Welcome to Dickey Lake Bible Camp, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Trego, Montana. Situated near the pristine Dickey Lake and enveloped by the lush forests of northwest Montana, their camp offers a serene setting perfect for spiritual growth and outdoor adventures.

Dickey Lake Bible Camp has been a beacon of joy and learning since its founding. Established with the vision of creating a nurturing environment to foster spiritual development, their camp has become a beloved summer destination for youth seeking both adventure and meaningful community.

Their mission at Dickey Lake Bible Camp is to provide a safe, Christ-centered community where young people can deepen their relationship with God, discover their strengths, and create lasting friendships. They believe in the transformative power of camp experiences to strengthen faith and character in a supportive and fun environment.

They proudly offer a camping experience for boys and girls aged 8-16. Each session is designed to cater to different age groups, ensuring that all campers receive age-appropriate spiritual guidance and recreational activities.

Join us at Dickey Lake Bible Camp for a summer of spiritual growth, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime!

Programs Offered by Dickey Lake Bible Camp

Dickey Lake Bible Camp offers a variety of programs designed to engage campers in meaningful spiritual growth and fun recreational activities. Their programs are thoughtfully crafted to cater to different interests and age groups, ensuring every camper has a memorable and transformative experience.

Program Descriptions and Session Lengths

Explorer Program: Aimed at their youngest campers aged 8-10, these one-week sessions focus on introductory Bible lessons, nature exploration, and crafts, providing a gentle and fun introduction to camp life.
Adventure Program: For campers aged 11-13, these two-week sessions dive deeper into spiritual teachings, with added activities such as hiking, canoeing, and more complex arts and crafts projects.
Leadership Development Program: Designed for teenagers aged 14-16, these three-week sessions include leadership training, advanced biblical studies, and community service projects. It’s perfect for older campers looking to develop their leadership skills in a supportive environment.

Specialty Programs

Arts Camp: This special one-week session focuses on creative expression through painting, drama, music, and dance. Campers explore their artistic talents while also participating in daily devotions and group worship.
Sports Camp: Also lasting one week, this program is ideal for campers interested in a more active experience. Activities include soccer, basketball, swimming, and team-building exercises, all framed within a context of sportsmanship and faith.
Wilderness Science Camp: A unique two-week session that combines environmental science education with outdoor adventure. Campers learn about local flora and fauna through hands-on activities and exploration, fostering a deeper connection with God’s creation.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Dickey Lake Bible Camp is structured to balance spiritual, physical, and creative development:

Morning Devotion: Each day starts with a group devotion, setting a reflective tone.
Breakfast
Morning Activities: These vary by program but typically include lessons, arts, and sports.
Lunch
Rest Period: A quiet time for personal reflection or letter writing.
Afternoon Activities: Depending on the session, activities may include hiking, boating, science experiments, or specialized workshops.
Dinner
Evening Worship and Campfire: The day ends with worship and fellowship around the campfire, a time for singing, sharing, and enjoying the beauty of the starlit Montana sky.

Through these programs and a daily schedule that emphasizes community and personal growth, Dickey Lake Bible Camp strives to offer an enriching summer experience that campers will cherish for years to come.

Accommodations in Dickey Lake Bible Camp

Dickey Lake Bible Camp provides comfortable and rustic accommodations designed to enhance the camping experience while ensuring safety and convenience for all campers.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: Their primary accommodation consists of cozy, well-maintained cabins. Each cabin houses 8-10 campers along with 2 counselors, fostering a close-knit group atmosphere. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal items.
Tent Camping: Certain specialty programs, such as the Wilderness Science Camp, offer the option to sleep in tents. This allows campers to fully immerse themselves in nature and learn practical outdoor living skills.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: They provide three nutritious meals per day, served in the camp’s communal dining hall. Meals are crafted to fuel the high-energy needs of their campers throughout their active days.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding that some campers have specific dietary needs, they offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s dietary requirements with us prior to arrival to ensure they can accommodate them properly.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

Facilities: Each cabin cluster has its own centrally located bathroom and shower facility, ensuring easy access for all campers. These facilities are separated by gender and are equipped with multiple stalls and showers to accommodate the group sizes, maintaining privacy and convenience.
Hygiene and Safety: The bathrooms and showers are cleaned and sanitized daily by their maintenance staff to ensure they meet health and safety standards. They also educate their campers on maintaining personal hygiene and respecting the shared spaces.

At Dickey Lake Bible Camp, they strive to make their accommodations part of the memorable experience, ensuring they support their campers’ comfort and well-being throughout their stay.

Activities in Dickey Lake Bible Camp

Dickey Lake Bible Camp offers a diverse array of activities designed to engage campers in both fun and meaningful experiences, promoting personal growth and community spirit. Here’s an overview of the activities and special features of their program:

List of Activities Offered

Swimming and Water Sports: Enjoy swimming in the clear waters of Dickey Lake, canoeing, and kayaking, all under the supervision of certified lifeguards.
Hiking: Summer camps, explore the natural beauty of Montana with guided hikes through local trails and wilderness areas.
Crafts: Engage in a variety of craft activities, such as pottery, beadwork, and woodworking.
Team Sports: Participate in organized sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball to foster teamwork and physical fitness.
Fishing: Learn the basics of fishing or hone your skills at the lake, rich with local fish species.
Archery: Try your hand at archery with instruction from experienced counselors.
Campfires and Outdoor Cooking: Learn traditional campfire cooking techniques and enjoy evenings around the fire with songs and storytelling.

Special Events or Traditions

Opening and Closing Ceremonies: These bookend each camp session, creating a sense of unity and celebration.
Camp-Wide Games: Days filled with camp-wide competitions and games, such as capture the flag and relay races, encourage camp-wide interaction and fun.
Talent Shows: Campers get a chance to showcase their talents to their peers in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Themed Days: Special days like “Pirate Day” or “Wild West Day” add a fun and creative twist to the camp routine.
Spiritual Retreats: Special sessions devoted to deeper spiritual reflection and connection, allowing campers to explore their faith in a supportive community setting.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership Training: Older campers can participate in leadership programs that teach skills such as team management, conflict resolution, and effective communication.
Environmental Education: Programs that focus on local ecology and sustainable practices help campers understand and appreciate their impact on the world around them.
Arts Workshops: Specialized workshops in music, drama, and visual arts provide campers with the opportunity to develop new skills and express themselves creatively.

At Dickey Lake Bible Camp, each day is filled with opportunities to try new things, build skills, make friends, and grow in faith. their activities and events are designed to ensure that every camper leaves with cherished memories and a strengthened sense of community and self.

The staff of Dickey Lake Bible Camp

Dickey Lake Bible Camp is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment for all campers, largely facilitated by their dedicated and highly qualified staff. Here’s a detailed look at their staff structure, hiring process, and training protocols.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

They maintain a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personal attention and care. Their general ratio is one staff member for every five campers, which allows us to closely monitor safety, provide individual guidance, and foster a supportive community.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Recruitment: They recruit staff from a range of backgrounds, including education, youth ministry, and recreation. Many are former campers who want to give back to the camp community.
Selection Process: Candidates undergo a thorough selection process that includes background checks, reference checks, and interviews. This ensures that they hire individuals who are not only skilled but also share their commitment to fostering a positive and safe camp environment.
Qualifications: Staff members typically have experience in child care or education, and many hold degrees in relevant fields. They also look for staff with special skills relevant to their programs, such as arts and crafts, sports coaching, or wilderness first aid.

Training and Certifications

Pre-Camp Training: All staff attend a comprehensive pre-camp training session that covers camp policies, emergency procedures, child psychology, and conflict resolution. This training is designed to prepare them for the various situations they might encounter at camp.
CPR and First Aid: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. They ensure these certifications are up-to-date, and they often facilitate certification courses as part of staff training.
Specialized Training: Depending on their roles, staff may also receive additional training in areas such as lifeguarding, wilderness first response, and specific activity safety (e.g., archery, boating).
Ongoing Training: Throughout the camp season, they provide ongoing training and support meetings to address any issues that arise and to reinforce their standards of care and safety.

The quality and dedication of their staff at Dickey Lake Bible Camp are integral to their mission. By ensuring their team is well-trained and highly qualified, they create an environment where campers can safely enjoy their time, explore new activities, and grow both personally and spiritually.

Safety and Health in Dickey Lake Bible Camp

Dickey Lake Bible Camp prioritizes the safety and health of all campers and staff, implementing robust safety protocols and maintaining comprehensive health facilities to address any issues that may arise during camp sessions. Here’s an overview of their safety and health policies:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Regular Drills: They conduct regular safety drills, including fire, weather, and lockdown drills, to ensure that both campers and staff are familiar with emergency procedures.
Activity Safety: Specific safety protocols are in place for all activities, especially those involving higher risks such as swimming, boating, and archery. Campers are supervised by staff members with specialized training in these areas.
Nighttime Security: The camp maintains strict security measures, including a curfew and nighttime monitoring by staff, to ensure that all campers are safe and accounted for after dark.

On-site Health Facilities and Staff

Health Center: Dickey Lake Bible Camp has a well-equipped health center staffed by a registered nurse available 24/7. The center is prepared to handle minor injuries and illnesses and is stocked with necessary medications and first aid supplies.
Medical Staff: In addition to their full-time nurse, they have relationships with local physicians and health care providers who are on call for more serious issues. The camp staff includes individuals trained in emergency response and first aid.
Health Checks: Upon arrival, each camper undergoes a health check to identify any existing medical conditions or needs, ensuring they can provide personalized care.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Emergency Response Plan: They have a comprehensive emergency response plan that outlines specific steps for various potential scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical incidents. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated.
Communication: In the event of an emergency, they have protocols in place for quickly notifying all camp staff and, if necessary, emergency services. They also have a clear communication plan for informing parents and guardians about what has happened and what steps are being taken.
Evacuation Plan: Should an evacuation be necessary, they have predetermined routes and procedures in place. All staff and campers are familiar with these procedures through regular drills, and transportation is readily available to facilitate a quick and orderly evacuation.

The comprehensive safety and health measures at Dickey Lake Bible Camp ensure that while campers are enjoying their adventurous and enriching camp experience, they are also in a secure and well-monitored environment. This allows both parents and campers to feel confident and relaxed throughout the camp duration.

Cost and Registration in Dickey Lake Bible Camp

Dickey Lake Bible Camp aims to provide an enriching and accessible summer camp experience. Below is detailed information on the cost of attendance, registration process, and financial policies including scholarships and aid.

Cost of Attendance

Cost Structure: The cost of attendance varies depending on the length and type of program. For example, one-week sessions typically cost around $500, two-week sessions are approximately $900, and three-week specialty programs may cost up to $1,300. These fees cover all aspects of the camp experience, including lodging, meals, activities, and program materials.
What’s Included: The fee includes full board (three meals per day), accommodation, all scheduled activities, equipment use, and any transportation for off-site excursions included in the camp program.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Online Registration: The registration process involves filling out camper information, selecting the desired session, and submitting health and dietary information.
Deadlines: Registration typically opens in January and runs until sessions are full. Due to high demand and limited spots, early registration is encouraged.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Payment Plans: Recognizing that families have different budgetary needs, the camp offers flexible payment plans. Parents can choose to pay in full upon registration or opt for a monthly installment plan leading up to the start of the camp session.
Refunds and Cancellation: Full refunds are available until one month before the camp session begins. After this date, partial refunds are provided, less a non-refundable deposit. In the case of cancellation due to medical reasons, a full refund is possible with a doctor’s note.
Cancellation Policy: In the unlikely event of a camp cancellation by the organizers (e.g., due to extreme weather), full refunds will be issued or alternative session options will be offered.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships: Dickey Lake Bible Camp offers a scholarship program to assist families in need. Scholarships can cover up to 50% of the camp fees, based on financial need and availability of funds.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid may be available through external sources, and the camp office provides assistance in identifying and applying for such opportunities. They are committed to making camp accessible to all interested children, regardless of their financial situation.

By providing comprehensive financial policies and support, Dickey Lake Bible Camp ensures that more children can enjoy the transformative experience of summer camp, fostering personal growth and lifelong memories.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Dickey Lake Bible Camp

Dickey Lake Bible Camp is dedicated to ensuring that both campers and their parents are well-prepared for the summer camp experience. Here’s some helpful information, including a packing list, camp rules and policies, and tips for first-time campers and their parents.

Packing List

To ensure that campers have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, they recommend packing the following items:

Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing (include layers for cooler evenings), swimsuits, comfortable footwear (hiking boots, sneakers), and at least one set of clothes that can get dirty.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets (depending on the sleeping arrangements), pillow.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, bug spray, and a towel.
Miscellaneous: Water bottle, flashlight, hat, sunglasses.
Optional: Camera (non-smartphone), books, writing materials, and any specific gear related to specialized camp activities (e.g., fishing rod for fishing activities).

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To maximize engagement and immersion in the camp experience, the use of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices is restricted. Campers are encouraged to disconnect from technology and connect with nature and each other.
Visitation: For the safety and security of campers and staff, visitation during camp sessions is limited to designated visiting days. Parents are encouraged to respect these guidelines to ensure the smooth operation of camp activities.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to follow all camp rules, show respect to staff and fellow campers, and participate actively in scheduled activities. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from camp.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

Preparation: Discuss what camp will be like focusing on the exciting activities and opportunities to make new friends. This can help reduce any anxiety and build excitement.
Communication: Explain how communication will work during camp, including how often and in what form. Knowing when and how they can communicate with home can help campers feel more secure.
Homesickness: It’s normal for some campers to feel homesick. Encourage them to stay engaged in activities and to talk about their feelings with camp staff, who are trained to help.
Independence: Camp is a great opportunity for children to develop independence. Parents should encourage this development by allowing campers to pack their own bags and make decisions about what to bring.

By providing detailed preparation guidelines and support, Dickey Lake Bible Camp helps ensure that both first-time and returning campers have a positive and enriching camp experience.

Dickey Lake Bible Camp offers a unique and enriching experience for young people, blending spiritual growth, outdoor adventure, and personal development in the stunning natural backdrop of Trego, Montana. With a variety of programs tailored to different age groups and interests, campers are provided an opportunity to explore their faith, build lasting friendships, and develop new skills in a supportive and safe environment. Their commitment to maintaining a low staff-to-camper ratio, upholding stringent safety protocols, and offering robust health facilities ensures that every camper’s experience is not only fun but secure.

Whether through swimming in Dickey Lake, hiking through Montana’s wilderness, engaging in arts and crafts, or simply gathering around a campfire under the stars, Dickey Lake Bible Camp creates memories that last a lifetime. Their flexible payment plans, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities underline their dedication to making camp accessible to all children, further enriching their diverse and vibrant camp community. Each summer, they look forward to welcoming new faces to join in the adventures and returning campers to rediscover the magic of Dickey Lake Bible Camp, where every session is an opportunity to explore, learn, and grow.