Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a first camper? Or have any questions about your week at summer camp, check this FAQ´s to see if they match what you are looking for. If you have a diferent question feel free to reach out at info@campchestnutridge.org
Can I request that my child be paired with a friend?
Definitely! When you register for camp, there will be a section where you can add in a buddy request. Please make sure that the buddy request you make is for a camper registered for the same week and camp as your child. Otherwise, we cannot ensure the request.
We will honor the first request made and do our best to honor other requests as well. Many of our campers come solo and we want to ensure they have the opportunity to make new friends and have an awesome camp experience.
We are not able to take counselor requests. Counselor assignments vary each week based on registration numbers, staff member health & morale, vacations or doctor’s appointments, and a number of other factors, so we cannot guarantee that we will be able to place your child with a particular counselor.
My child lost something at camp, how can I get it back?
We strongly encourage you to label all of your child’s belongings with their first and last name before they come to camp. If your child misplaced something while they were at camp, please email lostandfound@campchestnutridge.org for assistance. Our staff cleans, folds, and sorts our lost and found items each week in effort to get your items back to you! We will hold items for 14 days.
What should my child pack for camp?
You can find packing lists for each of our camps here!
Can I send mail to my child while they are at camp?
Of course! You can send emails or letters/packages.
To send email to your Residential camper:
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Click Here to log in to your account
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Click "Message Center" in top menu bar
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Click "Email a Camper"
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Complete form and click "Send Message"
To send mail to your Residential camper:
Address the envelope or package -
Attn: Camper Name (and cabin if known)
Camp Chestnut Ridge
4300 Camp Chestnut Ridge Rd.
Efland, NC 27243
Can my child write to me while they are at camp?
Yes! Your child will have the opportunity to write a letter home each week that will be scanned and sent to the Primary Contact’s email on your account.
What if my child becomes homesick while at camp?
Feelings of homesickness are very real, and we are here to support your camper through all of those feelings. We train all of our counselors and leadership on how to recognize and care for your homesick camper. If your child is homesick beyond the first 24 hours, one of our team leaders will call you to discuss some ideas. We will partner with you to create a pool of resources for your child so that they can overcome their homesickness.
What happens on rainy days?
The summer in North Carolina is unpredictable and will come with its share of summer storms. We will play in the rain as long as there is no thunder or lightning. Our counselor staff have rainy day schedules ready for any inclement weather. All campers have an indoor location where they will move to for indoor games, crafts, and activities to keep your camper engaged.
What time should I arrive for check in if we have attended the parent info session on a previous week?
How do I upload my child’s medications and do I need to upload over the counter medications?
Please make sure that you upload all prescription and over the counter medications in your online portal before check in. You can log in to your online portal here. You will then select your child under “Account Members” where you can then scroll down to see the “Medications” tab. From there, you can manage all of your medications.
Is my child allowed to bring their phone to camp?
Devices, such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets are not allowed at camp. Practicing time without devices at home will prepare them to make a similar transition at camp.
We believe there are many benefits to leaving devices behind at sleepaway camp. For one, it can help children to focus on the present moment and make new friends. When they are not constantly checking their devices, they are free to participate in activities, explore the camp grounds, and get to know the other campers. Additionally, unplugging can help children to relax and enjoy the outdoors. When they are not constantly bombarded with notifications and distractions, they can appreciate the peace and beauty of nature.
How can I prepare my child for feelings of homesickness while at camp?
Find our best tips to prepare your child for success at camp here!
What do you recommend I send in my child’s care package?
Sending care packages is a great way for your camper to feel connected to home while they are away. We recommend that you send snacks or activities that can be shared with others in the cabin to create a non-competitive environment amongst cabinmates.
We are not Christians- How much religious content does your camp provide?
Advanced Tech
We welcome all campers to Chestnut Ridge regardless of religious beliefs. Our mission, as a ministry of the United Methodist Church, is to create a welcoming, safe, and caring environment for people of all backgrounds. As a Christian summer camp, we encourage our staff to incorporate Bible scriptures into various camp activities through morning worship, small group discussions, prayers before meals, and other play. However, we allow all campers to participate how they feel comfortable. We will never force campers to recite a creed, accept Christian beliefs, or anything of that nature; rather, we encourage them to explore what the Bible says and empower them to make their own decisions about Christianity.
How do you prepare for hot days?
We are no stranger to the warm weather that will occur over the summer. Fortunately, at Chestnut Ridge, we are fairly wooded. The trees provide a cool canopy for campers to run, hide, and explore. Running activities may be reduced to save energy and stay cool. Every day at camp, campers participate in water time, which may be extended on particularly hot days. We take frequent water breaks at water stations located all around camp, snack breaks, and sunscreen applications to keep their bodies fueled, hydrated, and protected.
We love our returning campers and families! If you have attended the info session on a previous week, please plan to come for drop off at 4pm. The info session will begin at 3:30 and last no longer than 30 minutes.