Family Camp

Prep for Camp

Before You Arrive at Family Camp

The countdown is on! Whether this is your first time at Family Camp or you’re returning for another summer, we’re so excited to welcome you. This guide will help you prepare for a smooth arrival—we’ve gathered everything you need in one place to help your family prepare for an awesome time at camp!

family camp staff welcoming boy excited arrival entrance

Camp Theme

This summer, we’re inviting you into something special—Good Ground Produce Co. A classic roadside fruit stand where the air is sweet, our pace slows down, the memories are simple, and every stop along the journey matters. It’s about more than just the destination; we’ll focus on what’s growing along the way. Just like a memorable road trip, this summer is full of moments waiting to happen—laughter to share, friendships to grow, and faith to deepen. But this place isn’t just about what you can see—it’s about what’s growing underneath.

In our theme verse, Psalm 1:1–3, we are reminded that when we stay rooted in good ground—in truth and in God—we will grow strong like trees planted by streams of water and bear fruit in every season. That’s what this summer is all about: putting down roots, growing stronger, and letting God produce something real in you.

So, whether this is your first stop or you’ve been here before, we’re so glad you’re here. Let’s make this a summer to remember. As you settle in, take a look around—this is your stand, your season, your chance to grow. Welcome to Good Ground Produce Co.

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Packing List

Clothing

  • Socks & Underwear
  • Swimsuit (gentlemen – trunks; ladies – one-pieces)
  • T-Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Pajamas
  • Pants / Sweatshirt (for if it gets chilly at camp)
  • Sandals AND closed-toed shoes (all ages)
  • Raincoat / Poncho (rain is not uncommon at camp)

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Shampoo & Conditioner
  • Soap / Body Wash
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen / Bug Repellent
  • Bath Towel & Washcloth (Standard Housing Only)

Other Essentials

  • Bible, Journal, Pen (make sure your name is in your Bible)
  • Flashlight or Headlamp (with new batteries)
  • Reusable Water Bottle (labeled with your name)
  • Beach Towel for Pool and Lake Activities
    • Every event we will have a special day at Mears Lake. Please bring a modest, one-piece swimsuit, beach towels/blankets, beach chairs, and an umbrella or E-Z Up for shade
    • Please note that t-shirts or cover-ups must be worn outside the pool and lake areas

Optional / Encouraged

  • Hat for Sun Protection
  • Small Backpack for carrying personal items

Please Leave the Following Items at Home

  • Weapons – including firearms, knives, airsoft guns, bb guns, etc.
  • Drug / Alcohol / Tobacco Paraphernalia – including juuls, vapes, dab pens, and wax pens.
  • Anything that is irreplicable, such as a treasured stuffed animal or blanket, or a $1,000 camera. These items are easily lost or damaged at camp and we cannot guarantee their safe return.

Coming & Going

Check-In / Arrival

Check-In is between 3:00-5:00PM at the Welcome Center near the Forest Center Parking Lot. After you arrive, dinner will be served from 5:00–6:30 PM in the Forest Center Dining Hall.

Check-Out / Departure

Check-out is 10am. Please make sure to remove all personal items from cabins before our closing gathering. Keys can be returned in the Dining Room, Round House, or Hormel Hall.

car arrival dad daughter

Medical Forms

Medical forms are online in your account and must be completed prior to check-in. Campers who do not have a completed medical form will not be able to check-in, so please complete them prior to departure from your home. Login here using the email address and password you created to fill out your medical forms.

Food Allergies & Dietary Restrictions

Please ensure that all dietary requests are indicated on your online medical form(s). Our chefs are trained and able to accommodate the following common dietary allergies:

  • Gluten free diets
  • Dairy intolerances
  • Egg allergies
  • Vegetarian diets
  • Vegan diets
  • Nut allergies (all our kitchens are nut free facilities)

If you have a dietary need or allergy that our kitchen is unable to accommodate (like Celiac Disease), we require that you bring your own food to meet your dining needs during your stay.

  • If you are bringing your own food to camp, pack your pre-cooked meals in pre-portioned microwave-safe containers.
  • There are refrigerators for storage and microwaves for heating in all dining facilities for guests to use. (Please note there is no prep area)
  • If you are bringing your own food, please send it in appropriate containers for travel and ensure that it is labeled with your name.
  • We understand many allergies can be very severe, and we cannot fully guarantee that every item served is 100% free from airborne particles or other means of food allergy cross-contamination. The process of bringing your own precooked and pre-portioned food will limit the chance of any allergy cross-contamination.
  • There are other areas in camp that may cause allergic reactions that are out of our control, such as in retail food locations, vending machines, or other campers that may bring snacks.

If you have any additional questions, please contact our Director of Guest Dining, Cecilia Cabrera at Cecilia.Cabrera@foresthome.org and she will respond within 2-3 business days.

food dining forest home dining hall families eating and laughing

Health & Safety

The safety and well-being of every camper is a top priority at Forest Home. Learn more about our approach to child protection, medical care, emergency preparedness, food safety, and recreation safety.


Closed Campus

Forest Home is a closed campus. For the safety of all guests, only registered campers are permitted on-site. Please do not invite friends or family members to visit camp, even for a short period of time. Day passes are not available unless they have been approved in advance by the Camp Director.

Children & Youth Morning Programming

Chipmunks (0–35 Months)

Chipmunks meet each morning in Chipmunk Corner, where our caring team provides a safe and engaging environment filled with playtime, walks, Bible stories, singing, crafts, and outdoor fun.

Squirrels (Ages 3–4)

Squirrels meet each morning in Blinco Lounge for Bible lessons, singing, crafts, and outdoor adventures like splash pad time, field games, and scavenger hunts. Please bring closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and a modest swimsuit each day.

Cottontails, Bobcats & Bears (Ages 5–10)

Children ages 5–10 check in at Blinco Lounge following Family Gatherings most mornings. Programming includes Bible lessons, worship, crafts, and outdoor activities such as pool time, creek adventures, Squirrel Run, and field games. Please bring closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and a modest swimsuit each day.

Basecamp (Ages 11–18)

Basecamp students check in at Roundhouse Square following Family Gatherings most mornings. They can expect connection, adventure, and exciting activities like Canyon Park, Laser Tag, and Color Comp games. Please bring closed-toe shoes, a water bottle, and a modest swimsuit each day.

Color Comp Tip: We recommend bringing one red, one blue, and one green item (shirt, bandana, etc.) so you’re ready for whichever team you’re assigned. Team colors are announced at camp, so having all three is just for fun.

In the evenings, Basecamp students gather again for worship and an encouraging message with their group leaders.

Babysitters

Providing your family with a personal babysitter is designed to enrich your family’s week at camp. We select a group of volunteer female teenagers who love Jesus and love kids to serve families by assisting in Trail Adventures each morning and babysitting each evening for children ages 0-10. When babysitters are not with your children, they participate in dynamic camp programs of their own designed to support and encourage them in their spiritual growth.

radiant girl splash pad

General Information about our babysitters

  • Families with children ages 10 and younger are automatically assigned a babysitter. If you decide you do not need a babysitter, please let us know as soon as possible.
  • Our desire is that each family has a personal babysitter for the entirety of the week, however, there are times when this is not possible due to unforeseen circumstances. We will make sure to communicate with you should any changes occur. Our babysitters have submitted an application and personal references in order to participate in this program and they are eager to serve your family! Each babysitter must be comfortable working with children, have a strong relationship with the Lord, and be at least 13 years old.
  • Each babysitter participates in an orientation meeting to discuss the following: safety and emergency procedures, Biblical view of service, philosophy of Family Camp and the role of babysitters, child care best practices and reminders, as well as expectations for behavior and community living.
  • We have many evening activities available for your children. Please advice your babysitter on what options you have approved as well as routines and bedtime schedules.
  • All babysitters and children (unless they are in the Basecamp evening program) must be back in your cabin for “Critter Curfew” at 8:30PM. Our Babysitter Staff stop at each cabin around that time to check on all kids and babysitters and assist babysitters with any needs, including bedtime. If you would like your child and babysitter to stay out past 8:30PM, please communicate this with your babysitter.
  • Babysitters are at your service until you release them at the end of each night. Their curfew to return to their own cabin is 10:00PM. Please make sure to return to your cabin no later than 10:00PM to relieve your babysitter.
  • When you are in for the evening, please have a female adult family member walk the babysitter back to Chipmunk Corner so she may sign herself in. If an adult female is not available, please come to Chipmunk Corner first and one of our Babysitter Staff members will accompany you to your cabin to walk your babysitter back to Chipmunk Corner.

Recreation

activ giant water slide girl wide

All of these free time options will be available at various times throughout the week, weather permitting:

  • Zipline
  • Kinetix Tower
  • Giant Swing
  • Sky Trail (high ropes course)
  • Boulder Junction (natural playground and tree house)
  • Swimming Pool
  • Splash Pad
  • Tire Swing
  • Giant Waterslides
  • Swimming
  • Kayaks
  • Stand-Up Paddleboards
  • The Blob
  • 2 Escape Rooms
  • Mini Golf
  • The Creek
  • Horseshoes
  • Game Room (Ping Pong, Foosball, Air Hockey, Billiards, Carpet Ball, Ricochet Ball, etc.)
  • Basketball
  • Dodgeball
  • GaGa Ball
  • Disc Golf
  • Spikeball
  • Corn Hole
  • Craft Cabin

Camper Photos

Throughout the week, our media team will be capturing photos and videos of your time at camp. Your check-in packet will include QR codes that allow you to easily view and download your event’s media.


Cashless Payments

Forest Home is a cashless campus. Your camp registration includes access to the majority of activities and experiences during your stay.

Throughout the week, guests may choose to make purchases at:

  • Roundhouse/The Hub – T-shirts, hats, stickers, and other merchandise
  • The Clubhouse & Stagecoach Coffee Shop – Snacks and beverages
  • Craft Cabin – Crafts and select activities

All purchases must be made using a credit card, debit card, or Visa gift card. If you bring cash, you can easily convert it into a Visa gift card while at camp. Please note that we no longer use the Store E-Card system, and cash is not accepted directly for purchases.

dads laugh clubhouse
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Any Questions?

Can’t find the answer to your question? Our team is here to help. Reach out and we’ll be happy to assist you.