FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to all the common summer camp questions.What is the counselor to camper ratio?
At The Pines, campers are our highest priority and we pay close attention to every camper. The American Camp Association requires accredited camps to maintain a counselor to camper ratio of 1:6 for campers ages 7 to 8, 1:8 for ages 9 to 14 and 1:10 for ages 15 and above. Maximum camper population will not exceed more than 225 campers per session.
Will my camper be in an air-conditioned cabin?
While the youngest campers (ages 7 to 8) are first assigned to climate-controlled cabins, all cabins have ceiling fans and box fans. There is no way to guarantee a climate-controlled cabin space, as cabin assignments are made a week before a camper is scheduled to attend camp. Each camper will have some activities throughout their day in climate-controlled facilities. In addition, the dining hall and indoor activity areas are climate-controlled. Campers are kept fully hydrated and have opportunities to participate in pool and lake activities throughout the day. We are currently in the process of master planning to expand electric/utility capacity to the campsite's rural area.
Can my camper room with a friend?
Campers may request cabin mates on the camper registration form, and we do our best to honor requests. We will try to place requested cabin mates together if they are the same age and gender. Both campers must request to be placed together.
Do boys and girls share activities?
Boys and girls share activities and meals, but not cabin time. Boys and girls bathhouse facilities are located on separate sides of the campsite. Showers and toilets inside each bathhouse are private.
How often will my camper eat?
Meals are served three times a day. Each meal is kid-friendly and well-balanced. Hot entrees are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast, a cereal bar, fresh fruit, and a variety of juices and milk are also available. For lunch and dinner, campers can help themselves to homemade soup of the day, a fresh salad bar, chicken or tuna salad, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in addition to the daily selections. Afternoon and evening snacks are also provided during summer camp. Please contact the Business Office if your camper has food allergies requiring special attention. Click here to view a sample menu.
Do you offer special activities for teen campers?
Camp isn't just for kids! Teens have separate activities planned especially for them each week. The Pines offers a week of summer camp specifically for ages 13 to 16. Service Work Week and Counselor-In-Training Programs are for teens only.
What items should my camper leave at home?
No outside food or drinks, ipods, cell phones, electronic games or devices, etc. are allowed at camp. If found, these items will be held in the office until the end of a camper's session. This policy will be strictly enforced this summer. Please leave expensive jewelry at home. Campers do not need cash during camp. Please set up a Camp Store account prior to your camper's session. This account will allow your camper to purchase snacks and souvenirs from the Camp Store. The Pines does not tolerate alcohol, drugs or weapons, including Swiss Army knives.
Please do not pack food with your camper or send food via a care package. The no outside food policy allows us to maintain a cleaner campsite and prevents insects and other critters from being attracted to the cabins. Outside food or drinks will be thrown away.
Who handles my campers medical needs? The Pines Camp Nurse or assistant is on duty at all times and registers and dispenses all medication. Treatment for minor injuries is administered at the campsite health center. Campers who need further medical assistance are taken to a nearby clinic. Emergency care (911) is administered through East Texas Medical Center. Please be aware that all campers will be checked for lice and athlete's foot during campsite check-in. Please also note that camper health/medication information will be updated upon camper drop-off for camp. Over-the-counter and prescription medication must be in original containers and placed in a labeled, resealable plastic bag. Include written instructions, if necessary. Send only the amount of medication needed to last the duration of your camper's stay at camp. Please do not send their entire supply.
Can I contact my camper during their session?
Camp phone and fax lines are very busy both day and night. Please call only in case of an emergency. Parents and guardians will be contacted: if a camper becomes ill or injured requiring a doctor's attention, if a camper experiences excessive homesickness, if a camper exhibits continuous disruptive behavior. Parents and family members will be able to e-mail campers, but are asked to limit e-mails to one per day per camper. Parents and family members are encouraged to mail letters to their camper.
A suggested list of accommodations near the campsite is available below.
Click here to view the list.
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