FAQ

CAMP OPERATIONS

• How do I contact my child while he or she is at camp?

  In the event of an emergency, call the camp directly at 231-549-2889. Staff are in and out of the office throughout the day. If there is not an immediate answer, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. If it is not an emergency, we encourage you to connect with your camper via snail mail or email your camper at camper@hgatll.com. Campers love to get mail! With younger campers, a phone call from parents may increase feelings of being homesick.

• Can my child attend a different camp from the one for the grade he or she is going into?

  We feel that campers will get the most out of their camp experience by attending with other campers of the same age. However, we do make exceptions upon request. We understand siblings or friends can be a grade apart but still want to attend the same camp, so we allow campers to attend a camp one grade above or below the grade they will be entering in the fall.

   

• Which camp should my child attend?

  Youth camps are segmented by school grade. We suggest that your camper attends the camp designated for the grade that he or she will be going into in the fall.

• Is Higher Ground at Lake Louise a particular denominational camp?

  In recent years, the camp, under the direction of a Board of Directors, has sought to expand its reach to the wider Christian community as well as the unchurched.  We are now known as Higher Ground at Lake Louise. The camp will always have American Baptist roots and connections, but will continue to partner with multiple Christian denominations and organizations to maximize our Kingdom impact.

FINANCIAL

• Is financial assistance available?

  Yes. We have funds set aside for camper scholarships. Once you register for camp, you can then apply for a scholarship.  Please click on the Financial Aid tab to see our scholarship options and find the application.

• Are there refunds if my child is unable to attend camp?

  The $50 deposit due when you register is non-refundable; however, the remainder of your camp fees can be returned if you cancel up until 14 days prior to camp.  Cancellations within 14 days of the camp start date are not refundable.

SAFETY

• Are there lifeguards on duty when the campers are swimming?

  Yes.  We hire multiple summer staff who are Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certified and campers are not allowed on the waterfront unless at least one certified lifeguard is present.  Per Michigan licensure, in a given swim area the swimmer to lifeguard ratio will never exceed 25:1, however at Higher Ground at Lake Louise that ratio is often closer to 15:1 and additionally includes adults present as aquatic observers.  The swim area has clear water and the ground can be seen at the swim area’s maximum depth of 12 feet.

   

• What if my child has food allergies or other special dietary needs?

  Your child is definitely not alone.  We can accommodate for a variety of food allergies and dietary needs.  Please indicate those needs/restrictions on your child’s registration form, and we will also have our Head Cook available at check-in on the first day of camp to discuss alternative food options for your child.

• Who is responsible for watching over my child while he or she is at camp?

  We have a team of permanent summer staff who work in the operational areas of the camp (kitchen, maintenance, lifeguarding, etc.).  Additionally, each week there is a team of volunteers who come, serve and work directly with the campers as cabin leaders.  All staff, whether permanent or volunteer, are trained to put the safety of the campers as their number one priority.  Anyone working or volunteering on the camp grounds must also pass criminal background checks as well as submit three personal character references.  We take the responsibility of ensuring your child’s safety very seriously.

• Are there trained medical personnel on site during camp?

  Yes. We have multiple staff on site that are CPR and First Aid certified.  We also have a Health Officer on site at all times with advanced certifications which meet the state of Michigan requirements to be a Camp Health Officer.  In addition to first aid, the Health Officer distributes daily medications to children and cabin leaders so no medications are ever kept unlocked in cabins.