Camper Parent Page

​What happens at Camp?
Lot's of things happen at camp! Each day involves a time for worship and Bible Study, small group activities, large group games, an evening campfire worship, afternoon free time (including swimming!), and more! 
​
What about electronics? What if an emergency happens and I need to contact my camper?
We believe that part of the power of camp involves being disconnected from the electronic world. For this reason we ask that your camper leave their phone, ipod, mp3 player, etc. at home. We will hold on to any non-authorized electronics we find until the camp session ends. If you need to contact your camper for an emergency you can contact the office: 815-646-4344, program@mennohaven.com. For non-emergencies (or for fun!) you can send them an email with their name in the subject line to mailbag@mennohaven.com or "snail mail" to 9301 1575 East St. Tiskilwa, IL 61368. It will be delivered over the noon meal time.  
​
How can I prepare my camper for camp?
If your camper has never been away from home, it might be helpful for them to experience a night away from home before coming to camp. A night at grandma and grandpa's or a sleepover at a friend's house is a great opportunity for them to experience sleeping away from home for the first time. It's ok to talk about homesickness with your camper before they get to camp. Talk about what they can do when they feel homesick (write a letter, think about the next fun game, sing a song, talk to their counselor about what they miss at home, etc.). American Camp Association has some other tips HERE!

Can they call me if they get homesick?
We highly discourage letting campers call home. Once a camper has called home their chance of leaving before the end of the week goes up dramatically. Instead, send them with materials to write a letter, or journal about the experience for you until they see you next. If you send them a letter or email (mailbag@mennohaven.com) talk about how proud you are that they are growing up and learning things on their own! Try not to talk about the things they are missing out on back home (like a trip to the beach without them). This is your chance to encourage them and talk about all the good qualities you see in them!