Questions About Camp - FAQ

How much does camp cost, and what are payment/grant options?

The registration fees are: $140 for the 3-day Footsteps 3/4ths… camp, $220 for one camper and one parent for the 3-day Footsteps, Inc…, and $350 for the 6-day Footsteps… and Footsteps, too… camps. Payment is due at registration. Voucher codes are available to churches, as well as limited need-based scholarships. To apply for a scholarship, please call, text, or email Jerry Akins to get a Camp Scholarship BEFORE you register. Jerry Akins - jakins1189@sbcglobal.net, (660)563-1715.

Does your camp have a refund policy, and if so what is it?

Full refund will be given if cancellation is made more than 30 days prior to camp. A 50% refund will be made if a cancellation is made within 30 days of camp. No refund will be made for no-shows, except for verifiable emergencies.

Will I receive updates about what is happening at camp while my child is there?

Yes. Upon check-in you will be given a code that allows access to daily photos and updates online.

What does a typical day look like for a camper or counselor?

The day begins at 7:00 am. After breakfast campers will participate in morning praise time, then break out into team time, recreation time, lunch, swimming, crafts/mission  project, dinner, special evening activity, Bible Bowl (Footsteps…), evening praise, then bedtime at 10:00 pm.

What activities are available for my camper to participate in?

Campers may choose from boating, fishing, Ga-Ga ball, 9-Square in the Air, Foose Ball, Air Hocky, table-top shuffleboard, and organized team sports. All campers have time at the pool.  Crafts, puppetry, sing-a-longs, nature walks, and more!

What are meal options? What provisions does your camp make for allergies, food preferences, etc?

All meals are from menus prepared by the LifeChange food service. Any allergy noted by parents on the registration form will be accommodated (for example, gluten-free, peanut allergy, pineapple allergy, etc).

What does my camper need to bring?

Campers and parents will receive a letter a couple of weeks prior to camp outlining the things that should be brought to camp as well as those that shouldn’t be brought. Specifically, campers should not bring money. Everything needed is provided through the registration fee.

What are the camp rules?

Probably our number one rule is for campers to come with an attitude of participation, expecting to have fun and to respect others. We ask that campers leave all electronics at home so that we can focus on God and His creation and that clothes worn are modest and not distracting.

What if I need to drop my camper off after the camp starts or before camp ends, can my camper still attend?

While we prefer that campers are there the entire week, we understand that family scheduling also is important. Any deviation from full attendance should be made known to the camp director at registration so that the camper will be prepared ahead of time. 

How will my camper take medication at camp?

All prescribed medication must be brought in the original container with instructions clearly labeled. Medications will be turned in to the camp nurse at check-in and will be dispensed as prescribed.  Over-the-counter medications will be given based on medical forms completed in online registration.

Will you be able to administer injected medication at camp if my camper needs that?

Yes. In the event the camper requires an EpiPen be carried at all time, we can accommodate that as long as the camper is trained in its use and understands the situation. Otherwise, injectables will be administered by the nurse. 

Can I send mail to camp?

Yes. Remember, it may take the mail longer to get to camp than the camper’s stay. Options include mailing early, handing letters to the director upon arrival with instructions about which day to distribute, or sending emails to the camper. Information on how to send emails will be available at registration. 

Can I visit camp while my camper is there?

Outside visitors should not show up without coordinating with a director. This provides for better site security and less distractions.

Will my camper be in the same sleeping area as his/her friends?

Generally, campers of the same gender may choose to bunk in the same room as friends until the room is filled.

What are your child safety protocols at camp? What training does staff go through in order to achieve this?

Campers are required to be in visual contact of at least two counselors at all times. Parents list the names of persons authorized to pick campers up after camp is over and the person picking the camper up must show identification if not known to the director. Campers will not be released to any person not listed on the contact list. Lifeguard for pool/lake, nurse on staff, and at least two counselors in all sleeping rooms are provided.  All staff undergo background checks.

Does your camp have a mission statement?

Rooted in our Christian tradition, the mission of the Footsteps Camps Association is to provide, through camping and other ministries, an environment where all are welcome to grow in their relationship with God, others, and His creation.

Does your camp have a statement of faith?

Footsteps Camps Associations’ core values are as follows:

We believe that:·          

    a. The Trinity is God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  

    b. God’s grace is available to all people. 

    c. The Bible is the word of God. 

    d. The communion table is God’s table; thus, all are welcome to participate. 

    e. Time at camp should focus on Christian fellowship and spiritual growth without outside distractions. 

    f. Financial need should never keep anyone from attending camp.

How does your camp handle discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc? 

Based on traditional interpretation of Scripture, Footsteps Camps believe that all are children of God and are invited to learn more about our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  All campers, including those within the LGBTQA+ community, will be assigned sleeping quarters based on their birth-identified gender. We accept everyone as children of God; we love them; and we share God's amazing grace with them.

In order to stay focused on the purpose of Footsteps Camps to bring campers    into a closer relationship with God, conversations about gender identity and preference are strongly discouraged. Counselors should never initiate such a discussion with campers, and if asked about it by a camper, should respond that we are at camp to focus on God's love for all.

Does your camp have an altar call? At what age group if so? Does your camp offer baptism for kids who want it, or leave that to their home church?

We do not offer “altar calls”. Campers attending Footsteps… and Footsteps, too… (entering 5th-11th grades) are given the opportunity to meet with one or more counselors during the last evening praise service to discuss their feelings about making or renewing their commitment to Christ. 

Does your camp keep in any kind of contact with campers and churches throughout the year, through emails, newsletters, etc?

Counselors who visit with a camper individually are asked to write a note to the parent letting them know of their discussion with the camper.  We add the email under which campers register , as well as participating churches, to our monthly newsletter list. Anyone may sign up for our newsletter through our website.