Summer Camp FAQ
Please note which Camp area you are interested in. Some information may differ for our Timberlake, Tahoma and Day Camp programs. If you have any other questions please feel free to give us a call at: (253) 847-2511
Click on the following link to view a .pdf with information on what your child should plan to pack for their week away at camp! What to Bring to Camp
Yes.
Boys and girls live and sleep in separate cabins, but most activities are shared.
Children are placed in cabins according to age and sex. For the most part friends, siblings, and other relatives are not placed in cabins together. It becomes complicated and difficult when we try to take requests from parents. You are welcome to ask, and we will try to accommodate your request, but we can’t promise that we will be able to keep campers together.
- Timberlake and Tahoma Programs
Camp Arnold is owned and operated by The Salvation Army. Each TSA unit (Church/Program/Community Center) sets tuition based upon a parent’s ability to pay, and local fundraising efforts available. All registrations for summer camp are handled through the local Salvation Army unit (Corps/SE). If you are not sure how to contact your local Salvation Army, please go to the Salvation Army Northwest Divisional Website and use the Salvation Army “Locations” button located on the top right of that site. If your unsure how to proceed you are always welcome to call us at Camp Arnold – (253) 847-2511.
In order to reserve a spot for your child to attend summer camp, you will need to contact your local Salvation Army unit (Corps/SE) as soon as possible. Each Salvation Army unit is allotted a certain number of spots for campers. These allotments usually fill up fast. The local Salvation Army church or program will take information from you to put into a CAMP App. You will receive and email with a link to complete your registration. Once you’ve completed the online application you will need to print out some signature pages that you will be required to have available when you drop off your child for camp. Once you’ve completed the online application your child’s spot at camp is secured. The Corps/Church/Program should be contacting you with information about drop-off times the day of camp. Call them if you have any questions.
- Day Camp Programs
In order to reserve a spot for your child to attend Day Camp, you just need to visit our “Summer” page, page down to the Day Camp section, and click on the “Registration” button. Spots are given on a first come basis. and can fill up fast. Please contact our office at (253) 847-2511 for more information.
Registration for our overnight camping programs is done through your local Salvation Army Corps (Church), Community Center or Program. If there are no Salvation Army programs or churches in your area please give the Camp Office a call at (253) 847-2511 and we will work to connect you with the right person.
- Timberlake and Tahoma Programs
For overnight camps transportation from your local Salvation Army office (Corps) and back is usually provided. If you would prefer to transport your own child to and from Camp Arnold please work with the Salvation Army Corps or Program that you signed up through. It is important that everyone knows how each camper is arriving to and leaving from camp.
- Day Camp Programs
For more information about Day Camp Pick Ups and Drop Offs you can click here , or contact our main office at (253) 847-2511
For the smooth adjustment of campers and the efficient operation of camp, visits and phone calls are strongly discouraged, as it tends to breed feelings of homesickness. But please feel free to send your child a letter or card to the Camp at:
Camp Arnold
ATTN: (Your child’s name here)
33412 Webster Rd E
Eatonville, WA 98328
Or email your camper through our Parent’s Page (in the General Information section) making sure you specify your child’s name in the subject line.
Parents are welcome to call, (253) 847-2511, and get an update from administrative staff on their child. It will typically take a little while (up to a couple of hours or more) to get information about your campers experience from the counselor and to respond back to you. It’s a big place and everyone is busy having fun! (The Counselor may be on break, campers may be out on a hike, our two hours of camper free-time may have just begun, and etc.).
Younger Campers and those who may be missing home are encouraged to write letters and postcards home. You may want to include some self-addressed stamped envelopes or postcards for them to do so.
We also do not allow campers to keep cell phones with them at Camp, in part, because cell phones have the capability of taking pictures and video and we cannot control when or where photos/videos will be taken. These are also expensive gadgets to replace if dropped, damaged, or lost, and we will not be held responsible for them. Instead we embrace the idea that a week in nature is most beneficial without the disruption of modern conveniences of cell phones, tablets, video games, and other electronics.
If a parent/guardian needs to pick-up their child from camp, please have the parent call first. When they arrive at camp they must show picture identification and sign for their child. Only the parent or guardian that has signed the application form may pick-up their child from camp. If anyone other than the person who registered the camper will need to pick up the camper please provide written authorization, in advance, so we can plan accordingly.
Please note: Children will only be released into the custody of the parent/guardian that signed the application.
To provide a safe and enjoyable environment reflecting Christian values, certain guidelines must be followed. If, for any reason, your child’s behavior is considered dangerous to the camp staff, other campers or themselves, or is detrimental to the experience of others, he or she will be dismissed. You agree to be responsible for providing transportation in the unlikely event of a disciplinary dismissal.
The Camp Healthcare Manager is available for all health/medical instances that may arise at Camp. Please send ALL prescribed medication with your child in original containers with dosage instructions. We are not be able to dispense the medication if we don’t receive them in the original containers with all dispensing information. Your campers visit to Camp is not an appropriate time to try your child on a new medication or to introduce a trial period without medication – particularly if your child normally takes behavioral management or psychotropic meds.
Our chef and his team do their very best to ensure campers, and staff, have safe, wholesome, food to eat. Please make sure you note any allergies you child may have, and how they respond to these allergies, when you fill out the application. In some rare cases, with very narrow or specific diets, we may ask that you supplement the meals with food that you know is safe for your camper. Our Chef, Tyler, will be happy to chat with you about keeping your camper safe and happy at meal times.
In the event of illness or an emergency or when a child must return home early, a parent or guardian will be the first person to be notified. It is to the child’s advantage that we are able to reach you promptly so please ensure camp has the most updated contact information. Your secondary emergency contact should also be someone who is aware that they are listed as an emergency contact, and should be willing and able to provide transportation should an issue arise. Our Camp Health Manager will assess each situation, determine what is needed to keep the camper safe, and inform the parent/guardian what our next steps are.
We typically have quick response times from the Sheriff’s Department , South Pierce County Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services. In the event of a local incident or emergency (e.g., fire, earthquake), we are well protected by our first responders. If evacuation becomes necessary for any reason, parents will be contacted as soon as possible with necessary information.
- Canoeing
- Climbing Wall
- Challenge Course
- Zip Line
- Giant Swing
- Arts and Crafts
- Wilderness Hikes
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Archery
- Frisbee Golf
- Swimming
- Kickball
- Elective Classes
- Campfire
- And Much More!!!
- Money: camp is an all-inclusive experience – all activities are included in the camp fees.
- Valuables: this includes expensive or sentimental jewelry
- Gang related clothing/accessories
- Electronics: no cell phones, ipods, tablets, laptops, video games, etc.
Camp is not responsible for any items that may be damaged, lost, or stolen while at Camp.
Use of the following items will result in immediate dismissal from camp;
- Weapons of any kind: this includes pocket knives, paintball, airsoft, slingshots, etc.
- Lighters or matches
- Firecrackers or Fireworks of any kind
- Cigarettes or other tobacco products
- Alcohol or drugs
- Weapons
Also, please do not bring:
- Vehicles
- Pets
- Food
- Personal Sports Equipment
Our Camp staff come from all over the world! We typically have 5-15 international staff, acquired through Camp America, who serve with us from all over Europe and sometimes Australia/New Zealand. Staff come from other states as well. Most of our staff are more local and, frequently, have been campers here. Counselors are all at least 18, Program Leaders are a minimum of 21, and our support staff, including maintenance, kitchen helpers, lifeguards, and etc. need to be at least 16. We have volunteer helpers in our discipleship/leadership programs that help out as well – they are 14-15.
All Camp Arnold staff and volunteers must go through an exhaustive screening process that includes background checks as well as checking references and interviewing individuals. Because we are aware that most abusers have not been caught, (and, therefore, many not have a record) in addition to thoroughly screening all applicants, we put a strong emphasis on good policies and training. Our Child Safety Program includes policies for appropriate Interaction, Monitoring, and Response. Staff, volunteers and campers will all be aware of our “Rule of Three” to ensure that no camper, or minor, is ever alone with an adult staff member, or alone with another minor. If you have any questions or concerns about your campers safety please give us a call and speak with our Director or one of our program staff. Our number is (253) 847-2511.
Counselors receive 6–7 days of pre-camp training related to the procedures of camp programming and the supervision of your child.
Camp Arnold operates under the policies of a child safety program known as “Protecting the Mission”. All staff undergo training in child abuse awareness/prevention, including bullying and peer-to-peer abuse. Under these guidelines, all of the Camp Arnold Staff members are mandatory reporters and will report any and all disclosed information of suspicious incidences that may occur on our campus or reported about home life. Proper authorities will be contacted if necessary.
Leadership Staff have to be at least 21 years old. They receive additional training related to supervision and program skills. Generally, our summer leadership and program staff have served at Camp Arnold previous years in other capacities. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to the summer program.
Spend a few minutes looking through our website – it will give you an overall understanding of our goals and mission. The Parents Page has a wealth of Camp Arnold information on it. If you have questions we welcome them. You can email our Director at jeff.potts@usw.salvationarmy.org or call at 253-847-2511.
If you or yourself and your child would like to see the camp please contact us for a quick tour of the facility!