Summer Camp FAQ

How long are the sessions?
Sessions run Sunday through Saturday. Registration begins each Sunday at 4:00PM and Pick-up is Saturday 9:00AM.

Are the children segregated by age and gender?
They are segregated by grade as of fall 2010 and then by gender.

• Primary: 3rd - 4th grade
• Middler: 5th - 6th grade
• Jr. High: 7th - 9th grade
• Sr. High: 10th - 12th grade
• Horse Camp: 6th - 8th grade

Campsite 1 and 2 is divided into 7 cabins with 4 Boy's and 3 girl's cabins. Campsite 3 has 4 boy's cabins and 4 girl's cabins

Are the campsites together at any time during the week?
All three campsites will attend the 3 All Camp Activities. Monday night's Country Fair, Wednesday night's All Camp Eucharist and Thursday night's Dance.

What is the counselor to camper ratio?

• Primary: 1-5
• Middler: 1-5
• J-High: 1-6
• Sr. High: 1-9

Do you accept handicapped children?
Rules for acceptance and participation are the same for everyone without regard to sex, disability, political belief, race or religion. Camp Allen does strive to provide a positive camp experiences for children with various needs whenever possible. However, Camp Allen does not provide programs that are rehabilitative or therapeutic in nature, and does not specialize in serving children with special needs, including children with severe emotional, social or behavioral difficulties. Please feel free to call our Summer Camp Director to determine if Camp Allen is a "good fit" for your child's needs.

BASIC FUNCTIONS of A Successful Camp Allen Camper

1. Campers must be able to walk at least a 1/4 mile at a time in hot weather and on sandy, rocky and sometime hilly terrain.
2. Campers must be able to take care of their basic hygiene such being toilet trained, brushing their teeth, washing hair, and showering.
3. Campers must be able to feed themselves.
4. Campers must be able to live in a community living atmosphere with at least 8 other campers in a cooperative manner for a 6-day period.
5. Campers must be able to follow the rules and expectations on the Camper Covenant.

What are the safety precautions that the camp takes with water safety, particularly in the lake?
Sr. Staff consists of 20 college students and adults who are Red Cross Certified in pool lifeguarding, waterfront, CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. We do not have "free lake swims". The only time campers are in the lake is when they are participating at the BLOB or Iceberg and they are required to wear lifejackets. They also wear life jackets while canoeing on the lake.

What if my child can't swim?
A group swim test is given on Sunday evening and when they are at the blob. If a child's skills are limited, this information is good to have ahead of time and we keep those campers in the appropriate part of the pool with supervision at all times.

Is the Camp Accredited?
Camp Allen is licensed by the State of Texas are members of the Association of Episcopal Camps and are associate members of the American Camp Association.

Is it possible to tour the facilities?
We have FAM tours which may be scheduled during the year as well as Sneak Preview weekends before Summer Camp. Please call the Summer Camp Registrar's office to check the 2010 Sneak Preview schedule and registration.

What training do the Counselor's have?
Summer Camp Counselors attend an intense weekend training where they also take the Diocese of Texas and State approved child-abuse prevention class known as Safeguarding God's Children.

Who leads the weekly sessions?
Sessions are lead by Clergy, Youth Ministers or lay adults who are leaders in our churches and who have undergone child-abuse prevention training and background checks in both criminal and sexual abuse databases. All summer staff, paid and volunteer also goes through these trainings and background checks.

Is the program purely Episcopal?
Each campsite session director is responsible for the campsite theme and spiritual enrichment program. While we are an Episcopal Camp, our program is Christ Centered, not Episcopal centered. We do have a mid week Eucharist Service which campers are required to attend, but may choose not to participate in communion. We consider ourselves an ecumenical camp and continue to enjoy campers from all religions and cultures.

Where can I get an application?
Applications may be downloaded off of the Camp Allen website, acquired by calling the Summer Camp Office or you may register online from the link at www.campallen.org.

What is the fee?
The $498 rate includes three meals a day, housing, daily canteen, and all the awesome activities Camp Allen offers.

What should my child bring to camp?
Things to bring: Bedding (sheets or sleeping bag), laundry bag, shorts (modest), t-shirts, pajamas, bathing suits (modest one pieces), socks, underwear, shoes (no open-toed, backless or sandals), rain poncho or jacket, crummy clothes for Bedlam, jeans (mandatory for horseback riding), toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, etc), towels and washcloths, insect repellant, sunscreen, and one can of non-menthol shaving cream. Optional Items: bible, camera, stationary, envelopes and stamps, and a costume for the dance. Please fit all your camper's items in one piece of luggage (duffel, suitcase, or trunk). Clearly label your camper's first and last name on EVERYTHING .

Things not to bring: Cell phones, IPods or MP3 players, gaming systems, curling/ flat irons, snack foods, money, knives, fireworks, aerosols, alcohol, non-prescription and illegal drugs