Frequently Asked Questions about Church Camp
We know that campers and their parents and guardians want the best camping experience possible. Below are the most frequent things our campers and their parents ask about. If you have further questions, please contact us and we’d be happy to talk about your questions and concerns.
Why should I attend camp?
The future of the church is found in leadership. Leaders, both clergy and laity, emerge from camp experiences. Both youth and adult leaders find significant growth from their summer camp experience. Read the 10 Reasons Not to Miss Church Camp.
What do I need to bring?
Your camp director will send an email or letter with a specific packing list two weeks prior to the start of your camp session. Basic things to pack include:
- XL twin sheets or sleeping bag (jersey knit sheets will stretch to fit)
- Towels for swimming and for bathing
- Personal toiletries, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Appropriate clothing and modest swimwear (midriffs should be covered; shorts at least mid-thigh length)
- Bible, journal, pen/pencils
- Flashlight
- Pennies for Mission Offering (collected at sign-in)
Is there anything I should not bring?
This varies according to the session. For all, campers may not have food or drinks in the sleeping cabins, including candy. Medical needs are the only exception; such items must be disclosed to the director, camp nurse, and to the counselor in the camper’s cabin.
Who may attend?
Everyone! There are camps for all ages from 3 to 93. We host age-graded camps and special interest camps; specific camp sessions have age restrictions.
Where are you located?
The Disciples Center is located about 20 minutes east of Wichita, between Andover and Augusta on SW Tawakoni Road. We are 1.5 miles north of Hwy 54/400.
How do I register for Summer Camp?
Click here and it will take you to our registration page.
How much does camp cost?
Camp registrations fees vary with the age of the camper, length of session, and activities. See camp schedule for details. Camp costs are lower than other full-service camps because some costs are subsidized by grants from the Kansas Bible Chair.
Generous donors have also provided a Camp Scholarship fund so that everyone who want to attend camp can regardless of financial ability. Regional Scholarships are typically 25% of the registration fee.
Check with your church office for details and additional scholarships/financial aid opportunities.
I would like to volunteer. How can I help?
We are always looking for fun energetic volunteers to help as interns, counselors, directors, chaplains, and camp nurses. To find out where your fit in attend the annual leadership training.
For the safety of the children we work with, all volunteers are required to pass a background check. To volunteer, fill out the online application form below. The Camp Manager will be in contact about background check information after reviewing your application. In some cases, additional training video simulations are required prior to start of camp session.
Once application is reviewed and background check is completed your name is added to the volunteer requitement list. Directors often are looking for people who fill specific roles on their team. Each director will contact you directly for their team.
I am unable to attend, but I still want to help. How can I?
Gifts of any size are welcome. Check out the camp wish list of equipment and supplies that are needed. Money is always the right size and color to help our camps. Give online here.
For larger projects and equipment check out our Donate Now page.
I am in a wheelchair/physically handicapped. Can I still attend?
You bet! All of our facilities are air-conditioned and handicap-accessible. Golf carts are also available to assist those needing to get around. Please notify your camp director prior to the start of camp so arrangements can be made.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes! Just let us know and we’ll work with you. When diet limits are especially challenging, parents may send supplemental items to meet their child’s needs. Your child should know what can be eaten from the normal menus and what should be avoided or replaced.
What kinds of activities are available? Will I be required to participate in all of them?
While we encourage campers to participate in all camp activities, there may also be opportunities for campers to choose among recreational activities such as swimming, boating, challenge course, card/board games, and arts & crafts.
Your camp director will have more information on what is specifically planned and will work with you to ensure everyone can participate together. Look for their welcome letter about one week prior to the start of your camp session.
If your camp will use the high ropes course, generally 8th grade and older, campers must provide a signed challenge course liability release form. A parent or guardian must sign if camper is under age 18.
Can I receive mail? Where does it need to be sent?
Campers love to receive mail from friends and family back home. Letters need to be addressed in the following format to ensure timely delivery. Remember, there is no mail delivery on the last day of camp. Consider sending letters early to ensure your letter’s arrival.
Please do not send food or candy as it is not permitted in the bunk rooms. Packages will be given to the camp director for delivery at his or her discretion.
Include the camp session (i.e. Junior 1, Grand Camp 1, CYF Omega, etc.) along with your camper’s name; We often have 2 or 3 camps happening at the same time!
For Example:
Camper Name
Camp Session (Junior 1, CYF Omega, Grand Camp 1, etc.)
Disciples Center at Tawakoni
8492 SW Tawakoni Rd.
Augusta, KS 67010-8111
What happens on a typical day at camp?
Most days at camp will involve small group sessions, swimming, large group fun and games, rest time, worship, campfire, skits, songs, and hanging out with friends. Small group time will include a variety of mental, physical, and spiritual activities, most of which are intended to explore the camp theme in some way. The necessaries of showers, meals, and cabin cleanup are also part of camp.
Severe weather is a concern. How do you handle that?
Every sleeping cabin includes a storm shelter. Camp staff keep an eye on the weather and alert directors of possible severe weather. Directors, interns, and other camp staff modify activities when needed to avoid severe weather.
If evacuation of the camp facilities is necessary, camp staff, volunteers, and campers will evacuate to Woodridge Christian Church, Wichita, or Augusta First Christian Church where campers will remain with their counselors until parents are contacted with further information.
Where can I download photos taken at camp?
A password-protected photo gallery for each camp has been set up on our website. Campers will receive the password in their camp letters mailed 2 weeks prior to camp. Password and instructions can also be obtained by calling the South Central Satellite Office. You are also encouraged to post your camp photos to social media using the hashtag #Tawakoni or #CCK or submit your photos to The Kansas Messenger for publication.
Download and print photos from your camp using your unique password. Photos will be available until December.