Welcome to King’s Camp, a remarkable summer retreat nestled in the lush landscapes of Mer Rouge, Louisiana. Located in the northern part of the state, this camp is surrounded by the serene beauty of natural Louisiana, providing a perfect backdrop for adventure and growth.

King’s Camp has a storied history, having been established with the vision of creating a safe and dynamic environment where young minds can explore and develop their potential. Through the years, it has grown into a sanctuary where campers not only engage in various activities but also learn valuable life lessons in a supportive community.

Their mission at King’s Camp is “To foster independence, growth, and character in the youth through outdoor experiences in a nurturing community.” They believe in empowering their campers by providing them with the tools and guidance they need to develop confidence and resilience.

King’s Camp is designed exclusively for boys, catering to various age groups ranging from 8 to 16 years old. Each program is tailored to meet the developmental needs and interests of these age groups, ensuring a meaningful and memorable camping experience for every child.

Join us at King’s Camp for a summer filled with discovery, learning, and endless fun, all set in the heart of Louisiana’s breathtaking landscapes.

Programs Offered by King’s Camp

At King’s Camp, they offer a diverse array of programs designed to cater to the interests and developmental stages of their campers. Each session is carefully structured to provide a rich and engaging experience that balances fun, learning, and personal growth.

Programs Offered

1. Standard Camp Sessions:

Length: They offer flexible session lengths including one-week, two-week, and full summer options.
Activities: These sessions include a mix of traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, archery, and campfires, alongside team sports and wilderness adventures.

2. Specialty Programs:

Arts: Their arts program allows campers to explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, drama, and music workshops.
Sports: For the athletically inclined, they provide intensive sports camps focusing on soccer, basketball, and baseball, where campers can hone their skills with the help of experienced coaches.
Science and Nature: Their science program engages campers in hands-on activities that include robotics, astronomy, and environmental science, promoting curiosity and a love of learning.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at King’s Camp is structured to provide a balanced mix of activities, meals, free time, and rest. Here’s a typical daily schedule:

7:00 AM: Wake up and morning jog
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning activities (campers split into groups based on their chosen track)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Quiet time/rest
2:00 PM: Afternoon activities (workshops, sports, or arts, depending on the camper’s specialty program)
5:00 PM: Free time and optional activities
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities such as campfires, night hikes, or talent shows
9:00 PM: Preparing for bed
10:00 PM: Lights out

This schedule is designed to keep campers engaged and active throughout the day while also providing ample opportunities for rest and personal time. Each activity is led by skilled instructors who are committed to making each camper’s experience at King’s Camp unforgettable. Whether your child is building a robot, scoring a goal, or paddling across the lake, they will be creating memories that last a lifetime at King’s Camp.

Accommodations in King’s Camp

At King’s Camp, they prioritize comfort and safety in their accommodations to ensure that every camper has a pleasant and secure stay. Here’s an overview of the sleeping arrangements, dining options, and facilities available at the camp:

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation for campers consists of well-constructed cabins that blend into the natural surroundings of Mer Rouge. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds, accommodating 8-12 campers along with 2 counselors who live in the cabin to provide supervision and support. The cabins are grouped by age and program to foster community and friendship among campers of similar ages.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: King’s Camp offers a full meal plan that includes three balanced meals per day, served in their communal dining hall. Meals are prepared by experienced kitchen staff with an emphasis on nutrition and energy for active kids.
Dietary Accommodations: They understand the importance of catering to various dietary needs and restrictions. Their kitchen is equipped to handle vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals upon request. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary needs with us in advance so that they can provide appropriate and tasty options.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each cabin group has access to modern bathroom and shower facilities located conveniently near the cabins. These facilities are separated by gender and are maintained multiple times a day to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Privacy and Safety: Privacy and safety in their bathroom and shower facilities are paramount. Each shower stall is private, and the layout is designed to provide comfort and security for all campers.

At King’s Camp, they aim to create a home away from home where campers can relax, refresh, and recharge after a day full of activities. Their accommodations and facilities are designed to ensure that every camper’s stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Activities in King’s Camp

King’s Camp offers a wide range of activities designed to engage campers of all interests and abilities, ensuring that each day is filled with fun, learning, and adventure. Here is a detailed look at the activities, special events, and skill development opportunities available at their camp.

List of Activities Offered

Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, canoeing, fishing, archery, and orienteering.
Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Team Sports: Soccer, basketball, baseball, and volleyball.
Creative Arts: Crafts, painting, sculpture, and drama.
Skill Workshops: Robotics, woodworking, and environmental science.

Special Events or Traditions

King’s Camp is rich in traditions and hosts several special events throughout the summer to build community and spirit:

Opening Campfire: A welcome event where campers and staff gather to sing songs, perform skits, and set the tone for the session.
Color Wars: A camp-wide, multi-day event filled with various physical and creative competitions where campers are divided into teams.
Talent Show: Campers have the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills in front of their peers in a supportive environment.
End-of-Session Banquet: A formal dinner to celebrate the achievements of campers, followed by an awards ceremony.

Skill Development Opportunities

At King’s Camp, they emphasize the development of both hard and soft skills through structured activities and free play:

Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs designed to teach responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Environmental Stewardship: Activities focused on conservation and nature awareness encourage campers to learn about and protect the natural environment.
Personal Growth: Through various challenges and team activities, campers enhance their self-esteem, independence, and social skills.

These activities not only keep the campers engaged and entertained but also help them to build valuable skills and make lifelong friendships. At King’s Camp, they strive to provide a summer experience that is both fun and enriching, leaving campers with memories and skills that last a lifetime.

The staff of King’s Camp

At King’s Camp, they prioritize the safety and well-being of their campers by ensuring that their staff is highly qualified and well-trained. They maintain a supportive and professional environment through their selective hiring process, thorough training, and a favorable staff-to-camper ratio.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

General Ratio: They maintain a general staff-to-camper ratio of 1:6, which allows their staff to provide individual attention and care to each camper, enhancing both safety and the overall camp experience.
Specialized Activities: For more skill-intensive or higher-risk activities like swimming or archery, the ratio is adjusted to ensure closer supervision, typically around 1:4.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Selection Process: Prospective staff members undergo a rigorous selection process that includes background checks, multiple interviews, and reference checks to ensure that they are well-suited to working in a dynamic camp environment.
Qualifications: They hire individuals who are passionate about youth development and typically have backgrounds in education, psychology, recreation, or related fields. Many of their staff are pursuing or have completed higher education degrees in these areas.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: All staff members participate in a comprehensive pre-camp training session that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child psychology, and conflict resolution.
Certifications: Staff members are required to hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. Additionally, instructors for specific activities like swimming or archery are required to have relevant certifications from recognized organizations (e.g., Red Cross for lifeguards).
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, they conduct regular training sessions to refresh skills and discuss new techniques in child management and safety.

These practices ensure that their staff is equipped to handle both everyday activities and any potential emergencies that may arise. At King’s Camp, they believe that their commitment to professional staff training and development is key to providing a safe, enjoyable, and enriching camp experience for all their campers.

Safety and Health in King’s Camp

At King’s Camp, ensuring the safety and health of their campers and staff is their top priority. They have comprehensive safety protocols and medical facilities in place to address any situation that might arise, and they are committed to creating a secure environment for everyone at the camp.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Routine Safety Drills: They regularly conduct safety drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with emergency procedures.
Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity offered at the camp comes with its set of safety instructions, which are rigorously enforced by its trained staff. Equipment is regularly inspected and maintained to prevent accidents.
Supervision: Campers are supervised at all times by experienced staff members, whether during activities, meals, or rest times. The camp’s layout is designed to ensure that all areas are easily accessible and visible for continuous monitoring.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: King’s Camp has a well-equipped on-site health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including a registered nurse available 24/7. The center is prepared to handle routine health care needs and initial emergency care.
Medications: The health center manages and dispenses all camper medications according to physician instructions. Parents are required to provide detailed medical information and medication instructions at the time of registration.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: King’s Camp has a detailed emergency response plan in place, which includes protocols for handling natural disasters, health emergencies, and other urgent situations.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, the camp maintains a clear line of communication with parents and guardians. They ensure that all contact information is up-to-date and that parents are promptly informed of any issues affecting their children.
Local Hospital Coordination: They have arrangements with the nearest hospital to handle more serious medical situations requiring advanced care beyond what their on-site health center can provide.

Through these measures, King’s Camp ensures that every camper enjoys a safe, healthy, and fun-filled summer experience. They take pride in their preparedness and in maintaining high standards of safety and health for everyone at their camp.

Cost and Registration in King’s Camp

At King’s Camp, they strive to make their camp experience accessible and enjoyable for all families, offering transparent cost details, straightforward registration processes, and flexible financial options. Here’s everything you need to know about the cost, registration, and financial support options at King’s Camp:

Cost of Attendance

Cost: The cost of attending King’s Camp varies depending on the length of the session and the type of program selected. For example, one-week sessions typically cost around $750, two-week sessions are approximately $1,450, and full summer options can go up to $3,800.
What It Includes: The cost covers all camp activities, meals, accommodation, and the use of all camp facilities. Also included are camp t-shirts and any transportation for off-site excursions.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Registration can be completed through their secure online portal. New families must create an account while returning families can log in with their existing account details.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January and continues until spaces are filled. Early registration is encouraged as many sessions fill up quickly. Specific deadlines for each session are posted on their website.

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 leading up to the summer. These plans can be customized to fit individual financial needs.
Refunds: Full refunds are available until a month before the session begins. After this point, refunds are only given for medical reasons or family emergencies, provided documentation is submitted.
Cancellation Policy: For cancellations made less than two weeks before the session start date, only partial refunds are possible unless it’s for a documented emergency.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: King’s Camp offers a limited number of scholarships each year to families who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships can cover up to 50% of the camp fees.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid is available through their “Campership” fund, which is supported by donations from the camp community and alumni. Families are encouraged to apply early as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parent and Camper Preparation in King’s Camp

Preparing for King’s Camp is an exciting journey for both campers and parents alike. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help ensure everyone is well-prepared for the adventure ahead:

Packing List

To make the most of their time at King’s Camp, campers should pack the following essentials:

Clothing: Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including shorts, t-shirts, pants, sweaters, socks, underwear, pajamas, and a rain jacket.
Footwear: Sturdy shoes for hiking and outdoor activities, sandals for showering, and flip-flops for the pool area.
Bedding and Toiletries: Sleeping bag or bedding, pillow, towels, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.), and any personal hygiene items.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield from the sun.
Miscellaneous: Water bottle, flashlight, insect repellent, stationary, books, and any necessary medications in labeled containers.

Rules and Policies

It’s important for both campers and parents to familiarize themselves with King’s Camp rules and policies:

Technology Use: King’s Camp encourages campers to disconnect from electronic devices and immerse themselves in the camp experience. Therefore, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices are generally not permitted.
Visitation: Visitation is typically limited to designated days during the camp session. Parents will receive specific information regarding visitation schedules and guidelines prior to the start of the session.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to treat others with respect, participate in activities, and adhere to the camp’s code of conduct, which prohibits bullying, discrimination, and disruptive behavior.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For those embarking on their first King’s Camp adventure, here are some helpful tips:

Campers:
- Embrace New Experiences: Be open to trying new activities and making new friends.
- Stay Positive: Approach each day with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
- Communicate: Don’t hesitate to talk to your counselors if you have any questions or concerns.
Parents:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for communications from the camp regarding important information and updates.
- Trust the Process: Have confidence in the camp’s staff and programs to provide a safe and enriching experience for your child.
- Prepare Together: Involve your child in the packing process and discuss what to expect at camp to alleviate any anxieties.

By following these guidelines and preparing accordingly, both campers and parents can look forward to an unforgettable summer at King’s Camp, filled with adventure, growth, and cherished memories.

At King’s Camp in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, they pride themselves on providing a vibrant and enriching summer experience that fosters growth, independence, and lasting friendships. With a host of diverse activities ranging from arts and crafts to wilderness adventures, their camp offers something for every young adventurer. Their dedicated staff ensures a safe and nurturing environment, where campers can explore their interests, develop new skills, and build confidence.

With flexible session lengths, a variety of programs, and inclusive financial options, King’s Camp is committed to making its unique camp experience accessible to all. Whether it’s a camper’s first summer with us or they are returning for another unforgettable season, each child leaves with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for community and nature.