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REGISTERING FOR CAMP:

“How Old do You Have to be to Attend Camp?”

Teen Quest has camp programs available for children and youth grades 3-12. Summer camps are organized by upcoming grade level in the fall.

“How old do You Have to be to work at a Teen Quest Summer Camp?”

Teen Quest has several volunteer worker programs for students grades 7-12. If you are out of high school you may be qualified to come and serve as a counselor. Visit our Join the TQ Staff  page to get more information and download summer staff applications.

“When Can I Sign Up for Camp?”

Camp registration normally begins in January of each year once we mail out our camp brochures. There are four ways to sign up: register over the phone 1-800-288-TEEN, register online, mail in the registration form that comes with your brochure or download online, or download an application and fax it to the registration office. A $49 registration fee is required at the time of registration for each week in order to reserve a spot. The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to your camp date. Weeks are filled on a first come, first served basis, so it is important to call, register online, or send in your registration and deposit as soon as possible. Visit our camp registration page for more detailed registration information.

“May I Use My Credit Card to Pay for Camp?”

You may use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card.

“If I Cancel, Do I Get a Refund?”

If you cancel at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the camping week, all but the non-refundable $49 registration fee will be refunded. If the cancellation is due to illness, Teen Quest must receive a written notice from a qualified physician verifying the camper’s illness or injury in order to qualify for a refund. Children or students sent home because of disruptive behavior are not eligible for a refund, nor will they be allowed to attend additional weeks at camp. Should it be necessary to cancel your registration, you must contact Teen Quest in writing (letter, fax or email).

CAMP ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES:

"What is the Daily Schedule of the Camp?"

Each life-changing day at Teen Quest includes morning group devotional time, large and small group games and activities, free time to enjoy the recreational activities at the ranch, exciting evening programs featuring dynamic speakers, & evening Snack time. Meals are usually served at around 8am, 12pm and 5pm.

“What Does the Price of Camp Include?”

The prices listed next to each camp include: food, lodging, and all activities. The only things that are not included are some crafts, whitewater rafting, and spending money for the Welcome Center and Tin Spur.

“Where Do the Campers Stay?”

Our  campers will stay in classic camping cabins or lodges set in the beautiful mountains of Pennsylvania.

"How's the Food?"

We've been dishing up delicious and nourishing meals since we started our camping program in 1976. We also try to take into account the fact that some campers will not like every meal, so we offer options at each meal.

If you have any other questions, please read the Limitations to the Food Menu following this question.

Breakfast

Sample Menu #1:

• Scrambled Eggs & bacon
• Hash Browns
• Assorted Cereal
• Bagels & Danish
• Fresh fruit

Sample Menu #2

• Hot Cakes
• Sausage
• Assorted Cereal
• Bagels & Danish
• Fresh fruit

Lunch

Here are a few samples of a typical lunch:

Sample Menu #1

• Chicken Tenders
• French Fries
• Tossed Salad
• Fresh fruit
• Apple crisp
• PB & J (available upon request)

   

Sample Menu #2

• Pizza
• Smiley fries
• Garden Salad
• Chocolate pudding
• PB & J (available upon request)

   

Sample Menu #3

• Grilled Cheese
• Potato wedges
• Corn
• Chicken Caesar salad
• Jello
• PB & J (available upon request)

   

Dinner

Here are a few samples of a typical dinner:

Sample Menu #1

• Oven Baked Turkey
• Rice
• Mixed Vegetables
• Salad
• Rolls
• Vanilla pudding

Sample Menu #2

• Honey baked Ham
• Potatoes au Gratin
• Sweet peas
• Tossed salad
• Carrot cake

Sample Menu #3

• BBQ Riblettes
• Baked potato
• Broccoli
• Ceasar salad
• Peach cobbler

"What are the Limitations of the Food Menu?"

While we do our best to serve meals that the majority of people will enjoy, we understand that you may not enjoy everything. As stated above, we do try to offer menu options that vary from the next (i.e. not serving beef at 3 consecutive meals, etc). However, because of the nature of how we are set up, as well as Health Dept guidelines, we simply cannot accommodate every need.

The following is a list of limitations to our meal plans:

1. Specialized Meals

   We are not able to serve individual specialized meals. If a camper brings to our attention that they are not able to eat what we are serving, we will do our best to find something else, but this must be the exception, not the rule.

    

2. Food Allergies

   We understand the some children who come to camp have food allergies. We will do our best to assist your camper in this area. The following are our guidelines for food allergies:

   • Your child must be able to determine what it is they are allergic to: if a camper is lactose intolerant, he/she needs to know all related dairy products to which they will have a reaction. For example, the camper must know that if cheese gives them a reaction, they cannot eat the lasagna. If they have a question about what is in a certain meal we have prepared, they should ask and the counselor will find out.

      

   • At the time of check-in, please notify the camp nurse about your student/child's allergy to make sure it's on his/her health form. We will do our best to make sure your camper stays away from those types of food, but it is ultimately the camper's responsibility to watch out for himself/herself.

      

   • If you are concerned about your camper's food allergy, please call us and we can try to answer any additional questions you may have.

    

3. Bringing Your Own Food

   Due to Health Department regulations, we are not able to keep and store your camper's food in our kitchen. If it is determined that your camper will not be able to eat the majority of the food we are serving, you may send supplemental nutrition bars (i.e. Power bars, Cliff bars, granola bars) or nutritional shakes in a can (Ensure, Ovaltine, etc.) with your camper to be kept by the Health Center. After each meal, they will have the option to go to the Health Center and pick up their nutrition bar or shake. No food may be kept in the cabin or in the camper's possession.

    

“How Does Paintball Work?”

Paintball is an exciting team-building game that has become very popular in recent years. It is designed in a Speed-Ball and Capture-the-Flag format where participants tag each other with paint in order to eliminate players from the game. The way in which players tag each other is by using a paintball marker which shoots a small ball filled with biodegradable paint that bursts upon impact. Since the paintballs are potentially dangerous to the eyes, players are required to wear protective masks while playing. The games are monitored by referees who closely supervise the game to ensure no player removes his/her mask while playing. Campers may bring their own markers but not their own paint.

Paintball is included in your camp fee. To play the only additional charge will be if you want to buy more paint which is $5 for 100 paintballs.

A Note About Safety: We recognize that while the risks of injury in paintball is very low, there is still a risk involved in playing, particularly to the eyes. However, if your camper follows the basic rules and safety guidelines we give them (i.e. “At NO time should you remove your mask”, etc), the chance of an injury resulting from the paintball itself is almost zero. If a player is seen violating those rules even once, they will be taken out of the game and not allowed to participate again. You as a parent can help us by encouraging your campers to follow all the rules. Please note that paintballs can sting when you are hit and can sometimes leave small welts on areas of your body that are not padded.

“I Noticed You are a Christian Camp. Will You Push Your Religion on My Camper?”

We are a Christian camp, and therefore teach Christian values from the Bible in our camping programs and activities. We also hire mature Christian staff who we expect will model a Godly lifestyle that we hope campers will want to emulate. In each camp, we will give campers the opportunity to make a decision to follow Jesus Christ and his example. However, we recognize that it is a personal choice to become a Christian and fully respect each individual's decision. We do not force nor use scare tactics to try and make someone do something they don't want to do.

Since Teen Quest is a non-denominational inter-denominational Christian youth mission, we do not promote a particular denomination or church. This means it is our practice to present the simple message of the Gospel as found in the Bible and teach Christian values without promoting nor condemning any denomination or church.

If you have further questions please see our About Teen Quest page.

CAMP PROCEDURES:

"What is the Camper to Counselor Ratio?"

Our Camper to Counselor ratio is 7:1

"How Do You Go About Hiring Your Counselors?"

We are very concerned about the type of counselors we have serving at Teen Quest Camps. During the school year we visit college campuses to meet potential staff. Our full-time staff interviews a number of applicants in person and narrows the search from there. Counselors are then required to fill out an extensive application that includes references. As a final precautionary measure, all staff we hire are required to undergo extensive background checks by the Police Department. After they are hired, we have 2 weeks of training. Every year our counselors model positive godly lifestyles for the campers.

"How Do I Request a Roommate?"

If you have decided to go to camp with a friend, you can request that they be placed in the same room.

We have developed several policies to enable your camper to share a room with a friend. Here's how it works:

• Each camper is allowed ONE roommate request. This must be done on the registration form at the time of registration. 
• Your roommate's application must be mailed in with yours.
• While 99% of the time we are able to fulfill roommate requests, we cannot guarantee a roommate. We will do our best to make sure your camper gets in the same room as their roommate request.
• In order to maximize the chances of you getting your request, we suggest you register for camp early. The sooner you register the better your chances of getting a roommate.

  IMPORTANT: We DO NOT give out personal information about any camper other than your own. For example, if you would like to know if your neighbor Johnny is registered for Week #6, we cannot give you that information. You'll need to contact Johnny yourself to find that out. We do this to protect each camper's privacy to ensure that no unwanted information gets out. Thanks for your understanding.

"How Does the Camp Bank Work?"

Teen Quest camps have a variety of stores and shops that your camper can use to purchase gifts, crafts and snack food items. They may do so with the money you have deposited into their account prior to the week they attend. We use a banking system that will allow your campers to purchase items in our snack shop and camp store without having to use cash. In the past we have had some problem with campers losing money. Each camper is asked to open an account at the Camp Store. The money is deposited and works just like a real bank. They can write checks, use a "debit card," or withdraw money.

"How Do I Deposit Money in the Bank?"

The easiest and fastest way to deposit money in your child's bank account is to do so before you get to camp. Simply mail a Check: Simply mail a check to:

FOR "CAMPER NAME"
c/o Teen Quest SuperCharge
293 Rich Road
Somerset, PA 15501

Please be sure to identify it as bank money for your child. Please make checks payable to Teen Quest.

"How much do I Put in Their Account?"

Most parents put between $45 and $100 in spending money for their campers.

"What Happens to My Child's Bank Money at the End of the Week?"

You may request that the bank money be returned to you at the end of the week when you pick your child up. You may also donate the balance in your child's camp bank account to the ministry of Teen Quest.

ATTENDING CAMP:

"What Should My Camper Bring with Them?"

All clothing worn by campers should be modest and in good taste. In some cases, we may ask campers who are wearing questionably immodest clothing (i.e. very short shorts, tight or see-through clothing, cropped shirts, excessively low-riding jeans, etc.) to change. Please be sure your camper packs appropriately.

What To Bring: Jeans, shorts (no short shorts, please), rain wear, bathing suit (girls – modest 1-piece suit.  guys – modest.), tennis shoes, extra shoes you don’t mind getting dirty/wet, jacket or sweatshirt, boots optional (hiking, riding, etc), hat, sleeping bag, indoor slippers, towels (for bathing and swimming), personal items, laundry bag, bible (if you have one), notebook, bug spray.

Equipment for Specialty Activities: If you would like to use the skateboard park make sure to bring your board. You may also bring your own mountain bike and mountain board.

What Not to Bring: No personal valuables should be brought to camp. This would include CD players/radios, Gameboy’s or electronic games, cell phones, valuable jewelry, video cameras, laptops, or good clothes. In the atmosphere of a camp, campers tend to forget, lose track of, or misplace things. Also, do not bring knives, alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco products to camp.

Be sure your children take home all that they brought with them to camp. We suggest you mark all of their items ahead of time. All items unclaimed at the end of each summer are donated to local charities.

“How does the camp handle prescription medications?”

Our Health Services staff will collect and dispense the medications your child brings to camp as directed.

It is very important that you follow these basic healthcare guidelines:

 

• Be sure to bring your child’s completed health form to camp check-in.
• Please send all medication in the pharmacy labeled bottles. DO NOT USE DAILY PILL BOXES. Be sure there is only enough medication for the week your child is at camp.
• Scheduled medication administration times are typically after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before bed, unless a different specific time is required.
• All medications must be turned into the nurse with the exception of fast-acting inhalers and some prescription topical acne ointments (please still indicate on list of use).
• You must have a written physician order attached for injectable medications. This includes insulin (with sliding scale dosing if used) and growth hormone replacements.
• Our staff does not administer injections.

"How Do I Get to Camp?"

Please see our locations page for directions to camp.

"How and When Do I Check In?"

Check-in for camp begins Sunday at 4:00 pm and ends at 10:00 am on Saturday.  All balances should be paid two weeks before camp date. Be sure to bring your completed Camp Health Form and release form and other documents with you as your child cannot attend camp without them. If you've lost your camp forms, visit our forms and info page.

"How Do I Contact My Child?"

We understand that for many parents, leaving your camper is a difficult thing (some parents get more homesick than the camper!). We encourage you to write your camper while they are at camp. Please send camper mail to:

Camper Name
c/o Camp Name (Teen Quest Super Charge or Teen Quest Junior Charge)
293 Rich Road
Somerset, PA 15501

Please be sure your return address is included on the envelope should your mail arrive late. It is advised that you send snail mail no later than Tuesday of the week your child is there. Otherwise, they may not receive it.

"Can I Call My Child At Camp?"

We do not allow campers to call home under normal camping circumstances. It is our experience after almost 30 years that talking with a parent can often times distract the camper from the experience they are having. Many children are doing fine and enjoying themselves only to become severely homesick after talking with a parent.

CALLING YOUR CHILD AT SUPER CHARGE: To contact your child directly at Super Charge in an NON-emergency, you can call the Teen Quest Office at 814-444-9500, during meal times (8:00, 12:00, and 5:30). Messages left on the machine will be checked each night. Please do not call other than meal times unless it is an emergency.

CALLING YOUR CHILD AT JUNIOR CHARGE: To contact your child directly at Super Charge in an NON-emergency, you can call the Laurel Wilds Camp at 814-444-9500, during meal times (8:00, 12:00, and 5:30). Please do not call other than meal times unless it is an emergency.

"In What Circumstances Will Teen Quest Contact Me?"

1. Severe Homesickness - If your child becomes homesick, we will do our best to try and keep them at camp. Most cases of homesickness pass within a day or two. However, if they become unduly homesick, we will contact you. We encourage you to remain enthusiastic about your child being at camp, even if we have to call you. Most children can remain at camp and have a great time with proper support from their parents.

2. Health Reasons - If your child becomes injured or has an extended time of illness you will be contacted as soon as possible.

3. Inappropriate Behavior - If your child becomes disruptive beyond the normal limits we will call you and ask to have them taken home. Please inform your child that even though they are going on vacation this does not mean they are taking a vacation from appropriate behavior.

IMPORTANT- If your child is sent home early for Inappropriate Behavior, they will not be allowed to attend camp again. In addition, if they are signed up for another week later in the summer, you will lose the non-refundable deposit for that week as well. Please inform them of this before they come.

"When Do I Pick Up my Camper?"

Camp officially ends at 10:00am on Saturday morning. All parents and families are invited to attend our Saturday morning breakfast at 9:00am. All campers must be picked up by no later than 12:00 pm on Saturday. If you've signed up for the shuttle service, please call for details.

"Oh, No, My Child Left Some Stuff at Camp!"

If your child left some things behind, call us at 814-444-9500 and let us know what you have lost. We will do our best to find the item, at which time you may come and pick it up from the Ranch. We cannot mail items and we will hold the items for approximately two weeks.

Have a question you don't see listed here? Send us an email: quest@teenquest.org and we'll do our best to answer your question.

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