FAQs
What should I pack for my child?
Please bring appropriate clothing, taking into consideration the weather forecast and the camp activities. We encourage you to bring old clothing to camp as your child is participating in many different outdoor activities. We have provided a packing list below. These are the basic items needed for a camper to live comfortably through the week. It may help to label all items that your child is bringing to camp so they are easily identifiable. Luggage should be compact and easy to carry: duffle bags or backpacks are preferred. Please follow the appropriate camper clothing guidelines.
Each camper will need (at a minimum):
- 1 pair swim trunks or one-piece swimsuit
- 1 towel
- 1 wash cloth
- Hygiene items (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Journal and Bible (optional)
- Tennis/hiking shoes
- Water shoes or old tennis shoes that can get wet
- 1 belt
- Lightweight jacket/fleece
- 1 hat
- 1 pair shower shoes/ flip-flops
- 2 long pants
- 2-4 pairs of shorts
- Undergarments
- 3-5 light weight short sleeve shirts
- 1-2 long sleeve shirts
- 5-7 socks
- Pajamas
- Pillow
Rain coat (camp does provide ponchos if it rains)
Water bottle
Sleeping bag or bedding (camp provides a fleece sleeping bag)
What if my child is having a birthday that week?
Please let us know if your child is celebrating a birthday at camp! Birthdays at camp are a cause for great celebration and our staff ensures that they are birthdays to remember. We will also provide birthday cakes and special surprises for the campers and their peers.
What is my child gets sick while he/she is at camp?
The health of campers and staff is our foremost priority. A qualified nurse is on-site throughout camp for emergencies and sickness. Very rarely do we have sick campers who are kept at the nursing station for more than 24 hours. However, if we feel the camper will get better, we will keep him/her at the nursing station. We ask that parents/guardians of campers who are ill for more than 24 hours with no signs of improvement care for their camper at home, and see their family doctor. Since many communicable diseases begin with cold-like symptoms, A CAMPER WHO IS SICK BEFORE CAMP BEGINS SHOULD BE KEPT HOME FOR HIS/HER OWN SAKE AND THAT OF OTHERS.
What if my child wets the bed?
Our staff is trained to handle bed wetting discreetly. Please pack extra necessary clothing and notify the camp staff if your child may wet the bed. The camp does have an emergency laundry facility for this reason.
What if my child takes medications?
All medication brought into camp must be either in the original container or accompanied by written orders, signed by a physician. They must include the camper’s name, dosage, and time. All medications, including over-the-counter (vitamins, creams, etc.) must be turned in to the camp nurse as required by Missouri laws. Regardless of who the medication belongs to, minor or adult, the medication must be kept in the nursing station. Camp stocks most routinely needed over-the-counter medications needed at camp (aspirin, Ibuprofen, tums, etc), so it is not necessary that you bring those. You may call us anytime if you would like to know if we stock a particular item. Do not pack medication in luggage because during check-in all medications will be turned into designated camp staff.
Ensure all medication has been picked up before departure.
What happens if there is an emergency while my child is at camp?
Emergency calls to campers should be done through the camp office (573) 775-5513 or (573) 263-2736. If there is a situation where our phones are down, call (573) 265-3251. We will make sure that the message is relayed and that you receive a response.
Who is this camp for?
This camp is for families who are supporting a child or children on the Autism Spectrum. All children diagnosed with ASD are welcome along with their siblings. All family members must be over 7 years of age due to the programming of the camp. If you have questions about whether camp is the right fit for your child, please contact the Ranch office.