Before Camp Begins
We are excited to welcome your camper to Silver Birch Bible Camp! This page includes important information for parents and guardians of registered campers before camp begins, including drop-off, check-out, contact during camp, packing, camp merch, and frequently asked questions.
Before your camper’s week of camp, you will receive an email with week-specific details, including contact information for reaching camp staff during the camp week.
Please watch for this email and add the camp contact number to your contacts so you will recognize the number if we need to reach you during camp.
Parent Information
Opening Day Drop-off
Please drop off your camper from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the first day of camp, unless you have already contacted us about a late arrival.
When you arrive, staff will help guide you through the check-in process. Parents/guardians should be prepared to:
- Confirm camper information
- Check in any medications
- Share any last-minute updates since registration
- Help their camper get settled
Unless we have received previous notification, campers who are not at camp by 12:00 p.m. may have their place offered to the waiting list after this time. If your plans change and your camper will be arriving late or will no longer be attending, please contact us as soon as possible.
Check-out, Closing Program, & BBQ Supper
Families are invited to join us for the closing program on Friday evening. The closing program begins at 5:00 p.m., with supper to follow.
If possible, please plan ahead and wait until 5:00 p.m. to arrive so the final part of the camp day and awards time just prior to that are not disrupted.
Every camper must be checked out with a signature from a parent/guardian or from a person listed as an authorized pick-up person on the camper’s registration form.
If someone other than an authorized pick-up person arrives to check out your camper, we will need to contact a parent/guardian or emergency contact before allowing the camper to leave with that person. This can slow down the check-out process, so please let us know ahead of time if your camper’s authorized pick-up arrangements need to change.
Authorized pick-up changes must be communicated to us and can be shared at drop-off or by using the contact information provided in your pre-camp email.
Contact During Camp
To help campers fully immerse themselves in the camp experience, we kindly ask families not to visit or drop by unannounced during the camp week, as it can disrupt the flow of our program and may affect the focus and emotional adjustment of other campers.
Before your camper’s week begins, you will receive an email with the contact phone number to use during camp. If you have a concern or would like to check on your child, you may call that number to speak with a staff member. Please leave a message if we do not pick up right away.
For emergency purposes, camp also has a phone available for incoming or outgoing urgent/emergency calls during the camp week. This number will be included in your pre-camp email.
We do not use the phone to pass messages back and forth between parents and campers. Please add the camp contact number to your contacts and be sure to answer in case we try to reach you for any reason.
Packing List & What Not to Pack
We encourage campers to double-check their packing to make sure they have everything they need, but if they forget an essential item, such as toiletries or feminine hygiene products, they can simply let their cabin leader know and we will do our best to help.
Please label your camper’s belongings whenever possible.
Campers should bring:
- Pillow and sleeping bag, or twin bedding. Mattresses are provided.
- Personal toiletries, such as toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, comb, bath towel, etc.
- Bible, if available
- Pen or pencil and notebook
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- Modest swimwear
- Beach towel
- Clothing appropriate for the weather
- Jacket
- Running shoes
- Sandals
- Water bottle labeled with camper’s name
- Camera, if desired, but no cell phones
- Any regular medications the camper takes, in their original or prescribed packaging, along with clear instructions.
- Teen Camp only: Campers may bring formal or dress clothes for the annual banquet, if they have some.
Please do not bring:
- Cell phones
- Multimedia or electronic devices, including music players, video games, tablets, or similar devices
- Clothing that is revealing or has offensive language or graphics
- Weapons or jack knives
- Tobacco, alcohol, or non-prescription drugs
Cell phones found at camp will be secured by staff and returned at the end of the week.
Please do not send valuable items to camp. Silver Birch Bible Camp is not responsible for items brought to camp that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Please contact us before September if your camper is missing something. Lost and found items will be donated after that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can my camper expect during the week?
Camp is planned to be a full and fun week for every camper, including campers who arrive without knowing anyone else at camp. Throughout the week, there are many opportunities for campers to get to know each other, build friendships, and have fun together.
Campers will take part in chapel, Bible teaching, cabin devotions, prayer, songs, meals, games, outdoor time, and a variety of planned camp activities. There is something for everyone, and our staff work hard to help campers feel included, cared for, and able to participate.
Silver Birch Bible Camp is a Christ-centered camp. Our desire is that every camper knows they are valued, cared for, and invited to learn more about Jesus Christ while enjoying a memorable week at camp.
How do I get to the camp?
Silver Birch Bible Camp is located just a few minutes west of Loon Lake, Saskatchewan, inside Makwa Lake Provincial Park.
After arriving at the Makwa Lake Provincial Park entrance, continue on the main park road until you see the Silver Birch Bible Camp sign. On the left-hand side of the road, you will pass the park office, the site of the old park gate, the golf course, and the road to Mewasin Campground. You will turn left at the camp sign and follow the camp road all the way to the bottom of the hill!
If you miss the turn, you will need to continue ahead and turn around at the Stabler Point Campground.
For a link to open the directions in Google Maps, you can visit our our Contact page and scroll down to the “Where to Find Us” section.
What if my camper gets homesick?
Homesickness can happen, especially for younger campers or first-time overnight campers. Our staff will do their best to help campers settle in, feel cared for, and stay involved in the camp day.
In many cases, campers adjust once they are busy with activities and connected with their cabin group. If homesickness becomes a serious concern, camp leadership will contact a parent or guardian to talk through the best next step.
What happens if my camper becomes sick or injured at camp?
If your camper becomes sick or injured, camp staff will assess the situation and provide appropriate care. If the illness or injury requires parent involvement, medical attention, or a decision about whether your camper should go home, we will contact a parent/guardian or emergency contact.
Please make sure your emergency contact information is accurate and that you answer if camp staff try to reach you.
Do you have extra camp shirts and merch for sale?
Camp merchandise may be available for purchase during drop-off and/or pick-up, depending on the year and available stock.
Before your camper’s week of camp, an email will be sent with pricing details for any merch items that will be available, along with information about when those items can be purchased.
Please watch for those details in your pre-camp email.
Need Help?
Questions about registration, packing, medical information, or camp details? Please contact us through the website or reply to the appropriate camp email.
During camp weeks, a pre-camp email will provide the best phone number to use for urgent contact.
