Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base cost of camp and what does it include?Camp's base cost for 2009 is $350.00 and includes the following: lodging for six nights, three meals a day excluding Sunday (drop off day) which is dinner only, Saturday (pick up day) is breakfast only and Wednesday Breakfast and Dinner only, in addition to all standard classes and activities which your child chooses (some classes have extra costs, as noted). The cost also includes a day at Kings Island and dinner there as well, campers are on their own for lunch. That cost also pays for the expense of our Christian Volunteer's food, lodging etc... who give up their vacation time to supervise, encourage and counsel your children during camp week.
Kings Island Season Pass Holders or Kings Island Employees will have a $23.00 discount making their actual base camp fee $327.00.
If you are a utilizing the "Refer-A-Friend" ($10 discount per referral) program you need to list your friend's first and last name that referred you to the FC Ohio Camp (since a computer program checks for this discount, please make sure spelling is correct to ensure proper credit). Remember you must not have attended the FC Ohio Camp in the past for your friend to receive a discount.
How are the age groups broken down?
What time is registration?
Sunday 2:30-4:00 p.m. We cannot stress this enough...please DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY! Arriving early will not cause to you be finished early but only cause you to wait longer.
Our staff all attend worship services in the morning and need to eat lunch before they arrive, therefore we cannot begin registration earlier than 2:30.
How can I get my child/children checked in as quickly as possible?
New for 2009 all campers will be express check in as you will no longer be considered "registered" and a spot will NOT be reserved unless all steps have been taken to complete the application process:
Completed Camper Application
Paid in full (if paying by manual check payment in full must be received by May 15th)
Medical/Guidelines/Liability received by May 15th
* You are not required to pre-deposit money but it will eliminate waiting in line at registration to deposit money in the camp bank. All campers will be required to have money in the camp bank in order to purchase items from the camp canteen.
What time do they need to be picked up at the end of camp?
Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
How does Kings Island day work?
All campers are assigned to a specific bus supervised by our FC Ohio Camp Staff. The busses will arrive at Kings Island approximately 11:00 AM. Busses do not leave Kings Island until all children are accounted for and the system we have in place is very thorough and in 30 years of making this trip with over 6,000 total campers NO CAMPER HAS EVER BEEN LEFT BEHIND!
All of our campers wear a special t-shirt on Kings Island day so they can be easily recognized by our staff.
- If your child is in Group 1 (ages 8-9) they are chaperoned all day.
- If your child is in Group 2 (ages 10-11) they are chaperoned all day (new for 2009).
- If your child is in Group 3 (ages 12-13) they must be in groups of four all day.
- If your child is in Group 4 (ages 14-18) they must be in groups of two all day.
If your child is not in group 1 or 2 but you feel they need to be chaperoned please notify the Directors or Assistant Directors on Sunday at registration.
If you wish to meet your child at Kings Island and they are in groups 1 or 2 (ages 8-11) you must notify the Directors or Assistant Directors on Sunday at registration. For security purposes, you may NOT take any of their camp friends around with you at Kings Island. They must remain with our staff in the group they were assigned unless you present a NOTARIZED permission form from those children's parents on registration day. Again, this may seem drastic but we are responsible for EVERYONE IN OUR GROUP and unfortunately there have been times in the past where Parents did not follow our staff's instructions regarding kids they were allowed to take, meeting times, loading buses etc.. leading us to these extra safety measures.
You may NOT drive any camper to or from Kings Island. They must take the bus for security purposes so that we can keep track of them. All of our campers and staff have Bible Class just before they leave for Kings Island adding yet another reason for them to be with the group and not in a private car.
We suggest you make all plans prior to dropping your children off at camp. If you plan to meet them at Kings Island set the time and place in advance with them. They will arrive at Kings Island approximately 11:00 a.m.
Campers will eat breakfast at camp that morning and will eat dinner in the picnic pavilion with the entire camp. However, they are on there own for lunch, therefore we suggest you send a minimum of $7.00 with them to eat lunch at Kings Island.
How can I contact my child at camp?
Cell phone numbers of the Directors and Assistant Directors will be provided by request during registration for emergency use only.
What is the cell phone policy?
Because of the abuse of cells phone by campers in previous years we have had to ban the use of them. Campers may NOT bring cell phones to camp any longer. If they are caught with them they will be taken and not returned until the end of camp week. We will not be responsible for the cell phone after it is taken from the camper if it is stolen or damaged. The camper will be issued a strike if caught with a cell phone. The Ohio camp has a three strike policy before campers are sent home.
The only two exceptions to cell phones are:
1. For medical purposes and we must have a written note by the camper's Doctor with an explanation.
2. If your child is driving to camp and needs it while they are on the road for emergencies. The phone must remain locked in the campers car. Again, if they are caught using it during camp it will be removed and a strike will be issued.
Technology spoils us. Remember for the first 24 years of our camp, most campers didn't even know how to operate a cell phone. Times ...how they've changed.
Is it ok for my child to drive themselves to camp?
We highly recommend that campers do NOT drive themselves or other campers to camp. Camp is a very exhausting week for all of us and could be dangerous for them and others on the road if they are exhausted driving home.
Can I send my child a letter or package while they are at camp?
Absolutely! We encourage you to do that. Please send them to the following address:
YMCA Camp Kern
C/O FC Ohio Camp
Your Child's Name
5291 St. Rt. 350
Oregonia, OH 45054
Directions to Camp?
Click here for specific directions from your location www.mapquest.com
How does the Camp Bank and Canteen work?
ALL campers are required to deposit money in the bank to purchase items from "The Pouch" which is our canteen that carries drinks, snack, candy and some necessary items that may have been forgotten while packing. We have a new scanning system that allows campers to purchase items which is automatically deducted from their bank account. No money will actually be exchanged in the Canteen. They will be able to withdraw money from the bank for Kings Island day and will receive any money left in their account at the end of camp.
You may pre-deposit money while registering so you do not have to wait in line at registration. You will receive a confirmation on the day of registration of your deposit. If you do not pre-deposit money a special table will be set up at registration. You will need to bring cash to deposit in the bank at that time. A log is kept of all deposits and withdraws.
How much should I deposit in the bank for my child?
The average bank deposit is $20.00 but you determine what you want to have available to your child.