Nestled in the heart of North Dakota, in the bustling state capital of Bismarck, Cross Training Camp stands as a beacon of youth development and athletic excellence. Located conveniently near the serene Missouri River, their camp offers a picturesque setting that combines natural beauty with easy access to local amenities and landmarks, including the historic Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.

Established with a profound commitment to fostering teamwork and personal growth, Cross Training Camp has been dedicated to nurturing young talents since its inception. Their camp embraces a philosophy centered on the empowerment of each individual through sports, promoting values such as resilience, leadership, and camaraderie among peers.

At Cross Training Camp, they offer a comprehensive program tailored for both boys and girls across various age groups, ranging from elementary to high school students. Their activities are designed to challenge campers physically and mentally, ensuring a well-rounded experience that contributes to both personal and athletic development.

Join us for an unforgettable summer of adventure and learning, where every camper leaves with not just improved skills, but also lasting memories and friendships.

Programs Offered by Cross Training Camp

At Cross Training Camp, they offer a diverse array of programs designed to cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels. Each program is structured to maximize both fun and learning through dynamic activities and experienced instruction.

Program Descriptions

Sports Performance: Focusing on a variety of sports, this program enhances athletic skills in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Each sport is coached by knowledgeable staff who focus on technique, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Leadership Development: Aimed at older campers, this program combines team-building exercises with leadership workshops, helping participants develop their ability to lead both on and off the field.
Adventure and Exploration: This program includes activities like hiking, orienteering, and canoeing, offering campers the chance to learn about and interact with the natural environment around Bismarck.

Length of Sessions

One-Week Sessions: These short sessions are perfect for younger campers or those new to the camp experience, providing a taste of what Cross Training has to offer.
Two-Week Sessions: Offering a more immersive experience, these sessions allow for deeper skill development and more significant personal growth.
Full Summer Program: The most comprehensive option, spanning several weeks, where campers engage in a progressive curriculum that builds on previous skills and experiences.

Specialty Programs

Elite Athlete Training: Tailored for high-performing athletes, this program focuses on advanced techniques and strategies in specific sports to enhance competitive performance.
Creative Arts: For campers interested in exploring their artistic side, this program includes activities in visual arts, theatre, and music.
STEM Explorers: Geared toward budding scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians, this program offers hands-on experiments and projects.

Typical Daily Schedule

7:30 AM: Wake up and breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning session (Sport or activity focus)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Leadership workshops or team-building activities
3:00 PM: Afternoon session (Sport or specialty program focus)
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities (Games, guest speakers, or campfire)
9:00 PM: Wind down and bedtime prep
10:00 PM: Lights out

This structured schedule ensures that each day is filled with engaging activities that promote growth, learning, and fun, making Cross Training Camp a memorable and impactful experience for all participants.

Accommodations in Cross Training Camp

At Cross Training Camp, they understand that comfort and convenience are crucial to an enjoyable camp experience. That’s why they’ve designed their accommodations to ensure that every camper feels at home, secure, and well-nourished throughout their stay.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation consists of cozy, well-ventilated cabins that house 8-10 campers each, along with 2 counselors. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings. The cabins are grouped by age and gender to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all campers.
Dormitory Style: For older campers, they offer dormitory-style accommodations that foster a bit more independence. These are equipped with single beds for each camper and are supervised by their staff.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: They provide three balanced meals per day, served in the camp’s communal dining hall. Their menus are designed to be kid-friendly, nutritious, and varied to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of catering to all dietary needs, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options upon request. Their kitchen staff is trained to handle special dietary requirements with the utmost care to ensure every camper enjoys safe and delicious meals.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathhouse, which includes multiple toilet stalls, sinks, and private shower stalls. These facilities are separated by gender and are regularly cleaned and maintained by their staff to ensure hygiene and comfort.
Accessibility: For campers with special needs, all their facilities, including bathrooms and showers, are equipped with accessibility features to provide ease of use for everyone.

These accommodations at Cross Training Camp are designed to ensure that all campers have a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable stay, allowing them to focus fully on their activities and growth opportunities.

Activities in Cross Training Camp

Cross Training Camp offers a wide variety of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and abilities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to try something new and exciting. From athletic pursuits to creative endeavors and skill-building workshops, their camp provides a well-rounded experience that promotes personal growth and lifelong learning.

List of Activities Offered

Athletic Activities: These include swimming, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. Each activity is guided by experienced coaches who focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Outdoor Adventures: They offer hiking, canoeing, and archery. These activities are designed to connect campers with nature and teach them about environmental stewardship.
Creative Arts: Summer camps can explore their creative sides through crafts, painting, and drama workshops, which are great outlets for self-expression and imagination.
Skill Development Workshops: These include leadership training, first aid certification courses, and STEM workshops, which are aimed at providing campers with valuable skills they can use beyond the camp setting.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening Ceremony: A camp-wide gathering that welcomes all campers and sets the tone for the exciting weeks ahead.
Color Wars: A camp tradition involving a day of competitive sports and activities where campers and staff are divided into teams based on colors.
Talent Show: An opportunity for campers to showcase their talents, whether in music, dance, comedy, or magic, in a supportive and fun environment.
Campfire Nights: These include storytelling, singing, and marshmallow roasting, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among campers.

Skill Development Opportunities

Sports Clinics: Focused sessions designed to improve specific athletic skills, from swimming strokes to soccer tactics.
Leadership Workshops: These sessions help older campers develop skills such as team management, conflict resolution, and effective communication.
Environmental Education: Through guided nature walks and sustainability workshops, campers learn about local ecosystems and the importance of conservation.
Creative Arts Mastery: Advanced classes in arts and crafts that encourage campers to delve deeper into their creative pursuits and perhaps discover a lifelong passion.

At Cross Training Camp, every day is filled with opportunities for fun, learning, and growth. They strive to provide a supportive environment where all campers can explore their interests, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships.

The staff of Cross Training Camp

At Cross Training Camp, they believe that their staff are the cornerstone of the camp experience. They are committed to maintaining a high-quality, professional team that ensures a safe, educational, and fun environment for all campers. Their staff are carefully selected and trained to meet the highest standards of camp leadership and care.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives individual attention and guidance. Their general ratio is 1 staff member for every 6 campers. This ratio is even lower for younger age groups and specialized activities, ensuring safety and quality supervision at all times.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Selection Process: Prospective staff members undergo a rigorous selection process that includes background checks, reference checks, and in-depth interviews. They prioritize candidates with experience in child care, education, and specific activity expertise.
Qualifications: Their staff are typically college students, educators, or professionals in fields related to education, sports, or arts. Many hold degrees or are pursuing education in related fields, bringing both passion and expertise to their roles.

Training and Certifications

Mandatory Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo comprehensive training that covers camp policies, child psychology, emergency procedures, and specific activity training. This ensures that every staff member is prepared to provide a safe and positive camp environment.
Certifications: All staff are required to have current CPR and First Aid certifications. Additionally, staff involved in specific activities such as swimming or archery hold relevant certifications from recognized organizations, ensuring that they have the skills to teach and supervise these activities safely.

Continuous Professional Development

Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, they offer ongoing training sessions to address any emerging needs and to continuously improve the skills and effectiveness of their staff.
Feedback System: They have a structured feedback system that allows us to gather insights from campers and parents, which they use to assess staff performance and improve their training programs.

The dedication and professionalism of the staff at Cross Training Camp ensure that each camper enjoys a safe, educational, and memorable camp experience. They are committed to upholding the highest standards of care and excellence, making their camp a trusted choice for families.

Safety and Health in Cross Training Camp

Ensuring the safety and health of all campers and staff at Cross Training Camp is their top priority. They have established comprehensive safety protocols and maintain well-equipped health facilities to manage any situation that might arise during camp sessions.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: They conduct regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and emergency evacuation drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with how to act in various emergencies.
Activity-Specific Safety: Each activity is guided by specific safety protocols tailored to the nature of the activity. For example, all aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, and equipment for sports and adventure activities is regularly inspected for safety.
Supervision: Constant, vigilant supervision is maintained in all areas of the camp, with staff members specifically assigned to oversee different activities and times, ensuring a secure environment at all times.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: The camp features a well-equipped health center that is staffed 24/7 by licensed medical professionals, including nurses and paramedics. This center is prepared to handle a wide range of medical issues from minor injuries to more serious conditions.
Partnerships with Local Hospitals: For more severe medical emergencies, Cross Training Camp has established partnerships with nearby hospitals to ensure quick and effective medical response and treatment.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Action Plans: They have detailed emergency action plans for a variety of scenarios, including health emergencies, natural disasters, and security issues. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to new safety standards and practices.
Communication Protocol: In the event of an emergency, there is a clear communication protocol to notify all relevant parties, including camp staff, local authorities, and parents. This ensures that information is relayed efficiently and actions are coordinated swiftly.
Training in Emergency Response: All staff members are trained in basic emergency response, including CPR and First Aid. Additionally, staff responsible for specific areas such as the pool or adventure courses have specialized training in handling emergencies relevant to their activities.

Through these measures, Cross Training Camp ensures that the environment is not only fun and educational but also safe and secure for every camper and staff member. Their commitment to upholding rigorous health and safety standards helps parents feel confident in the care their children receive while at camp.

Cost and Registration in Cross Training Camp

Understanding the importance of clear and transparent registration and cost information, Cross Training Camp offers detailed guidance to ensure families can plan effectively for their camp experience. They strive to make their camp accessible and affordable through various payment options and financial aid programs.

Cost of Attendance

Standard Fees: The cost of attending Cross Training Camp varies depending on the session length and program type. Typical fees for one-week sessions start at $500, two-week sessions at $950, and the full summer program at $2,800. These fees include all camp activities, meals, accommodation, and any special events or outings.
What’s Included: The fees cover all camp-related expenses including lodging, food (three meals a day plus snacks), all program materials, and equipment. There are no additional mandatory costs; however, optional extras such as camp merchandise and photos may incur additional charges.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Registration for Cross Training Camp can be completed through their online portal. This system allows families to select their preferred session(s) and fill out necessary medical and personal information.
Deadlines: Early registration typically opens in January and offers a reduced rate. Standard registration continues as long as spaces are available, with final deadlines usually set for one month before the start of each session to allow for proper planning and staffing.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: They offer flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of camp over several months. These plans can be customized during the registration process.
Refunds and Cancellations: A full refund is available up to one month before the session begins. After this point, a partial refund is available up to two weeks before the session starts, except in cases of medical emergencies, where a full refund may still be possible.
Cancellation Insurance: Families have the option to purchase cancellation insurance that provides a refund under broader circumstances, including last-minute cancellations.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Cross Training Camp provides a number of need-based scholarships each year, covering up to 75% of camp fees for qualifying families.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available based on family income and special circumstances. They encourage families to apply early as these funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Their goal at Cross Training Camp is to ensure that no child misses out on a camp experience due to financial constraints.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Cross Training Camp

Preparing for camp is an exciting time for both parents and campers, especially those joining us for the first time. At Cross Training Camp, they aim to make this preparation process as smooth and stress-free as possible with comprehensive guidelines on what to bring, their camp rules, and helpful tips for a successful camp experience.

Packing List

To ensure campers are well-prepared for their time at camp, here’s a basic packing list:

Clothing: Pack enough for one week (regardless of session length, as laundry services are available):
- T-shirts, shorts, and jeans
- Sweatshirts or jackets for cooler evenings
- One or two swimsuits
- Comfortable shoes (sneakers) and sandals
- A set of nicer clothes for special events
Bedding and Towels: Sleeping bag or bed linens (check if camp provides mattresses), pillow, bath and beach towels
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, and insect repellent
Equipment: Any specific gear related to their registered activities (though most equipment is provided by the camp)
Miscellaneous:
- Water bottle
- Hat and sunglasses
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Optional: Camera (non-smartphone), books, and journal

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: They have a ‘disconnect to reconnect’ policy, meaning personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are discouraged. They provide designated times and devices for campers to contact their families.
Visitation: To ensure the safety and security of their camp environment, visitation during sessions is limited to special events and family days only, which will be communicated in advance.
General Conduct: Respect for others, inclusivity, and safety are paramount at their camp. Bullying, exclusion, and inappropriate behavior are strictly prohibited and may result in dismissal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Preparation: Discuss what the camp experience will involve, focusing on the exciting activities and opportunities for making new friends.
Communication: Talk about how you will communicate during their time at camp. Write letters in advance for your camper to read while away.
Independence: Encourage independence at home with tasks such as packing their own suitcase and making their bed to help them adjust more easily to camp life.
Managing Homesickness: Reassure your camper that it’s normal to feel homesick. Encourage them to talk to their counselor and make new friends, which can often help.

With the right preparation and mindset, the transition to camp life at Cross Training Camp can be a smooth and enjoyable experience for first-time campers and their parents alike.

Cross Training Camp in Bismarck, ND offers a dynamic and enriching summer experience tailored to meet the needs and interests of young people from diverse backgrounds. With a focus on safety, skill development, and personal growth, their camp provides a comprehensive array of activities, from sports and outdoor adventures to creative arts and leadership workshops. Their dedicated staff ensures that every camper receives individual attention in a supportive and inclusive environment.

They pride themselves on fostering a sense of community and lifelong friendships among campers while encouraging them to challenge themselves and explore new interests. With robust safety protocols, flexible payment options, and opportunities for financial aid, they strive to make the Cross Training Camp experience accessible and enjoyable for all families.