Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center
Parent Info

• Camper Info Kit
• Forms
   
  Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions:
  
  What If My Camper Misses Home?
  It is hard to tell who might miss home and who might not.  The younger the camper, usually the easier it is to engage them in activities, help them fit into a group, and forget they are missing home.  Older campers are far less prone to missing home, but their emotions tend to be more serious.  A general outline for how we handle the issue is: help them fit in, keep them incredibly engaged and having fun, listen, and treat them with respect.  If we see any concerns - we try to talk to you ahead of time, let you know what we are seeing, and see if you have any advice.  
  
  Can My Camper Call Home?
  Campers are not allowed to call home. Why?  Because if you take a perfectly happy summer camper and put them on the phone with the one they love the most - they will instantly miss you and home.  Yes, it is true even of those having the absolute time of their life.  If something does come up, however, and it is important you speak with your child - we will make it happen.  Worried about your child? - give us a call or send us an e-mail and we'll check in with them and get back to you.
  
  Will my Camper Fit In? 
  One of the greatest parts about summer camp at Asbury Hills is kids can recreate themselves into the positive person they want to be.  They are no longer stuck in the set of expectations their friends and school have for them, and they can reach out and grow in positive Christian fellowship.   Fitting in, making friendships, and finding acceptance are some of our top priorities for our campers.
  
  I see Asbury Hills is a Methodist camp.  What if my family isn't Methodist?
  Not a problem at all.  We certainly are a faith-based camp - but our Christian summer curriculum is open and welcoming to all.  Our summer camp is also so much fun that even if your child has yet to come to faith - they will have a blast.  We believe the personal exploration of faith is a vital part of our mission and in this area, you and your child can expect each session to have: energizing worship, daily themes that integrates into the day's activities and messages, small group discussions, and evening vespers/devotions.  The rest of the week is filled with incredible camp activities and time to share fun times with friends.  
  
  Speaking of our daily themes and message - over the course of the week our faith curriculum is centered around 4 core themes: 1) God loves you, 2)and wants a relationship with you, 3)through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, 4)for the transformation of the world.
  
  Are you ACA Accredited?
  Yes we are accredited by the American Camping Association.  To learn more about what this means, please visit their website .

   

  Can My Child and I Visit Camp Prior to the Summer?
  If this will be your child's first time at camp, please feel free to give us a call at 864.836.3711 to set up a tour. Let your child see the camp, explore the cabins they might stay in, and get excited about the experience. Take an imaginary hike from the campfire pit to the cabins, picture yourselves tubing down the creek, and leave ready to come back soon!
  
  Setting Realistic Expectations
  While most campers say their favorite time of the year is summer camp, not every minute of every day is perfect. Truthfully, some of the easiest ways to make friends is through common bonds. If you search your memories - many common bonds are from overcoming challenges. At summer camp, that long hike or afternoon thunderstorm might seem rough at the time, but hopefully it will have helped bring campers to new friendships.
  
  What will the Cabin Experience Be Like?
  For many first time campers, it's a comfort to have an idea of what to expect. They might want to know what it's like to share a cabin with a bunch of other campers and 2 counselors. We want you to know that there will be times where everyone has to wake up and clean up the cabin, times when the whole cabin comes together for cabin devotions, and other times when it's time for bed and everyone needs to settle in for quality rest time.
  
  Will My Camper Make Friends?
  Building new and developing quality friendships is one of the primary goals of camp (along with safety and being faith centered). We want campers, not to know everyone in their cabin, but to create memorable experiences that one can build friendships on.  Hopefully, the prospect of making new friends at camp should be something to look forward to as well. Sometimes it's good to discuss ahead of time how to be a good friend, and perhaps discuss the kinds of traits to look for in new friends.
  

   

  Can I Visit My Camper During Camp?
  Each session's schedule is packed full of activities, and we've found that mid-session camp visits disrupt the flow of camp and each camper's experience. You are welcome to call in at any time to check on your camper, but please don't show up unannounced.
  
  Can My Camper Bring a Friend?
  Part of coming to camp is making new friends. At the same time, if your child wants to bring a friend with them to camp, or if they would like to be re-united in a cabin with a friend from a previous year, we will do our very best to honor up to 2 cabinmate requests. Requests should be campers of similar ages and in the same session. If you would like your child to be separate from another camper - these requests must be made in writing and sent two weeks prior.  If you would like to join together a group of friends - please register for one of our Fusion sessions.