FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers about camp. If you have a question that was not addressed, please call us at 800-683-9133 or email the camp registrar at campregistrar@missionsprings.com .
To check the availability status of a particular week of camp, click here .
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes, a $75 deposit per camper must be received within two weeks of receipt of all online (check option), and mailed-in registration forms. All check option and mailed registrations are "Pending" until receipt of the $75 non-refundable non-transferable per camper deposit.
When is my balance due and can I pay by credit card?
Yes, your balance may be made over the phone by either VISA or MasterCard. Your camper's balance must be PAID IN FULL TWO WEEKS PRIOR to your scheduled camp week. If you are not able to meet this requirement for any reason, please call the camp registrar immediately, otherwise, your registration will be subject to cancellation.
What information will we receive after we register?
A confirmation letter along with an information page will be sent upon the completion of your campers registration. The information page includes camp arrival times, pick-up time, packing list and other general information.
What happens when a camp session fills? Do I get my money back if the only session I have requested is full?
We register our campers on a first-come, first-served basis. However, we do keep a waiting list in case of cancellations. If your camper is put on the waiting list we will call you to let you know where your camper is on the list. We will also call immediately if the camper gets into camp and off the waiting list. If your camper does not make it into camp, you will receive a full refund. Click here for space available in other weeks.
What time does camp begin?
Camp opens at 3:00pm on Sunday afternoon with check-in (no early arrivals please). At 4:30pm all parents and campers will gather at Frontier Theater for a brief orientation and introduction of our staff.
What time does camp end and can I pick them up early if I need to?
Frontier Ranch pick-up is at 9:00am on Saturday.
What if someone else is dropping off my camper?
If someone other than a parent or legal guardian is dropping off a camper, the following must be brought with that adult: 1) a letter stating who will be picking up that camper; 2) a filled-out & signed Camper Health Screen form found on the 'Parent Info/Details/Forms' tab; 3) any medications clearly labeled and in original containers; 4) spending money in small bills.
What if someone else is picking up my son or daughter?
For the safety and well-being of our campers we request that if you, the parent or guardian, cannot pick up your child, a 'Camper Pick-up Form' must be filled out at check-in indicating who you have authorized to pick up your camper.
What is a typical day like? (Tentative schedule)
Breakfast
What is the weather like?
Summers at Frontier Ranch are warm-to-hot during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. See "Packing List" under Parent Info Details.
How and when are cabin groups arranged?
Cabins are arranged by gender, grade, and cabin mate request. These assignments are made a week before camp begins.
Can my child request to be in a cabin with a friend?
Campers may request anywhere from 1 to 7 cabin mates. Some age restrictions do apply. See section titled "Age" for more information. It is the responsibility of all parents involved to arrange with all other parents involved so as to have matching request lists. If lists do not match or if camp has filled before lists are received, cabin mates' requests will be much harder to accommodate and may not work out. Priority will always be given to those registrations received first. Requests made after the initial registration may not be honored. Even though we will make every effort to honor requests, Mission Springs makes no guarantees with respect to cabin mate requests.
Age - Due to social and developmental differences of children, we do not mix fourth and sixth graders or seventh and ninth graders in the same cabin.
What is the food like? And what if my child has food allergies?
Camp offers high-quality, healthy, kid-friendly food. For any special dietary needs, including allergies, please email the camp registrar, campregistrarl@missionsprings.com , to address these special needs.
Do all campers participate in all activities?
Both age groups have the opportunity to try most on-site camp activities they are interested in. In addition, Jr. Highers have the beach day and some recreation and night activities that make it unique from their former experience as a junior camper. Frontier Ranch offers optional activities that cost extra (surfing and certain challenge course activities).
Can we send care packages to our camper?
Yes. We recommend preparing your care-package ahead of time and drop them off on check-in day; designating which day you want your camper to receive the package/letter. You can also purchase a specially prepared care package at Frontier Bob's during check-in that can be delivered to your camper on the day you specify.
How are staff members selected? What is the ratio of campers to staff?
All staff are interviewed either in person or by phone and are required to submit reference forms that are reviewed by our staff. Each staff person also has a background check done in compliance with state and federal regulations. Staff are selected based on their commitment to Christ, life experience, and job related qualifications. Not only will your child be cared for by their own counselor, but our 3-to-1 camper-to-staff ratio allows campers the opportunity to get to know many other members of our amazing staff as well!
What happens if a camper gets homesick?
Our staff are trained to deal with homesickness effectively. We make sure that homesick campers fully engage in activities, thus minimizing the focus on homesickness. Our counselors will spend extra time to integrate those homesick kids back into the flow of camp, often times with the help of other cabin mates. In our over 40 years of experience we have found letting a child call home when they are homesick does not alleviate the problem but rather serves to accelerate the problem. It is therefore our policy to call the parents of a homesick camper and inform them of the situation in order to determine the next course of action. From there we strive for the best possible outcome for that camper.
How does Frontier Ranch handle behavioral problems with campers?
Our desire is that camp will be an environment of physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional safety for both campers and staff. In order to ensure that this occurs, we sometimes need to take steps in disciplining campers. We have a consequence system that staff can use to correct inappropriate behavior. The system begins with the camper losing free-time and if behavior continues, a parent/guardian will be notified.
What if my child needs to take vitamins or medication while at camp?
All medicines and vitamins must be registered with the camp nurse at check-in. The nurse is responsible to administer all medicines at the appropriate time.
Are there bathrooms in the cabin?
No. Bathrooms for each gender are centrally located in each cabin area.
What promotions apply to me?
If you are a past Frontier Ranch camper, BRING-A-FRIEND who has never been to Frontier Ranch summer camp and receive a Frontier Bob's Care Package (A $17 value).
Do you have financial assistance available?
Don't miss out on camp because of financial need. We have an established Scholarship fund which helps many families each year. Call the camp registrar at (800) 683-9133 to request an application or you may download the application by clicking here .
Do you provide transportation to and from camp?
If the camper is staying for two weeks in a row, do I still have to pick them up on Saturday?
Yes. You must make arrangements for your campers' overnight stay, since there is no staff available to watch your camper between camp sessions.
In case of an emergency, who do I call?
Feel free to call us in the event of an emergency or special need. Campers may only use the phone in cases of emergency, sickness or by previous arrangement with the Camp Director. You may leave emergency messages at the main office at 831-335-9133.
Frontier Ranch is a closed camps for reasons of safety and security. During the camp week, no visitors are permitted unless special arrangements have been made in advance with the Camp Director through the main office.
Does my child need spending money? How much?
Frontier Ranch suggests that each camper have $25-40 of spending money for a week of camp. This money covers visits to Frontier Bob's, possibly a milkshake at the Conference Center, and small charge for crafts. Do not pack in your youth's suitcase. The money will be collected at check-in and kept in a locked area, accessible to the youth when needed. No $20's or change…please $5's and $1's!
Where do I find a particular form to download?
