FAQ for Summer Camp
Frequently Asked Questions - Summer Camp Edition
Registration & Payment
How do I register?
Our online registration system is called “Camp Brain.” Go to disciplescrossing.campbrainregistration.com. You’ll need to make an account for your household. Keep your login credentials as you will use them every time you register anyone from your household for a camp or retreat.
Please notify your church leadership once you’re registered, especially if you’ve selected to invoice your church. Churches will receive an email from our Director of Programming with a link to review their associated registrants. If your church does not receive this email, have them confirm that we have a valid email on file.
What grade does my camper register as?
Campers register for the grade they are currently in or have just completed for the 2024-2024 school year.
I'm an adult attending an all-ages Camp (like family camp or Grand Camp). Do I need to register, too?
Yes, everyone who attends our events must register and pay the corresponding fee.
Exceptions only apply for adults attending summer camps as volunteer Camp Staff. There is a separate registration process for these individuals.
Will my camp fill up?
Some camps fill up fast, so register early! If a camp is full you will be placed on a waitlist and notified if a spot becomes available.
How do I pay?
Payment options are available as part of our online registration: You can pay Disciples Crossing directly via check, secure online credit card portal, or by electing to have your invoice sent to your church (if applicable-confirm with your church).
Payment must be received prior to your camp’s start date.
How much does camp cost?
Costs vary depending on the length and nature of the event and include all programming fees, lodging, and meals while at camp. Prices increase during Late Registration.
Find all camp fees here.
What is the cancellation fee?
Our Board and Programming Committee have established the following cancellation policy:
During Regular Registrations through May 1st there will be a $20.00 cancellation fee.
Beginning on May 1st, there will be a 25% cancellation fee, which ends two weeks before camp.
No refunds will be given on any cancellations in the two-week period prior to that registrant’s camp.
Exceptions may apply for campers diagnosed with, or confirmed exposure to, a positive COVID-19 test.
Are scholarships available?
Yes! Thanks to a generous donation, we offer the Potter Scholarship Fund to help families cover camp cost. Find a full description and online application here.
When should churches expect to receive their invoices?
Invoices are sent after Regular Registration and as needed during Late Registration. Churches should expect to receive their invoice via email from our Executive Director approximately one week after each registration period. Invoices must be paid within 30 days of receipt.
If a family has elected to have their invoice sent to a church, but we are unable to confirm their church's name in their online registration data, they will receive an invoice directly at the email address provided.
When should churches expect to receive a list of their kids who have registered?
Our Director of Programming is checking online registrations every MONDAY and will send a link to a Google Drive list to your church contact IF your church has campers registered! Each list is updated on Mondays so continue to check your list every week.
Churches: Haven't received an email? You either don't have campers registered, OR we don't have the correct contact email. Email disciplescrossingprogramming@gmail.com to connect with us.
Arrivals And Departures
What time does camp start and end?
Start and end days and times vary each camp. You will receive an email from your camp Director two weeks prior to camp with specifics.
Can I arrive late or leave early?
We do not allow campers to arrive late or leave early. Exceptions have been made in the past on a case by case basis. Requests can be addressed to the Disciples Crossing Programming Committee at least three weeks in advance of your event and emailed to disciplescrossingprogramming@gmail.com. The Programming Committee will consider each request and attempt to respond as quickly as possible.
Who will be with my camper while at camp?
All summer camps include camp counselors and staff provided and by Disciples Crossing. All camp staff goes through an application and training process and are background checked.
What will my camper get to do at camp?
All summer camps get to utilize the rec options listed here, in addition to faith based and age appropriate curriculum developed by our Director of Programming.
I've heard that you have a camp store. How much money should I send with my camper?
Our store is open during campers’ free time and is stocked with candy, snacks, drinks, and Disciples Crossing merchandise. For reference, drinks and candy are $1.50 and hats and clothing range from $10 to $30. Check it out online prior to arrival!
Camper Digital Wallets: We offer families the option to apply funds to a digital wallet for their camper through disciplescrossing.campbrainregistration.com. Funds can be added to the wallet at any time. We strongly encourage taking advantage of this system, and we will not be held responsible for cash that is lost if you opt out of this system.
For adults and older campers, we also have a credit card reader and accept checks.
Why do you take up cell phones at kids/youth camps?
We believe that camp should be a place where as many distractions as possible are removed from our campers. This allows us to leave the world behind and focus more fully on God and the community we are gathered with. We hope that if you're a camper, you'll consider this an opportunity to grow closer to God as you fast from your phone.
How do sleeping arrangements work for FAMILY & GRAND camps?
Traditional Family Camp: each family unit is assigned to a dorm room. Depending on registration numbers, your family may share a dorm room with another family. Families have the option to request to share a room with friends or extended family. Those requests can be made by contacting the Disciples Crossing office. Separate male and female restroom facilities are designated. In some cases, a family restroom is also made available.
What do we pack?
You'll receive a packing list that is specific to your event about 2 weeks before camp begins. Packing lists and director letters will be sent to the email account you used to set up your online registration.
All camps require campers to bring bedding (sleeping bag or twin-sized sheets), toiletries (Hand soap and paper towels are available in the bathrooms. towels, closed-toe shoes (they are required after dinner each day), play clothes, and swimsuits.
We have a limited supply of toiletry items available for purchase in the Camp Store if needed.
Where do I send mail?
Use the following address to send your camper mail, but note that you MUST include the Camp Event Name, and you MUST send mail at least 2 weeks prior to the event. We will not be responsible for returning mail that does not arrive in time.
Camp Event Name
Camper Name
3693 State Hwy 31 E
Athens, TX 75752
THE BEST, and PREFERRED method for getting letters or care packages to your campers is to turn them in at check in and label them by what day you would like your camper to receive them!
Are visitors allowed?
The camping experience requires a closed campus. Visitation is strongly discouraged and unannounced visitors will be turned away. Extenuating circumstances must be cleared by calling the camp office and the event director prior to the event. Arrangements made ahead of time to: 1) allow staff preparation for the visit. 2) protect the general safety of the campers and 3) prevent disruption of the camp community. Arrangements made will include specific time, length of visit, and nature of the visit.
What about meals for persons with dietary restrictions (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar free, specific allergies)?
Meals are served cafeteria-style and planned intentionally to accommodate as many dietary needs and preferences as possible, with the space and equipment available. There is one entrée and a couple of sides available each meal. We will NOT have self-service options (like the salad bar) available at this time.
We are not equipped to offer multiple menu/entrée options at every meal for every dietary restriction. All entrees include meat of some sort and many include gluten.
Those with severe food allergies should be aware that all meals are prepared on the same equipment and cross-contamination may occur.
Our kitchen uses nuts, products containing wheat or gluten, eggs, dairy products and other ingredients that contain allergens.
Those with special dietary restrictions, preferences, or allergies are strongly encouraged to bring their own meals and may be reimbursed for their meal rates if coordinated with our Director of Guest Services in advance. Our kitchen is happy to refrigerate and reheat meals for participants who wish to bring their own food. Otherwise, we appreciate your understanding when there are fewer options to choose from where personal restrictions are involved.
If you have a medical concern, please contact us for a menu, specific ingredients, or any questions.
You can find our full Food Policy here.
Misc. Camp Questions
Are you a licensed Youth Camp?
We are a licensed Youth Camp with Texas Health and Human Services and abide by reporting requirements for alleged abuse, neglect, or exploitation as defined in TX HB 4372.