Summer Camp FAQs

Every day varies slightly but our general schedule is below.

8:15 Wake up

8:35 Flag Raising and Prayer

8:45 Breakfast

9:30 Worship & Message

10:10 In the Word/Small Group

11:00 Quest (Choose your activity)

12:00 Lunch

12:45 Rest Time

1:45 Waterfront

4:00 Quest

5:00 Dinner

5:45 Camp Clean Up

6:00 Free Choice

6:45 All Camp Game

7:50 Worship and Message

8:30 Small Group

9:15 Snack

9:30 Campfire

10:00 Flush and Brush

10:15 Bed Time

10:30 Lights out

Overnight campers will receive breakfast, lunch, dinner and an evening snack. On Monday they will receive lunch, dinner and an evening snack is served. On Fridays only breakfast and lunch are served.

Due to camp sizes we can only accommodate allergies. If your child has a food allergy please contact the office to discuss their needs.

If your child is a picky eater please contact us for your options. We are often restricted in what we serve because of food allergies and cannot always provide a camper’s safe food ie peanut butter.

A sample menu is below. This changes depending on food availability and allergies:

Monday

Lunch: chicken nuggets, fries, veggie bar.

Dinner: burgers, chips, baked beans, salad

Snack: Rice Crispy Treats

Tuesday

Breakfast: Breakfast Scramble, yogurt, cereal, fruit

Lunch: Sloppy Joes, Tots, Green Beans, Veggie Bar

Dinner: Tacos, Rice, Refried Beans

Snack: Brownies

Wednesday

Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwiches, cereal, yogurt, fruit

Lunch: Mini-Corndogs, Fries, Fruit, Veggie Bar

Dinner: Chicken Parm, Broccoli Garlic Bread, Salad

Snack: Chex Mix

Thursday

Breakfast: French Toast Sticks, yogurt, cereal, fruit

Lunch: Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, carrots, watermelon

Dinner: Chicken Drumstick, mashed potatoes, corn, salad

Snack: Smores

Friday

Breakfast: Pancakes, sausage, fruit, cereal, yogurt

Lunch: Pizza, salad bar, fruit

Overnight Camps

Outpost

Some adults find putting one outfit per day labelled in a ziplock bag helps campers to remember which clothes are clean and which are dirty each day.

1.Drop off: You may drop mail off in the office during check in to be delivered throughout the week.

2. USPS: If you are sending mail through USPS please do so early in the week to ensure delivery. Our mail does not arrive until early evening most days.

If you would like to send mail to your child while at camp, please mail letters using this format so that we can ensure it reaches your child.

"Your Camper's Name and Cabin"

c/o SON-Life Camp and Retreat Center

189 126th Ave

Wayland, MI 49348

Any packages coming from major retailers like amazon, walmart, or target will be held onto and distributed at check out.

Campers may give any letters they would like to send to their counselor who will give it to our office to be mailed. Please make sure you have provided a self-addressed stamped envelope with you camper.

3. Email- Emails are printed out at 10:00 am each day for delivery at lunch time. Emails received after this time will be handed out the next day.

Email office@son-lifecamp.org and in the subject line please include your child’s first and last name and cabin number.

Campers do not have access to a computer and will not be able to email you back.

Each camp will spend around 3 hours each day at our waterfront.

Our waterfront meets State of Michigan Licensing requirements. Lifeguards are on duty when whenever campers are accessing the waterfront.

Our water is divided into a shallow and deep end. Lifejackets are provided for any camper that requires one or chooses to wear one.

On the first day of camp, all campers will be given the opportunity to take a swim test. The swim test is comprised of swimming the width of our swim area 3 times and treading water for 3 mins. If a camper chooses not to swim test or is unable to complete the swim test they will be given a red band. Campers who are able to complete the majority of the swim test are given a yellow band. Campers who complete the entire swim test without struggle receive a green band.

Our goal is to be as safe as possible in the water. Campers must be able to successfully without struggling stay above water on their own for small periods of time.

Red band means the camper may swim in the shallow end and must wear a lifejacket.

Yellow band means the camper may swim in the shallow or deep ends but must wear a lifejacket in the deep end.

Green band means the camper may swim in the shallow or deep end.

All campers must wear life jackets outside of swimming areas when boating, tubing, or blobbing.

These bands help our staff to keep campers safe at waterfront and campers should wear their band the entire week. Due to time and number constraints campers cannot retake the swim test.

Buddy Checks- Every 10 minutes a buddy check is called. Resident campers with their buddy go to their assigned area. All campers are counted every 10 minutes.

If you have any questions or concerns about waterfront please call our office and our Executive Director, Laura will gladly discuss it with you.

The snack shack is our camp store and is open during waterfront time every day in the afternoon.

Our snack shack has a variety of items including hot pretzels, candy, slushies, pop, ice cream, chips, sweatshirts, hats, sweatpants, and shirts.

We recommend adding $10-$15 for the week.

Money must be added to a camper’s snack shack account at the beginning of the week. We CANNOT accept money from campers during their camp week.

You can add money to a camper’s account when registering, before camp or during camp through our registration site.

To add money sign into your account after registration (Click here). Choosing “View Details”. Scroll down to “Snack Shack”. Click “Add Deposit”. Enter the amount for each camper and payment information.

If you want to add money by paying with cash or check you may do that at check-in during the start of the week.

Cancellations are assessed a $50 administration fee. All cancellations must be made at least 30 days prior to the first day of the session you are registered for in order to receive a refund.

Cancellations less than 30 days will not receive a refund, except in the case of an unusual circumstance.

Check in occurs at two seperate times for day campers and overnight campers. We ask that you do not arrive before your check in time. If you are checking in campers for two different camps please check in the first one, get them settled and then return to the check in line at the correct time for your second camper.

Overnight Camp Check-in: 8:30 am

Primary Camp: 8:15 am

Discovery Camp: 2:30 pm

Overnight Camp Closing Rally/Check Out: 2:45 pm

Primary Experience: Is at 11:00 am on Wednesday

Discovery Camp: 3:15 pm on Friday

Closing rally is on Friday and is an opportunity for all campers to share about their week, our theme verse/song, and watch our weekly video.

Scholarships are available please call 269-792-2081 or email office@SON-lifecamp.org for the application.

The majority of our staff our college aged students. They are interviewed by our Director of Ministries, background checked, and must provide 3 references.

Our summer staff arrive 1 1/2 weeks before camp starts to receive training. During that training we cover leading bible lessons, child protection policy, activity leadership, bullying prevention, our behavior management policies, being an aquatic observer, food allergies, team building, prayer, and so much more.

The safety of your child is our main priority.

We have a health officer on site 24/7. They are trained to distribute medications, treatments of minor bumps and scratches, and trained to handle any serious emergencies.

All of our staff and volunteers are background checked and interviewed. We take care in selecting and training our staff and volunteers so that every child is safe.

Whenever we are near or using the waterfront area certified lifeguards are on duty. Our lifeguards are supervised by our waterfront director who has specific training in managing of the waterfront and lifeguards.

Campers may request up to one cabin partner. We cannot guarantee more than one partner due to cabin sizes, staffing, and the distribution of ages that sign up.

Both cabin partners must write each others name down.

Both campers must be the same gender and within two grades. Please note that the older camper will be placed with the younger camper.

For the best camp experience all campers should arrive at their check in time. If you are running late please call the office and let us know so that we can be prepared to assist you when you arrive.

If your camper needs to be checked out mid-week for doctor’s appointments, funerals, or sports games please let the health officer know during check in.

When picking up your camper mid-week you will go to the office and we will retrieve your camper. You will need to sign them out and back in. When you sign them out staff will let you know where you should drop your camper off at when returning.

If you or your camper would like to see the camp before your camp week. We suggest coming on June 07, 2025 which is our Summerfest fundraiser. This is a chance to see a cabin, meet our staff, and walk our property.

If you need another date please contact the office before June. We do not offer tours when campers are here.

You have the option for your day camper to spend the night on Thursday night. This option can be added to your registration online or through the office by Wednesday at 10:00 am.

Please note space is limited for this option. Since these are younger campers we keep the overnight group smaller. We cannot guarantee space for the overnight.

Every day varies but

8:00 Check in

8:30 Field Games

10:00 Craft

11:00 Worship and a message

12:00 Lunch

1:30 Waterfront

4:00 Last Blast (field game)

4:30 Pick up

For Campers who chose to spend the night on Thursday

5:00 Field Game

5:45 Dinner

6:30

8:00 Snack

8:15 Campfire

8:45 Flush and Brush

9:00 Bed Time

Day Camp

Each camp will spend around 3 hours each day at our waterfront.

Our waterfront meets State of Michigan Licensing requirements. Lifeguards are on duty when whenever campers are accessing the waterfront.

Our water is divided into a shallow and deep end. Lifejackets are provided for any camper that requires one or chooses to wear one.

On the first day of camp, all campers will be given the opportunity to take a swim test. The swim test is comprised of swimming the width of our swim area 3 times and treading water for 3 mins. If a camper chooses not to swim test or is unable to complete the swim test they will be given a red band. Campers who are able to complete the majority of the swim test are given a yellow band. Campers who complete the entire swim test without struggle receive a green band.

Our goal is to be as safe as possible in the water. Campers must be able to successfully without struggling stay above water on their own for small periods of time.

Red band means the camper may swim in the shallow end and must wear a lifejacket.

Yellow band means the camper may swim in the shallow or deep ends but must wear a lifejacket in the deep end.

Green band means the camper may swim in the shallow or deep end.

All campers must wear life jackets outside of swimming areas when boating, tubing, or blobbing.

These bands help our staff to keep campers safe at waterfront and campers should wear their band the entire week. Due to time and number constraints campers cannot retake the swim test.

Buddy Checks- Every 10 minutes a buddy check is called. Day campers meet their cabin on the beach. All campers are counted every 10 minutes.

The snack shack is our camp store and is open during waterfront time every day in the afternoon.

Our snack shack has a variety of items including hot pretzels, candy, slushies, pop, ice cream, chips, sweatshirts, hats, sweatpants, and shirts.

We recommend adding $10-$15 for the week.

Money must be added to a camper’s snack shack account at the beginning of the week. We CANNOT accept money from campers during their camp week.

You can add money to a camper’s account when registering, before camp or during camp through our registration site.

To add money sign into your account after registration (Click here). Choosing “View Details”. Scroll down to “Snack Shack”. Click “Add Deposit”. Enter the amount for each camper and payment information.

If you want to add money by paying with cash or check you may do that at check-in during the start of the week.

Day Campers will receive a mid-morning snack and lunch.

Due to camp sizes we can only accommodate allergies. If your child has a food allergy please contact the office to discuss their needs.

If your child is a picky eater please contact us for your options. We are often restricted in what we serve because of food allergies and cannot always provide a campers safe foods ie peanut butter.

A sample menu is below. This changes depending on food availability and allergies:

Monday

Mid-Morning Snack: Oranges

Lunch: Chicken nuggets, fries, veggie bar.

Tuesday

Mid-Morning Snack: Goldfish

Lunch: Sloppy Joes, Tots, Green Beans, Veggie Bar

Wednesday

Mid-Morning Snack: Popcorn

Lunch: Mini-Corndogs, Fries, Fruit, Veggie Bar

Thursday

Mid-Morning Snack: Pretzels

Lunch: Hot Dogs, Baked Beans, carrots, watermelon

(Overnight only) Dinner: Chicken Drumstick, mashed potatoes, corn, salad

Snack: Smores

Friday

(Overnight only) Breakfast: Pancakes, sausage, fruit, cereal, yogurt

Mid-Morning Snack: Graham Crackers

Lunch: Pizza, salad bar, fruit

Although day camp spends most of the day as a group there are times when they must return to their cabins to prepare for different activities, change out of wet swimsuits, or in case of rain.

Campers may request up to one cabin partner. We cannot guarantee more than one partner due to cabin sizes, staffing, and the distribution of ages that sign up.

Both cabin partners must write each others name down.

Both campers must be the same gender and within two grades. Please note that the older camper will be placed with the younger camper.

Cancellations are assessed a $50 administration fee. All cancellations must be made at least 30 days prior to the first day of the session you are registered for in order to receive a refund.

Cancellations less than 30 days will not receive a refund, except in the case of an unusual circumstance.

Check in occurs at two seperate times for day campers and overnight campers. We ask that you do not arrive before your check in time. If you are checking in campers for two different camps please check in the first one, get them settled and then return to the check in line at the correct time for your second camper.

Day Camp Check-in: 8:00 am, Monday - Thursday

Day Camp Check-out: 4:30 pm Monday-Thursday.

Friday Check-in: 8:30 am

Closing Rally is on Friday at 3:15 pm

Closing rally is on Friday and is an opportunity for all campers to share about their week, our theme verse/song, and watch our weekly video.

Scholarships are available please call 269-792-2081 or email office@SON-lifecamp.org for the application.

The majority of our staff our college aged students. They are interviewed by our Director of Ministries, background checked, and must provide 3 references.

Our summer staff arrive 1 1/2 weeks before camp starts to receive training. During that training we cover leading bible lessons, child protection policy, activity leadership, bullying prevention, our behavior management policies, being an aquatic observer, food allergies, team building, prayer, and so much more.

The safety of your child is our main priority.

We have a health officer on site 24/7. They are trained to distribute medications, treatments of minor bumps and scratches, and trained to handle any serious emergencies.

All of our staff and volunteers are background checked and interviewed. We take care in selecting and training our staff and volunteers so that every child is safe.

Whenever we are near or using the waterfront area certified lifeguards are on duty. Our lifeguards are supervised by our waterfront director who has specific training in managing of the waterfront and lifeguards.

For the best camp experience all campers should arrive at their check in time. If you are running late please call the office and let us know so that we can be prepared to assist you when you arrive.

If you or your camper would like to see the camp before your camp week. We suggest coming on June 7, 2025 which is our Summerfest fundraiser. This is a chance to see a cabin, meet our staff, and walk our property.

If you need another date please contact the office before June. We do not offer tours when campers are here.

Please do not send your camper with any cash.

We recommend bringing two bags. One to take with us and one to leave safely at camp with already worn items.

Packing List

We vary where we go every year. We are usually in the Manistee area and have been camping at Dunes Harbor for the past years.

In your week before reminder email you will be provided with two emergency numbers that you can call or text.

We ask that phones and smart watches are left at home. We want campers to be focused on the experience and not what is happening at home.

Staff will have phones in case of emergency.

If your camper has a food allergies please contact us.

When we are up north we cook over a campfire and it is harder to prevent allergen cross-contamination.