Where is Camp St. Christopher located and who owns it?
What happens in a typical day at camp?
What if my child needs medical attention while at camp?
What's worship?
What's the staff like?
My child doesn't know anyone else going, how will you help her to fit in?
I hear you are always full, how can I get my child in?
Will my child need any money at camp?
Are campers allowed to smoke?
What do campers wear, is there a "dress code?"
Is there financial help available?
May my child drive to camp in his or her own car?
How do I contact my child during camp?
Where do campers live and sleep?
Where is Camp St. Christopher located and who owns it?
The camp is located on the 300 acre campus of St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center on beautiful Seabrook Island, approximately 25 miles from Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to the camp facilities (dining hall, activity buildings, cabins, chapels, etc.), the center is blessed with a diverse natural environment that includes maritime forest, salt marsh, ball fields, hiking trails, ponds, and beach.
This peaceful setting away from TV, phones, video games and the distractions of daily life provides time for talking, listening, growing together and having fun.
The center is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina (www.DioceseOfSC.org). For directions to St. Christopher, a camp map and more information about our facilities, follow the About St. Christopher link at the top of this page.
What happens in a typical day at camp?
Campers are divided into activity groups, each guided by staff members. These groups spend a portion of each day together taking part in activities such as crafts, nature hikes, kayaking, archery, and our "need a friend course." The remainder of the day is spent enjoying well-balanced meals, large group programs, a swim/sail period, and Christian Education. Daily worship is an important part of the St. Christopher summer camp experience.
What if my child needs medical attention while at camp?
The health and safety of campers and staff is a prime concern. We place special emphasis on the prevention of accidents and illnesses through our resident Registered Nurse. Our medical staff dispenses all medications and is available to deal with illnesses and emergencies. In the rare event additional treatment is required, a local physician, EMS, and hospital emergency room facilities are easily accessible. If you have preferred medications to use for your child for transient illnesses, please label and bring them, in addition to noting such on their medication and authorization forms. The nurse will be at registration to meet and talk with you Please stop and say hi.
What's worship?
Worship is our response to what we love most. We do it all the time, day and night, alone and in groups. It is our desire that worship of God be the most exciting, alive and joyful experience of the whole week. That worship can be singing in chapel or it could be helping a friend or forgiving an enemy or sharing or teaching or learning or simply marveling at this magnificent creation which God has given us to enjoy and take care of.
What's the staff like?
Administrative, operational, and program staff are carefully screened, trained and supervised with the goal of providing the best possible experience for everyone. Those working directly with campers complete a program in sexual abuse/ sexual harassment as developed by the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. We carefully select our college age and older high school aged staff members from applications, personal interviews, reference and background checks.
Summer camp staff are trained and certified in American Red Cross Life Guarding and CPR. In addition, summer camp staff undergo an extensive orientation and residential training program prior to summer, emphasizing health and safety, Christian education, child development, music, archery instruction, sailing, acceptable methods of discipline, group dynamics, worship, emergency procedures, and much more. We invite supervised and supported volunteers to assist with our Christian education program.
Many staff members and volunteers grew up coming to camp and returned to serve because they remember, value, and appreciate their experiences and faith development and want to pass them on to future generations.
My child doesn't know anyone else going, how will you help her to fit in?
The first thing you need to know is that this is a very common thing, so your child won't be the only one new to Camp St. Christopher. Our staff is trained to help him or her in order to quickly get your child connected both to his or her peers and to the camp counselors. Camp St. Christopher is a place where your child will be loved and accepted as Jesus taught and fitting into a place filled with people who are safe and work to edify you is much easier.
Almost all activities at camp are done in groups ranging in size from 8 (cabin), 12 (dining), 16 (activity) and/or the whole camp so if your child is introverted or extroverted there will be times where he or she feels comfortable and a few that will be a stretch. But, the environment of acceptance and encouragement has resulted in many campers leaving with friends they continue to contact for many years.
I hear you are always full, how can I get my child in?
While it is true that we generally fill all sessions, we encourage you to apply for your child anyway. Campers are accepted with the following criteria:
1. Campers who are members of churches in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, or who have parents or grandparents who are.
2. All others.
All applications are dated when received, and processed in that order. We seek, want, and accept new campers every year. We also maintain an active "wait list" for sessions that are filled, and have always been able to accept campers from the list.
Will my child need any money at camp?
Not necessarily. There will be a snack bar available for campers every afternoon. If you wish to allow your child to purchase snacks at that time, you will have the opportunity to deposit up to $10 in an account for them at registration. Any unused money will be returned at the end of the week.
Are campers allowed to smoke?
No. It is the policy of Camp St. Christopher that no members of the camp community (campers, counselors, staff, etc.) smoke anywhere at any time on the campus. Campers in violation may be asked to call you to come and remove them from camp. The same policies hold for the use or possession of alcohol, illegal drugs or weapons.
What do campers wear, is there a "dress code?"
Campers, staff, and volunteers need to dress in good taste and modest styles. Clothes that might be offensive to others, advertise or promote drinking or drug usage are not allowed. Bathing suits should be those that can be worn for active fun in the water (one pieces for girls). We suggest that you label all clothing with the campers name. A complete list of informal clothes is sent with your acceptance letter.
Is there financial help available?
Yes, we do have financial aid available. Generally we provide 1/3 of the cost, ask the home church to cover 1/3 and the camper family to cover the remaining 1/3. If you need financial assistance, apply to camp; once you are accepted, the application process for financial help can be completed. If a aid is not available, we will provide a full refund of your deposit.
May my child drive to camp in his or her own car?
Yes, with your permission your child may drive to camp. Once they arrive they will be instructed to park their car in a designated area and turn the keys into a member of our staff. Keys will only be returned at the end of camp. We would suggest you establish a clear policy with your child about who may ride with or return home from camp with them.
How do I contact my child during camp?
We suggest the U.S. Mail, which is delivered daily to campers after lunch. Other alternatives are UPS and FedEx. We do not deliver fax, phone or e-mail messages to campers. The only exception is in the case of extreme emergency, in which case you should contact the summer camp office at (843) 768-1337 or the conference center office at (843) 768-0429.
Where do campers live and sleep?
An important element of camp life is belonging to cooperative groups. One such group is their cabin community. Here new friendships are forged, new ways of cooperating are learned, and campers have time set aside for each other as well as for themselves—to make new friends, gain new independence and help each other in the sometimes difficult process of growing up.
Each camper has his or her own bunk (bring your own sleeping bag or sheets and blankets), along with space to store their gear. Most campers bring trunks. Cabins are air conditioned and have bathrooms and showers.
