Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my child have to be to go to camp?
He or she must be 8 by the time camp starts unless specified differently by the camp.

What is your counselor/camper ratio?
It is 1 counselor to 8 – 10 campers.

Are background checks done on your counselors?
We do background checks on all our staff, including counselors.

What age are your counselors? Are any of them in high school?
Most of our counselors are college graduates or are completing college. We do not hire counselors that are under seniors in high school.

Are the rooms where the kids sleep air conditioned?
Yes.

What do I need to do to register for camp?
A $100 non-refundable deposit is required with the registration form (online or in the mail) to hold your child’s spot for camp. Your child is not registered until the deposit is received.

Can I transfer to a different camp or a different week of camp?
Yes, but there is a $50 fee for transferring. You must request the transfer at least 2 weeks before the current camp session starts and there must be room in the camp to which you are requesting transfer.

What type of payments do you take?
We take checks, money orders or credit card – VISA, Master Card or Discover. Sorry, we do not take American Express. Please do not send cash in the mail.

When is my balance due?
The balance is due 3 weeks before camp starts. This gives us time to contact parents on our waiting list, if necessary, so they have time to prepare for camp.

Can I make monthly payments for camp?
We can take monthly payments (check, money order or credit card) but the balance must be paid 3 weeks before camp starts.

Can I get my money back if my child decides at the last minute not to come?
The $100 deposit is always non-refundable. The balance will be refunded up to 2 weeks before camp starts if your child is unable to attend.

Do we take names for a waiting list?
Yes, we do and will contact you in the order of names received.

If on the way to camp I have car problems or get lost, who do I call?
On your sheet of items to bring, it gives the emergency phone number at the camp your child is attending. Please feel free to call to say you will be late or to get directions if you are lost. If you know in advance (during the week) you will be late, you may call the Youth Learning Institute 864-878-1041 and we will let the staff at the camp know. However, please do not call this number on Sunday as the office is closed.

The Camper Information Form…where can I get a copy of it if I loose the one I have or need an extra one for any reason?
The Camper Information Form is on line as an Adobe PDF file. You may print it off any time you need it.

When is the Camper Information Form due?
It is also due 3 weeks before camp starts, but you may mail it anytime before that due date.

What kind of medical personnel can sign the Camper Information Form?
It must be signed by a licensed medical personnel, which would include a doctor, pediatrician, nurse, nurse practitioner, or health department nurse. If your child had a sports physical, physical for another camp or a regular physical in the past 2 years (24 months), it would satisfy the requirement. (Just attach a copy of it to the 3rd page.) Please make plans with your doctor in advance as some are on vacation or backed up 2-3 weeks with patients and appointments are not available.

Do you have a copy of my child’s Camper Information Form from last year?
We keep all the forms from the previous year’s camp on file. However, every now and then, a form either gets misfiled or lost so we always encourage parents to make a copy of the form for their records. (especially the medical statement)

Can I bring the Camper Information Form with me when I bring my child to camp?
No, we must have it 3 weeks in advance. However, if you fax us a copy in advance, you can bring the original with you as sometimes faxes do not come through clearly. Our fax # is 864-878-5985.

Can I use last year's Camper Information Form to satisfy the physical requirement?
You may use last year’s Camper Information Form only if your child received a physical some time last year. The Camper Information Form is dated when your child received his or her physical and it must be within 2 years of when your child is attending camp this year.

Do I have to fill out a new Camper Information Form if I am using last year's form?
Yes, a new form must be filled out every year (new phone #’s, new addresses and your child is a year older). He or she may have different medical problems or want to room with a different person this year.

What items does my child need to take with him or her to camp?

What not to bring to Camp?
Candy, gum, food snacks, knives, fireworks, CD’s, CD player, I-Pod, digital cameras, electronic games, other electronic devices, cell phones or money.

Why aren’t cell phones, MP3’s, IPODs, CD/DVD players, Gameboys and other electronics allowed at camp?
Use of personal electronic devices during camp encourages campers to be solitary and sedentary, which clashes with what camp is all about -- developing social skills, building new relationships, sharing traditions, appreciating nature, and being physically active. At camp, these expensive items get lost, broken, stolen or dropped in the water and in the case of phones shared with other campers, resulting in charges you weren't expecting. More importantly, a child who is focused on using the device may miss out on learning something new, or worse, may lose concentration during an activity and be injured. We believe camp without electronics is the best policy for everyone involved.

Where do I mail my payments and/or paperwork?
Please mail all payments and paperwork to:
     Summer Camp
     Youth Learning Institute
     698 Concord Church Road
     Pickens, SC 29671
Please, do not mail payments or forms to the camp site since we are not there until camp starts.

What is your fax #?
864-878-5985

If you have any other questions, or questions that are camp specific,
please feel free to call us at 864-878-1041.