2010 Parent Frequently Asked Questions
(Before reading the below questions, we ask all parents to carefully read the Camp Policies)
1. When will I know if my camper has successfully enrolled in a camp session?
Applications are processed on a first come, first serve basis. The Parent/Guardian will receive a confirmation letter in the mail. In the event that the requested week is full, attempts are made to register campers for their second and third choices (for Warren Willis Classic Camps only). If you do not indicate a second or third choice, you will be put on the waitlist for your first choice. PLEASE DO NOT bring a child to camp who has not received a Conformation Letter.
2. How do we apply for a Warren Willis Camp Scholarship?
Warren Willis Camp Scholarship Applications are available on our web site, or by calling your local church, or the Warren Willis Camp office at (352) 787-4345 or toll free at (866) UMCAMPS Option 3. Completed Scholarship Applications must be postmarked by April 1st. Once you have completed the scholarship form, you can mail it the Summer Camp Scholarship Committee, 4990 Picciola Rd. Fruitland Park, FL 34731.
3. Who should apply for a Warren Willis Camp Scholarship?
Families who are having difficulty paying the camp fee, and families with more than one child attending the Warren Willis Summer Camp program, may apply for a scholarship.
4. When will we find out if we’ve received a scholarship?
The Scholarship Committee will meet one time in early April to review the applications and determine the amount of scholarships awarded. Notification of scholarship amounts will be sent to the appropriate persons.
5. How much will the Warren Willis Scholarship be?
The amount awarded will be dependent on how many people apply for the Warren Willis Camp Scholarships.
6. If we have applied for a Warren Willis Camp Scholarship, will we be notified before our final balance is due?
You will be notified of your Scholarship Award amount before the May 1st and June 1st balance due dates. When you receive your award letter it will include a voucher that you must submit to the registration office to let them know that you have received a scholarship.
7. What will registration be like on Monday afternoon?
All campers must go through registration to be properly enrolled in a camp session. Registration begins at 2 PM each Monday. We suggest that you leave all luggage and sleeping bags in vehicles or outside Barnett Lodge during registration. Each camper should have his or her SIGNED/NOTARIZED HEALTH HISTORY FORM, MEDICATION DESCRIPTION FORM, MONEY FOR GROUP PICTURE (optional), and MONEY FOR CAMP FUN CARD. Campers will also receive their nametags and cabin assignments at this time. It is important that all campers complete the entire registration process. After completion of registration, parents are welcomed to assist their child to their assigned cabin to unpack and settle in for the week. The first scheduled activity for all campers is at 4:15 PM. We suggest that all campers try to arrive no later than 3:15 PM.
8. On the applications there was no where to purchase group pictures. Will they be available at camp?
Yes. This year all group pictures will be available for purchase in the Monday registration line. This summer every camper will receive a weekly video for free on DVD!
9. What is the right amount of spending money for my camper?
There is no set amount needed and much of it depends on the camper. We suggest that you separate money for the camp picture ($7) from the money for the Camp Fun Card. All of these items can be paid for during Monday’s registration. Camp Fun Cards can be placed in camp vault, which helps ensure that the card is not lost. All campers (except Children’s campers) usually have one opportunity each day to buy a snack or drink from the “snack shack”. In addition, campers have an opportunity to shop at the camp store, which stocks t-shirts, Christian CD’s, jewelry, Bibles, and more. These items range in price from $0.50 to $20.00. The camp store is also open during Monday registration and Saturday pick up time.
10. Is it a good idea to send my camper mail?
YES. Campers love to get mail from home. We ask that you do not send food or toys. A nice postcard or letter is great. Remember to account for post office delivery time (2-3 days). Click on How to Find Us for camp mailing addresses. You can also send you camper email through our Parent Communicator, online service. This service will be available before the first week of camp begins.
11. What happens if my child gets “homesick”?
After years of experience, the camp staff is trained on how to handle homesickness. In most cases, the feelings are mild and short-lived. The counselors, camp nurse, along with the camp director, work to ensure that each camper has a great camp experience. In the rare instance that a phone-call home is necessary, the camp staff will initiate such action.
12. Can I call my camper or can my camper call me?
Phones are not available for use by campers. Emergency phone calls can be made to (352) 787-4345.
13. Can I send any of the following items to Camp to remind my child of home: TV, fan, water gun, pets, food, candy, comic books, video games, etc?
No, none of these items are necessary for a fun-filled week at camp. Please be aware that if a camper brings any of the above “extras” to Camp, the items will be removed from the cabins and stored until the end of the week.
14. Does a week at Summer Camp qualify as a “dependent child care” expense?
No. The Florida United Methodist Conference camping program fees do no qualify as “dependent child care” or as “section 125 cafeteria plan” expenses for IRS purposes because the IRS excludes expenses incurred for a child to stay overnight at a camp outside of home.
15. If the church has agreed to help with the cost of camp for a camper, what are the possible payment options?
Your church can help pay for your summer camp tuition. They will need to send in a church check and complete an initial payment or balance due spreadsheet along with the payment. Please speak with your church about making this happen.
16. What are my payment options?
Your camp fee can be made either by check or by credit card. If a payment is being made by check all applicants are asked to supply Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit/debit card information. By doing so they authorize any balance due not paid 30 days prior to the start of the camp session the camper is attending to be charged to this credit/debit card.
17. If I register my camper through the internet, is the church contact person notified?
The Parent/Guardian will receive the conformation letter, however, your church contact person will have access to view the status of all campers from their church in a secure location on our summer camp web site.
18. What is a “GCFA”number?
This stands for The General Conference of Finance and Administration number. Each church in the Florida Conference is given a number that is similar to a social security number, for identification purposes. This number helps the Conference track any information coming from the local churches. If you don’t know your church’s GCFA number click here.
19. Does my child receive a free t-shirt when they come to camp?
Yes! Every camper will receive a free t-shirt this summer. On the application there is a place for you to mark what size they wear. Please make sure you don't forget to check the appropriate box.
20.What kinds of activities will my campers get to participate in while they are at camp? There are a variety of activities available to your campers. Click here to view descriptions of these activities.
