Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
Summer Camp Information & Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camp Wood? Camp Wood is a YMCA camp that has been running for 85 years. The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas has held camp there for over 70 years. It is a beautiful facility made up of 630 acres in the heart of the Flint Hills.
What will my child be doing each day? After breakfast, the morning is spent in program put on by the Episcopal Camp Staff. The program theme is different for each session but seeks to help campers grow in their faith. After lunch is a rest period followed by recreational activities such as swimming, horseback riding, and games. During this time campers are allowed to go to the canteen. Campers spend time in worship before or after dinner depending on the camp session. Each evening holds a different event, from beach parties to movies, concerts, a talent show, and even camp wide games like "Gold Rush."
Are campers required to do all of the activities? Campers have choices each day about the various activities they will do. So campers are not "required" to participate. We do however ask that campers actively participate in program, worship, and meals.
What about worship? The community has Eucharist several times throughout the week as well as prayer throughout the day and at meal times. The worship services are planned for the campers, and campers actively participate in worship.
What is the cost? $340 for each camper. Checks should be made payable to Episcopal Diocese of Kansas.
Are Scholarships available? Yes. The Diocese does have money available for scholarships for those campers that are in financial need. Requests for financial assistance must be received in writing with an explanation of the financial need. Scholarships are granted on a Òfirst come, first serveÓ basis. Those who receive diocesan scholarships will be given 1/3 of the registration fee. This helps to spread our limited scholarship funds to more campers. If there is need of further assistance, we recommend that the remainder be divided between the family and the parish. Contact the Youth Missioner for details.
Is Camp Wood only for Episcopalians? No!! Campers are welcome to invite friends and family.
Who is the staff at camp? There are two groups of staff at camp. The first is the Camp Wood staff that runs the various recreational activities and oversees the running of the camp for the entire summer. The staff often includes counselors from many different countries adding to the learning environment. The Diocesan camp staff consists of adult clergy, youth ministers, and volunteers from around the diocese. The Junior High and Intermediate sessions will also incorporate junior counselors or Counselors in Training who will co-counsel in a cabin with an adult counselor.
What if a camper has never been away from home? We often have campers who are away from home for the first time (especially at the intermediate session). Our staff is trained to be highly sensitive to the needs of these campers. We do our best to make camp a safe and loving environment where kids can have fun and grow.
What happens if a camper gets sick or hurt? There is a registered nurse on duty at all times and an infirmary where campers can go for assistance. If further care is called for, upon consultation with the camper's parents, he or she will be taken in to Emporia either to the hospital or the doctor.
- Clothing: Jeans, shorts, shirts, jackets or warm sweatshirts, underwear, swimwear, etc. Enough for one week.
- Rugged shoes and tennis shoes. Hard-soled shoes or boots and socks are required for horseback riding.
- Kids like to dress up for the dance on the last night of camp, but this is optional. (HS & JH sessions only)
- Bedding: Sleeping bag or bed roll, including sheets, blanket, and pillow.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Towels, washcloths, beach towels, and toiletries.
- Pens, pencils, stationery, postcards, and stamps.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Fun Items: Playing cards, musical instruments, Frisbee, camera and film, tennis racquet, water toys, etc.
- Prayer books and Bibles are available for use, but campers may wish to bring their own if desired.
- Ideas and props for skit night, and materials to decorate the cabin.
- (Please note: The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas is not responsible for items lost or stolen.)
Can campers request cabin assignments? Only first time campers are guarranteed one person as a cabin mate. Campers must request each other, and campers must be close in age. Cabin requests should be written neatly on the application form. Cabin requests cannot be made at registration the first day of the camp session.
Can campers bring food/snacks? No. We ask campers to not bring their own snacks. Campers will be provided 3 meals and an afternoon or evening snack each day at camp. It will not be necessary for campers to bring food or drinks.
Where do campers sleep? Each cabin holds eight campers and one adult counselor. New bunk beds have been put in each cabin as well as shelves for campersÕ gear. The cabins have large windows with screens but are not air-conditioned.
What if the weather gets bad? If campers need to take shelter due to severe weather, a warning bell is sounded and campers are taken to the camp's tornado shelter.
Can parents visit or call campers during the week? We find that this is disruptive to the camp environment and most often makes homesickness worse. We ask that parents only call or visit in the case of a family emergency. The camp office phone # is 620-273-8641. After 11 pm use the director's home phone 620-273-8347.
Can campers bring cell phones to camp? We ask campers to leave cell phones at home or turn them in at registration.
Can campers receive mail? Yes! We have an old tradition at camp that if a camper receives a package or 3 letters/postcards in the same day, they have to kiss the stuffed fish in the dining hall. So send lots of mail. Address mail with Camper's Name / Episcopal Summer Camp / Camp Wood YMCA / Rt. 1 Box 78 / Elmdale, KS 66850.
Are arrangements available for campers with special needs? Yes! If your camper has certain needs such as dietary requirements, wheelchair access, sign language interpreters, etc., please let the Diocesan Office know and arrangements can be made. We want everyone to feel welcome, and will do everything possible to make sure this happens!
When do campers arrive & depart? Campers arrive no earlier than 2:30 PM and no later than 3.30 PM on the first day of camp. Parents can pick campers up at 10:30 AM on the last day of the camp session.
Where is Camp Wood? Click on this link for a pdf file containing a map.
If you have any other questions, contact Chad Senuta, Diocesan Youth Coordinator.
913-362-1470 or csenuta@episcopal-ks.org
7236 Robinson St. Overland Park, KS 66204
or check the web site www.episcopal-ks.org/youth/summercamp.html