Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions? We’ve got answers. If you don’t see the answer to your question below, Contact Us and we’ll be happy to assist you!
Jump to: Pick-Up & Drop-Off || Food & Allergies || Health || Swimming || Programs & Events || Camp Store || Staffing
Registration & Wait Listing
Do I need to sign up for a minimum amount of weeks?
No, whether you are interested in attending all summer or a week here and there, CSF is committed to giving your camper(s) a unique Christ centered experience that will impact their lives.
Do I need to pay my entire balance when I register?
No, as per our policy manual, we require a deposit of 40$ per camper per week registered at the time of registration. Your registration is not fully complete until you have successfully made these deposits.
When is my balance for camp due for each week?
At CSF we allow families to make weekly payments for their registered camp week(s). The balance for each registered week(s) is due two Mondays prior to your registered week. For example, if your camper(s) begins their camp week on 6/17 then the balance for this week would be due on 6/03.
What happens if I need to cancel a week that I registered for?
At Carson SImpson, we understand that life happens and plans can change. We ask that you communicate any changes to your registration as quickly as possible so we can accommodate families that may be on a waiting list. In the event that you cancel a registered week prior to April 2nd, you will not incur any cancelation charges. After April 2nd, there is a 40$ cancellation fee per registered camper(s). In the event that you have registered for a camp week but do not show up and do not communicate any cancellation, you will still be responsible for the balance of the registration and no refunds will be given.
What happens if I can only sign up for the wait list?
Due to facility limitations, we are only able to serve a certain number of campers so we may ensure that we are following all safe standards and practices that we have committed to as an organization. If you go to register a camper and only waitlisted options are available, we encourage you to still register your camper(s). The amount of campers on a waitlist can vary week to week there may be opportunities for your camper to still attend camp. Additionally, if you register on the waitlist we will then be able to communicate about upcoming registration dates for following years.
Will I be contacted if I am registered on the wait list?
If a space becomes available in a camp group, we will contact you alerting to the opening. We will contact the registering guardian by phone and email and allow for two business days for the guardian to respond before moving on to the next individual. These openings may not occur before the spring and continue into the summer
Do I need to pay a deposit for the waitlist?
No, you are not required to pay a deposit if you are on the waitlist. In the event that a space opens up for your camper(s) and you accept the opening, you must go to your account and pay the necessary deposit to fully secure your spot. If a space opens within one week prior to the registered start date, you are required to pay the balance for week.
Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Pick up and drop off policies will adjust to most current COVID-19 guidelines. Contact us if you have any questions.
Where do I go to pick up and drop off my child?
Pick-up and drop-off parking is in the grass field on the right of the entrance driveway. Registration tables are located next to the Camp Office attached to the large farmhouse. You will sign your camper in and out at this location each day.
Will I need personal identification (I.D.) to pick up my child?
Yes, you will be asked to show a photo ID until the staff gets to know you. Anyone picking up your child will be asked to show a photo ID and must be on your approved pick-up list.
Can I pick up my child early or bring them late?
Normal camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. If you would like to drop off your camper after 9:00 or pick them up before 4:00, we just ask that you call the camp office so that we can notify the group leader that the child will be late, or for early pick up, have them in the office and ready to go.
Food & Allergies
Do I need to pack a lunch or snacks for my kids?
The camp provides a snack in the morning and lunch in the afternoon. The lunch menu is similar to what you’d find in a school lunch. Every day there is a fresh salad bar and a fresh fruit bar. There are always several forms of protein on the salad bar. The item of the day is served family-style, and there is an opportunity for seconds if needed. Our kitchen is licensed by the Montgomery County Dept. of Health. You can download our menu on the Lunch & Snacks page.
What do you do for picky eaters?
Our lunches include a wide variety of options, and we encourage our campers to try new things. If your child does not prefer the hot lunch of the day, there is always a fresh salad (with protein options) and a fresh fruit bar. We also have various options of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. However, if you feel your child will not eat the options provided, you are welcome to send a lunch or snack that we will keep refrigerated if needed.
Is your camp peanut free?
We are not a peanut-free camp; however, we provide a peanut-free table where peanut items are not consumed.
What should I do if my child has allergies?
If your child has allergies, you need to address that on your medical form, which is reviewed by the camp nurse. We try our best to accommodate dietary issues, such as nut, egg, and wheat allergies. However, if you feel more comfortable sending a lunch and snack with your camper, you are welcome to do so.
Health
What do I do if my child needs medication?
All medications are administered by the camp nurse. List all medications on your child’s medical form. All medications must be turned into the camp nurse upon arrival at camp. The nurse will administer your child’s medications at the proper time and dosage. All medications must be in their original prescription bottle.
Can my child still come to camp if he or she has a fever?
No. For the safety of the other kids and staff at Carson Simpson Farm, and to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, please keep your child at home if they have a temperature of 100.3 degrees or greater.
What if my child gets sick at camp?
If your child is not feeling well and meets the criteria in the CSF Handbook, you will be notified. For any specific medical questions, please read through our CSF Handbook, found on the Registration page.
Can my child still come to camp if he or she isn’t fully potty-trained or still wears pull-ups?
Your child must be potty-trained before attending camp. This means they no longer need to wear pull-ups or training pants, they can tell a counselor when they need to use the bathroom, and they have some control over their bladder and bowels. Children are encouraged to use the bathroom between each activity (or approximately every 45 minutes) and are always near a bathroom. Counselors will help with pants and wiping if the child asks. If a child has more than one accident a week, we consider them not prepared for camp.
Swimming
Does my child have to swim?
If your camper has a medical condition precluding them from swimming, they may stay on the pool deck while their group swims. Otherwise, our trained lifeguards will encourage your camper to participate in both swim lessons and free swim to get the full value of their camping experience.
What should I pack for swimming?
We recommend every camper bring a swimsuit, towel, flip flops (optional for the pool deck and locker rooms), and sunscreen. CSF does not provide sunscreen due to allergies. Your camper can receive help from a staff member in applying sunscreen if needed. Campers swim multiple times in a day, so some campers opt to bring a plastic bag to keep wet items separate from dry items.
Can I send floaties or flotation devices with my camper?
No, CSF will provide flotation devices. Any child that is less than 3 feet tall will automatically wear a training bubble that allows campers to use their arms and legs for swimming.
How do you determine swim ability?
The pool is divided into 3 roped-off areas: beginners, intermediates, and advanced. On their first day of camp kids will be tested to evaluate their swimming abilities, and they are assigned a vinyl colored wrist band. The colors tell lifeguards and staff what area of the pool the camper is allowed to swim in.
Do swim lessons cost extra?
No, CSF includes swim instruction at least twice a week at no extra cost. We have certified swim instructors who are experienced in working with all levels of ability.
Will counselors help campers change into and out of swimsuits?
We encourage campers to dress themselves. Counselors may assist our Preschool Little Critters if requested. A minimum of two staff members are always present any time campers are in the locker rooms.
Programs & Events
At what age can my child start camp?
Kids who are 3-years old by June 1st of the current camp year and who are potty-trained are eligible to start camp. Programs and events for our youngest campers (Little Critters, ages 3-5) are customized to be appropriate for preschoolers.
Do you go on field trips?
No, we bring the fun on-site to our own property. This increases our ability to monitor safety and keeps costs down for you! Each week has a different theme, and we change the activities and special events offered in each area of the camp, keeping the experience fresh for campers who come multiple weeks.
What kinds of programs do you offer?
We offer arts & crafts, games, sports, creative outlets, cooperative play, swimming, Bible time, nature discovery, and breakout sessions in a structured environment that allows exploration and growth. Learn more about our activities on our Activities & Programs page.
What kinds of special events do you offer?
Each week includes at least one special event or themed activity to delight your campers! Events change each year, but we’ve hosted carnivals, parades, rodeos, and talent shows.
Which programs or electives cost extra or are not included in the weekly rate?
None of them! All of our programs, activities, electives, and special events are included in the weekly cost. Even additional instruction - such as swim lessons - and meals are included. The only “extra” that includes an additional purchase is any item bought by your camper at our Camp Store.
Camp Store
Does my child need to buy items from the camp store?
Purchasing items from our Camp Store is completely optional. The Camp Store is open each afternoon, and campers can choose whether or not to purchase food, drink, or other items at that time. There is no requirement or pressure from staff to purchase items.
Does my child need to bring cash for the camp store?
Due to health and safety concerns, we are no longer accepting cash transactions at the camp store. You can add money to a store account for your camper during drop-off. You can also set spending guidelines to guide your camper’s purchase options.
Can I put limits on specific items at the store?
Yes, at any time you can inform the office of limits of food, toys, etc. that you wish your child to have. They will be shared with the Camp Store staff.
Can I buy items from the camp store?
Yes you can! You can contact the office staff to purchase apparel from our Camp Store.
Staffing
How do you select your staff?
Our staff comes from the tri-county area. They are typically college students, parents, and young people who have been through our Cornerstone Leaders program. We sift through applicants to find staff who love Jesus, love children, and love camp.
How are your staff screened for working with children?
Each staff member sits for an in-person interview and has completed child abuse training, PA State Police checks, Childline checks, and FBI fingerprints.
All answers to the Frequently Asked Questions are subject to change based on updated policies or COVID-related updates. Please check this section prior to bringing your camper to camp if one of the questions applies to you or your camper.