In order to keep in the camping spirit, please leave the following items at home. If these items are brought to camp, they will be labeled and stored by staff for the duration of the camp session.
- Cell Phones & Cell Phone Connected Watches *
- All Electronics & Devices Able to Access the Internet *
- Food / Gum / Candy *
- Hair Dryers *
- Curling Irons / Flat Irons *
- Guns or Other Weapons
- Pocket Knives
- Personal Sports Equipment
- Tobacco Products / Vaporizing Pens *
- Alcohol *
- Illegal Drugs
- Anything Valuable—Our insurance does not cover camper’s personal belongings. Cross Trails Ministry reserves the right to search youth camper’s belongings.
- Remember, do not bring pets to camp during pick up or drop off times.
* Week 8 Adult Family Campers, Grandparent Campers and Women’s Big “R” participants may bring these items. Alcohol may be consumed in moderation, and only at restricted times and places by adults over 21. Tobacco and vaping products may be used only outdoors in restricted locations by adults over 21.
Why We Don’t Allow Campers to Have Cell Phones
At Cross Trails the small groups that we form for the week are a very important part of the camp experience. We strive to build an intentional Christian community in which everyone has the opportunity to be included, develop friendships and learn independence in a safe environment.
We have found that cell phones make this process more difficult for two reasons. First, most cell phones are able to access the internet quickly and take photographs and videos. Although we cannot control what participants post after camp, we want to limit opportunities for images of your camper to be put onto the internet without your permission. We also want to make sure your child is not shown anything on the internet that you would not want them to see. Second, if campers are able to constantly connect to those outside the camp community, they tend to not fully participate in camp and miss the opportunities they have to grow.
We know that being disconnected from your camper is difficult, but we want this to be a safe learning and growing opportunity. For that reason, we ask that cell phones be left at home. If they are brought to camp, we will collect them and securely store them until the end of the camp session.