Shepherd's Spring Camper Information

Certification

Shepherd's Spring is an accredited camp through the American Camping Association (ACA). Additional information about accreditation is available through their website - www.acacamps.org. Shepherd's Spring is also certified through a letter of compliance as a summer camp by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The site identification number is 21049. Annual inspection reports are available upon request.

Scholarships

Scholarship assistance is available in several forms. If you are receiving assistance from your congregation, please have the pastor or camp advocate fill out the appropriate lines on the registration form. Scholarship assistance is also available through Shepherd's Spring. Requests for these scholarships should be in writing and should accompany the registration form.

Health Information

Each camper will receive a health information form to be completed prior to their arrival at camp. Campers age 18 or under must have a copy of their immunization record. Campers over the age of 18 will need the date of their last tetanus shot. Physicals are required only for campers who are under the care of a physician for a specific condition. A health screening will occur during camp registration. For purposes of safety, most medications will be stored and distributed by the camp health staff. Doctors written orders must accompany all medications brought to camp. This includes any over the counter medications being taken regularly by campers.

Accident and illness insurance is provided as part of the camp fee. This covers accidents and illness incurred while at camp or while traveling to and from camp. The insurance is secondary care, and is limited. A family's own health insurance is necessary for primary coverage. This information is included in the health information form.

Visitors

Parents and friends are invited to tour the camp and meet leaders when they bring their children to camp. One of the goals at camp is to help campers develop independence. An integral part of growing up is the extended experience away from home. For this reason we strongly discourage phone calls (campers are not permitted to bring cell phones) to campers and visits during the camp session. If there is a family emergency please call the office.

Personal Conduct Policies

In order to provide an atmosphere where people can live together in a Christian community, it is necessary to provide guidelines for personal conduct. These include but may not be limited to:

1. Each camper is expected to participate and cooperate in activities.
2. Abusive behavior toward other persons is unacceptable.
3. Abusive behavior toward camp property including the natural setting is unacceptable.
4. Profane language is unacceptable.
5. Tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.
6. Established "off-limits" areas are to be honored.
7. Clothing including swimsuits needs to be modest. Bikinis and speedos are not appropriate. T-shirt designs or writing should not be suggestive or in poor taste.

Parental Consultation

Shepherd's Spring Administrator, Camp Director or Camp Nurse will notify parents or guardians in the event of serious illness, accident, or communicable disease. Parents will be asked to make immediate arrangements to pick up their camper.

There are several types of behaviors that require prolonged one-on-one adult care. Shepherd's Spring does not have staff trained to provide, nor do our fees cover, long-term, individual care for campers. Shepherd's Spring is an intentional Christian community that helps campers to live, eat, sleep, and take part in group activities.

Note: Types of behavior which warrant a call to the parents and possible removal of the camper from the site are: prolonged homesickness, violence by a camper directed at persons, facilities or the environment and emotionally-based, acting-out behaviors that are determined by Shepherd's Spring administration to be detrimental to the overall health of the small group, community camping experience.

Refund Policy

Any camper sent home due to illness, accident or homesickness will receive a prorated refund. Any camper sent home because of personal conduct will not receive a refund.

If a camper is unable to function within these guidelines, actions will be taken by the camp staff keeping in mind the best interest of the individual, other campers, and staff. A camper may be sent home after consultation with parent/guardian if it is determined that the camper's behavior is disruptive to the program.

Meals

Three well-balanced meals plus an evening snack are served daily. In order to encourage good eating habits, please do not bring or send food or candy of any type to camp. Campers must bring a water bottle with them. A limited supply of water bottles will be available for purchase from the camp store.

Mail

A card or letter from a parent, friend, or pastor is welcomed and helps build morale. Mail should be addressed to the camper c/o: Shepherd's Spring, P.O. Box 369, Sharpsburg, MD 21782.

Offering Project

An offering project is selected each year by camp staff. The offering allows campers to extend the hand of Christian fellowship and support to others through their gift to the offering. Campers and their families will learn about the offering project through the parent information booklet sent to them with their camp registration confirmation.

Feel free to contact us to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.