Where do campers sleep? Campers sleep on bunk beds in dorm style buildings. There are separate buildings for boys and girls. Counselors and other staff sleep in the rooms with the campers. The rooms are not air conditioned but staff and campers bring fans and the buildings cool down nicely at night. There are about 8 bunk beds per room. Restroom facilities are located in a bath house next to one set of dorms and are attached to the other set of dorms.
What is the camper to staff ratio? Camps have a minimum of 3 campers:1 staff ratio.
What are meals like at camp? We have a full time cook and two kitchen assistants on staff all 5 weeks of camp. Three warm meals a day are served including a full fruit and salad bar along with kid friendly foods. If a certain meal isn’t your favorite, there is always the option of peanut butter and jelly. We are more than willing to accomadate any food allergies or other dietary restrictions. Please put this information on your health certificate that will be brought with you to camp. Milk, juice and water are served for breakfast. Water is served initially at lunch and dinner to prevent dehydration in the heat and then Lemonade and Kool-aids are served.
Describe the facilities. Santa Claus Church Camp has a large tabernacle used for worship and fun with a stage that is home to our camp band. We have a lake for canoeing, a swimming pool, ball diamond, basketball court, playground, several fields for recreation, an outdoor worship area, hiking trails and a cross walk. We also have a chapel, dining hall, 4 cabins, 8 shelter houses, 2 large air conditioned rooms (used for crafts and other activities) 4 dorm buildings, a shower houses and 4 women’s and men’s restroom. How do you select camp staff? Many of our counselors and several of our directors are former campers who have been around the camping program for many years. All Directors and many counselors have experience as church youth leaders, seminary students or UMC Pastors, and/or professional experience/training working with youth. Each set of Directors hand pick their counselors and support staff based on their ability to compassionately lead and mentor to the campers and share God’s love in a fun way. All camp staff are volunteer with the exception of the cook and kitchen assistants, lifeguard, and camp nurse. All staff paid and volunteer under go an application process, reference checks,an Indiana State Criminal History Check and a check of the Indiana Sex and Violent offender Registry. Counselors must be 18 years of age or older. The Camp Nurse (on duty 24 hours a day as needed) holds an RN an EMT, or an MD. The Camp Lifeguard is certified.