FAQ
Sr. High - Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the more frequent questions that get asked and hopefully alleviate any pre-camp concerns. If you read through this section and still have questions, please contact us at info@deerwander.org
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Is Middle School and High School Deerwander one large camp?
Deerwander Bible Conference started as a single entity and branched out to include a Middle School aged program in the late 1990’s. Today, they are run simultaneously in separate locations (MS camp in Windsor Hills, NH and Sr. High at Chop Point Camp in Woolwich, ME) and both have distinct traditions and programs unique to each camp and the ages they cater to.
If I send a brother and sister to camp, will they see each other?
As long as they are both going to either the Sr. High or the Middle School camp then “Yes". The amount of time they will see each other depends on the activities they enjoy and the course tracks they attend. Each afternoon we do have a large block of free time which is generally the best time to "connect".
What to Bring?
Pillow, sleeping bag or linen for a single size bunk, towels (shower and beach), toilet articles, FLASHLIGHT (plus extra batteries), Normal summer clothes (keeping modesty in mind), dress up cloths for Sunday and our Banquet, some warm things for our cool evenings, cloths for clan games (to get messy), rain gear, 2 modest, one piece swim suits, $$ for the camp store, BIBLE, and a notebook.
What Not to Bring?
Ipods, radios, TV’s, Cell Phones, etc. Valuables such as grandma’s heirloom ring and other expensive jewelry or your summer paycheck. We would not like to see them lost or damaged. However, if they are brought, we can put them in our safe for the week.
What if I use my phone as my clock?
Understanding that many campers use their cell phones as alarm clocks they are allowed (for the time being) to be brought to camp to be used in that capacity, HOWEVER, under no circumstances are campers allowed to use their phones to talk or text during camp. If campers are found or reported to be using them in this capacity they WILL be confiscated. Camp is all about unplugging from the outside world for a week and any communication you feel you need to do with the outside world can be done from the phone in our office with permission.
What is the Banquet?
Each year we set aside one evening meal toward the end of the week as out banquet night, it is a celebration of the week we have had, what we have learned and for some (seniors) the end of their Deerwander experience as a camper. Appropriate attire for the banquet is “church cloths” with dresses for the girls and nice pants and collared shirts for the boys. This attire is not mandatory but it is encouraged. Senior class campers usually take this attire to the next level with “prom” dresses for the girls and ties (sometimes suites) for the guys.
Does Camp have a Dress Code?
Not officially, however clothing worn daily and at the banquet should be modest and appropriate for a Christian Camp. Dresses and skirts should be no shorter than knee length. Girl’s swimsuits should be ONE piece or they will be required to wear a t-shirt while swimming. Please don't put Camp in an uncomfortable position—make sure that outfits are appropriate. We reserve the right to ask your child to change clothes if deemed inappropriate.
Do the Cabins have Bathrooms?
All facilities are modern and designed with comfort, health and safety in mind and are ACA accredited. Campers sleep in fully-enclosed and screened cabins (with 2 counselors per cabin). All the girls’ cabins are equipped with bathrooms and showers. The boys share a centrally located shower house with bathrooms, except for the senior boy’s cabin which has its own.
What does it mean to be a "Christian Camp"?
While we do operate as a “camp” Deerwander is truly a Bible Conference and our program reflects so. Our purpose statement has been the same since the beginning of camp in 1938 “To provide an atmosphere that is not only conducive to challenging young people and encouraging to serious Christian commitment in choosing worthwhile and unselfish goals while having fun in the processes.” Our program reflects the same with daily devotionals, morning classes and an evening speaker each night.
How are campers organized?
Campers are divided based on grade: the Middle School camp (entering 6th grade – 8th grade) and the Senior High camp (entering 9th grade – 12th grade). Once broken up into their respective camps (Each under the supervision of a separate Director(s) campers are usually assigned to cabins based on their grade. Each cabin has 2 counselors and between 10-15 campers.
What is the camper to staff ratio?
The approximately 70-80 campers on grounds are overseen by roughly 25 program staff members for an excellent 3:1 ratio.
How are Cabin assignments made?
Because we don’t know every camper prior to arrival, we have found it best to assign cabins based on grade in school. We do try and honor requests for campers to be in other cabins as we are able and when it may be in the best interest of the camper and/or cabin. We do not make any of these changes prior to camp starting as we rely on the judgment of the counselors of both cabins once the campers are on site.
Do the campers pick activities?
No, Deerwander does not have organized “free time” activities that campers have to sign up for. All Campers have supervised free time each day with the largest block of time in the afternoon where they can choose what they would like to do. Some activities like waterskiing do require being added to a daily signup sheet. Some of the activities Sr. High Deerwander offers are: swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, water-ski/wakeboarding, tennis, basketball, volleyball, cricket, pool and ping pong. Campers are encouraged to bring instruments (understanding that camp cannot be responsible for damage that may occur while camp is in session) if they like as there is usually an afternoon “jam session”.
What does an "average" day look like at camp?
7:00 Wake Up
8:00 Breakfast
9:25 Devotions
9:45 Morning Class
12:00 Lunch
1:30 Clan Meeting
2:30 Clan Games
3:30 Open Waterfront/Free Time
5:30 Supper
7:00 Evening Service
8:30 Evening Activity
10:00 In Cabins/10:45 Lights Out
Are their any "rules" that campers need to follow?
Rules give a certain structure to any group. They are not created to hamper individual expression, but to form boundaries of acceptable behavior which guard the safety and well-being of all members of the group. Therefore Campers will be cooperative, will contribute to the well-being of all, will participate in ALL activities, and will abide by all the rules determined by the Camp Director and other leaders.
1. The camp boundaries will be explained at camp.
2. There will be no campers allowed in the cabin area of the opposite sex.
3. Radios, tape players, CD players may be played softly in the cabins ONLY, and ONLY with the approval of the cabin counselor. This means not only how Loud, but When and What.
4. Smoking is not permitted.
5. Illegal drugs and alcohol are not permitted.
6. Any writing on or defacing of camp property will require repair, painting, or replacement by the camper and at their cost.
7. Water sports only at designated times and areas. (Waterfront rules posted at the docks)
8. Curfews will be observed. Quiet will be maintained from lights out until 7:00 AM.
9. Telephone use is limited to the pay phone in the lodge (This means no Cell Phones!).
10. Fire pails, water barrels, hoses, and fire extinguishers are placed at strategic locations for the purpose of fighting fire. These items are not to be used for any other purpose. Do not block any fire exit door or stairway.
These rules are not flexible—Camper discipline may consist of, but not limited to; the following:
1. Apologies to those affected.
2. Restriction from activities.
3. Extra duties.
4. A letter written by you to your parents / pastor explaining in your own words why it was so important for you to break a camp rule.
5. A call by the Camp Directors to your parents to come and pick you up from camp because you are “coming home”.
I'm concerned about homesickness. Do you have any advice?
Some campers away from home for the first time are homesick for a short period of time. On a "percentage" this is not a large problem at camp as it generally clears up within a few days as the camper enjoys the neat activities, and making friends. If you as a parent get a letter/postcard or call from the camper that indicates a problem, PLEASE call the camp office (207-443-5860 or 207-570-9255) and our staff will look into it and let you know what is going on. Sometimes those letters are written the first night at camp, and when the parent receives them on Thursday or Friday the natural assumption is that the child has been miserable the whole week!
What if I'm a "Kid-Sick" parent?
If you are a “kid-sick” parent, give us a call and we will have you talk to one of the counselors assigned to your child so you can verify that your camper is well and having a great time at Camp. With the exception of emergencies, we do not permit phone calls to campers.
Will the campers participate in a lot of activities?
Every camper will not only have plenty of free time to do their own activities but we also have whole camp games and competitions during their time together at camp. If your camper has any medical issues that might preclude their participation in these activities, we don't want them to be put at risk of further injury. Please fill out the “notes” area of the medical section detailing the need to excuse them from these normally scheduled activities. In the absence of such notification and or physician supplied documentation, we will assume your child can fully participate in these normal activities.
What if my child becomes ill or injured?
Deerwander Bible Conference has a state certified RN or LPN staffing our infirmary. We also have several EMTs on staff and many other staffers that are Red Cross BLS certified. Chop Point Camp (who we rent from) has a local physician who is the “camp physician” who our staff can utilize if needed for non emergent questions and procedures.
If your child is ill or injured, Camp will comply with the American Camping Association regulations:
• In the event of minor injury/illness such as headache, simple abrasion or earache, the Camp nurse will provide appropriate treatment. A phone call home is not required.
• In the event of major injury/illness such as broken bones, concussion, allergic reaction or any other event requiring a hospital visit, you will be contacted as soon as possible when we have all the details. Please note that we will try to contact you in person and will not leave a detailed message on an answering machine. In an emergency, Deerwander uses Mid-Coast Hospital in Brunswick, ME (14 miles away) and has EMS response from Bath, ME if needed.
• If a non-hospital incident happens at night, and is not serious, we will call you the next morning.
Please be assured that we will act in the best interests of your child when determining medical care. When in doubt, we will always take your child for treatment.
What if my child needs to take medications at Camp?
All medications, including vitamins—prescription or not—must be turned in to the Camp nurse upon arrival and noted on your child’s Medical Form. All prescription medications must be submitted in their original marked container indicating the name of the drug and dosing information. Our nurses are not legally allowed to dispense any medications that are not in an original, marked container—there is no flexibility with this policy.
The Camp nurse is able to dispense common, over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, Sudafed and Advil in the event your camper may require them. You do not need to send these with your camper.
What immunizations does my child need?
All campers must be up-to-date on their immunizations, including Tetnus Toxoid (within the previous 10 years). If the last immunizations are not known or recorded on the camper form then it will be assumed they have not received them.
Is my child’s medical information confidential?
In keeping with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (or HIPPA), information regarding your child's medical background, diagnosis, medications and treatments will only be released to staff who have a reasonable need to be involved in providing health care to your child during their stay at Camp. We also limit the release of information to organizations or individuals that are providing care (i.e., emergency room personnel) or paying for care (i.e., insurance companies).
What if my child has severe allergic reactions and/or asthma?
If your camper requires the use of an inhaler or Epi-pen then 2 of them MUST be brought to camp. At the discretion of the camp nurse your camper may be allowed to keep his/her inhaler or Epi-pen on his/her person while the other will be stored in the infirmary for emergencies.
How do I contact Camp in an emergency?
You can always reach the Operation Director 24x7 directly by calling 207-570-9255 or alternately the office by calling 207-443-5860 during the daytime hours. Most of our staff carry radios and any messages that may need to be relayed to campers or staff can be distributed immediately.
When is the total camp payment due?
The total camp fee is due at “check in” on the first day of camp. Many families pay the full amount at registration time which does speed the check in process for the camper as well as helps us in startup costs of camp. If money is due at check in for your camper Please send tuition payment by check—we are not able to process credit cards at this time. If you would like to set up a payment plan, or would like to see if scholarships are available please e-mail Kurt Anderson for the Sr. High (kanderson at deerwander.org) or Jon Evans for the Jr. High (jevans at opc-ipswich.org).
If I send more than one child to camp will I get a discount?
YES! We offer a 10% discount for the second camper and a 15% for the third and any other campers that may come from a single family. If you have campers going to the Middle School camp and the Sr. High camp you still qualify so please contact us.
Are there Scholarships available?
Yes! Deerwander Bible Conference has money set aside and donated each year for various scholarship funds. The availability of the fund monies depend on donations, requests and initiatives and may result in a discounted fee (percentage off) and other times may provide full boat scholarships. Deerwander is committed to never having financial barriers be the reason that a child cannot come to camp.
To apply for a scholarship click here and fill out the form entirely.
What kind of Footwear should I bring to camp?
Recently we have noticed many foot injuries at camp related to the lack of proper footwear. Camp is a tough environment for feet with dirt roads, paths through the woods, and an abundance of sticks and rocks. Although flip-flop type sandals are prevalent the best foot ware you can provide your kids at camp are types with closed toes that also have straps to remain on the feet while running.
What if we leave something behind at camp?
Camp will not accept responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Please understand that hundreds of nice items (clothing, equipment, etc.,) are left at Camp every summer, if we are able to match up an owner with a item we will but all unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable organization by the middle of September.
How can my child get to camp?
The majority of campers arrive with their parents/church van/carpool between 1:00pm-4:00pm on the beginning Saturday of camp. We do not provide lunch on Saturday and check in does not officially start until 1:00pm so most people grab lunch in Bath/Brunswick/Augusta (depending on the direction) and head up to camp after.
If you would like to know of other campers in your area that you could schedule carpooling with please e-mail info@deerwander.org
How can I contact my child at camp or send a care package?
Campers love to receive mail and packages, perhaps more than they like to answer it! We do however encourage writing home and we do provide free postcards in the Camp Store. Don’t be surprised if you do not receive a letter from your camper as our program is very full and campers utilize free time for waterfront and other activities. If for any reason you are concerned for your camper, please let us know and we will be happy to confirm that your child is doing well. So long story short: Campers LOVE to get care packages. Possible items to include are snacks, homemade baked goods, individual wrapped candy, notes and pictures. Please be mindful of transit times getting to camp.
Our mailing address is:
Camper Name
Deerwander Bible Conference
c/o Chop Point Camp
420 Chop Point Road
Woolwich, ME 04579
Can I call my child on the phone?
With the exception of emergencies, we cannot permit regular “check in” phone calls to campers. Camp is just too big and busy to handle it. If you are a “kid-sick” parent, give us a call and we will have you talk to your camper’s cabin counselor who can assure you that your child is well and having a great time at Camp. We don’t want to turn a “kid-sick” parent into a “homesick” camper problem. NOTE: Many campers are allowed to retain their cell phones for use as a clock/alarm, however if they are seen using their phone for any other purpose it will be confiscated. Please do not encourage your camper to routinely “check in” by calling on their cell, they are breaking the rules. Thank you for your cooperation with us.
What does it mean to be Accreditated?
The location that Sr. High Deerwander is held at (Chop Point Camp) has earned and maintained the highest recognition and standing by being an accredited member of the American Camping Association (ACA). This means that the facility and program has met the requirements for membership established by the ACA. Camps awarded the ACA emblem are inspected every three years by qualified personnel to ascertain their compliance with standards set by these organizations. As a registered user group utilizing the facility we are required to follow the same rules/standards and procedures that Chop Point uses to maintain their accreditation.
If you have ANY other questions please do not hesitate to ask at info@deerwander.org