Charis Hills Sleep Away Summer Camp welcomes campers between the ages of 6 and 17 to join in the fun and enriching summer camp experience. We offer programs tailored to specific age groups, with age-appropriate activities and accommodations.
Our overnight camps allow kids and teens to fully immerse themselves in the Charis Hills community. Campers live in cabin groups with peers their own age and gender, enjoying evening activities and adventures under the stars.
We also offer day camp programs for children ages 6-12, providing enrichment for local families. Day campers participate in all the activities, just heading home each evening.
Some of our specialized programs by age include:
- Explorers Camp for ages 6-8 years old. Our youngest campers enjoy arts & crafts, songs, games and nature activities.
- Adventure Camp for ages 9-11 years old. Older campers embark on canoe trips, go hiking, learn camping skills, and more.
- Leadership Camp for ages 15-17. Teens develop leadership abilities while still enjoying classic camp fun like capture the flag.
With programs tailored for every age and interest, your child will find their perfect fit for meaningful summer memories at Charis Hills!
Catering to Diverse Needs
Charis Hills welcomes campers with a wide range of abilities and learning differences. Our experienced staff is specially trained to provide personalized support and meet the needs of each child.
We work closely with families to understand each camper's unique requirements. Whether a child has ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or other learning differences, our counselors offer compassionate guidance tailored to their strengths and challenges.
Our low camper-to-staff ratio allows us to give focused attention to campers who need extra assistance. We help campers thrive by building confidence, teaching social skills, and promoting independence in a safe environment.
In addition to our general camp programs, we offer specialized tracks for varying abilities. These small-group activities allow campers to engage with peers who understand them. Arts, sports, STEM and life skills programs are adapted to different learning styles and paces.
From sensory spaces to picture schedules, we incorporate tools and routines that help neurodiverse learners feel comfortable. We work as a team with families and therapists to continue effective strategies from home and school.
Our inclusive community allows campers to appreciate diversity. By learning from each other's perspectives, campers gain compassion and form meaningful friendships. We empower every child to discover their talents and share their gifts.
Exciting Activities for All Interests
Charis Hills offers an exciting range of activities to match any interest or ability. Campers can choose to focus on sports, creative arts, or STEM programs based on their preferences.
The sports program provides instruction in popular sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more. Campers develop athletic skills while learning the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Certified coaches guide the training and offer tips for improvement.
For campers interested in the arts, there are activities like theater, dance, music, painting, pottery, and crafts. Professional artists teach the classes, allowing campers to explore their creative side. Campers gain confidence through self-expression and public performances.
STEM programs like robotics, coding, and engineering provide hands-on learning experiences. Campers use critical thinking to solve problems and create projects. The STEM challenges are a fun way to develop innovation and technical skills.
In addition to the specialized programs, Charis Hills has a wide range of indoor and outdoor adventures. Campers go swimming, hiking, climbing, boating, horse riding and more. The scenic grounds and lake provide the perfect backdrop for exploring nature. Counselors lead the activities while ensuring a safe environment.
With this diverse mix of programs tailored to individual interests, campers build new skills while discovering their passions. The activities are designed to challenge campers just beyond their comfort zone, leading to immense growth and development. Charis Hills promises endless opportunities for adventure and enrichment.
Christian Values and Teachings
Charis Hills is founded on Christian values that are seamlessly integrated throughout the camp experience. Campers are immersed in a faith-based community that focuses on character development through Biblical teachings.
Daily Bible studies and worship services allow campers to deepen their understanding of scripture and build a personal relationship with God. These sessions provide valuable lessons that campers can apply to their lives, such as treating others with kindness, finding strength during hardships, and being grateful.
Counselors also lead discussions about making good choices guided by Christian values. Campers are encouraged to reflect on their actions and how living by the Word can help them become the best versions of themselves.
Charis Hills aims to nurture the whole child, including their moral and spiritual growth. Parents can feel assured that their children are learning core values rooted in compassion, honesty, and service to others.
The spiritual enrichment activities balance fun adventures and strengthen campers' faith and confidence. Campers leave with a greater sense of who they are and how living by Christian principles can positively impact their lives.
Committed and Caring Staff
The dedicated staff at Charis Hills are the heart of the camp experience. Our counselors and activity leaders go through extensive training to be able to provide excellent mentorship, guidance, and care tailored to each child's needs.
We maintain a low camper to staff ratio of approximately 6:1 for ages 7-9 and 8:1 for ages 10-17. This allows each counselor to give more individualized attention to the campers in their cabin group. Counselors act as mentors and role models, helping campers feel comfortable trying new things while providing support and encouragement.
Our thorough staff training program equips counselors to work with children of all abilities and backgrounds. Training topics include behavior management, fostering inclusion, homesickness and anxiety mitigation, conflict resolution, and diversity awareness. Counselors also receive first aid/CPR certification and training on any specialized medical needs of campers.
Activity specialists have expertise in their respective areas like sports, arts, nature studies, etc. These specialists collaborate closely with counselors to adapt activities and provide modifications to help each child succeed. Ongoing staff development ensures our team continues honing their skills.
Our camp directors take time to thoughtfully match staff to cabins based on personalities, skills, and camper needs. We take pride in our staff's passion for nurturing children, unwavering patience, and ability to make each camper feel cared for as an individual.
Nurturing Living Accommodations
Charis Hills provides nurturing living accommodations tailored to each camper's needs and comfort levels. Campers can choose from various lodging options based on their age group and preferences:
Cabins
Younger campers stay in cozy, rustic cabins surrounded by nature. With 6-8 campers per cabin along with counselor supervision, cabins help foster a sense of community and bonding. The wooden cabins contain bunk beds, storage for belongings, and electrical outlets. Bathroom facilities are located in a separate building nearby.
Dormitories
Older campers can opt for the dormitory-style lodging. With separate wings for boys and girls, dorms can house up to 12 campers. Each camper gets their own bed and dresser. Dorms have shared bathrooms and common areas for socializing. Counselors stay in adjacent rooms.
Tents
For campers seeking an outdoor adventure, platform tents are available. Tents sleep 2-4 campers on cots and include electricity. Nearby bathrooms have hot showers. Being outdoors under the stars creates lasting memories.
Private Rooms
Private rooms provide a quieter lodging choice. These rooms contain 1-2 beds, dressers, and electrical outlets. Bathrooms are shared with the hallway. Private rooms allow introverted campers to recharge.
All lodging facilities are cleaned daily by staff. The camp maintains strict safety standards including nightly curfews, smoke detectors, and emergency plans. Lodging is assigned based on age, needs, and roommate requests. Our goal is for every camper to feel at home.
Nutritious and Delicious Meals
Charis Hills understands the importance of nutritious, well-balanced meals in supporting kids' health, development, and ability to fully participate in camp activities. Our dining hall provides delicious and kid-friendly meals that accommodate various dietary needs and restrictions.
Our camp chefs work closely with nutritionists and dietitians to design menus that are tasty, healthy, and promote good eating habits. Meals feature fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and reduced sugar. We avoid highly processed foods and provide wholesome alternatives.
Campers start each day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel their bodies and minds. Lunch and dinner always include salad bars with farm-fresh produce. For campers with food allergies or intolerances like gluten or dairy, we prepare safe alternative meals. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary preferences are happily accommodated. Our chefs are meticulous about food safety for campers with severe allergies.
In addition to regular meals, we provide healthy snacks like yogurt, granola bars, fruits and veggies. Staying hydrated is emphasized as well. Our goal is to send campers home with an expanded palate and enthusiasm for nutritious foods. The dining hall is a place for campers to refuel, build community, and create happy mealtime memories.
Affordable Pricing
Charis Hills offers competitive and affordable pricing, with several options to help make the camp experience accessible to families of all income levels.
The base cost for a 1-week overnight camp session is $550 per camper. This covers all accommodations, meals, activities, and programs for the full session. Optional add-ons like horseback riding lessons or arts & crafts materials can be purchased for an additional fee.
For families looking for a longer camp experience, 2-week sessions are available for $1000 per camper. This allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the Charis Hills community and participate in more specialized programs.
Day camp sessions are also offered at $275 per week for campers who do not need overnight accommodations. Day campers can participate in all the same activities and programs as overnight campers.
Charis Hills provides several options to reduce costs for families:
- Early bird registration discounts of $25 off per session if booked before March 1
- Sibling discounts of $50 off for additional siblings attending camp
- Referral rewards providing $50 off per referred new camper
- Payment plans to spread out payments over 3-6 months with no interest
The camp also offers need-based financial assistance to ensure cost is never a barrier to attending. Families can apply for partial or full scholarships to subsidize session fees. Over 15% of campers receive some level of financial assistance each summer.
With these discounts and payment options, Charis Hills delivers an enriching Christian summer camp experience at a price accessible to families across income levels.
Enriching Special Events
Charis Hills offers various special events and activities to enrich the camp experience. These events help build community, showcase campers' skills and talents, and create fun memories.
Theme Days
Several theme days are held each session, allowing campers and staff to dress up, decorate, and engage in activities related to the theme. Past themes have included Superhero Day, Tropical Day, Western Day, and more. These spirited theme days add excitement to the summer.
Campfires
Nightly campfires bring everyone together to sing songs, roast marshmallows, and bond. Campers can share stories, skits, or songs around the campfire. The campfires create lasting memories under the stars.
Talent Shows
Campers are encouraged to showcase their skills and talents in a fun talent show held during each session. Campers can sing, dance, do skits, magic tricks, or anything that highlights their abilities. It's a great confidence booster.
Offsite Field Trips
To supplement onsite activities, camps take field trips to local attractions like museums, amusement parks, zoos, and bowling alleys. These trips provide hands-on learning, exposure to new experiences, and a chance to bond.
Visitor Days
On designated visitor days, parents are welcome to visit camp and participate in activities with their child. Visitors get a glimpse into the daily life of camp and share memorable moments with their child.
With its diverse range of special events, Charis Hills keeps camp exciting and allows each child to grow in new ways. Campers make connections and take home unforgettable memories.
Registration Details
Registering for camp at Charis Hills is easy and straightforward. We aim to make the process as smooth as possible for families.
Important Dates
- Early bird registration opens: January 1
- Regular registration opens: March 1
- Registration deadline: May 15
- Required forms due: June 1
Be sure to take advantage of our early bird pricing by registering before March 1. Space is limited, so we encourage families to register early.
Registration Process
Registration can be completed fully online through our secure registration system. Simply create an account, select your desired camp program and session dates, and provide your payment information.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for completing required camp forms, such as:
- Health history form
- Permission to administer medication
- Off-site permission form
- Release of liability/waiver
These forms must be submitted by June 1. Campers will not be allowed to attend camp without these completed forms.
Policies and FAQs
Deposits and Payments: A $200 deposit per camper is due at time of registration. The remaining balance is due by May 15.
Cancellation Policy: Deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations 30+ days before the camp session start date will receive a full refund minus the deposit. No refunds are given for cancellations within 30 days of camp.
Waitlist Policy: If the camp session you selected is full, you will be added to the waitlist. We will contact you if a spot opens up.
Financial Aid: We offer need-based financial assistance. See our website for details and applications.
Please see our website FAQ page for additional information on transfers, late arrivals/early departures, homesickness policies, and more. We are happy to answer any other questions you may have!
