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OUR MISSION
It is our mission to share the Gospel of Jesus with children and youth through relationships and fun camp experiences.
SUMMER STAFF
SUMMER CAMP FAQ – Click to Expand
Camp Shamineau FAQ
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What is Camp Shamineau’s cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your camp session you will receive a full refund of the money you paid. We do ask that you give us a call as soon as you know you need to cancel as we often have kids on the waiting list. We will cancel your reservation and process your refund.
What time is check in?
If your camp starts on Sunday check in is from 5:30 – 7 PM.
If your child is a Tenderfoot camper starting on Wednesday check in is from 4-4:30 PM.
What time is check out?
Pick up is at 11:30 AM on the last day of camp. When you get to camp, park in the parking lot and you will meet your camper at the ballfield. Camper’s luggage will be sorted by cabin by the gym.
Who can pick up my child from camp?
Campers will only be released to someone listed on their account as an approved person to pick up the child. If you are not personally picking up your child at camp, make sure that you have listed the person picking up your child on your child’s record. PARENTS WHO ARE PICKING UP THEIR CHILD MUST ALSO BE LISTED ON THEIR CAMPER’S RECORD. To add an approved pickup person log into your family account and click on Pickup Authorization and make your changes.
How do I get to Camp Shamineau?
Camp Shamineau is located about an hour north of St Cloud (just south of Motley) on Highway 10. Watch for the “Camp Shamineau” or “Ridge Road” signs at mile marker 120. Camp Shamineau is 1 1/2 miles east of Highway 10 on Ridge Road. Our address is 2345 Ridge Rd, Motley, MN.
How many campers will be in the cabin with my child?
Children are typically placed in cabin groups of up to 10 campers who are in the same grade or close to it.
Cabin Assignments
Cabin assignments are made 10 days before each camp session. The maximum number of friends that will be housed together in a cabin is 5.
- Groups larger than 5 friends will need to be divided. Parents will be contacted regarding recommendations on how to divide the group.
- If a group of friends fills a cabin, they can be housed together. Filling a cabin is 10 campers (or 9 campers on the Island camps).
- To add a cabin mate log into your family account, click on your child’s reservation and click on Additional Information – Cabin Mates.
- Do not make Cabin Mate changes online beginning 10 days prior to your camp session. If you have any cabin mate changes to make 3-10 days before your camp session, call our office. We cannot guarantee placement of any last minute cabin mate changes.
Can my camper bring a cell phone or digital device to camp?
At Camp Shamineau we discourage the use of cell phones, tablets, smart watches, etc. and we ask that you please do not send these devices with your camper. They become a distraction and can cause problems in a cabin. If a camper is using a device the counselor will ask the camper to turn it in and it will be kept in a safe place for the week.
We have the same expectations of our summer staff, and they do not carry their devices either. We want them to be working with your kids, not distracted by their devices.
Will my child get a chance to go to the Camp Store?
During the week campers can go to the camp store and buy snacks or Camp Shamineau souvenirs and clothing items. The store features t-shirts (from $10-$15) sweatshirts (from $25-$40) and much more! An offering is also received each week.
Trailblazers and Cowpoke campers have the option of using the camp bank/camp store account or keeping their own spending money. Voyager, Island, Ranch Hand and Encounter campers will be responsible to keep their own spending money and will not have a camp bank/camp store account.
If Trailblazer and Cowpoke campers choose to keep their money in a camp bank/camp store account their spending money needs to be deposited into the camper’s account before they arrive at camp. To put money in your camper’s bank/store account:
- Log into your family account (My Account) at shamineau.org
- Click on your camper’s registration – example: Trailblazer
- Click on the Edit button next to the Store Deposit line.
Campers can stop by the Camp Bank and withdraw money Monday-Thursday to be spent at the Camp Store.
Please DO NOT add any spending money to the camper’s account after check-in on Sunday night as it will not be credited to their spending account for the week.
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Will the camp store be open during check in and check out?
The Camp Store is located in the basement of the Dining Hall and it will be open during check in and check out.
My child can’t swim, can she still go in the lake?
Our waterfront has a dock system that divides the shallow part of the swim area from the deeper part. All campers are allowed to swim in the shallow areas and those who wish to swim in the deeper sections will be individually tested. They must pass this test to swim in the deep water. Certified lifeguards supervise all swimmers. Lifejackets are provided by Camp Shamineau for all necessary activities.
How do you handle my child’s health needs?
We take every precaution to ensure the health and safety of each camper. Your child’s health is our staff’s main concern. Campers are welcome to see a nurse at any time. We want to keep campers healthy and happy, so they can have a great week of camp! Should your child require off-camp care, every attempt will be made to contact you first.
- Each camper is required to submit the completed medical information form. If you register online this form is part of your registration process. If you use the paper registration you will need to fill out the paper form.
- A well-equipped Health Center is located on site and staffed by medical personnel. We do have “over the counter” meds in stock so please do not send any ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Benadryl type products with your camper.
- Clinics and emergency room care are located within 12 miles of camp and many of our staff are Emergency Medical Technicians and First Responders.
- Camp Shamineau carries secondary medical coverage on campers. Medical bills resulting from injury while at camp must first be submitted to the camper’s personal medical insurer.
Medications
Please bring meds in original containers. All medication (prescriptions, vitamins) must be turned in to the nurse during check in and will be administered as scheduled. Campers with inhalers should bring two, one to keep in their cabin and one to leave with the Camp Nurse. Bring an anaphylactic kit for severe allergies. Medications can be picked up in the ballfield on check out day at the Health Center table.
How does Camp Shamineau handle food allergies?
Camp Shamineau caters to the following dietary needs:
- Gluten Allergies: The Camp Shamineau kitchen offers gluten-friendly options at every meal. Please note, gluten-friendly meals are prepared in areas that also prepare non-gluten free meals. (For example: A gluten-free pizza will be cooked in the same oven as a non-gluten free pizza.) Gluten-friendly items will be labeled and served in the general buffet line.
- A limited selection of gluten-free options (individually wrapped products produced by a certified gluten-free company) will also be available at the kitchen service counter. These may include muffins, cookies, and dessert bars.
- Nut Allergies: The kitchen does not serve peanut or tree nut products. However, some products may be manufactured in facilities that also process nuts. In addition, the snack shop sells candy that contains nuts.
- Other Food Allergies: Lactose-free milk will be available at the kitchen service counter. For all other allergies, please contact the kitchen to discuss what options may be available.
- Other Notes: Food storage space is available for guests who wish to bring their own food. Unfortunately, the kitchen may not be able to accommodate all special diets.
- Camp Shamineau Kitchen Contact Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (218) 575-2240 (Extension 304)
What happens when severe weather occurs?
With summertime always comes the possibility of severe weather. Our directors monitor the weather constantly during any weather alerts, and the Morrison County Sheriff’s department is always in direct contact with us at those times as well. Counselors are trained in procedures of safety in case of severe weather and we have a number of buildings on site with basements that campers are sent to. Island campers shelter in the lodge on the Island.
How do I contact my camper?
Parents, we know you want to communicate with your kids and we have an online system you can use to email them each day. Emails are printed off each morning at 9 AM and delivered to the campers when they get their mail. We do not have a system for campers to email you back. In case of an emergency please call the camp office and we can get your camper and connect them with you. After 5 PM there is an emergency number provided on our voicemail that will always be answered by a staff member when the office is closed. This number is for emergencies only, not for general camp questions.
Can I drop off or send a package to my camper?
Due to the high volume of campers, we are not able to accept packages for campers. We just don’t have a place to store or sort all of the packages that could come in for campers each week. If you have a special treat you want your child to have please put it in their suitcase ahead of their arrival.
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Will I get to see pictures of my camper while he is at camp?
Our staff adds photos to our Facebook page and our photo blog each day during the week. With 600 campers each week it is not possible to make sure every camper gets in a picture on social media and we hope the pictures we display give parents an idea of what is going on during the camp week. You can also view these pictures on our website shamineau.org. On the website go to “At Camp” and click on Camp Life Blog. After the camp session you will receive an email with a link to that week’s video as well as their cabin picture.
Does Camp Shamineau have a Lost and Found?
It is surprising what gets left at camp after campers leave! As soon as you discover your child is missing an item, please contact us. It is your responsibility to call camp and give us a detailed description of your lost items All items are discarded after 10 days. If the reported items are found, we will call to make arrangements for your payment of the packing and shipping costs. Any towels, socks, undergarments, pillows, toiletries and wet or foul-smelling items will be discarded immediately.
IMPORTANT – Mark all items with your child’s full name with permanent ink.
What does my child need to pack for camp?
Bringing what your child needs can help to ensure a good camp experience. Remember to mark all clothing and gear with the camper’s name using nametags or permanent ink. Keep in mind that no laundry service is available.
When it comes to clothing, pack items that are modest. To us this means that swimwear adequately covers a camper’s body, pants stay up, and we don’t see their underwear. All girls should pack a one-piece swimsuit or modest tankini since most camp water activities are very active. Clothing that advertises alcohol or tobacco products is not allowed. If you don’t think something will be right for camp, you should leave it at home.
Be sure to pack typical camp clothes – the kind you could afford to lose and don’t mind getting really dirty! Due to the active nature of camp, all campers must have at least one pair of athletic/tennis shoes. Campers planning to ride horses must wear long pants with boots or lace-tied shoes. Please make sure your bag for dirty clothes is marked “DIRTY CLOTHES” and labeled with your child’s name so it is not mistaken for trash.
- Jeans/Shorts
- Water Bottle
- Swimsuits (for girls – one-piece or modest tankini only, for boys – no speedos)
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirt/Jacket
- Pajamas/underwear/socks
- Boots or hard sole shoes if riding horses (riding boots not necessary, athletic shoes ok)
- Athletic/running Shoes
- Dirty Clothes Bag
- Sleeping Bag/Pillow/ OR Bedding that will fit a bunk or twin-size bed.
- Towels/Soap/Personal Care Items
- Bible – we do have extra Bibles available on site to use if you don’t have one
- Stamps/Envelopes/Postcards for letters home
- Sunscreen
- Optional Items: Flashlight, bug spray
Does Camp Shamineau offer financial aid or payment plans?
We know you may have family circumstances or family size that creates a financial difficulty. To help families financially we do have a couple of options as well as some discounts.
- Families with multiple children receive an automatic family discount. Your first camper is regular price, then each additional camper receives an automatic $25 discount.
- Interest free payment plans are available for those who want to pay a little at a time. This plan can be set up by your family when you register or can be set up by our office by contacting 218-575-2240.
- You can apply for a scholarship. To get a financial aid form send a request to [email protected] and we will email you the financial aid form.
What will my child’s spiritual experience be like at camp?
At Camp Shamineau it is our mission to share the gospel of Jesus with children and youth through relationships and fun camp experiences. We will openly share Biblical truths from God’s Word every day at camp through teaching, music, prayer and cabin groups. However, we respect each individual camper’s right to make their own decision regarding important spiritual matters.
Is your camp accredited?
Camp Shamineau is a member of Christian Camps and Conference Association, www.ccca.org and a member of the MinistrySafe program (ministrysafe.com), which provides child sexual abuse awareness training.
Does your staff go through sexual abuse awareness training?
All of our year round staff, speakers, summer staff and summer volunteers go through the Ministry Safe sexual abuse awareness course. This organization has trained thousands of church and ministry professionals. Their online training program presents the information and uses quizzes to ensure it is retained. It is part of our hiring process which also includes interviews, background checks and references.
What if we are not happy campers!
Our goal is for all campers to have a safe and fun week at camp. If that was not your camper’s experience, we really do want to know what went wrong during their week. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can address any issues. We really do appreciate and welcome your feedback. You can call the camp office at 218-575-2240 or email [email protected].