Dear Parents,
Your camper's total well-being is the first concern of the faculty and staff at Missouri Valley Baptist Association Camp at Grand Oaks Baptist Assembly (9463 State Highway 190, Chillicothe, MO). You, however, are the most important factor in your camper's success. The single greatest cause of a camper leaving camp early or for having an unsuccessful experience is homesickness. Here are some suggestions and requests, which will greatly increase the likelihood of your camper having a good experience at camp:
- Please fill out registration forms carefully, correct information makes everything runs smoother for everyone. Be sure you include which church is sponsoring your camper.
- Have a positive attitude - reassure your camper he/she will have a great time. Try to give a positive response to their questions about camp.
- Do not tell your child to call home. Students are not to have their phones, and this is a great week to disconnect and be able to focus on God and to hear him clearly without distractions. Cell phones make homesickness a greater problem. Send writing materials and stamps so they can write home. Encourage your child to stay the entire week. Tell them you will see them when they get home. Call only in case of an emergency. All calls will be referred to the Camp Director. They are the only person who may approve a camper's use of the phone.
- All medications need to be IN THEIR ORIGINAL PRESCRIPTION BOTTLE and turned in to the nurse upon arrival at the camp. Children will not be allowed to take unmarked medications.
- Make arrangements to have your camper at camp on time. Check-In is 10-11 a.m. for youth camp. Please make sure you are aware when your church is leaving for camp and if you are driving your child up, arrive any time during registration!
- Camp ends at 10:00 am but all campers are asked to help with the final cleanup of the cabins and grounds before departure. We ask that campers stay until all of the grounds are inspected and cleared by the Camp Manager. If you are picking up your child on Friday please arrive by 10:00 am. All campers will need to leave the campgrounds by 10:30 am.
The camp committee is asking parents to caution their children about staging "pranks" at camp. Any action that is destructive, harmful, wasteful or humiliating is inappropriate. There have been incidents where entire bottles of shampoo or toothpaste have been poured down the sink; shaving cream put on faces of others who were sleeping, or ransacking each others luggage (these are just a few of the problems we have faced). If your child is involved in anything that the director deems excessive, you will be contacted and asked to pick your child up. Camp fees will not be refunded for such cases. Rest assured that if a problem arises involving your camper the Camp Director will contact you immediately. No news from your camper means that he/she is having a great week at camp and will have many adventures to tell you about at his/her homecoming.
Camp Leadership Team