Frequently Asked Questions
We get asked all kinds of questions about how Trout Lake Camps works. Below are the answers to most questions we typically get from parents, grandparents and friends about Trout. Click on the plus to get the anwers and if you can't find what you are looking for, contact us or call 218.543.4565.
You can register a camper online or by phone. If you need help or would like us to send a brochure, you can contact us at 218.543.4565 or registration@TroutCamps.org.
Trout Lake Camps runs several different types of camps during the summer. We call it age-specific programming. In other words, each camp is designed for a particular age group. The activities, games, music, and teaching are designed with your child’s growth in mind.
All grades listed for our camps refer to the grade the camper will complete in May or June (NOT the grade they are going into in the fall).
Wild Woods "Shorts" 1–3 graders
Wild Woods 1–3 graders
The Point 4–6 graders
Timber Ridge 6–8 graders
Senior High Camp 9–12 graders
(At Timber Ridge)
If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us
quickly since many of our camps are full and have campers hoping to get in.
Keep in mind that a portion of your fee is non-refundable, depending on the date
of your cancellation.
Up until one month prior: $50
One month to one week prior: $100
One week prior to camp & later: 100%
Family camp cancellation policy is:
Before May 1: $150
May 1 to first day of camp: $300
Cabin assignments are completed the week prior to camp. This helps us to make sure we do so with cabin-mates requests in place. When requesting to be with another camper, it’s always best when they request you as well. If you need to update your request made through the registration process, or if you have any questions, please email Registration@TroutCamps.org or call the camp office.
We will house campers with up to three friends, if you are part of a large “friendship chain” we welcome your input regarding how a large group should be split. Even if it is a group of five, we will split the group into smaller groups.
Trout Lake Camps exists to engage children, youth, and adults with the life changing message of Jesus Christ. To accomplish this, we do our best to provide a physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe environment for all our campers. Our staff complete MinistrySafe training in which we teach specific parameters to keep our campers as safe as possible.
Due to our overnight camp setting, Trout has constraints when assigning housing for campers with gender identity concerns. In any cabin there are many campers whose comfort and safety need to be considered. Taking all of this into account, we will continue to house our campers and use restrooms based on sex assigned at birth. For campers that may be uncomfortable changing or using restroom facilities around others, we will do our best to provide options that allow for privacy in this regard.
Trout strives to create an atmosphere where every camper feels safe no matter the issues they are wrestling with. We train our staff to discreetly and lovingly redirect conversations concerning gender identity, which is not a focus of our ministry. We believe these topics are best discussed with trusted friends, parents, counselors, or pastors.
Our staff will speak truth in love with our campers regardless of where someone weighs in on this or other topics. We affirm the Bible as it outlines expectations of avoiding sexual immorality. We believe everyone is equal before God, and are integral in God's design, and are meant for good.
We also understand that any written statements about this topic can be complicated. We highly encourage parents with questions to contact our onsite camp director to process any concerns.
Converge Doctrinal Distinctives - Humanity
Converge Doctrinal Distinctives - Marriage
We want to make coming to camp as easy as possible. If it would work best for you to pay for camp over time, we can set that up. To apply for a payment plan, login or create an account on our website, troutlakecamps.org/registration. Click on "Make a Reservation," select the child that you would like to send to camp, register them for the "Summer Camp Financial Assistance/Payment Plan."
Once you have completed the registration, our staff will review the information provided and contact you.
A few details about the process:
*You must make a $50 payment per child as part of the application process.
*Failing to provide the requested information will increase the time that it takes to process your application.
*Though you only need to fill out the Financial Assistance and Payment Plan form once, you must complete a registration for each child being considered.
It is our desire that all children have the chance to come to camp regardless of their family's personal income level. We strive to keep camp fees as affordable as possible. However, we realize that some still may not be able to afford a week of camp at Trout Lake. For those with financial need, financial assistance may be available. To apply for financial assistance, login or create an account on our website, TroutLakeCamps.org/Registration. Click on "Make a Reservation," select the child that you would like to send to camp, register them for the "Summer Camp Financial Assistance/Payment Plan."
Once you have completed the registration, our staff will review the information provided and contact you.
A few details about the process:
*You must make a $50 payment per child as part of the application process.
*Failing to provide the requested information will increase the time that it takes to process your application.
*Though you only need to fill out the Financial Assistance and Payment Plan form once, you must complete a registration for each child being considered.
Packing list in "print ready" format with check boxes (click here)
Jeans, pants, T-shirts, warm sweatshirt, raincoat/poncho, shorts, underwear, pajamas, athletic swimsuit, tennis shoes, sandals, socks, sleeping bag, fitted twin sheet, pillow and case, bath and beach towel, toiletries, labeled laundry bag, flashlight, pens or pencils, notebook, Bible, insect repellent, sunscreen.
Trout Lake Camps - Digital Device Policy
Trout Lake Camps is nestled among 325 acres of North Central Minnesota wilderness. Camp is a chance to unplug from the routine, to not have cell phones ringing, texts interrupting or games beeping. It's easier to respond to the spiritual when we're away from all the distractions.
This is why Trout has been a meeting place with God since 1945.
We believe the Trout experience is best achieved when campers and staff are not staring at screens. We live in an age of technological convenience, but sometimes those devices can be a distraction and can cause significant tension. While devices have their benefits, there are also downsides, including obesity, lack of sleep, self-esteem issues, cyberbullying, privacy risks, and more. Instead, we want your camper to engage with those around them, build relationships with friends and staff, and enjoy God's creation.
Technology can be a wonderful tool—we do use it occasionally at Trout, but devices among campers and staff have proven to be a problem. Trout has more than 75 different outdoor activities, and plenty to do indoors when the weather doesn't cooperate. There's no need for digital distraction at Trout.
We discourage the use of all digital devices at Trout.
That includes cell phones, tablets, smart watches, music players, video games, fitness trackers, etc.
Warnings & Consequences
We encourage all campers to leave their devices at home. If a camper is using a device at Trout, our staff will kindly ask them to put the device away. If it happens a second time, the device will be confiscated and stored in a safe place until the end of the week.
We have the same expectations for our summer staff. We want our staff working with your kids, not on their devices. All summer staff are directed to use their devices only in their off-hours and not when campers are present.
Parental Communication
We understand that parents want to be able to connect with their children, even at camp. Parents can use our online system to send messages to their kids. We deliver those messages daily. If there is an urgent message, please use the main camp phone line so staff is aware of the situation and can relay that message quickly and safely.
This policy is reviewed annually to ensure Trout Lake Camps is delivering the best possible experience.
1 "Children and Adolescents and Digital Media" from the American Academy of Pediatrics, October 2016"Camp Store" and “Camper Bank” are what we call our money system at Trout. Money can be deposited when a camper is registered, and parents can add money to their camper's Camp Store at any time by logging into their Trout account or by calling the camp office. To add money in your Trout account, click on the Additional Options tab at the top of the screen and then Camp Store.
During the week we use an electronic system and campers use their name to pay for items. They can use this money to pay for activities or to purchase things at the Store, Canteen, Soda Fountain and Barn. All remaining camper bank money over $5 will be refunded to the original method of payment at the end of the week, unless the donation option has been selected. Any amount less than $5 will be left on their account for next year.
Trout offers a variety of optional activities and items for campers to enjoy. They may choose to buy snacks, ice cream, or soda from the canteen or soda fountain; small gifts, T-Shirts and sweatshirts are available in the camp store. Some activities such as horseback riding ($12), craft shack projects and certain skills class ($12) also have additional fees.
The amount of spending money brought will vary. Last year the “average” camper brought around $50. Their spending money can be placed in their camper bank online and spend it electronically.
Wild Woods – Wild Woods campers do a little bit of everything and all activities are included (with the exception of the camp store, Spumoni Solano and Candy Shoppe)
The Point – Wakeboard/Water Skiing Skills Class ($12), Arts & Crafts (Free - $15), Trail Rides ($12), Horsemanship ($90)
Timber Ridge – Arts & Crafts (Free - $15), Trail Rides ($12), Horsemanship ($90)
Senior High Camps – Arts & Crafts (Free - $15), Trail Rides ($12), Horsemanship ($90)
For a list of all activities click here.
Put a little extra Trout in your camper’s week! Trout offers pre-ordered camper care packages. These can be purchased at the time of registration or by calling the office at 218.543.4565.
($40.00) Care Package: A mid-week surprise for your camper that includes a drawstring backpack, treats and specialty items including a Trout waterbottle, a coupon for a free ice cream in the Soda Fountain/Barn/Candy Shoppe, and a few yummy snacks.
($45.00) Blanket: Our Trout sweatshirt blankets are super soft and will look great on a twin bunk or bed. Blankets will be waiting in your camper’s cabin when they arrive!
Our camp stores have everything from clothing to toys to stuffed animals. Store items can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 for small toys to $14-$25 for T-Shirts or $40-$60 for sweatshirts. Campers will have scheduled times throughout the week to visit the camp store.
We'll have a kiosk available with select store items during check-in and check-out.
While your camper is at camp you can track what they are spending money on as well as add money to their account if they are getting low. Log in to your Trout Account from our website. Once you are in, click on the Additional Options tab at the top left of the screen, select Camp Store, then Store Deposits. From there you can view purchase history and add money if you want to.
Each camper will receive a free t-shirt from their specific camp.
Trout Lake Camps will send out digital copies of each camper's cabin photo.
Any remaining money over $5 will be refunded to the original method of payment at the end of the week, unless the donation option was selected. Please allow 3-5 business days.
From Pine River:
- From Hwy. 371 go east on Hwy. 84 (also called Cass Cty. #2). Proceed through town, cross the dam, turn right at stop sign. (Cass Cty #2 called Crow Wing #1 just east of Pine River.)
- Proceed east on Crow Wing #1 for 12 miles.
- Turn south (right) onto Crow Wing #134 for 2 ½ miles.
- Turn west (right) on Gateway Drive.
From Emily:
- Travel west on Crow Wing #1 for 11 miles.
- Turn south (left) onto Crow Wing #134 for 2 ½ miles.
- Turn west (right) on Gateway Drive.
From Crosslake:
- Travel north on Crow Wing #66 until the "T."
- Turn west (left) onto Crow Wing #1 for 3 miles.
- Turn south (left) onto Crow Wing #134 for 2 ½ miles.
- Turn west (right) on Gateway Drive.
From Brainerd/Baxter:
- Travel north on Hwy 371. At Jenkins (approx. 23 mi.) turn east (right) on Crow Wing #15 just before the second Speedway gas station.
- When this T's with County Rd #1 turn east (right).
- Turn south (right) onto Crow Wing #134 for 2 ½ miles.
- Turn west (right) on Gateway Drive.
Closing Show and Pickup
Check-out for all camps will take place at the entrance located off of County Road #134 on the right hand side. Turn right onto Gateway Drive. All camper and parent shuttles will run from the Gateway.
Closing show is on the last day of camp at 10:00 AM. Most camps end on Saturday or Friday, but some Wild Woods camps that are short weeks will end on Wednesday. Please be aware of the day your camp ends. If you have questions, you can find this information in your confirmation email or call our office at 218.543.4565.
Check-in for all camps will take place at the new entrance located off of County Road #134 on the right hand side. Turn right onto Gateway Drive. All camper and parent shuttles will run from the Gateway.
On the last day of camp we bring all the campers (and their luggage) to our new entrance at The Gateway. We will share highlights and stories of each camp that was held that week. We’ll sing a few songs, listen to a couple camper interviews, and review what we learned at camp this week. The show starts at 10 a.m. but there is a mingle time when you can meet your camper, his/her cabin leader and cabin mates starting about 20 minutes prior to the show. After the show we'll have a small store kiosk with select store items.
While it's not ok for your pet to stay with your child at camp, it is ok, (although not suggested) for you to bring your pet for opening or closing day. If you do bring a pet, please keep them under control and on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after it. Due to health regulations, pets are not allowed inside any Trout Lake Camps buildings. Trout reserves the right to ask you to return a pet to your vehicle at anytime for any reason.
Click here for a list of activities each camp offers and what your camper may participate in. These lists are all the activities at each camp, it does not mean your camper will have a chance to do ALL activities.
We want to keep all campers safe at Trout, some Trout activities do have weight limits:
Timber Ridge Zip Line: 250lbs max, 10yr old minimum
Point Zip Line: 225lbs max, 8yr old minimum
High Ropes Course: no weight limit but a 12yr old minimum.
The Quick Jump at High Ropes: between 45-285 lbs
The Autobelay in the Barn: between 25-330lbs
Blob: within 50lbs of the person jumping/blobbing
Typically, each week we run three camps: Wild Woods "Shorts" or Wild Woods (up to 80 campers), The Point (up to 200 campers), Timber Ridge (up to 190 campers). Senior High week we have up to 190 campers. Some weeks have lower camper attendance; these number represent camps when they are filled to capacity.
Wild Woods is our newest camp located on the west side of Trout's property. Wild Woods is specifically designed and built for campers in 1–3 grade. Doors are smaller and counters and tables are shorter for our littlest campers. The staff are all a part of bringing the town of Wild Woods Springs to life and bringing the Bible characters to the campers in a fun new way. Campers get to stay in a stone castle, tree houses, or lighthouses.
The Point Camp is set on a peninsula right in the middle of Trout Lake Camps and offers grade school (4–6th Grade) campers all that “classic Trout” has to offer – outstanding cabin leaders, a cabin full of old and new friends, fantastic games, cabin activities, exciting chapels, and skills classes such as horsemanship, crafts, climbing, initiatives, boating, swimming, and Wiffle ball!
Timber Ridge Camp is set in
the middle of Trout Lake Camps and is designed specifically for campers in grades 6–8. This camp is a combination of crazy, over the top experiences and just
hanging out. Campers have the chance to enjoy everything from beautiful log
cabins to exciting activities such as laser tag, disc golf,
low ropes, high ropes, indoor climbing, a four person zip line, mountain scooters, and mountain bikes. We
also have plenty of opportunity and time to shuttle these campers over to The
Point where they will use our amazing swimming and boating areas.
Our Senior High week is also housed at Timber Ridge, however Sr. High campers use both camps for activities.
Wild Woods Schedule
8:00 Breakfast
8:45 Group Recreation
9:30 Time Alone with God
10:00 Cabin Clean Up
10:30 Bible Exploration
11:45 Silly Games
12:00 Lunch
12:45 Cabin Activity #1
2:00 Horizontal :45 minutes
2:45 Canteen/ Store
3:15 Cabin Activity #2
4:00 Cabin Activity #3
5:10 Crazy Skits
5:15 Supper
6:00 All Camp Game
7:15 Chapel
8:45 Cabin Devotions
9:00 Lights Out
The Point Schedule
7:30 Rising
Bell
8:00
Breakfast
8:45 Time
Alone with God
9:15 Cabin
Clean Up
9:45 Skills
Class
11:00 Bible Exploration
12:15 Silly Games
12:30 Lunch
1:15 Group Recreation
2:15 Horizontal Half Hour
2:45 Free
Time Activities
4:00 Cabin
Activity
5:15 Crazy
Skits
5:30 Supper
6:30 All Camp
Game
8:00 Canteen
8:30 Chapel
9:30 Cabin
Call
10:15 Lights Out
Timber Ridge Schedule
7:45
Rise and Shine
8:10
Breakfast
9:10 Time
Alone with God
9:45 Morning
Chapel
10:45 Cluster Activity
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Cluster Activity
1:15 Horse Skills Class (if signed up)
2:45 Cabin Challenge
4:00 Free Time
5:30 Dinner
7:30 Action
Game
8:40 Canteen
9:00 Evening
Chapel
10:05 Evening Activity
11:00 Cabin Call
11:15 Lights Out
Our Point campers have skills classes built into their schedule. These classes last about an hour and can be anything from crafts, climbing, water skiing to horseback riding. Campers choose their classes at the beginning of the week. Horsemanship, crafts, and water skiing have a fee attached to the class. Campers must be registered for Horsemanship prior to arriving at camp through their camp registration. Horsemanship skills class is additionally available for Timber Ridge campers.
Weekly Trout Lake Camps menus will be posted under the What's My Child Eating? page for each specific camp.
We are familiar with all kinds of food restrictions such as: gluten free, vegetarian, celiacs, allergies (peanut, egg, milk), etc. If your camper has food restrictions it is important that you fill out that section on the Health Form so that we can notify your camper’s cabin leader, nursing staff, and food service.
If you have meal related concerns, feel free to contact us and ask to speak to our Food Service Director at 218.543.4565 or send an email to rLockhart@TroutCamps.org.
At Trout, we welcome and embrace all kids. If your child has special needs, we ask that you make camp aware of these needs. The better we understand your camper’s needs prior to their camp week, the better experience they will have. Please contact our Registrar 218.543.4565 or Registration@TroutCamps.org if you have questions.
When it comes to clothing it is best to remember that a week at Trout is like a weeklong gym class. Campers should pack items that are modest. To us this means that swimwear should adequately cover your body, pants should stay up around your waist, and necklines should not be low or revealing. For girls, spaghetti straps may be inappropriate depending on the garment. Low riding or very short shorts will not be allowed. Girls should pack a more "sporty" swimsuit (one-piece swimsuit or a tankini). Two-piece swimsuits (bikinis) do not work well in the active life of camp. Clothing that advertises alcohol or tobacco products are not allowed. If you don’t think something will be right for camp, you should leave it at home. If you’re wearing something that is inappropriate, staff will discretely ask you to change or throw a t-shirt over it.
Fireworks, non-prescribed drugs, OTC drugs, alcohol and tobacco products, and weapons of any kind are not allowed at Trout Lake Camps. Please also leave music players, televisions, computers and cell phones at home. There are so many great things happening all the time at Trout you won’t have a minute to waste on the electronic world. Take this opportunity to get away from it all. If something is brought to camp that we deem inappropriate, we will typically hold the item in safekeeping and return it at the end of the week.
Campers should pack enough clothes to make it though a week of camp. Laundry facilities are not available to campers. Of course, in emergency situations, cabin leaders are happy to wash sleeping bags or other clothing. Be sure your camper’s clothing and a bag for laundry are labeled with your name and phone number. The single largest lost and found item we have at the end of camp is an unmarked garbage bag full of dirty clothes.
All of our camps have a lost and found location. On closing day, our program staff also shows every lost and found item that has been turned in. If you camper leaves something at Trout, please fill out the form promptly with a detailed description of anything left behind. If we are able to locate your items, arrangements can be made for your payment of postage and handling fees to have your things returned to you. Because we have a limited amount of storage space available, Lost and Found items will be held for only two weeks and then discarded or donated to charities. Socks, underwear, and toiletries are discarded immediately following each week.
All of Trout’s cabins have twin size mattresses – typically on a bunk bed. The mattresses are covered in protective covering and are sanitized each week so that they are fresh for each new set of campers. The best bedding to bring would be a sheet (fitted) for the mattress and a sleeping bag & pillow. Some campers prefer to bring a blanket and two sheets rather than a sleeping bag, and that works as well.
Every case of homesickness at Trout is a little different. Many campers will have a moment of mild homesickness at some point during a week of camp. That’s part of the learning experience of being away from home. It’s also why we train our cabin leaders, head cabin leaders, cabin buddies, leadership and health lodge staff in a myriad of ways to accommodate homesickness in our campers.
You might be surprised to hear that we never say the word “homesick” out loud. We never tell a camper we think they are homesick. A camper may have a tummy ache after eating a candy bar in seven seconds flat and start looking for reassurance, but if we say, “hey, you look homesick” now, we have a camper with a tummy ache that’s homesick too.
In mid-level to extreme cases of homesickness, we typically contact a parent to find out what their preference is in how we handle their camper. We will typically call the parent a couple of times before putting a parent and their camper together on the phone. Some things simply take time, getting used to being at camp is one of those things. Once they start to acclimate themselves to camp life, typically, a week at Trout is so busy that campers find they have very little time left to feel homesick.
There are very rare occasions when we will need a parent to pick up a camper that just isn’t able complete the week. This typically happens less than 5 times over the course of the summer. Considering how many campers come on our grounds, that’s pretty good. We have to admit our cabin leaders and medical staff are really good at this part of the job.
HINT: Never tell your camper that they will get homesick at camp, or promise them what you or Trout will do in the event that they are homesick. Every case is a little different and we promise to contact you quickly if we are having issues in this area.
There can be many different types of behavior “issues.” Some are very minor. For example a camper may refuse to help clean up their cabin in the morning. For those types of minor issues, a camper may lose a few minutes from their free time later that day.
We work very hard to train our cabin leaders and staff to identify and discourage more serious, bullying or other types of behaviors. Bullying will not be tolerated at Trout Lake Camps. We train our cabin leaders to be responsive to campers concerns and give our campers several ways to report such behaviors – talking to their cabin leaders, camp leadership or even putting a note in our “say anything boxes.”
In most cases we do our best to work with the camper, parents, our cabin leaders and leadership staff to make sure our campers are given every possible means to remain at camp, however, there are also a few things that a camper can do to be sent home immediately. When a camper acts in a way that directly harms or takes away from the experience of another camper, we will typically bring both sets of parents in to determine next steps.
Campers from different camps rarely if at all, interact with each other. In other words, if you have one camper at Wild Woods 99% of the time they wouldn't see their sibling at The Point or Timber Ridge.
Everyone
loves to receive mail at camp. Mail and packages are distributed every day. Mail can be sent to campers at the Trout Lake Camps address:
Camper's Name & Cabin or Age Group
c/o Trout Lake
Camps
10173 Trout Lake Drive
Pine River, MN 56474.
Be sure to include your camper's name and if they are at Wild Woods, The Point, or Timber Ridge on all mail! It is great to also include cabin if you know it.
Campers can also receive electronic messages by connecting to our website and following the link to send messages to your camper.
Campers are encouraged to write home, so please feel free to pack writing materials: stamps, paper, envelopes, note cards, post cards, etc. We do have post cards available in our camp store as well as stamps in the office, however, campers should bring paper and envelopes from home to send letters.
Trout also has prepared Trout Care Packages available for purchase throughout the registration process or on the first day of camp. These packages are typically delivered to cabins on the second day of camp.
In a world of instant communication, it can feel like your camper is a million miles away when they are at Trout. For some campers, that’s perfect. For others it’s a hard thing to get used to. It's the same way for parents.
From our standpoint, part of the Trout experience is being away from home. Campers that are dependent on calling their parents while at camp are typically unable to participate in the full Trout experience, and may cause issues for other campers in their cabin. For this reason we do not allow campers to have cell phones or call home.
The best way to communicate with your child when they are at camp is through writing letters or by sending messages - TroutLakeCamps.org/message. If you wish to send a letter to your camper, we would encourage you to do so sometime during the week prior to your camper’s stay. This will allow for plenty of time for it to arrive in the mail. We also encourage campers to write letters home throughout the week, and we give them time to do so. (That does not mean, however, that every camper will take that time to write home.)
Of course, there are some cases where we wave this rule. An example of that would be if something unexpected happens back home, or a relative becomes sick, or a death in the family. Bottom line is, we will never prevent you from communicating with your child. We simply want to be sure that we are providing the best situation for you to communicate with them.
If there is an emergency and you need to get in touch with your child, please call 218.543.4565 and our office staff can help you. If you call after business hours a detailed message will instruct you on how to reach someone.
HINT: Never tell your camper that they will get homesick at camp, or promise them what you or Trout will do in the event that they are homesick. Every case is a little different and we promise to contact you quickly if we are having issues in this area.
Trout Lake Camps holds our campers to a Code of Conduct that reflects good judgement and care towards all campers and staff.
We reserve the right to release any camper whose actions, behaviors, or attitude is contrary to the best interest of camp. These expectations are detailed during both camper orientation and cabin orientations at each camp and within every cabin on opening days.
The safety of campers is very important to us. Every person that visits camp must report to the office and check in. In the evenings and throughout the night we have “security guard” type patrols both by our leadership staff and our night watchman to ensure camper safety.
Trout Lake Camps does not allow pets in any buildings with the exception of privately owned RVs. If you have a pet on site during camper pickup and drop off, it must be on a leash at all times or remain in a well ventilated vehicle.
Trout’s medical staff consists of volunteer adults currently employed as Nurses, EMTs or Doctors. These are health-professionals who volunteer a week of their time at camp. Typically three or more medical staff are on duty 24 hours throughout the summer. Our nursing staff follows standing orders that are established by a Physician. We also have a Trout Health Lodge team that reviews policies, procedures, and supply needs with our Camp Director who oversees the program. In addition, part of our Trout staff are trained in emergency medical response as well.
Daily medications are dispensed according to printed instructions given. All medication must be turned in to the camp nurse upon arrival (look for the nurses table at check-in). Prescription medication must be in the original pharmacy labeled container complete with dispensing instructions. Medication is dispensed at meal times and before bed.
Yes, over the counter (OTC) medications are available at the Health Lodge at each camp. Campers are only allowed OTC medications within the supervision of Trout Medical Staff (see above). If questions or concerns arise our Medical Staff will contact parents as needed.
Any number of health issues can occur during a week at camp. From scratches that need a band-aid, to poison ivy, to any number of headaches, fevers, or bruises, twists, and in rare cases breaks. Our Health Lodge staff is trained to call home to report anything beyond the most common issues to Mom and Dad.
If a camper needs to go to the clinic, hospital, or we are considering an ambulance call, parents or camper emergency contacts will always be contacted ASAP. An emergency 911 call would always be made just prior to calling parents.
Camp is not a fun place to be when you are sick. If a camper becomes ill, our staff will monitor them closely. If the camper is too uncomfortable to stay, or does not improve in 24 hours, arrangements will be made for the child to return home. Typically parents have already been heavily involved in treatment discussions and would be aware of the possibility of their camper returning home.
At Trout, we welcome and embrace all kids. If your child has special medical concerns, we ask that you make camp aware of these needs, and help us to understand how we are to respond. Some needs are easy, such as having a cabin leader keep track of or carry a camper’s epi pen. Other needs may require much more attention or special staffing adjustments.
Please let us know you have concerns by e-mailing Registration@TroutCamps.org. The better we understand your camper’s needs prior to the camp week, the better experience they will have. In some cases we will put you in contact with our Director prior to your child arriving at Trout. Please call our Registrar if you have questions 218.543.4565.
Trout staff members are chosen on the basis of their maturity, character, ability to connect with campers, and their personal commitment to Jesus. Each potential staff member must complete an extensive application process that includes three references, a thorough interview, and, if over 18, a criminal background check.
Staff under 18 years of age have a slightly different process.
All camp staff members also take part in an intensive training program that prepares them for keeping campers safe, making sure our campers have a great time, and learning to properly and effectively share their faith.
This training process requires all Trout staff go through the MinistrySafe program. This program includes videos and a testing on how to recognize patterns in those that would want to harm kids. We also dedicate a significant portion of our onsite staff training on the subject of keeping campers safe throughout our summer.
(The only exception for MinistrySafe training is our high school-aged volunteer staff members. This topic is approached during their onsite staff training sessions.)
Yes, all of our year round staff, summer staff, and volunteers 18 and older have background checks run on them. We use PreSearch Background Services, Inc.
Trout Lake Camps is an active member of Christian Camps and Conference Association and a member of the MinistrySafe program (ministrysafe.com).
MinistrySafe provides child sexual abuse awareness training, suggestions for policies and procedures, application forms, reference check forms, interview forms and an ever-growing list of instructional documents.
Kids always focus on how fun camp can be, but safety is an important part of everything we do at Trout Lake Camps. Parents entrust us with their kids, and we have a sacred duty to prevent abuse and protect children. Mandatory sexual abuse awareness training is an important part of our efforts.
Why Training Is Necessary
For the mission of Trout Lake Camps to work, kids need to be in a safe and comfortable environment. That starts with basics like preventing abuse.
We want to be a place that's educated, trained, and attentive to abuse issues. It's important to make sure every leader at Trout is trained to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. Ultimately, this required training ensures that we can do ministry.
It's part of our thorough hiring process that includes face-to-face interviews, background checks, and reference calls before any of our employees interact with children.
What Training Covers
In-depth sexual abuse awareness training is available through Ministry Safe. This organization has trained thousands of church and ministry professionals. Their online training program presents the information and uses quizzes to ensure it's retained.
Some of the benefits of this program include:
• Helps leaders identify predatory behaviors and "grooming" techniques.
• Offers leaders common language for potentially uncomfortable situations.
• Creates a clear process for reporting and addressing any issues.
• Ministry Safe certification is good for three years and meets many training standards—including what many churches require.
Required Training
Going forward, Trout Lake will require this training, or equivalent training, of anyone who will be interacting with children on the grounds of Trout Lake Camps:
• This program is already required for our full-time and summer staff, including all cabin leaders and interns.
• As of 2019, training will be required for the main group leader of any rental/retreat group at Trout.
• As of 2021, training will be required for all youth leaders attending Trout with any rental/retreat group.
This policy is reviewed annually to ensure Trout Lake Camps is delivering the best possible experience.
Trout Lake Camps is owned and operated by Converge North Central (CNC). CNC is a fellowship of over 250 churches that covenant to do together what we cannot do alone in reaching people for Christ in our region. This family of churches has a rich heritage rooted in a strong evangelical theology and seeks to be inclusive, cooperative and encouraging in everything they do. The CNC has four objectives: (1) to plant and revitalize our churches with a purpose of making disciples, (2) to serve our churches to enhance their ministry effectiveness, (3) to provide a ministry of excellence in camping and retreats in order to evangelize and build up individuals, families and churches, (4) to operate as a link for pastors and their families toward greater personal and professional satisfaction and productivity. For more information go to ConvergeNorthCentral.org.
The mission of Trout Lake Camps is to create life-impacting experiences that enable young people to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. We will openly share Biblical truths from God's Word every day at camp through teaching, worship, music, prayer and cabin groups. However, we respect each individual camper’s right to make their own decision regarding important spiritual matters. Every staff member is a follower of Christ and will do their best to model Jesus-like character while sharing their faith.
Yes, at Trout we keep our campers really busy. Although we have curfews and nap or rest times, your child may not have gotten as much sleep as they are used to back home. Sometimes they were just simply more active this week than their body is used to. It might take a day or two for them to rest following a week of fun at Trout.
We have campers and staff members from all sorts of denominations. If you are looking for a solid church in your area, we would suggest that you check out the Converge North Central (CNC) website which has a church locator (convergenorthcentral.org/by-state/all) that can help match you with a church near to you. Our churches are very diverse, so we’re sure that you can find one that fits your needs.
Believe it or not, there are lots of people out there that think that Trout is just a summer camp. We offer all kinds of year round programmed events for families, adults, seniors, and kids of all ages. We are also a great facility for churches to hold retreats. Contact us or take a minute to look around our website for more information! We have many retreats listed on the Retreats page. If you or your small group is looking for a space to host an event maybe Rentals are what you are looking for.
We will cover some of the teaching topics and fun events from the week in our closing show. Our goal is that anything your camper learned and experienced at Trout Lake Camps doesn’t just stay here. We want this week to be a launch point for your family. The best way to facilitate that is to ask your camper all kinds of questions about what happened this week, so here’s some help:
- Tell me about your cabin leader…
- Tell me about your cabin mates…
- What was the most fun you had at camp this week?
- Was there anything you did at camp that you have never done before?
- What was your favorite day of Bellion, Bible Exploration or X2?
- Can you tell me one of the Bible verses you memorized?
- What was your favorite camp song?
- What was the most interesting thing said at the campfire last night?
- What was your favorite amphitheater skit or game?
- What was your favorite night game?
- Do you want to go back next year? Why?
- Would you ever want to be on staff at Trout? What would you do?
Tell your friends! Church, relatives, and your acquaintances need to hear about the programs here at Trout. Though many camps will fill, we almost always have room for more campers, and you're the best advertiser we have.
We are constantly improving our current facilities to meet the needs of our campers and church groups. All of that is done through your financial support. We have amazing programs like Project 365 – where we ask for a dollar a day to go towards the upkeep of our Point buildings. Previously those funds went into a complete remodel of old cabins. We are so grateful that your support has helped make this a reality.
But, we still have a lot of work to be done. There are any number of projects going on right now that can use your financial support. We also have a dozen of different ways that you can donate your time and talent. During the spring and fall, we have a program called Serve Team where people who have a week available to volunteer come up and help us get ready for camp or prepare for winter. (Serve Team is typically senior adults who have retired, but we are delighted to have help from anyone who is willing to give us some time). We also have specific work projects, and appreciate those who are willing to volunteer their special skills for a day or two (typically building or project related).
As Trout Lake Camps continues to grow, we also have needs in specific areas, such as the need for serviceable vehicles and equipment.
If you’re interested in volunteering or making a donation, please contact us at lBluhm@TroutCamps.org or call 218.543.4565, and we will connect you to the appropriate person.
It’s our goal that every camper has an amazing, safe, fun filled week at Trout. On occasion, we fall short of that goal. Please contact us as soon as possible to share anything that went wrong during your camper’s week.
It is important to us that we know that we dropped the ball sometime during your camper’s week. We use that kind of feedback for continual staff training, facilities management, so that we continue to improve at what we do. Please let us know if something goes wrong that we are unaware of. Feel free to contact the Director, James Rock, at 218.543.4565 or jRock@TroutCamps.org to voice any concerns you may have.
You will also receive a link to an online survey at the end of every camp week where you can voice the good and the bad of your child’s experience.