Parents Guide

CHECK- IN AND PICK-UP

Check-in is from 3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. (MST) on varied days depending on the week of camp and is located in the Lodge. Drop off luggage and turn in any missing forms. Make sure you have your camper’s medication with you, not packed in their luggage. During check-in, your camper will receive their temporary name tag, water bottle and bag. You may also add money to your campers Camp Store Account, if you wish. There will be a set time everyday where your camper may make purchases from the Out Post. A daily snack and drink is included in the cost of camp for every camper but if they want to purchase additional items throughout the week they will need money added to their account. You will then meet your child’s counselor at your child's cabin and you can help your child get settled in. 

Pick-up at the end of the camp session is 10:00 A.M.(MST).is on varied days depending on the week of camp at the lodge. Please list everyone who is permitted to pick up your camper on the Camper Pick up Form, completed during registration. All campers must be signed out and we will not release campers to anyone who is not listed unless notified in writing by a parent or guardian.

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LATE CHECK-IN AND EARLY PICK-UP

Any camper arriving after the usual check-in time must stop in at the office, and our staff will help them reach their group. If your camper must be picked up early, we ask that you call the office at 308-432-3872 or notify the Camp Director during check-in. All early pick-ups must be made at the office.

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LOCATION

Camp Norwesca is located 9 miles south of Chadron, NE next to the State Park. Our address is 79 Camp Norwesca Rd, Chadron, NE 69337.

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BALANCE DUE DATE

Please pay your camper’s balance before they attend their camp session. If you would like to enroll in a payment plan, check out the Ways to Save page for more details.

 

HORSE BACK RIDING

Closed toed shoes and long pants are required in order to participate in horseback riding. Riding boots are strongly recommended. All campers are also required to wear a helmet during trail rides. During check-in you will be asked to fill out a release form for horseback riding. This form will also include the campers riding experience level. All horseback riding is done at Chadron State Park and/or Fort Robinson State Park.

 

Camp Store

Campers may deposit money into an account during check-in. They can use this money to purchase candy, drinks, t – shirts, and camp souvenirs. Campers will have an opportunity to purchase items from the Camp Store everyday around 3:00 pm. We suggest putting $15 – $25 per week in your camper’s Camp Store account. Be sure to tell your camper how much money they have to spend. Please do not send cash with your camper. At the end of the week, account balances can either be donated to our Scholarship Fund (to help send campers to camp), or refunded to the camper. Camper’s who will be returning to camp during another week of camp will have their Camp Store balance rolled over to that week.

 

SWITCHING SESSIONS AND CANCELLATIONS

Provided that there is space available, we will be happy to switch your child’s camp session. Please call the camp office at 308-432-3872. If you must cancel your camper’s registration, all cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $20.00 after May 1st. You will receive a full refund, minus the administrative fee, for cancellations up to 16 days before the camp session’s start date. A refund of fifty percent, minus the administrative fee, will be granted for cancellations 15 days or less before the camp’s start date. There is no refund for no-shows, except in the case of illness, injury, or a death in the family.

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VISITING

Because of the uniqueness of the camp environment, visitations by family or friends of campers is not permitted. Thank you for helping us maintain an environment free from distractions, where your child, in an atmosphere of fun and love, may develop his/her relationship with Jesus Christ.

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TELEPHONE CALLS

Your camper will not have a phone available to them throughout the week. In case of an emergency, please call the camp office at 308-432-3872.

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HEALTH CARE & MEDICATION

Please turn in ALL medicine at check-in. All prescription medication must arrive in the containers in which they were originally prescribed. Camp Norwesca has a supply of over-the counter medications, so please do not send these with your camper. We gladly accommodate allergies to the best of our ability; however, we are not a peanut-free environment. If your child has extremely severe reactions to nuts, we do not recommend that they attend to ensure they’re safety. For mild allergies or dietary restrictions, please clearly state them in detail on your child’s health history form while enrolling them in a camp session. This form can be found by clicking the Campers Register button and logging into your CampBrain account, then select forms. If you do not have a CampBrain account you will have to create one to fill out the forms. Questions, contact us at 308-432-3872.
 

PACKING GUIDE

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SUMMER PACKING INSTRUCTIONS:
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clothing & Appropriate Attire
 
When packing for camp, please take into consideration the climate/environment of camp, as well as the wide variety of activities your camper will be participating in. Typically, comfortable attire (not too tight and not too loose) is appropriate for most camp activities. Campers may be doing activities such as horseback riding, hiking, climbing, etc. it is important to wear clothing appropriate for such activities. Tight fitting clothing, short shorts, halter tops, tube tops, smocks, flip flops, and overly loose or baggy shorts are not suitable and best left at home. We strongly recommend sending old clothes that campers can easily recognize as theirs. Please label all clothing with “iron on” or “sew in” name tags or write their names on the label of the clothing with a permanent laundry pen. Since Camp Norwesca is unable to assume responsibility for loss and/or damages to personal property of campers, please use careful consideration of what you send to camp. While we respect the rights of the individual to express themselves through their choice of attire, the administration reserves the right to enforce a dress code that reflects the values of caring, respect, responsibility, honesty, and Christ in the camp community. This includes restrictions on wearing items that might offend others or promote lifestyles/habits that are inconsistent with the Great Plains Conference and Camp Norwesca.
 
Personal Items
 
As campers get involved in activities, they tend to leave clothing and other belongings lying around camp. Every attempt is made to return lost items while our camper is still at camp but you can help us out by clearly labeling all belongings for easy identification. NO ELECTRONICS PLEASE! Camp focuses on allowing children the experience of our amazing natural setting free of diversions and annoyances brought by electronics. NO ELECTRONICS (CELL PHONES, MP3 PLAYERS, GAME SYSTEMS, ETC.) SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO CAMP. The one exception is digital cameras that are not also phones, mp3 players, iPads, etc.
 
Packing for Camp
 
If your child has never attended an overnight camp before, it may be difficult to know what to pack for their camping experience. The next section will give you guidelines as to what to pack and what not to pack for their time at camp. Please keep in mind these are guidelines only.
 
The following items should NOT be brought to camp:

Camp is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
Please do not send valuable cameras (disposable cameras with the camper’s name on them work quite well) or other items that might be damaged if brought to camp.
Cash
Weapons of any kind: knives, firearms, bows & arrows, etc.
Electronic Devices: iPod, MP3 Players, Cell Phones, Video Games, any other personal entertainment device
(these items will be confiscated at the beginning of the week
and returned at the closing ceremony)
Food, candy, or snacks, etc. (including chewing gum)
Fireworks, matches/lighters, or any hazardous materials
Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and sexual paraphernalia
Skateboard/scooters
Jewelry and other valuables
Expensive clothing or anything that you or the camper would be upset if it became: scratched, stained, battered, broken, lost, or unrecognizable
Live pets must stay home (this includes when dropping off and picking up your camper(s), but a small plush stuffed animal is great.  

PACKING LIST RECOMMENDATIONS
 
Below is a list of clothing and personal items that we recommend you send to camp per session. Feel free to adjust, taking your child’s preferences into account. We typically find that people over-pack for their camp experience. No laundry opportunities are available. We recommend the following be considered.Items are comfortable and well used – do not bring nice new clothing.
All items are clearly marked with the name of the camper
A sturdy trunk or large duffel bag works best for storing items in cabins.  

SUGGESTED APPAREL (Please clearly label all belongings!)

(6) short sleeve shirts
Long sleeve shirt
(5) shorts
Swim suit (one piece swim suit for girls or a tankini)
(2) jeans (required for horseback riding or hiking)
Light jacket
(6) underwear
(6) socks
(2) Pajamas or Bed Clothing
Hat or Baseball Cap
Poncho, Raincoat, or Umbrella
(2) Tennis shoes – one for around camp and one for mud hikes, etc.
Sport/water sandals
Shoes with a heal (hiking boots, cowboy/girl boots)  

SUGGESTED PERSONAL ITEMS (Please clearly label all belongings!)

Twin sized sheet set and blanket, or sleeping bag
Pillow and case
Wash cloth and (2) towels (swimming and showering)
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.
Flashlight and spare batteries
Laundry bag (plastic garbage bag will not do)
Backpack or drawstring bag to carry items during the week
Insect repellent, sunscreen, facial tissues
Prescription medication that will need to be taken while at camp. Medications brought to camp must be in the ORIGINAL containers, clearly labeled, and placed in a Ziploc bag with camper’s name on it. (Will be kept in a locking container, or with the Health Care Personnel at Camp.)   
 
OPTIONAL ITEMS (Not required but can make camp experience more enjoyable!)

Books, Bible, reading materials, card games
Inexpensive or disposable camera
Writing paper and/or notebook, writing utensils
Stamped, self-addressed envelopes
Inexpensive sunglasses
If your camper is old enough to drive to camp, they may bring their personal vehicle. However, if they are a camper in our care then Norwesca will hold onto their keys until the end of the week. Campers are not allowed to take personal excursions off of camp while in our care. If you are with a rental group it is up to the group leader if they will hold onto your campers keys, or not.

 

HORSE BACK RIDING

** Please remember, ALL horses will be provided by

Chadron State Park and Fort Robinson State Park**

Waivers for riding at Chadron State Park and Fort Robinson State Park will be signed during Check-In

 

Closed toed shoes and long pants are required in order to participate in horseback riding. Riding boots are strongly recommended. All campers are also required to wear a helmet during trail rides. During check-in you will be asked to fill out a release form for horseback riding. This form will also include the campers riding experience level.

Other Information
Please note that you will be notified in case of emergency, behavior issues, and medical concerns by Brandi May, Camp Director.
 
Examples of things you would be contacted for:
Bullying
Fighting
Illness
Any time nonprescription medication needs to be administered
Injuries requiring more than a band aid
Extreme Homesickness  
If you have any questions about packing for camp or other instances in which you would like to be contacted please contact Brandi May at 308.432.3872  
 

QUESTIONS? Visit our FAQ page or call us at 308-432-3872. Thanks, The Camp Norwesca Team