ponderosa lodge | additional information for campers Dear Ponderosa Lodge Campers and Parents, We are excitedly awaiting your arrival at Ponderosa Lodge! Ever since camp ended last summer, we’ve been brainstorming, working, and praying in preparation for this summer. In continuation with the last forty years of ministry at Ponderosa Lodge, we pray that your time with us will be filled with laughter, creativity, fantastic memories, lasting friendships, and most of all, the amazing love that God has for you. We hope this additional information helps as you prepare for a week at Ponderosa Lodge. WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
Bible, notebook, and pen Warm, comfortable sleeping bag or bedding, pillow and pajamas Casual, comfortable outdoor clothes including warmer clothes for the evenings. “Dressier” clothing for Friday night’s dinner! Comfortable shoes, tennis shoes and sandals Modest bathing suit, beach towel and sunscreen!! Bath towel, washcloth and toiletry items (i.e. hair care products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) Laundry bag Flashlight Outdoor type clothes—old clothes are just right for camping (jeans and t-shirts)
WHAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO BRING TO CAMP
Camera and film Musical instrument Mountain bikes with locks, surfboard, skateboard, tennis racquet, and any other sports equipment (We do have all this equipment available for you, but you can always bring your own.) Crazy costume-like clothes, or dark-colored warm clothes for programmed activities. Spending money for extras, such as the bookstore, crafts (not all of them cost money), soda fountain, or Ponderosa Lodge clothing. About $30.00-$40.00 is usually sufficient. Campers keep their own money and are responsible for it.
MAKE SURE YOUR FULL NAME IS ON ALL PERSONAL GEAR AND LUGGAGE WHAT WE ASK THAT YOU LEAVE AT HOME
Do NOT bring cell phones or iPods. Really, please don’t bring these…you’re only at camp for a week. Do NOT bring firearms, drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. If you bring any of these items we will lock them up for the duration of camp.
MEDICINES
Only prescription medicines may be brought to camp. These must be in their original packaging, indicating name of medicine, name of prescribing physician, required dosage and times to be given. The Camp medical staff will dispense all medication. Please give all medications to the camp medical staff; do not leave in luggage. No other drugs or alcohol are allowed.
DRESS CODE Women
Modest swimsuit (You will be asked to wear a shirt over your swimsuit if it is deemed immodest) Modest clothing
Men
Modest swimsuit—no speedos Modest clothing and appropriate t-shirt graphics
po box 413, mount hermon, ca 95041 | main 831.335.4466 | fx 831.335.9218 | mounthermon.org
CAN I HAVE A FRIEND IN THE SAME CABIN?
• According to camp policy, one camper can request two friends (students outside of a church block) to be assigned to one cabin; we prefer them to be entering the same grade in the fall. The Registration Staff will make every effort to place those who indicate each other as roommate preferences in the same cabin. However, this cannot be guaranteed and the camp reserves the right to pre-assign students according to its best judgment. • Siblings are encouraged to room separately for the most profitable experience for each.
WHEN TO ARRIVE
• Please plan to arrive at Ponderosa no earlier than 4:00 p.m., nor later than 5:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Earlier arrival creates severe parking problems. Cabin assignments are posted at 4:00 p.m. • This summer we have an important program element that will be taking place before dinner. If possible, please do not arrive late, otherwise you will miss the kick-off to the week.
HOW TO REACH PONDEROSA LODGE
• Mount Hermon’s Ponderosa Lodge is reached via Highway 17 from Los Gatos from the north, and via Santa Cruz from the south. Turn off Highway 17 at the “Mount Hermon Road” exit and continue 3.6 miles (through Scotts Valley) to the intersection with Graham Hill Road. Turn left on Graham Hill Road and drive to the top of the hill (about 1 1⁄2 miles). Just as the hill starts to level out, watch for a “200 feet” sign and then the parking lot entrance on the left. Turn left into the driveway and proceed to the parking lot.
WHAT ABOUT VISITING CAMPERS, MAIL, ETC.?
• Parents and friends are asked to refrain from visiting or telephoning campers (except in a case of emergency.), If you plan to be at the Conference Center, please refrain from encouraging them to phone or visit you. • Address mail to: Name, Ponderosa Lodge, PO Box 2000, Mount Hermon, CA 95041 • Office Telephone: 831.430.1290
WHEN TO PICK UP CAMPERS
• Parents are urged to make all necessary arrangements to avoid early pickup of their campers. The camp period is short-term, and to be completely valuable to the camper, it must be a full six days. Any requests for exceptions to this must be communicated to the Ponderosa Lodge Office (831.430.1290) before the opening of camp. • Each camp will conclude following a closing program on Saturday. Parents are highly encouraged to attend this meeting to catch a glimpse of the week and conclusion of camp. This meeting runs from 10:15 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and includes skits, songs, team results and a campership offering. Camp is officially over at 11:00 a.m. There will be no noon meal served at camp on Saturday.
All of our camp leaders look forward to welcoming you and your son or daughter to Ponderosa Lodge. We would be delighted to talk with you personally. Charlie Broxton Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Registration Office Jean Morrison (888)MH-CAMPS P.O. Box 413 Mount Hermon, CA 95041
Learn more by becoming a fan of Mount Hermon Youth on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MountHermonYouth or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mh_youth.
po box 413, mount hermon, ca 95041 | main 831.335.4466 | fx 831.335.9218 | mounthermon.org