Arrivals and Departures

Welcome to Camp!

Our busiest days at Camp are arrivals and departures. It is exciting to have our campers and their families on-site, however the experience can also feel overwhelming, especially to first-time guests.

Below is an outline of what you can expect from the start and end of your camper’s visit.

Our goal is to help make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible. If you have any questions, please call (402) 352-5655 or email campluther@campluther.org and we are happy to answer those for you.

Schedule Notes

With a few exceptions, our summer camp Drop-Off begins at 3:00 pm and Pick-up begins at 11:00 am.

  • Most Summer Youth Camps run Sunday to Friday.

  • Most Explorer Camps run Sunday to Tuesday. (Explorer B runs Wednesday to Friday).

  • Explorer Plus and Discovery Mini change dates based on the 4th of July holiday. Start and end times stay the same.

  • His-Kids summer Check-in begins at 9:00 am on the start day given (Usually Monday or Tuesday). Summer Pick-up is between 10:30 am and 11:00 am.

  • Future Leaders are asked to arrive Sunday before 2pm so they can join our staff meeting. Pick-up is at 12:30 pm or when the kitchen stops serving food. Future Leaders willing to stay and help our team clean camp are invited to stay until 4:00 pm.

Unauthorized persons cannot pick up your camper. For your child’s safety, the primary parent/adult caregiver must call our office IN ADVANCE if there is a change in drivers.

AT NO TIME should a child be dropped off and left alone unsupervised at camp.

Summer Check-in

  1. Camp Entrance

    • Turn by the Camp sign, next to a blue house.

    • A team member will greet you, and they can provide directions as needed.

    • Drive through camp to our Main Lodge (Gerwick Lodge).

  2. Gerwick Lodge

    • Park at the lodge and leave all luggage in your vehicle. Any pets should remain outside under supervision, please.

    • Please bring in your camper and any medications.

    • Camper check-in starts through the Right-Hand door. Your camper will be given a name tag that indicates their cabin location.

    • Our staff will check in your camper, verify all forms are complete and any outstanding balances are paid, and answer any questions.

    • You will receive a map and directions to your camper’s cabin. A guide can also be arranged as needed.

    • If your camper has medications, check those in at the med station.

    • Campers with allergies or dietary needs should check-in with the head cook to ensure that we are meeting their needs.

  3. Move into your Cabin

    • If your camper is not staying in Gerwick Lodge, you can drive your camper to their cabin.

      • Depending on weather conditions, campers staying in Treehouse Village may be assigned a luggage drop-off location. You and your Camp er can still walk down to see the cabin and choose a bunk. The rest of your gear will be delivered later.

    • Check-in with the Cabin Counselor.

      • You will be asked to verify pick-up authorizations.

      • This is your chance to discuss any personal needs or concerns you camper might have about their stay.

    • Help your camper move in. Claim a bunk, get luggage settled, and greet others in the cabin.

  4. Opening Program at begins 4:40 pm at our Deer Run campfire site

    • After your camper is moved in, feel free to spend some time exploring the grounds.

    • (Optional) You are invited to join our 4:40 pm Opening Program. Enjoy a taste of our camp experience and a sample of the theme your campers will explore in our Bible Encounters this week. Our Opening Program concludes around 5:00 pm.

  5. Go in Peace!

Summer Check-out

  1. Our closing program begins at 11:00am

    • We meet at our Deer Run campfire site (weather permitting).
      Our alternate location is inside Gerwick Lodge.

    • A Future Leader or staff member can help guide the way.

    • Once you arrive, feel free to sit with your camper. We encourage you to stay for the program, or arrange for an early check-out in advance to avoid disrupting the experience.

  2. At the conclusion of the closing program, you may walk with your camper and check them out at their cabin.

    • This is a safety step to confirm that campers only leave with an authorized adult.

    • It is also your opportunity to check the room (and restroom) to confirm that you camper packed everything that they arrived with.

  3. Please verify that you have all your campers belongings and any medications that were checked-in.

  4. A Family Meal begins at noon. Please feel free to join us for lunch and for a slide show sharing pictures from the week. There is no extra charge; a free will donation is requested.

  5. Our Camp Store will be open for any last minute purchases!

    • Your camper’s counselor will inform you if there is a balance remaining from the camper’s allotted funds.

    • Camp Store Tabs over $10 can be refunded. For smaller amounts, most families make a donation to Camp or purchase snacks for the trip home.

  6. Go in Peace, thanks for joining us this summer!

Custom Arrivals and Departures

We understand that plans change and schedules sometimes need to be adapted.

  • Early arrivals are okay so long as the camper remains in your care. Early check-ins are discouraged as our team may still be making preparations. Feel free to explore camp with your camper and family.

  • Late arrivals are best scheduled during the week before your event. We may not have a team member in the office on Sunday to answer the phones. We will attempt to contact late arrivals at the phone number provided after Check-in time has ended.

  • Mid-week departures are discouraged but sometimes unavoidable. Please talk with our office team in advance (or at Drop-off) to make arrangements. Campers will be escorted to Gerwick Lodge and will meet you there with a staff member (unless another location is designated). Only authorized adults may check-out your camper. Once checked-out, the camper is in your care until they are checked back in with our leadership team.

  • Early Departures are best when scheduled in advance. Campers participate in a closing Bible Study and need time to clean and pack their stuff. Campers will be escorted to Gerwick Lodge once their belongings are packed, and will meet you there with a staff member (unless another location is designated).

  • Late Departures are discouraged but sometimes unavoidable. After Closing, campers whose families have not arrived will join their Counselor for the Family Meal at Gerwick Lodge. Attempts to call the Caregiver and emergency contacts may be made if there is a long enough delay

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