What is the spiritual emphasis of Camp Seven Rivers?

Our camp program focuses on creating a positive Christian environment in order to help build strong character in the lives of young people. It is a place to have fun, make friends, and learn more about God. We will openly promote who God is and share Biblical truths from God’s Word each day at camp through worship, music, prayer, and devotions. Every staff member and volunteer is a follower of Christ and will model this to our campers.

Do I need to pack a lunch for my child?

Yes, please pack your child’s lunch in an insulated lunchbox with an ice-pack. Our camp canteen will offer special snacks available for purchase, but lunches are not available. Regular snacks will be provided each day for all campers. Water stations will be located throughout the camp so there is no need to send additional water bottles with your camper.

How much spending money should I send with my child? 

Each camper can visit the camp canteen with his or her counselor during the week. Snack and drink items range in price from $0.15 to $2.00.

How do I communicate with the camp?

You can reach our receptionist by calling 352-746-6200 or you may email Jean Carland if you have questions.

Can my child make a buddy request for the week?

Yes, buddies can be requested. Part of the positive experience your camper will encounter at Camp Seven Rivers is the ability to meet new campers. We would encourage you not to specify a certain person to share your child’s camp week with as it may not afford them this opportunity for possible growth. You may however make one buddy request per camper by inserting their name in the appropriate place in the application process. A buddy request needs to be documented in our system two weeks prior to the start of their session. We will try to honor requests if campers are in the same grade or age level and the same gender.  Children not in the same grade should be no more than one school year apart. Buddy requests must be mutual and a specific child must be named, not a group of children.

Inserting more than one buddy name may result in no request being granted.

Note: as the request MUST be mutual before we will consider it, please contact your buddy request prior to inserting their name in this section to be sure that they have selected your camper as well. We will make every effort to accommodate all requests but buddy requests are never guaranteed.

My child is not a swimmer/strong swimmer. How will he/she be supervised during water activities? 

Campers will be involved in water play during the week. Swimming skills are not required to participate in any activities. Children will be supervised by staff at all times during the day. If your child is registering for swimming lessons, certified lifeguards will be teaching the course and camp counselors will participate with the children to insure safety.

What is your policy on behavior problems? 

Parents will be contacted if there is a continuous problem of non-participation in the program, bullying, stealing, using inappropriate language or any other behavior that detracts from the experience of other children. Profanity and cut-downs are prohibited. The use of alcohol or tobacco in any form is not permitted by campers or staff. 

Does my child have to attend all five weeks of Camp Seven Rivers to participate?

No, children are welcome to attend as many or as few weeks of camp as desired. 

Is the cost of camp different if my child does not attend all five days? 

The cost of camp is not pro-rated based on the number of days attended, as another child is not able to fill the camper’s space.

Where do I drop my child off in the mornings? 

On Monday mornings, all children will meet in the Children’s Wing of Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church. The wing is located on the West side of the Sanctuary Building. Campers and their parents enter through the West Entrance doors. At registration, your child will be assigned to a team and introduced to their counselor. If it is your first week of camp, don’t forget to pick up your camp t-shirt. All campers receive one t-shirt per summer.

Where do I pick up my child in the afternoon? 

All campers will be in the Children’s Wing at 4:30 p.m. for pick-up. Please be on time to pick up your child each day. Because staff must be paid additional salaries to stay with campers who are not picked up on time, there is a $1 per minute late fee charged to each parent who arrives late to pick up their child.

What if I need to pick up my child early?

We want your child to have the best camp experience possible. Therefore we ask that you limit doctor’s visits and other appointments for times when your child is not attending camp.  If you must pick up your child early, please see the receptionist in the church office which is  located in the three-story building. She will contact the camp to let us know that you have arrived to pick up your child.

What do I do if my child has allergies or special needs? 

Although Camp Seven Rivers desires to accommodate all children, we unfortunately may not be able to accommodate children with special needs who are unable to function within our camp structure. If your child has special needs, please call the church office to discuss your child’s situation with camp staff.

What should my child wear to camp?

Please dress your child for out door play since we do play hard and get dirty. Each child should wear tennis shoes; open toed shoes, crocs and flip-flops are prohibited. Please apply sunscreen to your child before they arrive at camp. Campers can wear their camp t-shirt any day of the week, but should wear it on Tuesday for a group photo.

What should my child bring to camp? 

*lunch in an insulated lunchbox with an ice pack

*money for items in the canteen (optional)

Occasionally your child will be asked to bring other items such as a swim suit, towel, baseball glove or instrument if these are needed for specialties your camper is taking. You will receive an email with specific instructions if these are needed for your child.

Please clearly label all items that your child brings to camp. We will be moving all over the campus during our time at camp, therefore please leave all toys, electronics, purses, and other personal items at home. 

What do I do if my child is on a waiting list? 

Camp Seven Rivers will only accept 75 children per week. Registrations will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. If your child is on a waiting list, we will contact you by phone if a space should become available for him or her. If we contact you, please be prepared to pay for camp on your child's first day.

My family is interested in attending Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church. How do we get involved? 

You're at one of the best places to get information about us, our website. For more information, please call the church office at 352-746-6200.

My family does not attend Seven Rivers Church.  Can we still participate in camp?

Yes! All community kids have a place at Camp Seven Rivers.

How do you hire your staff members? 

We have a thorough screening process at Camp Seven Rivers to ensure the best possible summer staff to care for our campers. 

What is Seven Rivers Church’s denomination? 

Seven Rivers belongs to the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The PCA is a relatively young denomination, having been formed in 1973. The PCA is committed to the infallibility and authority of the Bible and the primacy of the Great Commission, with our roots in the truths of the Reformation.

Does Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church have a school? 

Seven Rivers does have a school children can attend from PK-3 – grade 12. To learn more about the school, please visit their website.