When does registration begin?

Summer camp registration typically begins in early March. For other events, such as retreats, registration is posted once sufficient information is finalized, usually several months prior to the event. The summer camp schedule is generally posted by early December to help you coordinate with other summer plans. If there is a specific session your camper prefers, we recommend registering early as camp sessions do fill up. If your preferred session is full, you may choose to place your camper on a waiting list in case additional space opens up. Please see our waiting list FAQ for more information on how this process works.

Historically speaking, our VIP Camp and 7th-12th Grade West Virginia Adventure Camp tend to be two of the first sessions to fill up. If your camper is hoping to attend one of these sessions, we recommend registering in March. Our July sessions also tend to fill quickly.

To sign up for a camp or retreat, you may register in one of two ways.

Online: We highly recommend you register online as this is our fastest and most secure option. First, create an account for your family. Then, you may register yourself, your children and/or your spouse for events. If you have not already done so, create a parent account. Once your account has been created, you may log back in at any time to register for more events and to check the status of events you are already registered for. You may also submit payments through your account. The same account is used each year.

Creating an account:

1) Click the "Log In" button on the upper right-hand corner of your screen.

2) Select "Create New Account”

3) Enter in your (parent/legal guardian) information. You are creating a parent account and will add your children and/or spouse later. If you are an adult registering for a retreat, simply enter your own information in here and skip the steps for adding children/spouse.

4) You will then be directed to a screen where you can “add new household members”. Add children/spouse as applicable. You have now created your account and are ready to register for events!

Registering for an event:

1) Click either the "Retreats" or "Summer Camp" tab as applicable. If you select "Summer Camp" click "Summer Camp Schedule" in the drop-down menu. You will be directed to a searchable list of events. Filter to find your event and click the green “Register” button.

2) A drop-down box will appear. Select which family member you are registering.

3) If applicable, enter your church scholarship discount code. Follow remaining prompts to complete registration.

4) You will receive a confirmation email upon completion of registration. Congratulations! We look forward to having your family at camp! If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folder. If you still do not see a confirmation, email the camp to request confirmation. You can also view your registration status through your account on our website.

Mail: Printable forms are available on our website for camps and retreats. Please DO NOT FAX REGISTRATIONS. Mail completed registration forms to:

For your protection, we CANNOT accept camper registrations over the phone. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Reminder for All Camps: Please remember to leave cell phones at home. Camp is a time to let go of technology and to embrace God’s creation while being fully present with other campers. 

Packing List for Day Camps 

• Water bottle
• Bible, notepad and pen/pencil
• Money for missions
• Sunscreen and bug spray (spray-on please if your child requires assistance applying)
• Swimsuit*, sandals and beach towel
• Backpack or small bag (campers typically pack the previous items in this for easy storage and transportation throughout the day)

Packing List for Main Camp (Overnight Camps)

• Pillow plus sheets and blanket or sleeping bag (beds are twin-sized)
• Casual and recreational clothing (remember a jacket or sweatshirt!)
• Dirty clothes bag (please do NOT use trash bags)
• Water bottle
• Bible, notepad and pen/pencil
• Money for missions
• Money for the camp store (small bills/quarters recommended)
• Toiletries, personal items and towel/washcloth
• Sunscreen and bug spray (spray-on please if your child requires assistance applying)
• Swimsuit*, sandals and beach towel
• Backpack or small bag (to carry items in throughout the day)
• Other items to consider bringing: camera, flashlight and rain poncho

Packing List for Wilderness Camp

• Pillow, sleeping bag and blanket (beds are twin-sized)
• Casual and recreational clothing (extra socks, shirts and undergarments highly recommended)
• Long pants for hiking
• Jacket or sweatshirt
• Rain poncho
• Hiking shoes
• SHOES TO WEAR IN THE CREEK
• Hat
• Dirty clothes bag (please do NOT use trash bags)
• WATER BOTTLE
• Small Bible, notepad and pen/pencil
• Money for missions
• Toiletries, personal items and towel/washcloth (a soap that floats, such as Ivory, is recommended)
• Small bag, basket, Ziploc bag or other container to carry toiletries to the river
• Sunscreen and bug spray (spray-on please if your child requires assistance applying)
• Swimsuit*
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Backpack or small bag (to carry items in throughout the day)

*Note on Swimming Attire: Our goal is to maintain a positive spiritual atmosphere for all campers. We do ask guests to promote modesty when making clothing choices. For swimming, males should wear modest swim trunks (no Speedoes please). They should also wear a shirt unless at the waterfront participating in swim time. Females should wear a modest, one-piece swimsuit or tankini offering similar coverage. A dark-colored shirt may be worn over another type of suit as an alternative. 

Note on Mail: If you would like to send a letter or package to your camper, you may drop off that mail to the Round Lake Staff during camper check-in and we will deliver it to campers during their session. We especially recommend this option for Day Camps. 

The Basics

Round Lake consists of two properties located about 50 minutes from each other. Those properties are Main Camp and Wilderness Camp. Main Camp is broken down into two facilities- Lodge Side & Camp Side. During a typical week, Round Lake hosts three camp sessions- one at Wilderness Camp, one on the Lodge Side and one at the Camp Side.

Main Camp

Main Camp was founded in 1949 and is located near Lakeville, OH just outside the Loudonville/Mohican area. This is where our lake is, and the majority of summer camps and other events are held here. Main Camp contains two separate sets of facilities on either side of the lake, enabling us to host two independent camps simultaneously. Each side is complete with its own housing, classrooms, kitchen and dining area, waterfront access, recreational facilities, etc. The address for the Lodge Side entrance is 2678 SR 179, Lakeville, OH 44638. Typically, Lodge Side camp sessions are for grades 7-12. The entrance for the Camp Side is 114 State Route 3, Lakeville, OH 44638. The Camp Side typically hosts camp sessions for grades 1-6. The Camp Office is located on Camp Side.

Main Camp housing is dormitory-style, meaning your camper will typically stay in a dorm room with about 10-14 campers and at least two adult volunteers. Dorms are air conditioned, so there is no need to pack a fan. Campers sleep in twin-sized bunk beds. Campers must provide their own bedding, towels, toiletries, etc. Restrooms with showers are located in each hallway. 

Wilderness Camp

Wilderness Camp is located about 50 minutes south of Main Camp at 16685 Frampton Rd in Frazeysburg, OH 43822. This facility includes four primitive camping cabins as well as an enclosed shelter and kitchen with restrooms. This facility is designed with our most adventurous campers in mind to provide them with a more rugged camping experience. Sessions hosted at Wilderness Camp are smaller than those at Main Camp. A session at Wilderness Camp typically has 40 or fewer campers whereas there may be over 100 campers at some Main Camp sessions.

Wilderness Camp housing is in primitive camping cabins with bunk beds. There is no air conditioning. Please see the packing list FAQ for more information. There are two flush toilets plus outhouses at Wilderness Camp. Showers are taken in the river with swimming suits. There are no running showers at Wilderness Camp.

Volunteers

Retreats

Some or all of retreat tuition can be transferred to another camper or to a different camp-sponsored event within the same retreat season. It may also be given as a donation to the camp to help other children attend camp.

A refund may be considered after refund application has been submitted by the guest. Approval of the refund is at the discretion of camp management. Refund applications must be submitted at least two weeks PRIOR to event start date. Refunds will only be considered when refund application is completed in full and on time. A portion of your tuition will be retained as a processing fee according to the following scale:

Retreats costing less than $100 . . . $15 is non-refundable

Retreats costing $100-199 . . . . . . . $30 is non-refundable

Summer Camps

Some or all of camper tuition can be transferred to another camper or to a different week of camp within the same summer. It may also be given as a donation to the camp to help other children attend summer camp.

A refund may be considered after refund application has been submitted by the guest. Approval of the refund is at the discretion of camp management. Refund applications for summer camp must be submitted at least two weeks PRIOR to event start date. Refunds will only be considered when refund application is completed in full and on time. A portion of your tuition will be retained as a processing fee according to the following scale:

Camp sessions costing less than $100 . . . $15 is non-refundable

Camp sessions costing $100-199 . . . . . . . $30 is non-refundable

Camp sessions costing $200-350 . . . . . . . $60 is non-refundable

Camp sessions costing over $350 . . . . . .  $100 is non-refundable

DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE PROGRAMS, NO REFUNDS OR TRANSFERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TRAVEL TRIPS, including but not limited to the Backpacking Trip and the West Virginia Adventure Trip.

Medical or Family Emergencies

If the camper or retreat participant was unable to attend the session due to an unforeseen medical or family emergency (such as a hospitalization or a death in the family), applications will be accepted up to two weeks AFTER the event start date. For medical considerations, please include a doctor's note.

Applying for a Refund

Please allow up to 2-3 weeks for your application to be processed. Our staff will email you once your application has been reviewed and a decision has been made.

Complete Refund Application Online

Download Paper Refund Application

NOTE: TO ENSURE CAMPER SAFETY, ABSOLUTELY NO OUTSIDE FISHING IS PERMITTED DURING THE SUMMER CAMP SEASON. THIS MEANS NO OUTSIDE FISHING BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY AND LABOR DAY WEEKENDS.

Fishing at Round Lake Christian Camp is a special activity reserved for our members and guests. Round Lake is NOT open to the general public due to conservation and safety issues. Persons asked to leave the grounds by the camp staff must do so immediately. Thank you for following our fishing policy to keep this activity enjoyable for everyone who uses this camp.

Qualifications to Fish

Any person who wishes to fish at Round Lake Christian Camp must meet one of the following requirements:

• Registered camper, volunteer or guest of a rental group
• A member of one of our “charter churches” as defined in the Round Lake Christian Camp By-Laws. If you are a member, you must register with the camp office for an annual RLCC Fishing License before fishing. Additionally, fishing is only available when a camp event is not in session. This is for the protection of both you and our campers.

By Reservation Only

Upon arrival you must check in at the camp office (unless other arrangements have been made in advance). Our typical office hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, though this may sometimes vary depending on the camp schedule and special events. If you would like to fish outside of that time frame, please first call the camp office to check availability. If you do not already have an annual permit, you will be able to obtain one at this time if you meet the qualifications to fish. As mentioned previously, fishing is only available when camp is not in session.

NO FISHING

• On any day when camp is in session or there is a guest group on the property
• When the lake is closed for maintenance or other reasons
• During out of season fishing according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife

Fishing Regulations

• In accordance with all laws and restrictions as issued by the Ohio Division of Wildlife
• In accordance with all rules and regulations of Round Lake Christian Camp. Please be respectful of this property and others.
• There is no cost for a RLCC Fishing License, however we accept donations
• NO FISHING IN THE SWIM AREAS EVER. This is a huge safety issue for swimmers. Hooks get caught on ropes and anchors and can seriously injure or trap swimmers underwater resulting in drowning. Permits are revoked for this violation.

Catch and Release

Round Lake practices “catch and release” in an attempt to conserve our lake. Fish are not to be taken out of the lake without permission. If the fish has died or become injured during the capture, you may harvest the fish. 

Medications

The camper registration form includes a medical information section. If your camper is taking any medications while at Round Lake, please bring those in the ORIGINAL PACKAGING sealed into a Ziploc bag with the camper's name written on the bag. Medications will be turned in during check-in. You will typically have the opportunity to speak with a volunteer camp nurse who will be administering the medication. At that time you will also be given a form to complete detailing the timing and doses. To save time, you may complete this form prior to camp. Click here to download the form. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT THIS FORM TO THE CAMP PRIOR TO YOUR SESSION. Instead, please bring it with you to check-in. The health of our campers is important to us, which is why we take precautions in this area. This procedure also applies to over-the-counter medications.

It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to ensure all camper medications are picked up at the end of the camp session. The camp is not responsible for returning medications not picked up at the end of the session. When medications are not picked up at the end of a session, it is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to contact the camp and to make any necessary arrangements to pick up the medications at a time convenient to the Round Lake staff. LOST MEDICATIONS WILL NOT BE RETURNED VIA MAIL. Any medications that are not picked up within two weeks of the end of the camp session may be disposed of unless other arrangements have been made.

If medication has not been properly labeled in accordance with camp policies and the camp is unable to identify the medication or the camper to whom it belongs, the camp reserves the right to dispose of that medication.

Food Allergies

The registration form also includes a section for food allergies. When a camper with food allergies registers, kitchen staff is notified and accommodations are made to the best of our abilities. Please be thorough when completing that form. The more information you provide, the better our staff can prepare for your camper's needs. Please describe the severity of the food allergy when registering. If you have any other concerns or questions in this area, please contact Jodi Keener, our Food Service Coordinator, directly.

For campers with food allergies, our staff will do their best to accommodate your needs. While not required, parents may choose to send a favorite snack or two as an alternative for campers with food allergies to help them feel more comfortable while adjusting to camp. Occasionally, there may be some instances where a food allergy is so severe or unique our staff may determine it is in the best interest of the camper for the family to provide some or all of the camper's food during their session. This is a rare occurrence, but in such cases our staff would provide advance notice to the camper's parents or legal guardians to discuss the best options for that camper to ensure a safe and fun week while at camp. Again, this is a rare scenario that is managed on a case-by-case basis as each camper is unique. In the majority of cases, our food service staff is able to adequately provide safe alternatives for campers with food allergies. Our Food Service Manager will reach out to you directly should there be any questions or concerns related to your camper's food allergy.

We suggest that campers with food allergies register no later than ten days prior to an event so we can best prepare for them with our food orders and menu planning.

Dietary Preferences

While we would like to meet every need our campers may have, we are unfortunately limited in our ability to accommodate dietary preferences at this time. Examples of a dietary preference include but are not limited to vegetarianism, veganism or choosing to eat gluten-free (without a gluten allergy). We understand food is a very personal matter and that people make a variety of choices in relation to the food they choose to consume or to avoid. We acknowledge and respect the fact that many of our campers adhere to a dietary preference. While we are sometimes unable to accommodate dietary preferences due to logistical reasons, there are still several options available for your camper should he or she have a dietary preference. 

1) Request the menu. Please feel free to contact our Food Service Manager to request a menu for your session. This can assist you in identifying whether or not you would like to send supplemental items. 

2) Communicate with our serving staff. When going through the serving line, please communicate with our serving staff which food you would/would not like on your plate. In a typical meal, a main course along with several different sides is available. By avoiding foods your camper has chosen not to eat and by asking for seconds (when available) on others he/she chooses to enjoy, your camper will likely end up with a filling and nutritious meal. For example, a vegetarian camper may skip the meat but ask for a second helping of mashed potatoes and green beans. In this manner, your camper can follow his or her food preferences within the natural course of the meal without any special accommodations. 

3) Bring alternatives from home as a supplement. If you feel it would be in your camper's best interest to send supplemental food items, please contact our Food Service Coordinator, Jodi Keener, for more information and recommendations. Our Food Service Coordinator can provide more information on what food will be available as well as what supplements you may prefer to send. 

What is included in my camper registration?

Your camp registration is all-inclusive! Your tuition fee covers all housing, food and activities during camp. Unless otherwise specified by your dean, the only additional costs are optional expenses for missions offerings and camp store times. 

Campers have the opportunity to meet and learn from a missionary during their week of camp. After learning about that person's ministry, they are given the opportunity to donate if they would like to financially support that cause. Campers typically donate anywhere from $5-25 on average should they choose to donate. This is entirely optional.

For the camp store, that is open during recreation time for campers starting with our 3rd-4th grade sessions. Campers have the opportunity to purchase snacks and souvenirs at that time. Again, this purchase is entirely optional. Most snack items cost $1-2, and clothing typically starts at $12. Souvenirs start around $5. We recommend sending about $20-50 for a full week of camp if your student plans to purchase a souvenir as well as daily snacks from the camp store.

What does housing look like?

Main Camp housing is dormitory-style, meaning your camper will typically stay in a dorm room with about 10-14 other campers and at least two adult volunteers. Dorms are air conditioned, so there is no need to pack a fan. Campers sleep in twin-sized bunk beds. Campers must provide their own bedding, towels, toiletries, etc. Restrooms with showers are located in each hallway.

Wilderness Camp housing is in primitive camping cabins. There is no air conditioning. Bunk beds are set up in the cabins. Please see the packing list FAQ for more information. There are two flush toilets plus outhouses at Wilderness Camp. Showers are taken in the river with swimming suits. There are no running showers at Wilderness Camp.

I'm concerned about my child growing homesick. What can I do?

It is true that some children experience homesickness. This is a normal response to spending time away from home in a new environment, especially for young campers or for those attending for the first time. Children who have experienced recent or significant life-changes can also be at a higher risk of experiencing homesickness. Parents, too, can exhibit these emotions as they may be away from their child for the first time. It is extremely rare, however, that a camper will grow so homesick that they will need to return home before the end of camp. As you prepare to send your child to camp, here are a few tips:

1) Positive talk: In the days and weeks leading up to camp, emphasize how much fun your child will have. Show your child that you are excited they are having this experience and that you look forward to hearing about their adventures when they return home. Avoid asking your child if they will miss you as posing this question can increase the chance of homesickness through suggestion.

2) Mail: Prepare letters or a care package for your child to receive while at camp. 

3) Friends: In our experience, camp is most enjoyable when attending with a friend. Churches often encourage their students to sign up for the same camp sessions as other church members, so you may want to contact your church to see if a group is attending a particular week.

Our staff and volunteers also strive to help campers feel secure and connected so that they can have a positive camp experience. Here are a few things we do to help your child be successful:

1) Camp grows with your child: We offer day camps for our youngest campers (1st-2nd grade) so that they can experience all the fun of camp without the anxiety of spending a night away from home. We then transition to one-night (2nd-3rd grade) and two-night (3rd-4th grade) camps before graduating campers to a full five-night session (5th grade and up). For our youngest sessions, there is overlap in the session duration available to each grade, giving parents the opportunity to decide which session is the best fit for their camper. If in doubt, we recommend sending your child to the shorter session available to their grade. 

2) Initial programming: In our experience, children are most likely to feel homesick during the first few hours of camp. Our staff and volunteers intentionally strive to get each camper involved and connected during those initial hours to ease homesickness. Campers are engaged in programming and fun activities from morning to evening, helping most campers to quickly forget about their homesickness amidst all the fun of camp! Camp is very active, meaning your child will likely be quite tired by bedtime, especially on the first night. An busy first evening of camp helps campers to sleep well the first night, reducing the chance of homesickness while struggling to fall asleep. 

3) Connecting with friends: Whenever possible, our deans work to keep campers in the same dorm room and/or family group as their friends or other campers from their church. Seeing a familiar face can put campers at ease. 

What activities happen at camp?

Below are just a few examples of activities your camper may experience at Round Lake! Not all sessions participate in all activities. 

My child is interested in a Wilderness Camp program. How does Wilderness Camp differ from a program at Main Camp?

Wilderness Camp is located at our second property about 50 minutes south of Main Camp. Wilderness hosts smaller groups (about 40 campers or fewer per week) for a closer-knit feel. The Wilderness Camp setting is used to “show off” God’s creativity. Teaching is done in unique places, such as Ott Rock, Star Gaze Hill and Buzzard’s Rock. Housing is provided in primitive camping cabins. Activities include rappelling, archery, hiking, zip line and more, depending on the specific week of camp. Places will be explored such as Gault’s Undercut, Pipes Pond, Mushroom Rock, Alligator Rock, Saddle Club, Turtle Rock, Ott Rock, Pine Bluff, Covered Bridge, Buzzard’s Rock, Star Gaze Hill, Split Rail Fence, Top of the World and Water (Split) Rock. Wilderness Camps are available for grades 4-12.

Can I visit during the camp session?

We love having visitors at Round Lake, but during a camp session is not a good time. Given the spontaneity of each program, your arrival could interrupt a special moment or activity God is using to make an impression on your child. It is best to hear about these activities at home following the camp session. In addition, having a parent/legal guardian visit increases the likelihood of a child experiencing homesickness. Even if your visit would not produce homesickness for your child, it could result in another child starting to grow homesick. 

For times when visitors are permitted, we ask that each visitor first contact the camp office or the dean to ensure your visit is scheduled for an appropriate time. When you arrive, you must sign in at the camp office. If the office is closed, you will instead sign in with the dean. Upon signing in, visitors are given a wristband that must be worn at all times on camp property. Should you visit during a mealtime and desire to eat, payment is expected at the dining hall at the time of the meal. Camp rules apply to everyone. Please be respectful of campers and the camp schedule.

Will my child be safe at Round Lake?

Safety is a high priority at Round Lake. Great care is taken to provide a safe space for everyone who attends. All Round Lake volunteers ages 18 and up are required to complete background checks before coming to camp. Several staff members live onsite and are available at all times should a need arise. In the dorms, no fewer than two adult volunteers sleep in each room to ensure your child’s protection. During the day, many more staff and volunteers are available to care for your child’s needs. Volunteers are encouraged to be at the lakefront while campers swim to aid the certified lifeguards with safety issues. The directors of the camp have worked diligently to prepare policies and procedures to care for your child. The Round Lake staff is very competent in handling the day-to-day issues of camp. 

What are some of the benefits of sending my child to camp?

“Camping takes people away from the noise, demands, routines and pressures of daily life. It removes them from the constant onslaught of the world’s influence which comes through TV, magazines, family, friends. . . and so on. Unlike church attendance, camp life is a 24-hour-a-day experience of living together over a period of several days. People have time to absorb truth and think through the implications. Trust and relationships are developed. People find time to relax, build friendships and think deeply.”

-Thoughts from Bob McKemey, “Church and Camp Cooperation”

Camp can prepare your child for this life and for eternity. It is one of the most important investments you will make in your child’s life. Campers grow in their faith, build friendships and develop independence.

Medical Treatment, Medications and Insurance

Any significant change or changes regarding a camper’s physical, medical or emotional condition, different from that stated at the time of registration, should be reported in writing to the camp prior to the camp session.  Primary insurance coverage is the responsibility of the camper’s personal insurance.  All doctor and hospital forms will be completed using patient’s name, home address and personal insurance.  Camp insurance will cover no part of a pre-existing illness or injury.  All medication for campers must be in original containers with name and specific instructions to be given to the camp nurse at check-in.

How does check-in work?

• Be sure to verify your check-in times.  Check-in will begin promptly at the time listed and last no longer than 30 minutes.
• It is the parent’s responsibility to make proper arrangements for transportation to and from camp. Any special dismissal or transportation arrangements must be provided to the office or dean at or before check-in. 
• Campers must check in BEFORE going to the dorms.
• All medicine must be in original containers and given to the camp nurse during check-in.
• Each camper will have a wristband placed on their wrist at check-in time.  A tab with a matching number will be given to the person checking in the camper. The person picking up the camper at the end of the camp session is responsible for bringing the matching tab (a photograph is also accepted) as proof that they are responsible to pick up the camper. This is done for the safety and protection of your camper.
• After campers have settled into their dorms, parents are free to leave.

How does check-out work?

• Be sure to bring the matching tab to your camper’s wristband (which you received at check-in).  If you do not have this, we ask that you provide your drivers’ license to your child’s dorm parent for identification. A photograph of the tab is also accepted.
• Your camper can be picked up ONLY at their DORM room unless otherwise instructed by your dean.  (Day Campers will be dismissed from the Multipurpose Building.)
• If applicable, parents may arrive about 30 minutes prior to camp dismissal to join your camper for the closing program and baptisms. Please see your specific session's page for more information.

What happens if my child makes a decision to be baptized at camp?

If a camper desires to be baptized at camp, the Dean will phone parents/legal guardians for permission and may also contact the camper’s home church.  Baptism is by immersion. Families are invited to attend baptisms.

Are there any other camp policies I need to be familiar with?

• You are registered to be at camp. Leaving without permission is a safety and liability risk. Campers are not permitted to leave the grounds during a camp session unless prior permission has been granted.
• Accidents happen and things break. Intentional destruction will be paid for by the camper.
• Wristbands are for safety – keep them on.
• No one may record/store/send/transmit the spoken word or visual image of any person, including the individual, campers or staff members in the dorms, showers, restrooms or dressing rooms for any purpose. 
• Volunteers/campers who drive to camp must park their vehicles in designated parking lots.

Safety is a top priority at Round Lake. For this reason, the lake is NOT open to the public. Swimming is permitted only to registered participants and groups during camp events when a certified Round Lake lifeguard is on duty. No one is to be thrown into the lake. Boating is permitted during designated times only. A complete list of boating rules is posted at the waterfront.

Our swimming area is divided into two sections- a deep end and a shallow end. The shallow end is geared more towards wading whereas the deep end is for swimming. For our overnight and day camps, all campers stay in the shallow end. For our older camps (starting with 3rd-4th grade sessions), campers are given the OPTION of taking a swim test under the supervision of the Round Lake lifeguards. Campers who are weak swimmers or unable to swim should NOT attempt the swim test. This test is not a swimming lesson. Rather, it is intended for campers who already know how to swim and have strong swimming skills. Attempting to take the swim test if you are not a strong swimmer is a risk to the camper and the camp.

Those who pass the test are given a wristband and may then swim in the deep end during the week. All campers who have passed the swim test and therefore are permitted to swim in the deep end must also wear a life jacket when swimming in the deep end. Under no circumstances is a camper who has NOT passed the swim test permitted to swim in the deep end, even with a life jacket. The swim test is entirely optional, so if your camper is uneasy about taking it or prefers the shallow end, he or she does not need to take the swim test. Many campers, especially in our elementary sessions, opt out of it, preferring to swim in the shallow end. So if your camper does not yet feel ready for the swim test, that feeling is perfectly normal and will not single out your camper. The swim test is only required if a camper wishes to swim in the deep end. Starting in 5th grade, tests are saved in our database, meaning a camper who passes the test who is in at least 5th grade will not need to retake it each year as that record is on file.

This is determined on a case-by-case basis. We do our best, but not every session of camp is equipped to meet all needs. Some needs can be accommodated while we are unprepared for others as we are not a special needs camp. If your child has special needs, please contact the camp before registering. We will connect you with the dean of the week your student wishes to attend, and the two of you can explore the possibilities. We recommend making this contact as early as possible to allow more time for discussion. If a camper is required to have a personal assistant attend with them to care for the camper during the session, the personal assistant is required to pay the same tuition fee or a negotiated fee after evaluation. Again, these decisions are all made on a case-by-case basis as each situation is unique. 

No. Campers are not permitted to make phone calls unless there is an emergency determined by the dean or Camp Manager.

Please remember to leave all cell phones at home. Camp is a time to let go of technology and embrace God’s creation while being fully present with other campers. 

Yes. Our goal is to maintain a positive spiritual atmosphere for all campers. This is why we ask campers to be courteous of others when making clothing choices. We understand various youth groups and churches have different standards, so we err on the side of modesty to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Campers and volunteers should avoid low necklines, bare midriffs, short dresses or shorts and immodestly tight apparel. Inappropriate messages or advertisements are not permitted.

Swimming: Guys must wear shirts at all times in public with the exception of swim time. They are not permitted to use brief swimwear. Girls may wear one-piece or tankini swimsuits offering similar coverage. If a girl does not have a one-piece or tankini, she may wear a bikini with a dark-colored t-shirt covering it.

Remember that camp is about having fun. Your camper will spend significant time outdoors and will likely get dirty. Pack clothes that will best allow your camper to comfortably participate in all of the outdoor activities, including tennis shoes. Don’t forget a jacket in case of a cold evening or morning!

Main Camp: Yes

For overnight camp sessions checking in at 5:30 pm on Sundays, dinner will be served to campers following check-in. This is generally pizza or a hot dog roast. Dinner is also served for 3rd-4th Grade Camp sessions checking in on a Wednesday at 5:30 pm.

Wilderness Camps: Yes

Dinner is provided following check-in at Wilderness Camp sessions.

Sometimes, a camp session may reach maximum capacity. If a camp is full, we will close online registration and place a notice on our website. When this happens, you have two options:

1) Register your camper for a different camp session. We offer multiple sessions for each age group, meaning there are usually other sessions for your camper with plenty of available spots. If you have any questions, our staff will work with you to find a session that is a great fit for your camper. 

2) Place your camper on a waiting list. In some cases, signing up for another session is not a viable option. For example, a particular session may be the week your camper's entire youth group is attending. Rather than switching to a different session, you may choose to place your camper on a waiting list in case additional spots open up (spots open up if other campers cancel). To place your camper on a waiting list, click HERE. 

IF YOUR CAMPER IS ON A WAITING LIST, PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE CAMP TO CHECK THE STATUS ON THAT SESSION. IF A SPOT OPENS UP FOR YOUR CAMPER, YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY NOTIFYING YOU OF THAT CHANGE. If you have not heard from our staff, this means there have been no openings.

Summer Camps: Each camp session is run by a dean who is responsible for choosing his or her volunteer staff. Volunteers are to be members of a Christian Church or Church of Christ. Deans are expected to request references for each volunteer he or she does not personally know prior to camp. If you would like to make a dean aware that you are interested in volunteering for a summer session, you must fill out an online Volunteer Staff Request Form (this is not the link to register as a volunteer. It is only to make yourself available.) It will be forwarded to the appropriate dean. If the dean contacts you to volunteer you will then be asked to register as volunteer and will complete a background check through the camp.

Other Volunteer Opportunities: Round Lake needs volunteers to serve in a variety of capacities throughout the year. If you have any unique talents or other areas you would like to serve, please contact the camp directly via phone or email. You may also contact us if you would like to set up a volunteer day for your church or another group to serve together on a special project. Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

The best place to start is by visiting our Employment Opportunities Page. www.roundlake.org/employment

Remember: when registering for camp, your camper is considered to be the grade he or she will be entering in the fall. For example, if you were registering in February of 2024 and your camper were currently in 2nd grade, your camper would be considered a 3rd grader for Summer Camp 2024 since that is the grade she will be entering in the fall of 2024.

Each camp session is designed for a specific grade range. The listed grade range covers campers entering those grades in the fall. With that in mind, we want each camper to have the best experience possible, which is why camps are geared towards their stated grade range. For that reason, we discourage registering a camper outside of his or her grade range. We want to ensure all lessons and activities are at the camper’s level so that each and every camper can have a positive camp experience as they are given the chance to learn and grow during their session.

Please do NOT register a camper for a camp session outside of the stated grade range. If you register your camper for a session outside of his or her grade range, the camp reserves the right to cancel your registration. 

The majority of our deans assign dorm rooms to campers. Generally, church groups are roomed together by default whenever possible. With the changing nature of registration (sometimes campers sign up a few days before a session starts or drop out last minute), those room assignments are not available before camp starts. Rather, campers receive room assignments upon arrival. If your child has a friend or two he or she would like to room with, you may put in a room request. We do not guarantee room requests, but we strive to make them happen if at all possible, and in the vast majority of cases they are realized. To put in a room request, simply include a note on your registration if you have not yet registered. If you have already registered click here to have that added to your paperwork. 

Yes! Campers love receiving mail from family and friends back home. To ensure camper mail arrives at the correct location, please address mail using this format:

Campers attending a Main Camp session (either Lodge Side or Camp Side)

Campers attending a Wilderness Camp session

Note on Emails: We are unable to deliver emails to campers during their camp sessions. Please do NOT email the camp letters to print off and deliver to your camper as they will not be delivered. Thank you for your understanding! If you are concerned about mail not arriving on time, you may choose to drop mail off to the camp staff during camper check-in. Many parents choose this option.

Ideally, campers stay at the camp during their entire camp session. If at all possible, we recommend parents avoid pulling campers out for a day or even a few hours as this can disrupt their camp experience as well as the experience of other campers. One of the benefits of camp is creating a unique and immersive environment where campers have fun and learn independence. When that time is interrupted, your child gains less from that experience. We highly recommend you do not pull campers out for sports games unless a game is mandatory for participation on a team.

Occasionally, however, there are extenuating circumstances which make staying for the entire session impossible. If your camper has a prior commitment and must leave for a short period of time during camp, please talk to your dean during check-in. If at all possible, start this conversation even earlier by emailing our camp office prior to your session so that we can connect you with the dean. Each camp session is unique with a different schedule, so these situations are handled on a case-by-case basis so that the pick-up and drop-off times work well for your camper and interfere with camp activities as little as possible, both for your camper and for other campers. During check-in, please let our staff know that you need to speak with the dean about picking your camper up during the session. Your dean can give you further instructions. Also be sure to let your camper's dorm parents know when you plan to pick your camper up. Remember to bring the parent end of your camper's wristband when you pick up your camper. You will sign your child out with the dean. Upon returning to camp, check your camper back in with the dean.