Question 1

What if my child has allergies or medical needs?

Accepted Answer

We take camper health seriously.
Medication is securely stored and managed appropriately, and staff are informed about camper medical concerns, allergies, and dietary needs.
We work closely with families to help ensure campers have a safe and successful experience.
More information here:  Big Elk Creek Parent Handbook

Question 2

Are electronics and phones allowed?

Accepted Answer

Camp is designed to help kids unplug and reconnect with real life.
One of the biggest benefits parents notice after camp is how refreshed, confident, and socially connected their children become after spending a week away from screens.
Instead of phones, campers experience:
Campfires
Hiking
Swimming
Archery
Team games
Outdoor adventure
Face-to-face friendships

Question 3

How do check-in and pickup work?

Accepted Answer

We use organized check-in and checkout procedures to help ensure camper safety and smooth transitions for families.
Authorized pickup procedures are carefully followed, and staff personally greet families during arrival and departure.
More information is available here:  Parent Handbook & Camp Policies

Question 4

What ages attend Big Elk Creek Camp?

Accepted Answer

Big Elk Creek Camp serves campers ages 7–17 through age-appropriate programming, activities, and supervision.
Staff are trained to understand the developmental needs of different age groups to help every camper succeed.

Question 5

Ready for an Unforgettable Summer?

Accepted Answer

Big Elk Creek Camp gives kids the opportunity to:
Build confidence
Make lifelong friends
Experience real adventure
Disconnect from screens
Grow in independence
Create memories they’ll never forget
Register for Big Elk Creek Camp

Question 6

Is Big Elk Creek Camp safe?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Camper safety is the foundation of everything we do at Big Elk Creek Camp. Our staff complete extensive training in:
Camper supervision
Emergency procedures
Conflict resolution
Homesickness support
Leadership
Child communication
Waterfront safety
Behavior management
At Big Elk Creek, safety isn’t just a policy — it’s our culture.

Question 7

Are campers supervised at all times?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Campers are supervised throughout the entire camp experience.
We use:
Continuous counselor supervision
Two trained Counselors in every cabin (overnight camps)
Buddy systems
Structured schedules
Staff positioning during activities
Supervised transportation
Our staff are trained to always know where their campers are and proactively engage with them throughout the day.

Question 8

What kind of staff do you hire?

Accepted Answer

Camp Magic is our specialty and our Counselors creat it!
Our counselors are energetic, caring mentors who genuinely enjoy working with kids.
We intentionally hire staff who:
Lead by example
Encourage campers
Build confidence
Create belonging & fun
Keep campers active and engaged
Model positive behavior
At Big Elk Creek, counselors are much more than supervisors — they become trusted role models.

Question 9

How do you handle bullying or mean behavior?

Accepted Answer

We take emotional safety seriously. Because your camper is in our care, our staff maintains proactive, eyes-on supervision to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Big Elk Creek Camp actively promotes and builds a culture of:

Kindness
Respect
Inclusion
Teamwork
Positive Communication

If conflict or mean behavior arises, our trained staff intervenes early. We don't just stop the behavior; we guide campers through healthy conflict resolution and teach respectful communication skills to help them grow.

Question 10

How are water activities supervised?

Accepted Answer

Waterfront safety is extremely important to us.
Our waterfront procedures include:
Several Red Cross certified lifeguards
Additional Counselor supervision
The buddy system
Lifejackets are mandatory for all campers
Structured swim procedures
No swimming after dark
Safety standards are followed at all times.

Question 11

What if my child gets homesick?

Accepted Answer

Homesickness is completely normal — even experienced campers sometimes miss home.
Our staff are specifically trained to help campers through homesickness with:
Encouragement
Friendship-building
Emotional support
Positive engagement
Healthy communication home
Most campers who feel nervous on Day 1 are smiling, laughing, and fully engaged within a very short time.
In fact, overcoming homesickness often becomes one of the most powerful confidence-building experiences a child can have. 
See: https://www.bigelkcreekcamp.com/parent-handbook

Question 12

What if my child is shy or introverted?

Accepted Answer

We lead with intentional, low-pressure fun: Our team is trained to consciously bring a lighthearted, enthusiastically "silly" attitude to everyday moments. This intentional playfulness removes social pressure, instantly breaks the ice, and helps hesitant campers forget their fears.  It's a part of the Camp Magic at Big Elk Creek Camp!

Question 13

What if my child is nervous about making friends?

Accepted Answer

That’s one of the things camp does best!
Our counselors intentionally help campers:
Meet cabin mates quickly
Participate in group games
Feel included
Build friendships
Develop confidence socially
Many campers arrive knowing nobody and leave with friendships that last for years.

Question 14

What if my child has never been away from home before?

Accepted Answer

Camp is often a child’s very first major independent experience — and that’s incredibly valuable.
Our staff are trained to help first-time campers feel:
Welcome
Comfortable
Included
Supported
Many parents are amazed at how much confidence and independence their child gains after just one week at camp.

Question 15

How do you create emotional safety at camp?

Accepted Answer

We believe kids thrive when they feel:
Seen
Heard
Respected
Included
Encouraged
Our staff are paying attention to your camper and we're trained in:
Active listening
Empathy
Conflict resolution
Positive mentorship
Healthy communication
We intentionally create a camp culture where ALL campers feel valued and supported.

Question 16

What makes Big Elk Creek Camp different?

Accepted Answer

Big Elk Creek Camp is intentionally designed to help kids grow in confidence, independence, resilience, friendship, leadership, and outdoor skills.
This is not a “babysitting camp.”
It’s a transformational experience where kids:
Disconnect from screens
Connect with nature
Build real friendships
Learn responsibility
Develop confidence
Experience adventure
Create lifelong memories

Question 17

What is “Camp Magic”?

Accepted Answer

Camp Magic is that feeling campers leave with when they:
Feel like they belong
Build real friendships
Gain confidence
Laugh constantly
Feel supported
Discover what they’re capable of
It’s the reason campers count down the days until they can come back.
And it’s the reason many parents tell us:

“Camp changed my child.”

Question 18

What kinds of activities do campers participate in?

Accepted Answer

Campers experience a wide variety of activities including:
Swimming
Archery
Hiking
Outdoor survival skills
Team games
Leadership activities
Nature exploration
Campfires
Group challenges
Traditional camp activities
To make the experience truly their own, campers frequently get to choose their preferred activities throughout the week, allowing them to focus on what they love most. > Every week is packed with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Learn more here:  Big Elk Creek Camp Activities & Information

Question 19

Will my child be encouraged to try new things?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.
One of the most powerful parts of camp is helping kids safely step outside their comfort zone.
Whether it’s:
Challenging the low ropes course
Speaking up
Making new friends
Trying archery
Performing in a skit
Sleeping away from home
Our counselors celebrate effort, courage, and growth — not perfection.

Question 20

Why is overnight camp important for kids?

Accepted Answer

Research consistently shows that quality overnight camps help children develop:
Confidence
Independence
Resilience
Leadership
Social skills
Emotional growth
Problem-solving abilities
Camp gives kids opportunities to grow in ways that simply can’t happen through screens or structured school environments alone.

Honestly, if parents could see what we get to witness every single day from our perspective, our registration would be completely full in a heartbeat. The day-to-day transformation, the sudden bursts of confidence when a child conquers a new challenge, and the genuine, positive friendships that form out of nowhere are incredible to watch. They don't just have fun—they come home more resilient, independent, and secure in who they are.

Question 21

What values does Big Elk Creek Camp teach?

Accepted Answer

We proudly uphold the YMCA core values:
Caring
Honesty
Respect
Responsibility

These values guide everything we do — from activities and teamwork to leadership and friendships.

Big Elk Creek Camp
Your Best Summer Ever!

Frequently asked questions