How should we choose a program for our child?
Wanake has learned that most families look:
- For a date that best fits the family’s schedule
- For a program that fits the age group and interests of the camper
- For sleeping accommodations that best fit the child’s needs and wants.
- For a price that fits the family budget.
We offer a wide variety of programs; there is something for everyone. However, you may find yourself overwhelmed when looking through our brochure. We have been working hard to build tools that will help you with the process of finding the perfect program.
Use the interactive, sortable tables here on our website to narrow things down and to find the perfect program for your camper!
How soon should I register?
The sooner the better for many events fill early. All registrations are processed on a first-come basis. For information about openings contact the Conference Camping Office. 1-800-831-3972 ext 108.
How do I know if I got into the camp I wanted?
Within two weeks after you send in the registration forms, you will get a confirmation packet to let you know if you got into the camp you requested. This packet will have important information about your camp, like when to arrive and when you need to be picked up.
Who Will Care for My Camper?
Staff members, paid and volunteer, are carefully screened and selected, benefit from training, and are led by a year-round staff with 50+ years of camp & retreat ministry experience. The staff is comprised of college students, adults of all ages, and junior staff assistants ages 15-17 with close supervision.
Where will my child live at Wanake?
Housing includes
- Modern Retreat Centers (air conditioned)
- Traditional Cabins
- The Rock Lodge
- The Survival Cabin
- The Rock Lodge
- The Ranch House
Come see the site and facilities. Choose an event (Egg Hunt or Open House) or call the Wanake office to schedule a tour. Pictures can be found on the Rent our Facilities page.
What will my child eat at Wanake?
The Wanake Kitchen serves healthy, kid-friendly food. With cookouts throughout the week, campers have the opportunity to exercise decision making and learn valuable culinary skills. Wanake's Kitchen is moving in a healthier direction!
Some recent goals the Wanake Kitchen has set are to:
- Serve a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables – yogurt/granola/fruit bar at breakfast and salad bar at lunch and supper
- Cook most foods from scratch and bake homemade desserts
- Reduce the use of high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors/dyes, and hydrogenated oils
- Provide plenty of food for active campers engaged in energetic camp activities
- Provide a balanced diet for those with special diets and/or food allergies – If your child has a special diet or food allergy, please contact Wanake at least three (3) weeks prior to your camper's arrival at camp, so the staff may prepare for an excellent experience.
How is health care handled at Wanake?
Health care is provided through the health director and Registered Nurse and all staff have training in their health care responsibilities. Staff follows Camp Doctor's standing orders for minor illness & injury, including first aid and over the counter medications.
All medications are kept locked in the Health Center or a medical lock box and are monitored by staff. The Health Director monitors campers to make sure medications are taken as prescribed and that health care needs are met.
Please notify Wanake at least three (3) weeks prior to your camper's event if your camper has special medical and/or special dietary needs. This will give Wanake staff time to prepare.
How much spending money will I need?
None. Wanake's Camp Store will be open during check in and after parent program for parents to shop with their campers. Campers do not need to bring any spending money
May I ask to be in the same small group with other campers?
Yes, a request may be made and in most cases it is honored. To make a request, write the name of one buddy on the registration form.
What happens if I register for camp but can’t come?
Arrangements are made according to the refund and cancellation policies that are in the registration directions.
If I’m registered in an event, may I change to another one?
Usually, if there is an opening in the event you want to change to. Call the Conference Camping office to request a change.
May I register for an event in an age level other than the one that I should?
Usually not. Program content is designed to be appropriate for a specific age group. An attempt is made to stay faithful to the age level so that campers don’t have an unhappy time dealing with activities that are not designed for their developmental level.
May I attend more than one event?
Yes, there are spaces to register for second events on the registration form.
How do I know what to bring to camp?
A complete list is sent with the confirmation packet and will be available on the web site.
May I fax a camp registration?
Yes, if payment is made by credit card. The FAX number is 330-499-8336. Be sure to include all credit card information on the faxed form. If you FAX a registration form, DO NOT mail a duplicate.
May I use a credit card to pay the camp fees?
Yes, with VISA or MasterCard. The registration form has a place to provide the necessary information. Also, you may register online using your credit card.
Is a health form required?
Yes, a health form is sent to each registrant. Campers cannot be accepted at camp without the form completed according to the furnished directions. The health history on the form (with signed permissions) is required of ALL campers. Health forms are NOT to be mailed to camp, but to be brought with the camper on the day of registration at camp.
What happens if I don’t take my health form to camp with me?
It creates problems! If a parent accompanies the camper, the parent is asked to complete another form. If a parent is not with the camper, it is necessary to phone the parent, complete the form with at least two persons listening and the parent verbally authorizing someone to sign on behalf of the parent.
Should I mail my health form?
Please don’t. If mailed, it goes to the Camping Office and won’t be at the camp on the day you register.
What kind of camper accident/illness insurance is provided?
Accident: If medical expenses are incurred on behalf of a camper injured at camp, the camp insurance pays (up to policy limits) all medical expenses that are NOT covered by the camper’s family insurance.
Illness: There is no coverage for medical expenses incurred because of illness. In these cases, parents are notified and asked if they prefer to have the camper cared for by a family physician or to have the camper treated by the camp physician with the bill being sent to them.
Can I drop my child off early?
No. Each camp has a starting time that must be followed. Prior to the arrival of campers, the director and counselors are busy preparing for a successful and faithful camping experience.
Can I call my camper?
Your camper will be busy throughout the week with the activities of the camp and rarely near a phone. The camp phone is for business use and should only be used to contact your camper in the event of an emergency. If there is an emergency, you should call the camp and ask the director to get a message to your camper.
Can I send mail to my camper?
Yes! When addressing the letter, put your camper's name above the camp address. Keep the letter encouraging and newsy. Share the excitement of the week they are experiencing. Try to avoid triggers that could cause or worsen missing home. Do not send "care packages" of food or snacks. If you send stamped, addressed envelopes with your camper, they can write to you, too.
What happens if my child gets “homesick”?
After years of experience, the camp staff is trained on how to handle homesickness. In most cases, the feelings are mild and short-lived. The counselors, supervisors, along with the camp director and camp nurse, work to ensure that each camper has a great camp experience. In the rare instance that a phone-call home is necessary, the camp staff will initiate such action.
How much Bible study occurs at camp?
There is a theme for each day with a daily scripture. This theme and scripture are a part of all that happens that day at camp. Specific time is spent each day in Bible study, worship and discussion around theme-centered topics.
Are funds available for persons needing financial assistance?
In many cases, yes! – From at least three sources:
- Local Churches: Many local churches have campership funds. Speak to your pastor or Camp Contact Person.
- Districts: Some districts have District Campership Funds. Check with your district office.
- Conference Camping Office: A limited number of partial camperships are available. Contact the Conference Camping Office for and application.
Questions, Information, Ideas
- Call Camp Wanake at 330-756-2333 or the Conference Camping Office at 330-499-3972 or 800-831-3972 extension 108.
