Welcome to Park Springs Christian Camp, a serene retreat nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Providence, North Carolina. Surrounded by the natural beauty of this lush region, the camp is conveniently located near prominent landmarks, offering a perfect backdrop for adventure and spiritual growth.

Founded with a vision to foster a deeper connection with God, nature, and community, Park Springs Christian Camp has been a beacon of faith and fun for many years. The camp’s mission is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where young people can explore their faith, develop lifelong friendships, and grow into their potential through a variety of engaging activities and spiritual guidance.

At Park Springs Christian Camp, they cater to both boys and girls across various age groups. Their programs are thoughtfully designed to accommodate the unique needs and interests of each age group, ensuring a fulfilling and enriching experience for all campers.

Join us at Park Springs Christian Camp for an unforgettable summer of growth, learning, and adventure in the heart of North Carolina!

Programs Offered by Park Springs Christian Camp

Park Springs Christian Camp offers a diverse range of programs designed to enrich the lives of its campers through exploration, creativity, and spiritual growth. Each program is carefully crafted to ensure that every camper experiences a memorable and transformative stay.

Programs Offered

Standard Camp Sessions:

Duration: One-week and two-week sessions throughout the summer.
Activities: These sessions include a mix of outdoor adventures, team sports, arts and crafts, and daily devotionals. The focus is on building community, personal growth, and spiritual enrichment.

Specialty Programs:

Arts Camp: A one-week session dedicated to exploring various forms of artistic expression including painting, drawing, theater, and music.
Sports Camp: Tailored for those interested in developing their skills in specific sports, this program runs for two weeks and covers a range of activities from soccer and basketball to swimming and archery.
Science Camp: A one-week session that encourages curiosity and learning through experiments, nature walks, and science projects, fostering a love for science and exploration.

Typical Daily Schedule

A typical day at Park Springs Christian Camp is structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, rest, and worship, ensuring that campers remain engaged and energized throughout their stay.

Morning:

7:00 AM: Wake up and personal time
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning devotional and worship
10:00 AM: Activity Block 1 (e.g., arts and crafts, science experiments)

Afternoon:

12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Quiet time/Rest period
2:00 PM: Activity Block 2 (e.g., sports, nature hikes)
4:00 PM: Free time or optional workshop

Evening:

6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening worship or campfire
8:00 PM: Group activities or games
9:30 PM: Cabin time and preparation for bed

Each day is designed to foster a sense of community and belonging, with ample opportunities for personal growth and reflection. Whether engaging in team sports, exploring the arts, or learning about the natural world, campers at Park Springs Christian Camp are encouraged to develop their skills, deepen their faith, and make lasting friendships.

Accommodations in Park Springs Christian Camp

Park Springs Christian Camp provides comfortable and functional accommodations designed to enhance the camping experience while maintaining a close connection with nature. The camp’s facilities are thoughtfully laid out to promote community and fellowship among campers and staff.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The primary accommodation at Park Springs Christian Camp consists of well-maintained cabins. Each cabin houses up to 12 campers and 2 counselors, fostering a close-knit atmosphere. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal items, ensuring a cozy and communal living experience.
Tents: For specific programs or older age groups seeking a more adventurous experience, there are opportunities to sleep in tents. These are set up in secure designated areas of the camp, allowing for safe and immersive nature experiences.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: All meals are included in the camp registration fee, with three well-balanced meals provided daily in the camp’s central dining hall. The dining experience is designed to be a communal time where campers and staff can gather and share their day’s experiences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to various dietary needs, Park Springs Christian Camp offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive options. Parents are encouraged to discuss any specific dietary requirements with the camp staff during registration to ensure all needs are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Bathrooms and Showers: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom and shower facility, which is shared among a small group of cabins. These facilities are separated by gender and are equipped with multiple stalls and showers to accommodate several campers at once, ensuring privacy and minimal wait times. The facilities are well-lit and cleaned multiple times a day to maintain hygiene and comfort.

Through these accommodations and facilities, Park Springs Christian Camp ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment that allows campers to focus on growth, learning, and fun throughout their stay.

Activities in Park Springs Christian Camp

Park Springs Christian Camp offers a wide array of activities designed to engage campers in fun, learning, and personal growth. The camp provides a balance between structured activities and free time, allowing campers to explore their interests and develop new skills in a supportive environment.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Activities include swimming, canoeing, archery, and fishing in the camp’s private lake. Hiking trails are also available for nature walks and exploring the local flora and fauna.
Creative Arts: Summer camps can participate in crafts, painting, pottery, and woodworking workshops. The arts program is designed to encourage creativity and self-expression.
Sports: A variety of sports are offered, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. These activities promote teamwork and physical fitness.
Performance Arts: Drama and music are integral parts of the camp, with opportunities for campers to perform in skits, plays, or musical ensembles.
Educational Workshops: Specialized workshops in science, environmental education, and survival skills are available, helping campers learn in a hands-on, interactive environment.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These are significant events at Park Springs Christian Camp, marking the beginning and end of each camp session with celebratory activities and reflections.
Campfire Nights: Regular campfire gatherings include storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting. These nights foster a sense of community and are often the highlight of a camper’s experience.
Theme Days: Throughout the summer, special theme days (like Superhero Day or Backwards Day) add a fun and whimsical element to the camp schedule.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to participate in leadership training programs, preparing them for potential roles as counselors or leaders in their communities.
Environmental Stewardship: Through guided nature walks and conservation projects, campers learn about environmental responsibility and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Spiritual Growth: Daily devotionals and worship services allow campers to explore and deepen their faith in a supportive community setting.

Each activity at Park Springs Christian Camp is designed to provide educational value, promote social skills, and encourage personal growth, ensuring that every camper has an enriching and enjoyable experience.

The staff of Park Springs Christian Camp

Park Springs Christian Camp prioritizes a high standard of care and professionalism in its staff, ensuring that all campers have a safe, supportive, and enriching experience. Here’s how the camp manages its staffing:

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

The camp maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives individual attention and support. Typically, the ratio is about one staff member for every five campers, which facilitates close supervision, enhanced safety, and a more personalized approach to camper engagement.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Selection: Prospective staff members are carefully selected through a rigorous hiring process that includes background checks, interviews, and references. The camp seeks individuals who are not only skilled in their specific roles but who also embody the camp’s values of integrity, leadership, and compassion.
Qualifications: Staff members often come from diverse backgrounds, including education, sports, arts, and religious studies. Many are college students pursuing relevant fields, while others are professionals with specialized skills pertinent to their roles at the camp.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Certifications: All staff members are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. These certifications are crucial for addressing any potential health emergencies that may arise during camp sessions.
Additional Training: Staff undergo comprehensive pre-camp training that covers:
- Safety Protocols: Training on emergency procedures, safety guidelines, and crisis management to ensure all staff can effectively respond to various situations.
- Child Development: Understanding the developmental stages of children and teenagers to tailor approaches and activities to the needs of different age groups.
- Activity-Specific Training: Staff leading specialized activities such as swimming, archery, or any other potentially risky activities receive specific training and often hold additional certifications (e.g., lifeguard certification for swimming instructors).
- Spiritual Guidance: For camps with a religious component, staff are trained to provide appropriate spiritual guidance and support in line with the camp’s mission.

Through this meticulous approach to staffing, Park Springs Christian Camp ensures a safe, nurturing, and dynamic environment where both campers and staff can thrive and grow.

Safety and Health in Park Springs Christian Camp

Park Springs Christian Camp takes the safety and health of its campers and staff very seriously, implementing comprehensive protocols and maintaining well-equipped facilities to handle any situation that may arise.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: The camp conducts regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency lockdown drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with procedures in the event of an emergency.
Activity Safety: Each activity is overseen by trained staff who ensure all safety guidelines are followed. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, and safety gear must be worn for certain activities like archery and canoeing.
Supervision: Staff are always present during activities, meals, and in cabins to supervise and provide guidance. A curfew is enforced, and headcounts are a routine part of the daily schedule.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: The camp maintains an on-site health center staffed by qualified healthcare professionals such as nurses or paramedics. This facility is equipped to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with essential medications and first aid supplies.
Availability: Health staff are available 24/7 to address any health concerns that may arise, ensuring prompt and effective medical attention.
Partnerships with Local Hospitals: For more serious issues, the camp has arrangements with nearby hospitals to provide quick transport and advanced care. Parents are immediately notified in the case of any serious health issue affecting their child.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a detailed emergency response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in various scenarios, including natural disasters, health emergencies, and other urgent situations.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp has a protocol for communicating quickly and effectively with all camp staff and, crucially, with parents. This includes using a variety of communication tools such as phone calls, emails, and text messages.
Training: All staff participate in emergency response training, which is regularly updated to reflect best practices and new guidelines. This training ensures that staff are not only prepared to act in emergencies but also equipped to prevent emergencies through proactive monitoring and risk assessment.

Through these measures, Park Springs Christian Camp ensures that the environment is not only fun and enriching but also exceptionally safe and secure for all participants.

Cost and Registration in Park Springs Christian Camp

Park Springs Christian Camp aims to make the camping experience accessible and affordable, with clear guidelines on costs, registration, and financial assistance. Here’s a detailed overview of these aspects:

Cost of Attendance

Inclusions: The cost of attendance at Park Springs Christian Camp covers all lodging, meals, activities, and access to all camp facilities. Additional costs might apply for certain specialty programs or optional excursions.
Fees: While specific costs can vary depending on the duration of the camp session and the type of program selected, fees are designed to be competitive and offer good value. Typically, a one-week session might range from $300 to $500, with two-week sessions and specialty camps being proportionally higher.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Parents can register their children via the camp’s, which offers a straightforward, step-by-step registration process. Early registration is encouraged to secure a spot, as some sessions and specialty programs fill up quickly.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens several months before the start of the summer season, with deadlines set a few weeks before each session begins.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: To accommodate different family needs, the camp offers flexible payment plans that allow parents to pay in installments leading up to the start of the session.
Refunds and Cancellations: The camp has a clear refund policy, where full refunds are available until a month before the session starts, minus a non-refundable deposit. Cancellations closer to the start date may receive partial refunds, and no refunds are typically offered once the session has started, except under exceptional circumstances.
Cancellation Insurance: Families are also encouraged to purchase cancellation insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might prevent attendance after the refund deadline.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Recognizing that the cost of camp can be a barrier for some families, Park Springs Christian Camp offers a limited number of scholarships each year. These are awarded based on need and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available in the form of reduced rates for families with multiple children attending, or for families facing significant financial hardships.

Park Springs Christian Camp is committed to ensuring that all interested campers have the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of camp, regardless of financial circumstances, through a variety of financial assistance options.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Park Springs Christian Camp

Preparing for a session at Park Springs Christian Camp is an exciting time for both campers and their parents. To ensure everyone is well-prepared, the camp provides detailed information on what to bring, camp rules and policies, and helpful tips for first-time participants.

Packing List

To help campers have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the following items are recommended:

Clothing: Enough clothes for the session duration, including long pants, shorts, t-shirts, socks, and underwear. Also, pack a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, a raincoat, and a swimsuit.
Footwear: Comfortable sneakers, sandals, and water shoes.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a towel.
Miscellaneous: Flashlight, water bottle, hat, sunglasses.
Optional Items: Books, disposable cameras, and writing materials (note that the use of electronic devices may be restricted).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is typically restricted to certain times or not allowed at all. Cameras may be used for photography.
Visitation: Parents are encouraged to visit only on designated visiting days to minimize disruptions to the camp schedule and dynamics.
Behavior: Campers are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, kindness, and cooperation. Bullying, disrespect, or other negative behaviors are not tolerated.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Stay Positive: It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about a new experience, but staying positive and open to new friendships and activities can make the camp experience a memorable one.
- Participate Fully: Engage in all activities to get the most out of the camp experience.
For Parents:
- Communicate: Discuss what the camp will be like, focusing on the fun aspects. Also, reassure your child that it’s okay to feel homesick and encourage them to talk to their counselors.
- Stay Connected: Use the allowed communication methods (like letters or emails) to stay in touch without infringing on your child’s independence and enjoyment.
- Trust the Process: Remember that camp staff are experienced in helping children adjust and thrive in the camp environment.

By following these guidelines and preparing adequately, both parents and campers can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and enriching experience at Park Springs Christian Camp.

Park Springs Christian Camp stands as a beacon of growth, adventure, and spiritual enrichment in Providence, North Carolina. With its diverse range of programs and activities tailored to various interests and age groups, the camp offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to explore their capabilities, forge lasting friendships, and deepen their spiritual understanding in a safe and nurturing environment.

The camp’s dedicated staff, comprehensive safety protocols, and commitment to each camper’s personal development ensure that every participant has a memorable and transformative experience. Whether you’re returning for another summer or joining us for the first time, Park Springs Christian Camp is ready to welcome you to an unforgettable season of learning, laughter, and personal growth.