Question 1

How does camper check-in work?

Accepted Answer

Check-in for Team USA, on-site Day Camp, full week and weekend youth camps at Lutherdale will occur in the Pavilion.  Parents/guardians and campers will line up for stations of check-in, cabin assignment, health screenings etc.

Campers will receive an email before their session with an assigned 30-minute time slot.  Time slots help to reduce the number of people on-site at any given time and the wait time for check-in. If you require an arrival later than check-in time, please call (262) 742-2352.

In 2025, 30-minute time slots will be assigned during the following windows:

Youth Full Week Programs & Adult/Family Programs that begin on SUNDAY - Between 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Camp 24 Family Weekend Weekend on SATURDAY - Between 11 am - 12:00 pm

The camp store will not be open during check-in.

Question 2

How does camper pick-up work?  How do I check-out my camper?

Accepted Answer

Campers will only be released to an adult authorized by the Parent/Guardian indicated in the online form "Summer Participant Sign Out Authorization" located within the camper's account.  The authorized adult will be required to sign a form with the cabin leader before the camper may leave camp.

In consideration of the health and safety of all campers and staff, please do not enter any camp buildings, or walk the camp grounds until after Closing Worship.

For full week youth camps and Team USA, we invite parents/guardians to Closing Worship at the end of each session.  Closing Worship will be held in the chapel building.  Worships will last approximately 1 hour and feature cabin groups leading the songs, skits, and prayers.  Campers will check out with their cabin leaders following the Closing Worship.

For weekend youth camps, campers and luggage will be brought to the Pavilion.  Camper check-out is at 10:00 am.  Parents/guardians may come to the Pavilion to sign out their campers.

The Camp Store may be open during check-out, if staffing allows.

Question 3

How does the Camp Store work?

Accepted Answer

Campers will have an opportunity to visit the camp store daily. Campers may not keep any food items or cash in their cabins. For full week youth camps, we recommend adding $20-$40 in the Camp Store in your online account.  For weekend camps we recommend adding $10-$20 in the Camp Store in your online account.  We recommend adding money in the online account at least 2 weeks before your camper's session. 
At the end of their program, campers are given an opportunity to give a portion of their Camp Store money to support and strengthen Lutherdale's ministry.  Any money remaining will then be credited back to the credit card on file within 7 business days.  
The Camp Store has drinks and snacks, including soda, juice, candy, chips, ice cream shirts, hoodies, hats, and souvenirs like water bottles, jewelry, and stuffed animals. 
During check-out of full-week youth camps, the Camp Store will be open for parents/guardians.

Question 4

Is there swimming at Lutherdale?

Accepted Answer

Lutherdale has a beautiful waterfront with a sandy beach, shallow swim area, deep swim area, floating raft, water slide, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats. As a camp accredited by the American Camp Association, all waterfront activities are supervised by certified lifeguards or trained waterfront observers.

Lutherdale's waterfront is also home to zebra mussels - small, clam-like animals that cling to hard submerged surfaces.  The shells of these animals are sharp and can cause cuts on unprotected skin.  We highly recommend that all campers bring shoes of some kind: sandals, aqua socks, or old tennis shoes to wear while in the lake to reduce the risk of injury to the camper.

Question 5

My child has a food allergy.  How does this work at camp?

Accepted Answer

Lutherdale is a fully licensed restaurant by the State of Wisconsin. All food service on our campus is provided by our talented Chef.  Our Chef is knowledgeable and has extensive experience working with a variety of food allergies and dietary needs.  Upon registration, each participant will complete information on allergies, medication, & over the counter medication.  Our Chef receives a weekly report of camp participants with specific information on food allergens.  
 
Lutherdale offers Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan meal plans for the additional cost of $2 per meal.  This option is not ala carte.  When selected, ALL participant meals will follow the selected meal plan.  If you have a specific concern, we welcome you to contact our Office (262) 742-2352 and speak with our Chef.

Question 6

Can I communicate with my child(ren) while they are at camp?

Accepted Answer

Campers are not allowed to have cell phones at camp.  While it may seem counter-intuitive, we have found that campers who bring cell phones have a harder time adjusting to camp life and can have more difficulty with homesickess.  A large part of camp is learning to be independent.  If a phone is discovered at camp, it is locked in our Office and given to the parent/guardian at check-out.  
 
If you need to contact your camper while they are at camp, parents/guardians may contact our Office at (262) 742-2352 to arrange a time.
 
We encourage you to send your camper mail while they are at Lutherdale. To ensure your camper receives mail via the USPS, please put your letter in the mail prior to the week your camper is attending to avoid delays.  Address it to:  Lutherdale, Attn:  camper's full name, N7891 US Hwy 12, Elkhorn, WI 53121.
 
Parents/guardians may bring letters to camp to be distributed to their camper during camp.
 
All mail is delivered once a day at lunch.

Question 7

My child has a baseball game during camp.  What should I do?

Accepted Answer

In 2025, campers are permitted to leave and return to camp mid-session if desired.
 
Parents/Guardians will indicate the intention to leave and return to camp via an online form within the camper's account.  Parents/Guardians must include information such as whom is authorized to pick up the camper, as well as date(s) & time(s).
 
Campers should be picked up and dropped off at the Camp Office.  An adult authorized by the Parent/Guardian must sign out and sign in the camper.

Question 8

My child has to leave camp earlier than check-out.  What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Campers may need to leave a session early for a variety of reasons.
 
Parents/Guardians will indicate the intention to leave camp early via an online form within the camper's account.  Parents/Guardians must include information such as whom is authorized to pick up the camper, as well as date & time of the early check-out.
 
Campers will be picked up at the Camp Office.  An adult authorized by the Parent/Guardian must sign out the camper.

Question 9

My child has medication.  How does that work at camp?

Accepted Answer

Lutherdale's Health Care Manager is responsible for managing the health concerns for the entire camp.  The care we give includes dispensing of medication and addressing medical emergencies.  Lutherdale is governed by Wisconsin State Law and follows American Camp Asssociation standards.  We can only dispense prescription medication as it is written on the accompanying prescription bottle.  Please bring medication in its original bottle.  If the prescription has changed, please have your doctor or pharmacist indicate this.  We can only dispencse medication that are prescribed to the camper by the physician.
 
Upon registration, each participant will complete the categories of allergies, medication,,& over-the-counter medication.  Lutherdale does stock and supply a limited number of over-the-counter medications.  Great care is taken in the use of all drugs to promote the best health of everyone at camp.
 
In addition, Lutherdale follows a set of standing order procedures that are review on an annual basis by a physician.  If your child has a special medical condition or need, please let us know when you register for camp so we can prepare accordingly.  You can contact us at (262) 742-2352.

Question 10

What does it mean that Lutherdale is accredited by the American Camp Association?

Accepted Answer

Lutherdale is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), the country’s leading professional accreditation organization for camps. This means that we have passed a detailed review, consisting of over 300 standards checks!

To be an ACA Accredited Camp, Lutherdale takes part in a thorough review of our day-to-day operations every three to five years. This review includes everything from our staff qualifications, our fun and educational camp program, to the health and safety of campers and staff.
ACA standards establish guidelines for policies, procedures, and practices at camp. The American Camp Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Red Cross to assure all accredited camps reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operations.

Question 11

What if my camper is sick the day their camp session begins?

Accepted Answer

If your camper is showing signs of illness such as running a temperature, throwing up, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing - please keep your child at home and contact Lutherdale at (262) 742-2352.

In light of COVID-19, should a camper need to cancel their summer program due to illness, the $100 deposit may be rolled over to any upcoming program at Lutherdale until August 2025.  The deposit may also be transferred between immediate family members until August 2025.

Question 12

What if I can't pay the full amount for camp?

Accepted Answer

We offer camperships for families in need, ensuring that financial circumstances don't hinder anyone from experiencing the joy and growth that Lutherdale provides. Our campership program is designed to make summer camp accessible and inclusive for all. Please inquire via our website for a campership or email info@lutherdale.org.

Question 13

How do cabin assignments work?

Accepted Answer

Campers are housed by gender and grade level completed.

You can request cabin mates online.
Please note that accommodations may not always be able to be met.

Question 14

Do campers only interact with their cabin during the week?

Accepted Answer

Each cabin is assigned to a village consisting of 2-3 cabins, and explore activities around Lutherdale's 52-acre campus together.

All campers come together for all camp games, Worship, and delicious, well-balanced meals in our Dining Hall.

During ABCs (Activities by Choice), campers sign themselves up for a special activity and can be with others not in their cabin or village.

Summer Camp FAQ's

How does camper check-in work?

How does camper pick-up work? How do I check-out my camper?

How does the Camp Store work?

Is there swimming at Lutherdale?

My child has a food allergy. How does this work at camp?

Can I communicate with my child(ren) while they are at camp?

My child has a baseball game during camp. What should I do?

My child has to leave camp earlier than check-out. What should I do?

My child has medication. How does that work at camp?

What does it mean that Lutherdale is accredited by the American Camp Association?

What if my camper is sick the day their camp session begins?

What if I can't pay the full amount for camp?

How do cabin assignments work?

Do campers only interact with their cabin during the week?

Have more questions? Email info@lutherdale.org or call the office at (262) 742-2352