Rafting Adventures FAQ

General

How do I register?

You can register your camper by going online, by calling the camp office with a credit card at (662) 547-6169, or by mailing in the registration form. Registration requires a nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit of $100/week ($200 for Rafting Trips).

How much does your camp cost?

The cost varies depending on the specific program for which your camper is registered. Please select your desired program from the Summer Camps Ages 7-17 menu above and click the Dates and Rates link to view costs.

What does the price include?

Our price includes all expenses for activities, a daily snack Monday-Friday from Camp Store, a camp T-shirt, and a camp picture. There is an opportunity for families to purchase CRS merchandise and snacks on Sundays and Saturdays.

How long do campers stay?

Each of our programs begins on Sunday afternoon and concludes the following Saturday morning. Please see your confirmation packet letter for specific times.

When are payment and forms due?

All forms and payment are due one month prior to camp attendance.

I lost my forms; what do I do?

Don’t worry; all forms are available for download. Click here.

How do I look at pictures of my camper?

A popular feature over the past few summers has been our photo gallery, which is updated throughout the week with photos from camp. Our photo gallery partners with quality labs, offering you the ability to buy camp photos! Viewing the photos is free! Click here. The password for your camper’s week can be found on your confirmation letter, or you can call the camp office to receive the password. You are welcome to share this password with family and friends so they can view photos from your child’s camp week as well.

Can I send care packages to my camper?

No, any packages received will be held in the camp office for you to pick up on Saturday. Campers love to get mail; send cards and letters, and encourage family and friends to do the same. We encourage you to send a letter before coming to camp so that your camper will receive mail early in the week. Or drop off letters during Sunday registration that can be given to the camper throughout the week. Please do not fax letters to the campers through the camp office.

When do I pick up my camper?

The Closing Ceremony is Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the Pow-Wow. We encourage you to make plans to join us! The camp store opens at 8:30 a.m. and has coffee and various other treats available. Please do not come into the Dining Hall during breakfast. Campers will be released immediately following the closing ceremony.

What if I need someone else to pick up my child?

Your written permission is required for CRS to release your child to someone else.  You may give this to us at check-in or mail it in before hand.

I am worried about my child becoming homesick; what can I do to help prevent it from happening?

Do not tell your camper that he can come or call home if he does not like camp. This actually contributes to homesickness and hampers the camper’s ability to adjust to camp life. Our staff will contact the parents of a camper experiencing above-average levels of homesickness. Also, if your child is not used to being away from you, give her some practice overnight stays with grandparents, other family members, or friends. On check-in day, settle your child into the cabin and leave soon after. This helps prevent homesickness and encourages your child to bond with his counselors and cabinmates. Save tours of camp until Closing Day, when your child can share memories with you. Avoid sending letters that tell a camper what is being missed at home; instead focus on the fun things he is experiencing at camp.

Why are electronic devices such as cell phones not allowed at camp?

          At CRS  we have put a lot of preparation into planning a terrific camp experience for your child.  Camp is a break from the distractions of electronics and a time to focus on nature, new friends, and new experiences.  Also, with the vast technology available on the smart phones and other electronic devices they pose a safety risk to our campers.  Thank you for leaving this items at home.

How do I keep my camper from losing items?

We encourage parents to mark items with the camper’s name, especially towels, shirts, cameras, etc. Campers tend to lose unmarked items. We have partnered with Mabel’s Labels, a company with all types of labels that are colorful, indestructible, and fun! Click here.

How does it work for my child to stay multiple weeks?

Campers can attend up to three consecutive weeks at CRS. Over the weekend, these are our stay-over campers. This service is provided at no additional cost. We wash their clothes, and they are supervised by our camp staff. The weekend activities go at a slower pace to allow rest for the next full week of camp. Our "stay-overs" get to have a bit of a relaxed weekend with a smaller group (usually about 12) campers. We have one male and one female counselor who supervise the group over the weekend. They eat, swim, rest, and play games. We do their laundry and get them settled in for their second week. They also get to pick five activities of their preference for the second week. They can choose new ones or repeat some favorites. They are the first ones through the registration line, so we make sure they get what they want! Our theme also changes each week, so in addition to being able to select different activities, campers staying a second week will find most of the nighttime events, skits, etc. will be completely different from their first week’s.

Can I talk to my child during the week?

We keep our campers very busy! Campers are allowed to receive letters and Bunk Note e-mails from their parents. Parents are also able to view pictures of their campers throughout the week in our online photo gallery. Phone communication is not allowed except for emergency purposes. If the need arises for you to get in touch with your camper, please contact the camp office, and we will assist you.

What is the refund policy?

          The deposit of $100 per week ($200 trips) due with registration is nonrefundable.  Any amount paid over that will be refunded if cancellation is received at least 2 weeks prior to beginning of the camp session.  There is no refund for early dismissal except for injury or illness requiring departure.

How soon can I sign up for next year?

Registration for the next summer is available as soon as your child leaves camp this year. Stop by our office to guarantee your space and receive our early-bird discount, available until November 1.

Rafting Adventures

What does my child need to bring rafting?

You can download the Rafter What to Bring list

When is Check-In?

Check-In begins at 4:00 p.m.  at the Owl’s Nest and closes at 4:15 p.m. Each rafter and his or her parent or guardian must be present for the pre-trip meeting with the trip leaders and program coordinator which begins promptly at 4:15 p.m.   Note that parking opens at 3:00 p.m.    No-show spaces are filled at 4:15 p.m. unless prior arrangements for late arrival have been made.

Can I send letters to my rafter?

Since the rafting trip leaves Monday morning and returns Friday night, delivering mail to them is not an option.  However, you can pack notes in the luggage to give them a smile!

Can I send emails to my rafter?

Camper email is not available to rafters due to the nature of their trip.

When does my rafter leave and return to camp?

The rafters leave early Monday morning and return Friday evening.

Does my rafter need money?

Rafters do not need money for meals, transportation, or program costs.  Many families do choose to send spending money for the purchase of souvenirs at the river outposts.  This is optional.  There is an opportunity for families to purchase CRS merchandise and snacks on Sundays and Saturdays. 

Can I send my rafter with an iPod or cell phone?

Rafters spend the week “unplugged”.  Please notice in our “what NOT to bring” list all portable electronic devices.  This is essential to the purpose of our rafting trip.  Today so many technology gadgets and games consume our time and attention that CRS believes it is important to take a break from that and focus on developing face-to-face relationships, learning team building skills directly applicable to your comfort (camp site preparation and set up), and exploring our world hands on!

What company do you use for rafting?

We use Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for all of our rafting adventures. 

Where will my rafter be sleeping?

Every night the rafters will be tent camping in gorgeous campgrounds.

Is my rafter safe?

CRS takes safety very seriously and it is our top priority.  All of our rafting leaders have been specialty trained for the trips. The rafting, rock climbing, caving, and repelling are all supervised by certified instructors.