week away at overnight camp?

Such a great—and tough—question! As you know, kids grow and mature at different rates, hitting various milestones at different times. With that in mind, we put together a guide to help you navigate this question! From whether your child can handle large groups and loud noises to their ability to follow instructions, there are a lot of markers to look for as you determine if your child is ready for camp. Check out 7 Signs Your Child is Ready to Thrive at Camp for more information.

Can I volunteer to help out at camp this summer?

That is so kind of you to ask! Pine Cove does not utilize volunteers, as we are fully staffed with trained employees. But you are welcome to apply for a summer job or a resident staff position!

Do you have a list of the camp rules available for me to see?

Yes! Because camper safety is a top priority, each camper will sign a “Camper Agreement” when they arrive at camp that outlines the behaviors and expectations we have of them at Pine Cove to ensure a great experience for everyone. It’s pretty straightforward and addresses things like our dress code, rules about not sneaking around camp at night, expectations for campers to be respectful to others, and the items campers aren’t allowed to have on property, but if you’d like to see the full agreement, you can log into your account and view it there!

I think we left something at camp. How do I access the lost and found?

We know leaving things behind is frustrating! We’ll do our best to reconnect you with anything you might be missing. Just get in touch with our registration staff and they will point you in the right direction!

Where can I find Pine Cove’s Tax ID number?

Right here! Pine Cove’s Tax ID is 751254353.

…You didn’t answer my question.

So sorry about that! Feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to answer any additional questions!