Summer Camp FAQ

If my child loses something while at camp how can we find out if it has been found and then retrieve it?

All items brought to camp must be marked clearly with your child's first and last name. Clothing markers that are designed not to wash out are available in the laundry section of Wal-mart or check out the link below for an economical and easy way to handle this. On check-out day all items not retrieved by campers will be on display for a final look from you. Unclaimed items that do not have a name on them will be held for 1 week before being donated to a charity. Contact us if help is needed. For personalized labels, check out Best Name Tape.

How do you select your staff for camp?

Most of our summer staff members are former campers and Victory Life Church youth who are now participants in the Revolution Youth Intern Program, The Call. These teens and young adults volunteer to be trained in leadership, serving, relationships, and the hard daily work of being involved in ministry. Camp Counselors are typically parents and/or ministry workers who love camp and desire to walk campers through their camp experience. All volunteers that are selected have a desire to work with campers in a camping environment and receive plenty of camp specific training before camp begins. This practical training equips them to handle most every situation that can be predicted in the camp week and includes CPR and First Aid.

Staff to camper ratio?

We practice a ratio of 1 staff member to 6 campers for every scheduled event at camp.

What can I do to prevent my child from experiencing homesickness while at camp?

Nearly all kids miss something about home when they're away at camp. It's normal. If there's something about home you miss, that means there's something about home you love, and that's a wonderful thing! To stop strong feelings of missing home before they start, try these ideas:

What should I do if I get a homesick letter from my child?

Don’t panic, it’s normal for the first letter! Our counselors are specially trained to help kids work through their homesickness. If our efforts cannot console your child we will contact you. We are in a partnership with you to ensure a great camp experience, not a difficult memory.

What are the summer camp dates & fees for 2010?

When does registration begin and end?

Registration is scheduled to open for all summer camps beginning March 1st. Registration closes for each week of camp 1 week prior to its start date or when the camp week fills up.

I want to bring some kids/youth from my church to this camp. What do I do?

We welcome all churches to get in on our summer camp fun! Take a look at our "Group Registration Tips" located on the Forms page.

Where do I register?

Registrations can be handle one of two ways. For those who enjoy the ease of online forms and payment, please click on Register to begin your registration. Payment may be made by credit card or eCheck. If you prefer a paper form, please go to Forms and print a registration form. You will need to take the completed form to your local Victory Life Church or to your group leader if you are from another group. Payment must be made when the form is turned in by cash or check.

What will I need to have on hand to register my child?

We have partnered with CAMPWISE this year to provide a successful online registration experience for you. We look forward to years of great service to you as we process your registrations and administrate camp. We want you to be prepared for the information you will need on hand when you register. Please go to Forms and take a look at Registration Check List.

Can my handicapped child attend camp?

Camp is a physically demanding event that requires a lot of walking and participation in team events. We are unable to give the quality of attention needed to children with physical and mental handicaps. If you feel your child's handicap is mild and would be suited for this camp experience even though they have these limitations feel free to contact the camp director.

Is there an early bird rate?

Due to our rates being so economical, we cannot offer any discounts.

How much is the registration fee?

A deposit of $25 is required at the time of registration to hold the camper spot. You may pay the required fee only or as much as you wish up to the full amount owed. At check out, you will be provided options for payment to meet your needs.

Are scholarships available for my child to attend camp?

Scholarships can only be made available when money is donated for this purpose. If you feel that you need financial assistance you may check the scholarship box at the time you register. We will contact you at a later date to confirm or deny the existence of the scholarship you need, typically around May 1st. Note: all registrations, including requests for scholarships, require the minimum deposit of $25 at registration.

Will there be concessions at camp?

Yes, concessions are optional but we encourage you to place some money toward concessions for your child so that they may get a snack throughout the day. There will be food and drink options for purchase that will range from $1 - $3 and a few non food items as well, including T-shirts, hats, cups, etc. The most expensive of these non food items will be a $15 T-shirt.

How much concession money will my child need?

Campers usually have a couple of opportunities daily to access the concession stand for optional purchases. When you check your child in on the first day of camp there will be a display of what will available for purchase that week, including prices. You will be able to add to their concession amount at that time if you desire.

What time is Check-In on the first day of camp and what is involved?

Check-in for all 2011 Summer Camps is 6:00p.m. on Monday. Please be sure your child arrives with dinner in their belly - their first camp meal will be Tuesday morning breakfast. Please note that check-in involves important preparation to ensure your child’s stay at camp is successful! Our goal is to move you through the process as quickly as possible, in under an hour. However, it can take longer, depending on how many campers are being processed at one time. Steps include checking in at the cabin, depositing funds in your child’s store account, campers identification badge being created, and visiting with the nurse to discuss health and any medications. Each child’s health and time at camp is important to us, so please allow for adequate time to ensure your child is all set!

When is check-out? Can I send someone else to pick up my camper if I will be at work our out of town?

Check-out for all 2011 Summer Camps is 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. You may send someone else to pick up your camper if you have made arrangements with us during check-in. This will require a signed and dated letter from the parent or legal guardian outlining who we should release your camper to.

Can I visit my child during camp?

One of camps greatest features is the safe separation from normal routines and people in our lives. For this reason, we do not allow visits during the camp week.

Can I pick up my child during the week for a special event and bring them back?

We strongly encourage you to choose the week of camp that no interruptions of any kind will occur for your child. Breaking the schedule and introducing outside experiences can disorient your child and make it more difficult to jump back into camp activities upon their return. If there is absolutely no other option due to an extra special event let us know the details during check-in or call 580-920-1791 during normal business hours to let us know the details.

Can I pick up my child early on the last day of camp?

The last morning of camp will include breakfast and a closing awards ceremony. Arriving early to pick them up will not allow camp to finish properly for them. The check-out process includes receiving unused medicines and any remaining store money which will not be available to you at an earlier time that day. If there is absolutely no other option due to events out of your control, please let us know during check-in or call 580-920-1791 during normal business hours to let us know the details.

Can my child request a specific bunk buddy or counselor?

Campers can request one specific friend be in their cabin and every effort will be made to ensure that occurs. A request for a specific counselor can only be guaranteed if the one requesting is the counselors own child. Other requests for a specific counselor will be attempted but with no guarantees. Please make your bunk request when asked during the registration process.

What does my child need to bring?

Please check out the list posted at the bottom of the Parents page.

Where is the camp located?

Camp Victory is located at 2953 Willifa Woods Road, Cartwright, OK. Click on our Map tab to see directions from North or South.

What type of activities will be offered at camp?

The average camp week will include opportunities for swimming, tubing, high ropes and low ropes, interaction with animals, various field games and activities, exploration of nature and worship. You will be asked for approval during registration for your child to participate in activities that include the lake and ropes courses. Please take a look at these areas on our "Campground" tab for a better explanation of what is involved in these areas. Certified Lifeguards are on the beach at all times during lake events and Certified Ropes Instructors operate our ropes courses.

What's on the menu? Can you accommodate special menu needs?

Our menus consist of freshly made food in our industrial kitchen by our certified food handlers and cooks. A balanced meal is provided at every meal and a full salad bar is available at lunch and dinner. If your child has special food needs due to allergies or other conditions please contact the camp director before registering your child to determine if we will be able to accommodate them while at camp.

What happens if my child gets sick?

A medical professional is on site at all times to handle day-to-day medical concerns. Should campers need to be seen by a doctor, a parent or guardian will be notified. Parents will also be notified of any camper that has not been feeling well for more 24 hours. Any medications brought by the camper will be stored with the medical professional and administered according to schedule and need. During check-in you will be able to review your child's medical needs with this professional.

Does my child need swim shoes?

Our swimming area currently is Lake Texoma. Although we carefully prepare a swimming area we cannot ensure the safety of the lake floor. Therefore, swimming shoes are mandatory when campers are on the beach or in the lake. Your child will not enter the lake without them.

What is the dress code?

At Camp Victory modesty is the main focus. In order to reach this goal here are the guidelines for insuring this goal is reached: For girls, shorts must not be shorter than mid thigh, or, when you put both hands to your sides, where the tip of the middle finger touches the sides of our thighs. Low neckline shirts will not be permitted. Tight fitting clothing will not be permitted for girls or guys. One piece swimsuits are required for females and a t-shirt cover up for both males and females. Profanity and offensive logos shirts, etc. will not be permitted. Long pants are not required at any time, nor are dress clothes, although fresh clothes may be desired for use at service times. Note that camp is an outdoor experience where messes are daily. Instead of buying new clothing for camp you may want to send the old ones so you aren't concerned about keeping them clean and nice!

What items are not allowed at camp?

Illegal drugs, cigarettes or tobacco of any kind, alcohol, fireworks, firearms, prank materials, and all electronics (including but not limited to) cell phones, handheld gaming devices, iPods & MP3 players. The possession of these items will result in confiscating the item and could lead to dismissal from camp without refund. Bring a simple alarm to awaken yourself if you will need to be up before being awakened by your counselor.

Will my child be required to wear a life vest?

Life vests are required while tubing or in a boat. Swimmers are not required to wear a life vest but we will gladly accommodate your desires for your child. The actual availability of life jackets during swim time may be affected by other water-related activities at the same time, therefore, if you desire your child to use a life vest during swim time please have your child bring one along and be sure to visit with us about this during check-in.

Can my child send/receive mail?

Yes! We are excited to offer 2 options for communication between you and your camper.