Please read carefully each of the items listed below. Your full cooperation and understanding will result in a happy and memorable camp experience for your child.
CAMP REQUIREMENTS
All campers must be baptized or received into the Orthodox Church through Chrismation.
ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
At Midwest Diocese Camp, we make our dorm assignments on the basis of school grade and/or age. This model works well and avoids the use of roommate requests, which can sometimes cause problems. Our years of experience have taught us that roommate requests are not needed because with the school grade/similar age model, campers most often end up in the same dorm room as their friends.
There may be circumstances where requests are needed. For example, parents may ask that siblings not be in the same room in order to give them the opportunity to make new friends. We try to accommodate those types of requests.
If there is a known problem with bullying, please let us know before the camp season begins so we can properly address it before such a child is placed in a room with anyone.
There may be situations where some children in a dorm room have a history of not getting along. We have to allow the children to adopt a Christian approach to resolving conflicts, through love, understanding, mutual respect, apologies and forgiveness. The purpose of our Midwest Diocese Church camp is exactly to instill into our children a Christian outlook on life and to teach them virtues such as those listed above.
CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT
Camp check-in is every Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Camp check-out is every Saturday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
In the event that I am unable to pick up my child on Saturday, it is my responsibility to contact a camp committee member to inform them of who has permission to bring my child home.
MEDICAL CARE
In the event that my child becomes ill or sustains an injury while in the care of Midwest Diocese Camp at Third Lake, Illinois, I, the undersigned parent or guardian, grant authority to the camp clergy or camp staff member to act on my behalf in obtaining medical treatment necessary.
In the event of an accident or medical need, I will be responsible for all medical or other additional expenses, and will not hold responsible the Midwest Diocese Camp, the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of New Gracanica-Midwestern America, or the Diocesan Kolo of Serbian Sisters.
FIELD TRIPS
I hereby give permission for my child to take supervised field trips while attending Midwest Diocese Camp at Third Lake, Illinois.
I am aware that while on a field trip, my child is able to make purchases including, but not limited to, snacks and souvenirs.
All spending money will be deposited with the camp treasurer on the day of registration and my child will receive his/her envelope containing spending money prior to departing for the field trip. Any leftover monies will be collected upon return from the excursion and the envelope will be returned to the parent/guardian at check-out.
CELL PHONES
I am aware that cell phones and any electronic devices must be turned in to the camp committee at time of check-in and will be given to camper for use at Great America only.
DIETARY NEEDS
If my child has severe allergies to certain foods or has special dietary needs (e.g. nuts, gluten-free), I am aware that it is my responsibility to provide food/snacks for the week(s) enrolled. It is the responsibility of each family to notify the camp committee of allergies and dietary restrictions.
CLOTHING
Wearing clothing deemed immodest/inappropriate by the camp clergy or camp staff member will result in refused participation in camp activities until properly dressed (refer to dress code on packing list and website). If no appropriate clothing is available, I am aware that I will have to return to camp to bring appropriate clothing.
BEHAVIOR
Any behavior unbecoming a camper at a monastery camp will result in immediate dismissal.
I accept full financial responsibility for damages caused by my child during his/her stay as a camper.
REFUNDS
I am aware that no refunds will be issued for any reason.
VISITOR RULES
The Midwest Diocese Camp maintains a strict NO VISITOR policy. All visit requests must be approved in advance by emailing midwestdiocesecamp@gmail.com. This policy exists to protect the safety and experience of our campers and staff. Camp is designed to be an immersive community experience, and unplanned visits can disrupt that environment.
APPROVED VISIT OPPORTUNITIES: Families are encouraged to connect with their camper through two scheduled opportunities:
Six Flags Great America – Parents and family members are welcome to attend at their own expense. Those wishing to chaperone may sign up at check-in. Chaperones will receive a free ticket and will be responsible for a group of campers. Camp rules and regulations must be followed.
Friday Night Talent Show – All families are encouraged to attend.
PHONE CALLS: To minimize disruption to your camper's experience, phone calls during the camp week are generally not permitted unless there is an urgent matter. For non-urgent communication, email us at midwestdiocesecamp@gmail.com and we will promptly relay any important information to your camper.
VISITOR RULES: All approved visitors must adhere to the following:
Only immediate family members or guests approved by the Camp Committee may visit. No exceptions.
All visits must be pre-arranged by contacting the director at midwestdiocesecamp@gmail.com,
Visitors must notify a staff member immediately upon arrival and again when departing.
Visitors are not permitted in dormitory rooms under any circumstances, except during check-in and check-out or with explicit Camp Committee approval.
Visitors must comply with the camp dress code or will be asked to leave.
All visitors must depart when evening activities conclude.
NO OVERNIGHT VISITORS are permitted under any circumstances.