Thank you for choosing Hilltop Christian Camp! We recommend that you view the “Power of Camp” video embedded on this page. The video speaks about the power of the camp experience in the spiritual development of young people. We live in a world that does everything to distract us from our God. Camp is a powerful change agent because our God is powerful and meets young people here away from all the worldly distractions.
We want you to know we are excited about summer camp and being able to help encourage and strengthen your child’s relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We know you are entrusting us with your child; Hilltop has practices, policies, procedures in place to ensure their physical, emotional and spiritual safety. The following information will hopefully answer your questions and help you become familiar with Hilltop.
In Christ,
Your Hilltop Staff
Even though you will not be staying with your child at camp, being involvement in the process can help with a smooth transition. The best way to be involved is to pray about summer camp, your prayers might include you the parent, your child, Spiritual decisions, deans, faculty, summer staff, great food, good sleep, friends to be made, games, Bible time, and much more. Please feel free to contact the camp office or even visit the camp ahead of time so your child can see where they’re going. It is also advisable for your child to spend a night or two away from home with family or friends before attending a camp session. It’s best that “camp” is not their first “overnighter” away from home.
One of the greatest benefits of camp is a child’s emerging independence. To learn to trust other caring adults is important; as they learn and grow, little by little, to solve some of their challenges. Please do not highlight a conversation about “homesickness” in your preparations. Do not suggest to your child that he or she can call home or send a cell phone with them. This is a statement a child never forgets. If your child is experiencing a challenge to their adjustment to camp, we will call. You can help your child before they leave for camp by telling them that there is always someone they can reach out to, whether a dorm parent, dean, camp nurse, or summer staff. We are here to help.
Please pack clothing that your child likes because they are more likely to bring it back home. Also place their name on all clothing and belongings so they can be returned to the right owner. Click here to view/print our Essential Packing List.
A volunteer nurse and/or First Aid certified personnel are onsite to address health and safety concerns. We will attempt to notify you if your camper becomes ill or sustains an injury. Your child’s health form needs to be current and you can update your health form by signing back into your online account at anytime or providing a update during check-in at the 1st aid station. It is very important that your camper’s health information is up-to-date and signed by the parent or legal guardian. The health form is a legal document giving the camp permission to treat your camper and make hospital decisions in your absence.
Dorm Campers: CHECK-IN 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the gym.
Wilderness Campers: CHECK-IN 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the gym.
Day Campers: CHECK-IN 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the gym.
Wilderness Day Campers: CHECK-IN 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. by the lake.
If Dorms are assigned, Dorm/room assignments will be posted at all buildings on entrance doors. Please honor your assigned room.
CHECK IN & TEMP CHECK STATIONS: You must check-in your child for their camp session so we know they’re here. If you owe any portion of the tuition fee, pay here. Parents/Guardian will need to fill out a quick health screen form and campers will need a temperature check.
FIRST AID STATION: All campers must visit FIRST AID. Turn in all medications, prescription and over-the-counter. They must be in the original bottle, properly labeled with the camper’s name/doctor’s instructions.
The CAMP STORE is where you’ll go to pick up your camper theme shirt. We ask parents to leave the shirt with the camper to wear in the group picture. Then you can drop off any mail you have for your camper at the CAMP POST OFFICE.
LATE ARRIVALS: If you are unable to be here by 6:00 p.m., please contact us ASAP. If you arrive after 7:00 p.m. and before 9 p.m. check-in at the office. If you are unable to arrive by that time, come the next morning. The camp office will be open at 8:00 a.m.
DEPARTING DURING CAMP SESSION
If campers must leave, during the session, a permission note must be provided at check-in; signed by a parent/guardian, specifying the name of the individual picking up the camper, and time of departure. Campers must be sign out at the camp office before departing and sign in upon returning. You will need to return by 9:00 p.m. or wait until 8:00 a.m. the following morning to return.
*Check with the camp office as this policy may have updated guidelines based on inclement weather, etc.
CHECK OUT / DEPARTING AT THE END OF CAMP SESSION
Camp is officially over at 3:00 p.m. on the last day for Full-Week and Ice Breakers sessions and 5:30 p.m. for Day Camp sessions. You must check-out your child at the Gym by 4:00 p.m. for Full-Week and Ice Breakers sessions and 6:00 p.m. for Day Camp sessions. Present the check-out card you received at check-in or valid ID to the gate attendant and they will inform the gym of your arrival to pick up your camper via our drive through pick up process.
*EXCEPTION* Wilderness Day Campers will be checked out in the gym with the same procedures.
WOOO!!! This is an exciting one! Camper baptisms will be done between 2:00pm and 2:45. If you are attending camper baptisms, parking will be available in the parking area at the end of the pool. We encourage any parents, family or friends who would like, to attend any campers’ baptisms happening at camp.
We request that campers remain until all activities have ended at 3:00 p.m. if at all possible. If you arrive early you still must check-out your child at the office or gym depending on the time.
In the event that your child cannot attend please notify the camp immediately, advance notification is essential, as others may be waiting. Call 812-988-4991.
The tuition deposit is non-refundable but is transferable within the immediate family. Any prepaid amount exceeding the tuition deposit will be refunded upon request providing the camp is notified 15 days in advance of the session registered. If you cancel your registration within 14 days of the session start date, no money will be refunded.
Refunds will not be made for campers departing a camp session early.
Young people enjoy receiving mail from home and friends. There are 3 ways to send mail to a camper.
1. Hilltop Post Office: Bring cards/letters ONLY on opening day and deposit them in the provided bins corresponding to the day you wish the mail to be delivered. Exception, Ice Breaker mail will be delivered on the last day. *no large packages will be delivered during camp*
2. One-way E-mail: You can email your camper at hilltop@hilltopchristiancamp.com. Please put your camper NAME/SESSION in the subject line so we know where to deliver your camper’s mail.
3. U.S. Postal Service: Mail cards and letters the week before the session for assured delivery. Please put your camper NAME/SESSION on the envelope so we know where to deliver your camper’s mail.
Address all mail as follows:
(Camper’s Name, Camp Session)
c/o Hilltop Christian Camp
6014 Hamilton Creek Rd.
Columbus, IN 47201
VISITORS*
Thank you for sharing your camper with us. We have designed a camp week for them to experience and learn more about Jesus that does not look like any other week they will have this year. Camp provides a natural learning environment. It is a safe space for your camper to explore more and ask questions about Jesus that may lead to the “light bulb moments” that help them make the decision to ask Jesus into their heart and be Lord of their life.
With that in mind (as well as the occassional homesickness), visitation is limited. All visitors must be approved by the camp office and dean of the week prior to any visit. All visitors must sign in at the office immediately upon arrival and wear a visitor badge for the duration of your stay. If your visit is approved please remember that campers will be on a schedule which must be maintained. If visits are made during the evening hours, we request visitors depart before the campfire service begins.
Email your visit request to hilltop@hilltopchristiancamp.com.
VISITOR MEALS*
Our dining hall has a limited capacity and many of our camp weeks reach capacity. Please contact the camp in advance for meal times, available space, and number in your party. There will be a nominal charge for visitor meals.
*Call the camp office as these policies may change due to restrictions/guidelines camp must meet for health purposes.*
Hilltop Christian Camp has a Code of Conduct for all staff, volunteers, and campers. Violation of the Code of Conduct or Camp Rules may result in dismissal from camp. Be sure to read them thoroughly.
STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
In an effort to provide a safe and secure camp for children, Hilltop Christian Camp requires a criminal history background check be performed on all adult paid staff and summer camp volunteers.
TOBACCO USE
Hilltop is a smoke-free environment. Thanks for your cooperation!
HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We have various health protocols in the unlikely event of emergent health concerns. Please click the links below to read our official protocols and procedures.