Welcome to Camp Stanislaus, a cherished summer destination nestled in the scenic Bay St. Louis area of Mississippi. Established with a rich history of providing enriching summer experiences, Camp Stanislaus is conveniently located along the beautiful Gulf Coast, providing a picturesque backdrop for a variety of adventurous and educational activities.

Their mission at Camp Stanislaus is to foster personal growth and leadership skills through outdoor activities, communal living, and a spirit of adventure. are committed to creating a safe, fun, and engaging environment where campers can learn, thrive, and make lasting friendships.

Camp Stanislaus is a camp primarily designed for boys, offering sessions for various age groups ranging from 8 to 15 years old. Each summer, they welcome campers to partake in a wide range of activities tailored to develop their skills, confidence, and a sense of community, making their camp experience truly unforgettable.

Programs Offered by Camp Stanislaus

Camp Stanislaus offers an array of engaging programs designed to suit a variety of interests and ages, making each camper’s experience both memorable and transformative. Their programs are carefully crafted to encourage personal development, teamwork, and a deepened appreciation for the outdoors and various skills.

Program Description

Their programs span from traditional camp activities to specialty programs, each structured to ensure a balanced and fulfilling day. The mainstay of their camp experience includes:

Outdoor Adventures: Emphasizing teamwork and leadership, these activities include kayaking, sailing, and fishing along the beautiful Gulf Coast.
Sports Programs: Campers can participate in soccer, basketball, baseball, and more, focusing on skill development, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.
Arts and Crafts: Designed to spark creativity, these sessions include painting, sculpture, and woodworking among other crafts.
Environmental Education: These sessions teach campers about local ecology and sustainable practices through hands-on learning experiences.

Length of Sessions

One-week sessions are perfect for younger campers or those new to the camp experience, providing a taste of all that Camp Stanislaus has to offer.
Two-week sessions offer a more in-depth experience, allowing for deeper engagement in activities and stronger bonds among campers.
Full summer options are available for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the Camp Stanislaus experience, with progressive skill development and leadership opportunities.

Specialty Programs

Marine Science Track: Dive into marine biology with hands-on activities like tide pooling, seashore explorations, and conservation projects.
Adventure Sports: For thrill-seekers, this program includes advanced levels of sailing, windsurfing, and wilderness survival skills.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Stanislaus is structured yet flexible, allowing campers to explore their interests while following a routine that supports their health, safety, and enjoyment:

7:30 AM: Wake up and morning assembly
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Morning activities (rotating through selected programs)
12:00 PM: Lunch and rest period
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Afternoon activities
5:30 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Evening activities (campfires, talent shows, night hikes)
9:00 PM: Lights out for younger campers
10:00 PM: Lights out for older campers

This well-rounded schedule ensures that each camper experiences a diverse array of activities, learns new skills, and builds lasting friendships, all within the beautiful and supportive environment of Camp Stanislaus.

Accommodations in Camp Stanislaus

At Camp Stanislaus, they prioritize comfort and safety in their accommodations to ensure that every camper feels at home and can fully enjoy their summer experience. Their facilities are designed to nurture a sense of community and independence among campers while providing all the necessary comforts.

Sleeping Arrangements

Camp Stanislaus provides various lodging options, all designed to enhance the camp experience:

Cabins: Their most popular accommodation, these cabins house 8 to 12 campers along with 2 counselors. Each cabin is equipped with bunk beds and storage space for personal belongings. Cabins are grouped by age and activities to foster camaraderie and community.
Dormitory Style: For older campers, their dormitory-style accommodations offer a slightly more independent living situation, with larger shared rooms and communal areas for socializing.
Tents: For specific sessions or overnight adventures, campers have the opportunity to sleep in tents. This allows for a full immersion into the natural setting of their camp, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Dining Options

Nutrition is key to maintaining the energy needed for a busy day at camp. Their dining services are designed to be both nutritious and enjoyable:

Meal Plans: They serve three well-balanced meals per day in their communal dining hall, where campers and staff eat together. Meals are varied to appeal to a wide range of tastes and include hot entrees, a salad bar, fruit options, and vegetarian selections.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding that some campers have specific dietary needs, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive alternatives as needed. Their kitchen staff is trained to handle special dietary requirements with care and attention.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

In-Cabin Bathrooms: Each cabin is equipped with its own bathroom and shower facilities to ensure ease of access and privacy. These facilities are maintained regularly to keep them clean and hygienic.
Central Shower Houses: For larger group accommodations and tent areas, centrally located shower houses are available. These facilities are divided by gender and are equipped with multiple showers, sinks, and toilets. They are also well-maintained and cleaned multiple times a day.

Camp Stanislaus is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment for all campers, ensuring that their living accommodations enhance their overall camp experience.

Activities in Camp Stanislaus

Camp Stanislaus offers a wide range of activities designed to engage, educate, and entertain campers, promoting personal growth and skill development in a fun and supportive environment. Their diverse activities cater to various interests, ensuring that every camper finds something they love.

List of Activities Offered

Water Sports: Enjoy swimming, sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding in the beautiful Gulf waters.
Land Sports: Engage in soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball among other popular sports.
Outdoor Skills: Learn essential skills such as orienteering, camping, and wilderness survival.
Arts and Crafts: Summer camps, unleash creativity with activities in painting, pottery, woodworking, and more.
Performing Arts: Participate in drama, dance, and music sessions, culminating in performances for fellow campers.
Nature and Science: Explore local ecology through guided hikes, bird watching, and environmental science projects.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Stanislaus is rich in traditions and special events that build community and create lifelong memories:

Opening Campfire: The first night of each session features a campfire where campers and staff introduce themselves and set the tone for the session with songs and skits.
Color Wars: A multi-day event where campers are divided into teams to compete in various sports, arts, and problem-solving challenges.
Regatta Day: A celebrated tradition involving boat races and water games, where campers demonstrate their sailing skills learned during camp.
Talent Show: Campers showcase their talents and new skills learned at camp, from musical performances to magic tricks.
Closing Ceremonies: At the end of each session, a special ceremony is held to award achievements and celebrate the session’s successes.

Skill Development Opportunities

At Camp Stanislaus, skill development is a key component of the camp experience, with opportunities including:

Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs designed to develop skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
Certifications: Opportunities for earning certifications in areas such as First Aid, CPR, and water safety.
Advanced Sports Training: For campers interested in specific sports, advanced coaching and training sessions are available to enhance skills and competitive strategies.
Artistic Mastery: In arts and crafts, campers can progress to more complex projects as they build their skills throughout their stay.

Through these activities, events, and skill development opportunities, Camp Stanislaus ensures a dynamic and enriching camp experience that fosters growth, friendship, and a connection to the natural world.

The staff of Camp Stanislaus

At Camp Stanislaus, they are committed to ensuring a high-quality, safe, and enriching experience for every camper. This commitment is reflected in the careful selection, training, and management of their camp staff.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

They maintain an excellent staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention, supervision, and guidance. Their general ratio is one staff member for every six campers, which allows us to provide a safe and supportive environment where every camper can thrive and receive the help and supervision they need.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

The hiring process at Camp Stanislaus is rigorous and focuses on selecting individuals who are not only qualified but who also share their values of fostering a safe, fun, and educational camp environment. Here are key aspects of their hiring process:

Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks are mandatory for all potential staff to ensure the safety and security of their campers.
Education and Experience: Candidates are typically required to have a background in education, child development, or a related field, as well as previous experience working with children.
Personal Interviews: Each candidate undergoes a series of interviews to assess their personality, experience, and fit for the camp’s culture and demands.
References: They check references thoroughly to confirm the candidate’s past performance and qualifications.

Training and Certifications

Once hired, their staff undergoes a comprehensive training program to prepare them for the myriad situations that can arise at camp. This training includes:

CPR and First Aid Certification: All camp staff must be certified in CPR and First Aid as a basic requirement for employment. These certifications are regularly updated.
Lifeguard Training: For staff involved in water activities, lifeguard certification is required, ensuring that their swimming and boating activities are conducted under vigilant supervision.
Specialty Training: Depending on their roles, staff receive training in specific areas such as wilderness first aid, sports coaching, art instruction, and more.
Child Protection Policies: Training on child protection policies is mandatory, ensuring all staff are equipped to create a safe and supportive environment for all campers.
Emergency Procedures: Staff are trained in emergency response procedures specific to the camp’s environment and facilities, preparing them to handle anything from minor injuries to major emergencies.

Through these detailed and careful practices in staffing, Camp Stanislaus ensures that their team is capable, caring, and thoroughly prepared to provide a positive and safe camp experience for all campers.

Safety and Health in Camp Stanislaus

Safety and health are paramount at Camp Stanislaus, where they strive to ensure that every camper enjoys a secure and healthy environment throughout their stay. their comprehensive safety protocols, on-site health facilities, and emergency procedures are all designed to maintain the highest standards of care and preparedness.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Camp Stanislaus implements strict safety protocols to protect all campers and staff:

Regular Safety Drills: They conduct regular drills to prepare for various scenarios, including fire, severe weather, and other potential emergencies.
Supervised Activities: All activities are closely supervised by trained staff, with specific attention to activities that involve higher levels of risk, such as water sports and high ropes courses.
Equipment Checks: All equipment used in camp activities is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it is safe and in good working condition.
Secure Facilities: Their camp facilities are secured and monitored, with strict protocols for who can enter and exit the campgrounds.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Their on-site health facilities are equipped to handle a range of medical needs:

Health Center: Camp Stanislaus has a dedicated health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and, during specific times, a visiting doctor.
Medication Management: Their health staff manages and administers all camper medications according to physician instructions, ensuring that each camper’s health needs are met throughout their stay.
Round-the-Clock Availability: Healthcare staff are available 24/7 to address any health issues that might arise, ensuring prompt and effective care.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Camp Stanislaus is prepared for emergencies with well-established policies:

Immediate Response: Their staff are trained to respond immediately to health emergencies, with protocols in place to quickly assess the situation and provide care.
Emergency Contact System: They have a robust system for quickly contacting local emergency services and parents in case of a serious incident.
Evacuation Plans: Detailed evacuation plans are in place for all types of emergencies, whether they require evacuation of a building or the entire camp.
Continuous Training: All staff participate in ongoing training to stay current on the best practices for emergency preparedness and response.

At Camp Stanislaus, the safety and health of campers are always their top priorities. They are committed to maintaining a safe environment where campers can enjoy their activities without worry, and parents can rest assured that their children are in good hands.

Cost and Registration in Camp Stanislaus

Camp Stanislaus is dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable summer camp experience. Here are the details on costs, registration, and financial assistance options to help families plan their campers’ adventures.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attending Camp Stanislaus varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program chosen. Generally, fees for their one-week sessions start at approximately $500, and two-week sessions start at about $950. Full summer options are also available, with prices varying based on the total number of weeks and specific activities involved.

What’s Included:

All meals and snacks
Lodging in cabins, dorms, or tents as per the program
All program materials and equipment
Supervision and instruction from their trained staff
Basic accident insurance for each camper

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: Parents can register their children through their online registration portal. The process is streamlined to include form submissions for health information, emergency contacts, and consents.
Deadlines: Early registration typically opens in January and runs through March. They recommend registering early as spots fill up quickly. Regular registration extends as long as spots are available or until about a month before the start of each session.

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 arranged after the initial deposit is made during registration.
Refunds: Refunds are available up to one month before the start date of the camp session, minus a non-refundable deposit. After this period, refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis, typically only for medical reasons with appropriate documentation.
Cancellation Policy: If a session must be canceled by Camp Stanislaus (due to unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather or health advisories), full refunds, including the deposit, will be issued to all registered families.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Camp Stanislaus offers a limited number of scholarships each year based on financial need and camper merit. These scholarships can cover up to 50% of camp fees.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available through their “Campership” fund, which is supported by donations from alumni and community members. Families seeking financial aid are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited.

They strive to make Camp Stanislaus an accessible option for all families interested in a transformative summer camp experience, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder a child’s ability to participate in their programs.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Stanislaus

Preparing for a stay at Camp Stanislaus is an exciting process for both campers and their parents. To ensure everyone is ready for a great summer experience, here’s a guide on what to pack, understand the camp rules and policies, and some helpful tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

To ensure campers have everything they need, here’s a suggested packing list:

Clothing: Enough for 7-10 days, including t-shirts, shorts, and jeans. Include a jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings.
Footwear: Comfortable sneakers, sandals, and water shoes.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets, pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and other personal hygiene items.
Swimwear: At least two swimsuits and a beach towel.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a sunhat or cap.
Insect Repellent: Non-aerosol bug spray or lotion.
Water Bottle: Reusable and clearly labeled with the camper’s name.
Flashlight or Headlamp: With extra batteries.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a camera (non-smartphone).

Note: Please label all belongings with the camper’s name to prevent loss.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and interaction, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is restricted. Campers are encouraged to disconnect from technology and connect with their surroundings and peers.
Visitation: Parents are welcome to visit on designated days, which are typically mid-session. This helps ensure the safety and organization of the camp environment.
Behavioral Expectations: Respect for fellow campers, staff, and the environment is expected at all times. Policies regarding bullying, discrimination, and general misconduct are strictly enforced to maintain a safe and positive camp experience.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Be open to new experiences and making new friends.
- Participate actively and try out different activities.
- Communicate with your counselors; they are there to help you have a great time!
For Parents:
- Discuss what to expect at camp beforehand to ease any anxieties your child might have.
- Ensure your child understands the importance of following camp rules and respecting others.
- Write letters or send care packages to provide support and encouragement during their stay.

By following these guidelines, packing appropriately, and understanding camp policies, first-time campers and their parents can feel more prepared and confident about the upcoming Camp Stanislaus adventure.

Camp Stanislaus offers a rich and rewarding summer experience that combines fun, learning, and adventure in the beautiful setting of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. With a wide range of activities, from water sports to arts and crafts, and a strong emphasis on personal growth and community building, campers leave with lasting memories and skills that extend well beyond the summer. Their commitment to safety, coupled with comprehensive staff training and robust health facilities, ensures a secure environment where campers can thrive.

Flexible payment options, scholarships, and dedicated staff make Camp Stanislaus accessible to families seeking a transformative experience for their children. Whether it’s a camper’s first time or they’re returning for another unforgettable summer, Camp Stanislaus is prepared to offer an exceptional camping adventure that is both enjoyable and enriching.