Check-In & Check-Out Info

Dear Overnight Camper Parents and Campers,

We are so excited to have you join us! Here are a few things that we want to remind you of as you prepare for your time here at Camp Tekoa.

Please read this carefully as there are some key details AND CHANGES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS that you will need to know within this email.

CHECK-IN:

Our check-in is a drive through/drop off experience. If you discover on the Sunday of arrival that you cannot make it at the time designated due to emergency or traffic situation, and will be later than 4:30 pm, please call Holly at 828-692-6516 x 111 and leave a detailed message letting us know the time you will arrive and a phone number where you can be reached.

If you have campers in more than one age group, please drop off and pick up according to your youngest camper's age.

Sunday Check In:
3 - 3:30pm: First Half Mini Camp and Elementary Campers
3:30 - 4pm: Middle School Campers
4 – 4:30pm: High School Campers

Wednesday Check in 2nd Half Week Campers:
4- 4:30pm: Second Half Week Campers

LUGGAGE -NEW!!!

We are changing how we handle camper's luggage at our drive-through check-ins.

To make this as smooth as possible we ask that campers pack in this manner:

One larger luggage piece, trunk or duffle bag
One smaller luggage piece -preferably a backpack or small carry on size suitcase. This will be carried with the camper and should include their bedding and swimsuit.
If your adventure camper is bringing a tent, hiking backpack or fishing pole this is in addition to the one large luggage piece.

The larger luggage (and any adventure items such as tents, fishing poles, etc.) will be tagged and checked in to a holding area. Our staff will deliver all these items to the camper's housing area after check in.

The smaller luggage will be taken with your camper when they exit your vehicle along with their pillow (if they'd prefer to carry it). The small luggage should be easily carried by only your camper i.e. less/small is better for this item.

LATE CHECK IN:

All our campers must be checked in by 7pm. If you know in advance that you will be later than your designated check in time, please email Holly Lane at [email protected] with details.

For unexpected late arrivals, any camper can check in until 4:30 pm. If your arrival will be after 4:30pm, please call Holly at 828-692-6516 x 111 and leave a detailed message letting us know the time you will arrive and a phone number where you can be reached.

CHECK OUT:

Check out is also a drive through/pick up experience. However, weather permitting (ask staff on the day of check out), you may be able to park and come to the Pavilion with your camper to visit our camp store!

If something comes up on the day of check out and you are going to be later than 10:30 am, please call 828-692-6516 x 115 and leave a message that includes camper names, phone number and an estimated time of arrival for Drew Morton, Program Director.

Saturday Check Out:
9- 9:30am: Second Half Mini and Elementary Campers
9:30 – 10am: Middle School Campers
10 – 10:30am: High School Campers

Wednesday 1st Half Week Campers:
9 - 9:30am: First Half Week Campers

EARLY CHECK OUT:

The latest pick up on Friday night is 7 pm and no early check out is available on Saturday morning. If your family has a special need to pick up your camper at an earlier date than the designated check out, please complete the CAMPER EARLY RELEASE Form attached to this email and return it to us ASAP, so we can get this noted in your child's registration file. Please note that the time of pick up is relative to the camper's scheduled activities so please allow extra time for EARLY RELEASES.

You may email the form to Melisa Coates at [email protected] , if you need to do so. The sooner we receive them the easier it is for us to make sure we get everything set up as you need them to be.

CAMPER RELEASE:

New this year, the registration allowed you to list up to three people who are authorized to pick up your camper. This list can be edited up to two weeks prior to your camper's week. If you need to make a change after this deadline, we must have a CAMPER RELEASE FORM completed.

Be sure to note that anyone picking up your camper must present non expired photo ID.

Please complete a Camper Release if you have a change within 2 weeks of the camp start and email it to Melisa Coates at [email protected] .

STORE and GIFT BAGS:

If you wish to add money to your store account or purchase a gift bag you will need to do this during check-in as the option is now closed online. You can still log in to verify if you added store money or purchased a gift bag.

After your camper arrives at camp, additions to their store accounts are not allowed.

During check-out, you and the camper can visit the camp store. We also have the option to purchase items from our camp store via a QR code and they will be delivered to your camper during their week.

MAIL/PACKAGES:

NEW THIS YEAR: We will be delivering mail up to three times during the week to the campers. We are making the mail time an event each time the campers go to our new mail room with options to purchase some special treats and items.

At the check-in, please number your package and/or letter in the order you'd like them to be received (i.e. #1, 2, 3). You will also write on the item, your camper's name and group number (provided at check in).

Please do not include any snacks in your packages as we are a nut-free campus and any food attracts animals and insects to our cabins. Any food found will be disposed of.

We encourage you to have the mail within easy reach of the driver as the mail drop off will be a part of the drive-through process.

If you wish to mail letters by US Mail, please mail them at least two weeks in advance of their arrival. Please do not send money in mailings. We are unable to forward any mail that arrives after the camper's time here at Camp Tekoa.

MEDICATIONS:

If your camper is bringing medication(s), the medication must be in the original prescription or over the counter container. We cannot accept any medications that are not in the original container with the instructions listed on the container. Please print and complete the Medicine Sheet and bring that along with the medicine to the check-in.

PACKING LISTS:

To view your campers packing list go to Current Families on our homepage and then Packing Lists. Find the appropriate camp's name link to see the packing list.

EMAIL AND PHOTOS:

NEW THIS YEAR- We will be posting photos three days during the week. Our focus is on your camper's experiences during their week, and we are grateful you have entrusted us with them for several days. Should there be a need, one of our directors will reach out by phone with any concerns we may have about your camper's well-being.

Information on how to access these will be provided at check in.

PARENT INFORMATION KIT:

Lastly, please read our Parent Information Kit, which can be found under Current Families, then Policies and Resources.

Sincerely,
Camp Tekoa Staff