Camps & Programs

• When does registration open?
  • Camp Registration usually opens at the end of January. You can register by going to the camp website summitgrovecamp.org/camps-and-programs. Once you start the registration process, our new registration website will allow you to register your children for all Summit Grove camps. All third-party camps will have separate registrations which you can find by selecting them on our main camps page.
• Are there options for all of my children each week?
  • Our goal is that any time there is a Summit Grove Specialty Camp being offered, there is a camp option for any boy or girl ages 6-13. Because we work with many SG partner-led camps, we cannot always guarantee that, but we do our best to ensure it!
• My child doesn’t enjoy sports. Are there camp options for them?
  • Yes! Our goal is that each week campers have the option for either a general camp (which doesn’t involve too much exhausting activity) AND a sports camp (plenty of energy expended)!
• Some camps cover a wide age range. Are younger kids with older kids?
  • Within each camp, most of the time there will be a “younger pod” and an “older pod” with separate counselors so that campers can stay with their age group. A few times during the day, such as lunch and chapel, all camper ages come together.
• Why do some of these camps say “SG Partner-Led?”
  • Summit Grove runs two types of camps each summer:
    • 1) A Summit Grove camp is run by our staff, using our registration, and all planning, liability, etc, falls to Summit Grove.
    • 2) A SG Partner-Led camp is run by a third-party organization. Summit Grove hosts the camp on our property, provides lunch, pool, etc, but is not responsible for registration, money collection, behavioral issues or any other liabilities.
  • The easiest way to tell is if you register AND pay through Summit Grove’s website, it is a Summit Grove camp.
• Can I register multiple children at once?
  • Yes! Our new registration system allows you to register all of your children for all Summit Grove camps at once. However, SG Partner-Led camps are not included on our registration system. You must register at each of their respective websites.

• What is your cancellation policy?
  • All deposits (typically 25% of the cost of camp) are non-refundable. The remaining balance is due by June 1. For cancellations made between May 1 – June 1 there is a $50 cancellation fee. Any cancellations after June 1 are non-refundable except for medical emergencies.
• I don’t have all of the money now. Can I still register?
  • Yes! At registration, the only amount required is the camp deposit and any optional add-ons you added (until June 1). There is now an automatic payment plan option available, described in the registration portal.
• What are optional additional fees?
  • During the registration process you will be able to select camp pictures (a laminated camp photo of their camp), a camp T-shirt, Snack Shack money, and donations toward our Camper Scholarship Fund.
• How does Snack Shack money work?
  • During registration you may select that your camper receives $10 or $20 at the Snack Shack. During Snack Shack hours before pickup, your camper may use his credit. The credit is kept on file at the Snack Shack, so your camper may use it for multiple weeks until it is used up. Any unused credit is non-refundable and is put in the Camper Scholarship Fund at the end of the summer.
• Are scholarships available?
  • Yes! You may apply for our Camper Scholarship Fund for 25-75% of the camp cost. Deposits are not covered by this fund.

• How do I get to camp?
  • We are located on 140 S Front Street, New Freedom PA. Our entrance is next to Koller Pointe Neighborhood, the Rail Trail, and near the Northern Central Railway. We are located 10 minutes from Shrewsbury exit off I-83, just one mile from the MD border.
• When can I drop and pickup my camper?
  • Drop off: Between 8:30-9AM. If you have added “Before Care” to your camper’s registration, you may drop them off between 7:30-8:30AM.
  • Pick Up: Between 4-4:30PM. If you have added “After Care” to your camper’s registration, you may pick them up between 4:30-5:30PM.
• What if I need to drop my camper off late or pick them up early?
  • Please notify camp staff when you drop off your camper so that our staff can plan accordingly. If the camper will be missing a day, please notify camp staff.
• What should my camper bring?
  • Please have your child bring a backpack with a water bottle, sunscreen, bathing suit, pool towel, flip flops, and closed toe sneakers.
  • Swimsuit policy: Girls’ swimsuits must cover the midriff area, and boys’ swimsuits should be mid-thigh or longer.
  • For certain sports camps, any additional equipment needed will be posted.
  • For Eagles Nest Overnight Boys Camp: Please see special packing instructions.
• What items should my camper NOT bring?
  • Any electronics (phones, smart-watches, etc.), fireworks, knives, or weapons of any kind. We understand your need to keep in contact with your child, however we view camp as a way for children to have the opportunity to ‘unplug’ from daily routine in a fun and exciting way. At Summit Grove we wish for our campers to engage in meaningful conversations with others and with God. Electronics often hinder these goals and increase the likelihood of behavioral problems. If you need to get in contact with your child please call the Summit Grove on-call number (717-429-8199).
• What if my child forgets something? Can I drop it off?
  • Please take all items to the camp office and we will ensure it gets to your child.
• Is there a dress code?
  • Please make sure your camper’s clothing is modest and suitable for outdoor activity. Jewelry is generally discouraged so that it is not lost, broken, and does not become a safety hazard.

8:30 AM          Camper Drop-off Begins
9 AM                Morning Gathering
9:30 AM           Session 1
11 AM              Session 2
12 PM              Lunch
1 PM                Pool & Outdoor Activities
2:30 PM           Session 3
3:30 PM           Chapel
4 PM                Camper Pick-up Begins

• How are counselor and summer staff hired?
  • Summit Grove staff are carefully hired by a full screening and background check process. Our staff go through summer camp specific training in which each staff member prepares to serve your child in a professional, personal, and safe manner. Our staff are not permitted to be alone with a child. Our team strives to make sure your camper has both a fun and safe time at camp.
• Is my child safe at Summit Grove?
  • Yes! Several members of our staff are equipped with First Aid, CPR, and lifeguarding certifications to care for our campers. There are also emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) located less than 5 minutes from Summit Grove. Camper staff are trained to keep children in groups and not allow non-staff members to interact with campers.
• In what scenario would Summit Grove send my child home?
  • At Summit Grove we have a 3-strike discipline system. If the child’s behavior becomes a hindrance to the rights and safety of others, or the program, we reserve the right to dismiss a camper upon consultation with the parent. Our goal to provide a safe environment for every camper and to see them grow in character and development.

• What is the food menu?
  • We strive to offer child-friendly lunches that are both nutritious and delicious. Lunch menus can be found in the weekly camp newsletter found in physical format upon registration or via email blast. We will also provide one morning snack and one late afternoon snack. During pickup and PM care, the snack shack will also be open for snack purchases.
• What if my child has dietary restrictions?
  • Although we do not offer secondary menus for dietary sensitivities, we want to be able to serve your needs. Please include any dietary restrictions in your registration medical questionnaire.
• Can my child bring a lunch or their own snacks?
  • You are welcome to send a lunch with your camper. Your camper will not have access to that lunch except during lunchtime. Snacks must stay in their backpack until snack time.