QUICK LINKS
FAQ
Hesitant about sending your child to camp? What happens if this thing happens at camp? Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions. If you have further questions, we would be happy to answer them. Contact the camp office at 540-268-2409 or [email protected]
REGISTRATION
Registration can be done via our online registration form or by mailing in a copy of our print form. Please include a deposit of $60. This fee will be deducted from the total camp fee. The balance must be paid in full by or at camper check-in (this includes agency/church sponsorships). Registrations are processed in the order they are received. Please be careful to fill out the registration form accurately and completely. Incomplete forms or incorrect information will delay processing and could result in a loss of camp availability. Forms will only be processed with fully paid registration fees ($60). A confirmation letter will be emailed confirming camp session, a packing list, policies, any release forms, and your balance.
FINANCIAL HELP
Thanks to many generous donors, Alta Mons is able to help offset the cost of camp for those parents and children that need financial assistance. The process works like this:
If you need financial assistance and can pay 1/3 of the cost of camp yourself:
If you need financial assistance and can pay no money towards the cost of camp:
If you need financial assistance and can pay 1/3 of the cost of camp yourself:
- Have a local pastor, school guidance counselor, social worker, or agency representative sign off on your registration form verifying your need for financial assistance. This signature authorizes Alta Mons to use its campership funds to cover the remaining 2/3 of the cost of camp for you.
- Mail or electronically send your signed registration form and registration fee ($60 for all summer camp programs) OR 1/3 of the cost of camp to Alta Mons.
If you need financial assistance and can pay no money towards the cost of camp:
- Contact your local church, school, social worker, etc. for a sponsor. If this outside agency can pay at least 1/3 of the cost of camp, the Alta Mons Campership Fund can cover the remaining 2/3 of the cost.
- Have the agency representative fill out and sign the bottom of the child’s registration form and mail or electronically send the form and registration fee ($60 for all summer camp programs) OR 1/3 of the cost of camp to Alta Mons.
PACKING LIST
Here is a link to our packing list page. There are several different lists depending on which camp your child is attending.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Cancellations made 14 days prior to the start of the camp session will be refunded the full amount minus the deposit made. No shows and campers cancelling with fewer than 14 days of notice will not receive a refund of any amount. A full refund may be granted for a documented medical or personal emergency past this date-- agreed upon by parent/guardian and the full time staff of Alta Mons. No shows and campers leaving early do not receive a refund or pro-rate. Please contact us at 540-268-2409 or [email protected] to cancel your child's summer camp registration.
CABIN MATE REQUESTS
Coming to camp with a friend can help put your child at ease and multiply the fun! On our registration form there is an option to make a cabin mate request. A cabin mate should be a friend who is the same gender and age as your camper. We ask that both children cabin mate request each other us for to consider putting them in the same unit. We do our best to accommodate these requests but cannot guarantee them.
CAMPER CHECK-IN
To limit our contact with other individuals and to streamline the process, check-in will again happen "drive thru style" at Shelter 3 this year. You will simply drive thru the shelter and staff members will assist you while you remain in your car. At the last station, your child and their luggage will exit the vehicle and you will say goodbye. Families will be assigned a specific arrival time based on the camp program they have registered for in order to avoid a back up of cars. You will be able to make purchases from the camp store at this time. Elementary Resident Camp and Mini Camp check-in will begin at 4:00 PM on the Sunday of your scheduled session. All Junior & Senior High Camps will begin check-in at 4:30 PM on the Sunday of your scheduled session. For families with multiple children, the earlier time is the check-in time for your entire family. Day Camp drop off is from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM daily at Shelter 3. In the event of inclement weather, check-in will take place at the Dining Hall.
CAMP STORE
T shirts, sweat shirts, water bottles, and bandanas will be available to purchase during check in and check out.
CAMPER CHECK-OUT
Camper check-out will occur in the Dining Hall. Check-out will begin at 4:00 PM on the Friday of your scheduled session. A short program of the weeks activities will be presented then. Camp store items will be available to purchase then
HOMESICKNESS
Parents/Guardians play a crucial role in preventing homesickness in campers. Prepare early at home by talking to your child about what to expect at camp, what their goals are for camp, your expectations, and how exciting camp will be! This will help instill confidence in your camper so they can have an enjoyable week at camp. Should your camper become homesick, we will communicate with you early and often to determine the best way to address it with your child. Please know that Alta Mons will never force a homesick camper to stay.
Good preparation by parents/guardians can help give a camper the confidence he or she needs to enjoy a camp experience. Some suggestions:
Good preparation by parents/guardians can help give a camper the confidence he or she needs to enjoy a camp experience. Some suggestions:
- Most homesickness lasts only a couple of days and many homesick campers who complete the week leave with a sense of
accomplishment and a desire to return. - Focus on how happy you are that they will be getting the opportunity to go to camp. Do not repeatedly tell your camper
how much you are going to miss them. Telling them this often makes campers feel guilty about being at camp. - Help your camper set reasonable goals for his/her camp experience. It is important, however, that the camper set the goal
and that does not sound as if you require it from the camper. Questions such as, “What do you think you will learn at camp, or do at camp, or what do you think you will like best at camp?” can help start positive thinking. Once negative thinking begins it is very hard to recover. - If your camper has a favorite toy or something for sleeping, let them bring it, but encourage them to keep up with it. We normally discourage bringing sentimental items because they could get lost and we are not responsible for lost or stolen items. However, if you think a special item might prevent homesickness, consider letting your camper bring it.
- Please do not tell your camper that they can call you if they want because this is not our policy. Also, do not allow your camper to bring cell phones or other similar devices, as they are not permitted.
- Every attempt will be made to encourage the camper to have a good time and feel needed and important in the group.
- If after 24 hours, the camper still desires to go home (many campers do in fact forget their homesickness after the first
couple days), the Program Director will call you to discuss options before you speak to the child. If you determine the best option is to have your child return home we will help you in that process
BUNK notes
Stay in touch with your camper at with Bunk Notes. Your message will be delivered to the camp within 24 hours. No need to wait for snail mail – Bunk1 makes it easy to communicate with your child.
Go to www.Bunk1.com.
RETURNING PARENTS will login using their email address and password.
NEW PARENTS will click “New Here? Get Started” button and complete the basic form. The Invitation Code for Camp Alta Mons is: CAM2022
You will be prompted to select a bundle for access to your Parent Portal. Bundles include credits for you to send Bunk Notes and enhance your notes with borders, photos, sports scores, and puzzles.
Alta Mons receives a PDF at 10am ET each day containing all Bunk Notes received in the last 24 hours. Camp prints each Bunk Note and delivers them to your camper with the regular mail. You can purchase more credits anytime in the Bunk Notes menu.
Go to www.Bunk1.com.
RETURNING PARENTS will login using their email address and password.
NEW PARENTS will click “New Here? Get Started” button and complete the basic form. The Invitation Code for Camp Alta Mons is: CAM2022
You will be prompted to select a bundle for access to your Parent Portal. Bundles include credits for you to send Bunk Notes and enhance your notes with borders, photos, sports scores, and puzzles.
Alta Mons receives a PDF at 10am ET each day containing all Bunk Notes received in the last 24 hours. Camp prints each Bunk Note and delivers them to your camper with the regular mail. You can purchase more credits anytime in the Bunk Notes menu.
MAILING LETTERS
Mail can be sent to campers in care of Camp Alta Mons at:
Camper Name
c/o Alta Mons
2842 Crockett Springs Rd
Shawsville, VA 24162
We encourage parents, relatives and friends to send letters that convey interest in hearing about the camper’s experience. These letters should be mailed early in the week to ensure delivery to campers. You may also leave letters with the Program Director for distribution to your camper throughout the week. Please label your letters with your camper’s full name.
Camper Name
c/o Alta Mons
2842 Crockett Springs Rd
Shawsville, VA 24162
We encourage parents, relatives and friends to send letters that convey interest in hearing about the camper’s experience. These letters should be mailed early in the week to ensure delivery to campers. You may also leave letters with the Program Director for distribution to your camper throughout the week. Please label your letters with your camper’s full name.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION AND INCLUSIVITY
Alta Mons strives to create a fully inclusive culture and environment that values and fosters respect for all people. For campers, staff, and volunteers, we do not discriminate on any basis. We understand our Christian faith as a shared journey from which no one should be excluded. In keeping with the teachings of Jesus, Alta Mons welcomes all people to participate fully in our programs with this statement of inclusivity. We provide camp settings that are safe places for all campers, staff, and volunteers by offering unconditional love and providing guidelines and training for camp staff and volunteers. Should any questions arise regarding this policy please contact our office to speak with a staff member.
SPECIAL NEEDS & DIFFERING ABILITIES
We are able to include campers with special needs in any of our camps on a case by case basis. If your child has severe allergies, extraordinary dietary needs or other specific needs, or to check accommodations for your child, please contact the Alta Mons Office. We would be more than happy to answer your questions!
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Participants must be willing to play fair and have fun. This includes being committed to working with staff and fellow campers to build community and face the challenges of outdoor living. All campers, as physically able, are expected to be present and participate in all unit activities.
When campers have behavioral problems at camp:
Campers acting in inappropriate ways are first encouraged to stop the behavior and act in accordance with camp rules. We treat every camper with respect, even when they are disciplined, and never use corporal punishment. When a camper acts inappropriately, such as disregarding the camp rules for safety and conduct, verbally or physically abusing another camper or staff members, or being disruptive to the camp program in any way that interferes with other campers’ enjoyment of camp:
When campers have behavioral problems at camp:
Campers acting in inappropriate ways are first encouraged to stop the behavior and act in accordance with camp rules. We treat every camper with respect, even when they are disciplined, and never use corporal punishment. When a camper acts inappropriately, such as disregarding the camp rules for safety and conduct, verbally or physically abusing another camper or staff members, or being disruptive to the camp program in any way that interferes with other campers’ enjoyment of camp:
- The counselor will take the camper aside, talk through the problem, issue a warning if appropriate, and encourage positive
solutions. - If the camper still does not respond, the camper will sit out for the remainder of the activity. Attention will be brought to
one of the Program Coordinators. If the problem is severe, it will be immediately brought to the attention of the Program Director. In the case of repeated verbal or physical abuse or continued disregard of the camp rules, the Program Director will talk with the camper and determine if the parent/guardian should be called. - If the camper has not responded to the staff’s attempts to resolve the problem with the camper, the parent/guardian will be asked to take the camper home immediately / as soon as arrangements can be made.
CAMP CHALLENGES
Alta Mons has beautiful mountainous terrain. Programs are adventurous, involving risk. All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and go through counselor training. A nurse or EMT will be on-site at all times to the best of our abilities. With training, close supervision, adhering to established safety guidelines, and being alert to potential dangers Camp Alta Mons aims to minimize risk while offering a challenging program.
CELL PHONES
Campers may not use the phone except to return emergency calls from their immediate family. Phone calls to campers are strongly discouraged; however parents may speak with office staff, if necessary. No cell phones are allowed at camp.
OUR COUNSELORS
Your child will be cared for and supervised by our hand-picked and highly qualified camp counselors. Our family-like atmosphere is what makes Alta Mons different and special. Alta Mons typically has about 70 to 80 campers per week with 25 college-aged staff members. Campers are never left alone and are always under supervision. Our counselors and staff participate in a two week, intensive staff training covering topics such as camper behavior, emergency preparedness, and risk management and are all CPR and First Aid certified. We perform thorough background checks and drug tests on ALL employees and adult volunteers. It is our number one goal to make sure that your child has a safe AND fun week with us at Alta Mons! Visit our Summer Staff Page to learn more about our camp counselors and coordinators.
HOUSING
Our campers stay in rustic cabins or hogans with with a counselor and campers of their gender. Cabins have single bunks or bunkbeds inside. Follow this link to see photos and videos.
Mini Campers, Elementary Resident Campers and Bridge Campers stay in cabins on our cabin hill. Walking up the cabin hill in the evening you here a chorus of laughter and exclamations from cabins. Each unit has two cabins that are close together so that counselors can communicate and work together easily. Cabins have electricity. The bathhouse is a short walk away and campers are encouraged to maintain their normal hygiene practices at camp.
Tri-Challenge Campers, Night Owl Campers, Junior High Resident Campers, and Senior High Campers stay in the hogans. Hogans are located further away from the Dining Hall and offer a more rustic experience. At the hogans, campers use porta johns and bring coolers of potable water to their sites. Units are sure to schedule time to visit showers during the week. At the hogans campers really get to know the kids in their group and spend time together. Each hogan site had two hogans and a picnic shelter. These campers get the chance to eat breakfast and dinner together at their picnic shelter. We love the hogans because they create a small group experience and give campers opportunities to share chores such as carrying food or doing dishes.
Mini Campers, Elementary Resident Campers and Bridge Campers stay in cabins on our cabin hill. Walking up the cabin hill in the evening you here a chorus of laughter and exclamations from cabins. Each unit has two cabins that are close together so that counselors can communicate and work together easily. Cabins have electricity. The bathhouse is a short walk away and campers are encouraged to maintain their normal hygiene practices at camp.
Tri-Challenge Campers, Night Owl Campers, Junior High Resident Campers, and Senior High Campers stay in the hogans. Hogans are located further away from the Dining Hall and offer a more rustic experience. At the hogans, campers use porta johns and bring coolers of potable water to their sites. Units are sure to schedule time to visit showers during the week. At the hogans campers really get to know the kids in their group and spend time together. Each hogan site had two hogans and a picnic shelter. These campers get the chance to eat breakfast and dinner together at their picnic shelter. We love the hogans because they create a small group experience and give campers opportunities to share chores such as carrying food or doing dishes.
ACTIVITIES & SCHEDULES
Check out the Life at Camp page to learn more.
A “unit” is your camp family! Each unit has 2 counselors and 7-14 campers. Units are usually coed and consist of similar aged campers. Units participate in activities (low ropes, hike to the falls, craft hut) together during the day as a community and then sleep in gender separate cabins/hogans at night. Alta Mons operates on the principle of small group Christian camping because we believe that smaller groups work better for everyone. Elementary campers frequently have 1-2 high school-aged “counselors in training” (CITs) assisting with their unit and providing extra help. Units have a designated table in the Dining Hall and sit together for all meals. We eat family style at Alta Mons because we believe in the value of conversation and learning how to say “please pass the mashed potatoes.”
A Sample Resident Camper Schedule:
7:30 Wake Up!
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Morning Watch
9:00 Chores
9:30 Unit Activities (archery, nature hut, tie-dye)
12:00 Lunch
1:15 Rest Time (only Day, Mini & Elementary Campers)
2:00 Unit Activities (Junior/Senior High begins at 1:15) (hike to the falls, creek exploring, pool time)
5:30 Dinner
6:45 All Camp Activities
7:30 Elementary Worship | Junior/Senior High Activities
9:00 Junior High Worship
9:00 Lights Out for Elementary Campers
10:30 Lights Out for Junior/Senior High Campers
A “unit” is your camp family! Each unit has 2 counselors and 7-14 campers. Units are usually coed and consist of similar aged campers. Units participate in activities (low ropes, hike to the falls, craft hut) together during the day as a community and then sleep in gender separate cabins/hogans at night. Alta Mons operates on the principle of small group Christian camping because we believe that smaller groups work better for everyone. Elementary campers frequently have 1-2 high school-aged “counselors in training” (CITs) assisting with their unit and providing extra help. Units have a designated table in the Dining Hall and sit together for all meals. We eat family style at Alta Mons because we believe in the value of conversation and learning how to say “please pass the mashed potatoes.”
A Sample Resident Camper Schedule:
7:30 Wake Up!
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Morning Watch
9:00 Chores
9:30 Unit Activities (archery, nature hut, tie-dye)
12:00 Lunch
1:15 Rest Time (only Day, Mini & Elementary Campers)
2:00 Unit Activities (Junior/Senior High begins at 1:15) (hike to the falls, creek exploring, pool time)
5:30 Dinner
6:45 All Camp Activities
7:30 Elementary Worship | Junior/Senior High Activities
9:00 Junior High Worship
9:00 Lights Out for Elementary Campers
10:30 Lights Out for Junior/Senior High Campers
HOME IN THE WOODS
All campers, with the exception of day and mini campers, will be sleeping outside at least one night of their adventures with us in something that we call “Home in the Woods” night. This is a favorite night of camp for many campers and is structured so that campers can have an introductory camping experience while still close by to bathrooms and the rest of main camp. If you feel that this is something your child is not ready for, please indicate that on your registration form and we will provide an indoor sleeping location for your child on this night with staff supervision. Check out the Life at Camp Page to learn more.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
We have a full page for this! Check out A Christian Camp.
INJURY & ILLNESS
What happens if your camper becomes ill or suffers an injury?
- All counselors and staff members have a current First Aid and CPR certification. Minor injuries will be treated by a camper's counselor and followed up on by the camp nurse. If an injury or illness is outside of a first aid scope, your camper will be taken to the camp clinic where he or she will be assessed by the nurse or other medical personnel on duty. Occasionally such observation will require that the camper spend the night at the clinic. Minor illness/injuries will receive appropriate treatment and the camper will return to their unit when deemed ready.
- When a camper exhibits symptoms that may warrant a trip to the doctor, we will contact you to see how to proceed. If we cannot reach you, we will use our best judgment and continue to try to contact you.
- If a camper is contagious or becomes too sick to stay, we will notify the parent/guardian to pick them up. Lice are considered contagious due to the quick nature of infestation. Do not send your camper to camp if they are sick or contagious.
- When a camper is seriously injured, emergency care will be provided. Two camp staff members will accompany the camper to the hospital. We will try to contact you immediately.
MEDICATION
All medications need to be brought to camp in original containers/packaging. The the health team member cannot accept any medications in plastic bags or non-original packaging. This includes over-the-counter medications. Please only bring the number of pills needed for your camper's time at camp.
birthdays at camp
Camp is a very special place for a child to celebrate their birthday. We know this and want to make each kid's birthday exactly what they want it to be, so we ask them! If it is your child's birthday during the camp week, we will ask them how they would like us to celebrate their birthday. In the past kids asked that we sing to them in a large or small group, celebrate with dessert, play a game they like, or let them lead their favorite camp song.
LOST & FOUND
Please label all of your camper's belongings to help your child keep track of them. Our staff do their best to help campers keep up with their belongings, but even so items do end up forgotten or left behind. At closing each week, we go through the lost & found with all of camp to help items return to their owners. If you return home and discover that your child is missing something, please contact the camp office via e-mail ([email protected]) with a detailed description of the missing item.