WHAT to BRING - Be sure to put names on the camper’s belongings!

Click here for the Camper Information Form that needs to be sent in before arrival

    If you can't open the MS Word Form above choose one of these options:   PDF   MHT

Do Not Bring

m     food, gum, or drinks (except for medical needs)

m     electronic / entertainment devices (games, CD players, radios, TV's, cell phones, etc.)

m     inappropriate clothing / swimwear

m     magazines, knives, cigarettes, fireworks

m     anything that detracts from the natural outdoor Christian experience

Specialty Camps What to Bring List

Bike Campers - Be sure your bike & your body are in good condition before you come.  Besides what is listed on the "What to Bring" list, you will also need to bring your bike, a bike helmet, a water bottle, canteen or small cooler for cold water to drink, cycling gloves, spare inner tube, tube repair kit, sunglasses, & strong sunscreen (SPF #15 or more).  You may also want to bring cycling shorts, lip balm, spare tire, repair tools, & a bike bag.
 
Volleyball Campers – Be sure to bring strong sunscreen (SPF #15 or more).  Volleyballs are provided.
 
Canoe Campers - Besides what is listed in the “Getting Ready for Camp” brochure, you will also need to bring a small cooler for cold water to drink, zip-lock plastic bags and plastic jars with screw-on lids to keep your camera and other items dry and floatable, water shoes for in the canoes, sunglasses, and really strong sunscreen (SPF #15 or more).  You will also need a 5-gallon plastic bucket with a lid and a short rope to tie to the boat with your items.

Night Owl Campers – Bring several flashlights with batteries.  Note: You will be sleeping in air conditioned rooms in the Retreat Center.

 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Check-in Procedures

1 - Check-in at Dining Hall – 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Parent & camper check-in at the Dining Hall (a short walk past the parking lot & swings.  Some have found it helpful to bring a luggage cart with big wheels to go over the gravel).  Note:  There is NO MEAL served on Sunday, so be sure to eat prior to arrival.

2 - Medications Collected

Medications are collected.  Medication must be in the original container & given to our health services staff during check-in time.  For the safety of all campers, we will keep & administer all medicine (Tylenol, etc.) except those that must be immediately available (i.e. inhalers, bee sting kits).  Camp CILCA's staff are trained with American Red Cross first aid & CPR.  You will be notified if your child becomes ill or injured.  On check-in day, campers should have received supper medication since there is no supper meal served.

3 - Trading Post Account Set-up

A Trading Post account is set up for snack and souvenir purchases.  The Trading Post sells snacks, t-shirts, & souvenirs.  Discuss with your child ahead of time what they may or may not buy.  Many parents purchase t-shirts & souvenirs with their kids on the first & last days of camp & give their kids $5 - $10 - $20 to use for snacks during the week.  All money will be held in an account for your child for safekeeping, and unused money will be returned at check-out.  Campers should not keep money in their luggage.

4 - Campers Move In

Campers move in, meet their counselor, then stay with the counselor to get to know other campers in the cabin.

Keeping In Touch

MAIL - You may want to give your child addressed & stamped envelopes / postcards to write to you or to friends & relatives.  When you write to your child, be careful NOT to go into too much detail about the things they're missing.  This may contribute to or initiate homesickness. 

E-MAIL – The only allowed way to send emails to campers is through the web form found at: www.cilca.org/email.htm.  This will help us reduce the cost of paper and ink and reduce our exposure to possible email viruses.  E-mails will NOT be accepted at any other CILCA email addresses.  Emails need to be limited to 500 Characters (about 100 words), but you may send as many as you wish.  Emails will be passed out once per day in the cabins by the camper's counselor.  Campers will not sing for receiving e-mails.  NOTE:  Campers cannot reply via e-mail.  Delivery of emails sent during the last 24 hours before campers go home are not guaranteed.

PHONE - (Only for Emergencies) - Talking on the phone to family members usually intensifies feelings of homesickness.  Please don't call your child at camp except in an emergency!  We'll let you know right away if there is a serious problem.                       

Emergency Phone Numbers - Camp Office – 217-487-7497 (call first)  -  Kevin’s Cell Phone – 217-416-1834 -  Rich’s Cell Phone – 217-416-1833

Check-out Procedures

You & your family are invited to a closing program on the last day of camp at 2:30 pm (Except Servant/HandiCamp Week).  The closing program will be held at the outdoor chapel (past the basketball court towards the lake) where we will introduce the staff, have a closing skit/devotion, and have the campers sing some of their favorite new songs).  Afterwards, be sure to pick-up left-over Trading Post money, medicine, and a camp photo.

Going Back Home

When camp is over, kids are usually excited to see their parents although many don't want their camp experience to end.  Be prepared to listen to your child.  He/She will probably have lots to tell you.  Coming for the closing program will give your child a good opportunity to introduce you to his/her new camper & staff friends.  The ride home is usually a good time to visit unless they are so tired they fall asleep!  Keep the radio off & spend time updating each other on the time spent apart.  Help your child ease into the regular routine & do something special to help them feel loved & let them know they were missed.  Camp is a place for kids to learn & grow in their faith.  Encourage them in any positive changes they may want to make in their lives.  You may want to have them write a "thank you" note to their counselor.