Frequently Asked Questions
General Camp Questions
How does the roommate request policy work?
We believe that an important part of the camp experience is to make new friends and become fully involved with the whole camp. We also understand that young people want to be with a friend, especially if they are coming to Laurel Ridge for the first time. Therefore, a camper may request one roommate and that person must request this camper as a roommate for the campers to room together.
If you have a concern about room assignments, call our office before the registration deadline date. We will be unable to make changes after that date as all the information we provide deans, counselors, medical and camp staff prior to camp must include cabin assignments.
Can my camper receive mail at camp?
Yes! We love it when campers receive mail!
BRING IT
Prepare letters, notes, and cards prior to arrival at camp. Write a camper’s first and last name on the front of each envelope.
MAIL IT
Address your letter or card to:
Camper Name – Camp
Laurel Ridge
124 Pendry Drive
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
Make sure to include the name of the camp your camper is attending on the envelope.
Mail early in the week, and be sure to include a return address in case your letter does not arrive by Friday of the camp week.
EMAIL IT
Email your camper at [email protected], indicating which camp your child is attending in the email. Our staff will print the letters and deliver them during mail time!
Will my camper need money?
Snacks and drinks from the canteen are included in the price of camp.
If the camper wants to buy special Laurel Ridge branded items, such as clothing, hats, water bottles, flashlights, etc., they will need money to do so.
What should campers bring to camp?
Shorts
Shirts
Socks
Underwear
Long pants or jeans for trail hiking
Rain gear (rain jacket, poncho, rain boots, etc.)
Jacket/Hoodie for cool nights
Pajamas
Closed-toe, walking/hiking shoes (Flip-flops are not allowed accept in the shower.)
Swim suits
Beach towels for swimming
Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, etc.)
WATERBOTTLE
Dirty clothes bag
Bedding (sheets or sleeping bag, blanket and pillow)
Please label each item brought to camp with the camper’s name! Instruct your camper to be sure collect all their things before leaving camp. Laurel Ridge cannot be responsible for lost items or anything left at camp.
What things may campers not bring to camp?
Laurel Ridge is a drug, alcohol, and smoke free environment. Campers bringing illegal drugs, cigarettes, vapes, or alcoholic beverages to camp will be sent home immediately.
CELLPHONES -WE URGE YOU NOT TO BRING A CELL PHONE TO CAMP! IT’A GREAT TIME TO UNPLUG AND ENJOY BEING IN NATURE AND HAVING FUN! CAMPERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE VIDEOS IN CABINS OR LODGES! THESE ARE AREAS WHERE CAMPERS AND COUNSELORS ARE CHANGING CLOTHES IF YOU BRING A CELL PHONE DO NOT BRING IT OUT OF THE CABIN, WE WILL PUT IT IN THE PHONE JAIL UNTIL THE END OF THE WEEK.
We will have plenty of pictures to share with you at the end of the week!
Is there medical staff during the summer?
Laurel Ridge has a nurse on staff all summer to dispense medications and for any medical issue. Campers are insured by Laurel Ridge for outside medical treatment resulting from accidental injuries up to $3000. There is additional insurance you can purchase if desired when you register. Campers are not insured for outside treatment resulting from illness. If a camper requires such treatment, the fees will be the responsibility of the camper’s insurance. Parents or guardians will be notified immediately in the event of injury or illness.
What if my camper takes medication?
When you register, you will fill out a medical waiver in which you will list the medications and dosages your camper needs to take. Please bring your camper’s medication in its original packaging when you drop off your camper. We will be unable to accept or dispense medication that is not in its original packaging. Our camp nurse will be responsible for dispensing medications at the times indicated on the form.
What do I do if my camper has a food allergy?
Please describe any food allergies or dietary restrictions on your medical waiver during the registration process. Our kitchen staff is prepared to make the necessary accommodations for the following: gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegan/vegetarian diets. If you have any questions regarding your child’s dietary needs, please contact us. We kindly request that you do not send your camper to camp with any food.
Can I call or visit my camper?
We request that you do not call or visit your child during their stay. You may meet your camper’s counselors, hear about their favorite activity, and shop in our store on closing day! To discourage homesickness, our policy is that campers will only call home in an emergency. If you need us to get a message to your camper, please contact the office, and we will make sure they receive it during the next mail time.
What if my camper gets homesick?
All Laurel Ridge staff and counselors are trained to help campers through homesick times. If homesickness continues to be a struggle, our leadership team will visit with the camper and then call home to have the camper talk with the parents.
How does Laurel Ridge handle lost or stolen items?
Laurel Ridge is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We will keep all lost and found items for one week after the close of the summer camp session, then items will be donated to local charities.
Is food allowed in the cabins?
Laurel Ridge does not allow food to be stored or consumed outside of the dining hall. This is essential to keeping insects and other pests out of the facilities.
Is there internet access?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available across our campus, however, Wi-Fi is on a secured network that is not provided to campers. Groups renting the facilities will have access to the Wi-Fi and will be provided the network information upon arrival. There are some dead zones, but all common area buildings (dining halls, meeting spaces, etc.) have Wi-Fi.
Do you have any discounts?
Yes, we offer an early bird discount. This discount will automatically apply if you register between January and February 15.
What is the 3-tiered pricing?
Laurel Ridge’s tiered pricing structure is intended to help families recognize how much a week at camp really costs and then select the level of payment most appropriate for their circumstances. This gives you the ability to choose the tier that is most affordable for your family. No matter which price is selected, all campers receive the same camp experience!
In the past, Laurel Ridge’s Summer Camp has always been offered at a subsidized rate, which is lower than the actual cost associated with running summer camp. We have been able to do this through the generous support we receive from the Southern Province of the Moravian Church and through donations received from individuals, groups and organizations dedicated to continuing the Laurel Ridge Ministry. They truly support Laurel Ridge and its impact on the youth who visit our camp each summer and the impact it has on the lives of countless children, youth, and families.
Our goal in introducing tiered pricing is simple: we want to continue to provide a safe, active, and inclusive Christian community at Laurel Ridge Summer Camp. This is an opportunity to partner with us to continue our impact for those who value this ministry and wish to help preserve the Laurel Ridge Summer Camp Experience for generations to come. Tiered pricing offers the opportunity for you to take an active role in supporting more closely the true cost of the camp experience and/or helping other campers to have their own Laurel Ridge Experience, if your financial situation allows. The Tiered pricing does not affect the church contribution levels. The choice to move up to a different tier is strictly that, a choice to pay a higher amount that more accurately covers the cost of a full week of camp at Laurel Ridge.
Tier #1 is Laurel Ridge Summer Camp’s historical rate. This rate is a heavily subsidized rate and does not reflect the full per-camper cost associated with providing summer camp programs.
Tier #2 is between the subsidized published camper rate and the full cost of providing a Laurel Ridge summer camp program for each camper.
Tier #3 accounts for the full cost of providing a Laurel Ridge summer camp program AND provides extra funds to continue the Laurel Ridge experience for all.
What do Moravians believe? Were can I find more info about this domination?
For Moravians, Christianity is grounded in the living experience of faith in Christ, active love for others, and joyful hope. We believe that this living relationship with Christ is born and nurtured in local faith communities, in relationship with and in service to one another and the world. Our Moravian camp experience is one such community, helping campers grow in their Christian faith as they become physically and spiritually healthy individuals capable of living and working with others while creating lasting friendships amid the beauty of God’s creation.hile at Mission Camp, participants stay at Higgins Lodge where bedding and towels are supplied. If your camper has a special pillow or blanket they are welcome to bring that. Beach towels are still needed for the lake.
Is bedding supplied for mission camp?
While at Mission Camp, participants stay at Higgins Lodge where bedding and towels are supplied. If your camper has a special pillow or blanket they are welcome to bring that. Beach towels are still needed for the lake.