Congratulations! You'll receive a Welcome Book by May 1st with detailed prep information. In the meantime, complete all forms in your Ultracamp account (ideally 2 weeks before arrival), review packing lists, and think about mail you'd like to send your camper!

Not at all! We welcome campers of all faith backgrounds (and no faith background). Our programming is grounded in Christian tradition, but camp is a space for exploration and belonging for everyone.

Thin places are where the distance between heaven and earth feels smaller—where grace shows up through community, nature, and shared faith. At camp, you'll experience that through cabin community, Christian formation, and time in nature together.

We have two locations! Sessions 1–3 are at Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle (6952 Kauffman Road). Session 4 is at Stony Lake Camp in New Era (7898 W Stony Lake Rd.). Both are beautiful lakefront properties with a combined 160+ years of Episcopal camping legacy.

Absolutely! We have multiple options for each grade level so lots of camp is accessible! Just register for the sessions that work for your family.

Campers are not able to stay at camp between sessions, but there is transportation available for each overnight session (to and from camp!) which makes it easy for campers to come back and forth.

• Sessions 1-3 @ Camp Chickagami: Check-in 1–2 p.m. Sunday; check-out 1 p.m. Friday

• Session 4 @ Stony Lake: Check-in 4–5 p.m. Sunday; check-out 11 a.m. Saturday

Due to camp prep, we can't accommodate early arrivals or early departures. If you anticipate a late arrival, contact us ASAP at camping@greatlakesepiscopal.org.

Families help campers settle into cabins, meet counselors, and say goodbye. The process takes about 30–45 minutes. Bring any mail/packages to our post office at check-in and we'll distribute them during the week!

Yes! Transportation is available for every overnight session, thanks to partnerships with the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan and the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes. It's a game-changer for removing barriers to camp access.

There is also transportation from Alpena for day camp! Day campers can opt for bus transportation from Alpena with drop-off at 8:30 a.m. and pickup between 4:25–4:35 p.m.

You can opt in/out during registration, or contact us before February 1st to make changes. Details on pickup locations and times will be sent closer to camp.

We will most likely be able to be flexible about cancellations and late additions, depending on capacity and interest. It’s best to save your spot early.

How can I stay in touch with my camper? A: Several ways:

• Email: Send one-way messages through your Ultracamp account—we'll print them daily as "mail"

• Snail mail: Address letters to your camper at camp (address in Welcome Book)

• Photos: View photos of your camper through your Ultracamp account (posted regularly)

• Phone calls: We can arrange 1–2 brief phone calls per week. Details coming before camp!

Campers cannot have cell phones at camp. Why? Campers without phones actually have more fun, make deeper friendships, and fully engage with their cabin community. It's part of what makes camp magic happen. We promise the week flies by!

Can my camper call home whenever they want? No, but we arrange scheduled phone times so you can connect. This helps campers invest fully in camp while still staying connected to family.

Our trained staff are experts at this. Homesickness is totally normal—it often passes within 24–48 hours as campers settle in. Sending encouraging mail and avoiding "I'll pick you up if you're sad" promises really helps. See the Parent Packet for detailed homesickness tips.

Check your packing list (included in the Parent Packet)

Basics: swim towel, toiletries, comfortable clothes, sleeping bag, twin sheets, medications in original containers, and labeled belongings.

Don’t bring: Cell phones, electronics, money, food, pocket knives, and any items that could isolate campers or pose safety risks. See the Parent Packet for a complete list.

Not automatically during the session. Pack enough clothes for the full week. (Overnight trips are included in the session, so plan accordingly.)

We will do laundry for campers who need their bedding washed or bed-time clothes. If camper’s have accidents, we will discreetly take care of washing their items.

Sometimes campers arrive at camp without enough clothing for the week, our staff are trained to pay attention to this and we will wash their clothing and sometimes we will purchase some new clothing items for campers. We recognize that every camper has different access and we want everyone to be able to fully participate.

We will also invest in proper bedding and swim attire if campers need it. We will never let a camper be excluded from participating in programming just because they forgot to properly pack or didn’t pack appropriately.

If you’d like to make a donation to support this investment in our campers, email camping@greatlakesepiscopal.org.

We accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and common allergies. For nut allergies, we maintain a strict nut-free facility. Mention restrictions in your health form and contact us if you have concerns.

We have a strict nut-free policy due to serious allergies among campers. However, if your child prefers nut-free butter (like sunflower seed butter), you're welcome to send it and we'll ensure they have access to it.

Label everything! Labeled items are kept for one week after camp. Unlabeled items are donated. Camp is not responsible for lost or stolen items—best to leave valuables at home.

Our programs are licensed by the State of Michigan and maintain rigorous safety standards. Camp Chickagami is fully accredited by the American Camp Association (the gold standard for youth camps). Most staff are trained in First Aid/CPR, child development, conflict resolution, and abuse prevention.

All medications must be in original containers. Our nurses administer medications during scheduled times, meals and bedtime. Submit forms through your Ultracamp account at least 2 weeks before arrival.

Our on-site nurses provide care. We'll contact you if your child needs medical attention beyond camp care. Information about medical facility arrangements is included in the registration process (including specifics about which hospitals we will go to).

If you have signs of being sick before camp, please don’t come. We will accommodate late arrivals for campers who need an extra day or two to get healthy, if need be! Just communicate with us.

We recommend all campers take a rapid test for Covid-19 before arriving. If positive, stay home and notify us. We have tests available at camp and ask anyone with symptoms to remain home to protect our community.

We gather each morning for Morning Worship and then campers gather each day for Christian Formation—which is intentional program time to learn about a Bible story or concept, reflect, participate in art projects related to the theme, and particpate in age-appropriate activities. Morning and evening worship is led by chaplains, staff, and often by campers and includes music, prayer, and scripture. It's all about exploration and belonging, not pressure.

We are an Episcopal camp and the Book of Common Prayer is a tool we use daily for prayer. If interested, you can explore the “BCP” online here.

Camp is rooted in Christian tradition but designed for campers of all backgrounds. No one is pressured to believe or participate in ways that don't feel right for them.

Yes, each camp has at least one Eucharist service. Campers are invited to receive communion or not—it's completely their choice.

We celebrate and affirm all campers, including LGBTQ+ youth. We respect each camper's name and pronouns, offer gender-inclusive housing options, and create a brave space where all identities are honored. See our full Inclusion Policy for details.

Yes! Campers of all gender identities can opt into gender-inclusive dorms that feel safe and comfortable for them. This is in addition to same-gender housing options.

Our full gender inclusive housing policy can be found here.

Families choose the fee tier that works for them. Every camper gets the same experience regardless of tier. This model allows families to support camp while making it accessible for others.

Yes! Scholarship assistance is available for families who need it. No child is turned away due to financial circumstances.

Our scholarship application is accessible through the registration process. You’ll be able to fill it out and submit it when registering your camper.

Check your financial statement in Ultracamp. You can pay online or mail a check to: Camp Chickagami, 124 N. Fayette St., Saginaw, MI 48602.