Summer Camp Help & FAQs.
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Summer Camp Help & FAQs— Updated March 18, 2026
How old do you have to be to attend camp?
Sunset Lake Camp has overnight camp programs available for children and youth ages 8-17. Day Camp is open for children ages 6-8. The progression is simple from younger in early summer to older. There is a 6-month grace period for the camp age ranges to allow campers to attend camp with their friends.
How old do you have to be to work at camp?
Sunset Lake offers a variety of paid staff positions, mostly for ages 16 and older. Our Cabin Counselors and lead Class Instructors are 18+, and Department Directors are typically 21+ with prior camp experience.
When can I sign up my camper for camp?
Camp registration opens on the Monday after Thanksgiving for the following summer. All registrations are done online through our UltraCamp registration portal, which is linked throughout the site. A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration for each session in order to reserve a spot. The remaining balance is due before your check-in date. Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to register early to reserve the camp and class of your choice. Visit our camp registration page for more detailed registration information.
Can I pay by Credit Card when I register?
Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. You may also pay by e-check.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Yes. Our Camper Scholarship program provides a percentage of the funding for a week of camp. You will be given the option of applying for a scholarship when you register. Scholarships are given based on need. You will be asked to submit your total Adjusted Gross Income from your latest tax return and reference contact information. Please go to our scholarship page for more detailed information. You may also wish to consult with your local church to see if scholarship money is available. Some churches provide financial aid for families in need.
If I must cancel, will I get a refund?
If your plans change, tuition is refundable (minus the non-refundable deposit listed above) if we are notified at least two weeks before the session starts.
Non-Refundable Window: Because we’ve already committed resources and staff for your child, no refunds are issued for cancellations made within two weeks of the start date, nor for homesickness or dismissal.
What does the price of camp include?
The prices listed next to each camp include everything your camper needs while at camp: food, lodging, and tons of fun activities! The only additional expense (optional) is buying items from the camp store. Consider adding funds to your camper’s camp store account.
Where do the campers stay?
All campers stay in either the Timber or Cascade Village. The boys' and girls' campers stay in their own villages. Each cabin can sleep up to 8 campers and has a private shower room and a private toilet room. The campers sleep in bunk beds. A mattress is provided, but each camper should bring their own bedding and pillow. The cabins are supervised by a counselor who lives in the cabin with the campers.
What does a typical day look like for my camper?
Each day at camp is filled with new adventures. While some details may change during the week, here is a peek at a typical day at camp.
7:00 Good Morning!
7:50 Line Call/Flag Raising
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Camp Council
9:30 Morning Class
12:20 Line Call/Mail
12:30 Lunch
2:00 Cabin Activities
5:50 Line Call
6:00 Supper
7:00 Recreation
7:50 Line Call/Flag Lowering
8:00 Evening Program
9:30 Campers in their Cabin
10:00 Lights out – Good night!
What is the food like at camp?
Our chef and food service team serve three lacto-ovo-vegetarian meals a day. Each meal is served buffet style. After almost 70 years of camp, we have learned how to prepare food that kids love to eat and is nutritionally balanced. While the food quality at camp is excellent, we know that not every meal will please every camper. At each meal, we offer options so no camper leaves hungry. If your camper has not enjoyed a vegetarian diet before, we think they will be surprised by how great the food is. Some of our favorite meals include macaroni and cheese, homemade pizza, and pancakes with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Will the camp be able to accommodate my camper's dietary restrictions?
At every meal, we provide dairy-free and gluten-free options. If your camper has food sensitivities or allergies, please discuss this with us prior to your camper’s week of camp. We do our best to work with each situation, but there are limits to what is possible.
How do you ensure my camper’s safety at camp?
Many camp activities involve a certain level of inherent risk. However, Sunset Lake does all it can to ensure your camper’s safety. High-risk areas, such as the challenge course, horseback riding, and waterfront, are led by trained and certified staff members. A minimum of two staff members are present at each activity area at all times. As an accredited member of the American Camp Association, we adhere to the very highest standards of camp safety and must maintain accreditation through regular onsite visits. Our safety record is reviewed each year, and adjustments to our camp program are made when necessary. Each of our staff members aged 18 or older undergoes background screening.
I noticed you are a Christian camp. Will you push your religion on my camper?
We are proud to be a Seventh-day Adventist Christian camp, and therefore teach Christian values from the Bible in our camping programs and activities. We also hire mature Christian staff who we expect will model a Godly lifestyle that we hope campers will want to emulate. Each day begins with a short time of worship and time spent learning from the Bible. Each evening, we share a continued drama that highlights the week’s theme. Throughout the week, we will give campers the opportunity to decide to follow Jesus Christ and, if they wish, indicate a desire to prepare for baptism at a future date. However, we recognize that becoming a Christian is a personal choice and fully respect everyone’s decision. We do not force, manipulate, or use scare tactics to try and make someone do something they don't want to do. We respect the role you play as the guide of your camper and will always seek to be a partner with you in your camper's development. You will be informed of each decision your camper makes at camp and will be free to follow this up as you see fit. We provide resources to help you continue your camper’s spiritual journey.
Do I have to be a Seventh-day Adventist to attend your camp?
No! We love that nearly 50% of our campers are from other faith traditions or have no religious background. At Sunset Lake, you belong, no matter who you are or where you come from.
What are the primary spiritual themes shared at camp?
During your camper’s camp journey from our Foothills Camps to Summit Camps, we hope to address four central topics. 1.) Our identity as a child of God. 2.) The joy of belonging to the family of God. 3.) Our purpose as disciples of Jesus. 4.) How to become a Christian leader.
What do Seventh-day Adventists believe?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church presents a picture of Jesus that is simple, relevant for today, and filled with hope for the future. We believe that the death and resurrection of Jesus is the only source of salvation and that through faith in Jesus, His righteousness covers our sin. Eternal life is a gift that we don’t deserve and cannot earn. We believe that man was created perfect in the Garden of Eden and that after sin came into the world, it has been God’s singular goal to restore us to face-to-face communion with Him. We believe that God has set aside the seventh day of the week as a day of worship and has invited us to experience a taste of heaven during this 24-hour period. As Seventh-day Adventists, we live in the joyful expectation that Jesus is coming soon. As we wait, we believe this hope should shape our actions towards a broken and hurting world. It is our desire to share the good news of Jesus’ soon return in both words and deeds.
How can I communicate with my camper while they are at camp?
Campers love to get mail and packages from home. Please address your camper mail as follows:
CAMPER’S NAME & CABIN NAME
c/o Sunset Lake Camp
P.O. Box 90
Wilkeson, WA 98396-0090
You may also choose to email your camper. To do so, please log into your UltraCamp account and follow the menu to message a camper. Then select “Email a Camper” in the drop-down menu. You may also send a code to family and friends that allows them to email your camper. Emails received by 10 am will be distributed during that lunch’s line call. Emails received after that time will be held until the following day.
Can I call my camper at camp?
You are always welcome to call your camper if needed. However, keep in mind that a part of your camper’s camp experience is learning to live independently from home. We recommend limiting phone calls to family emergencies or other important matters. Because camp is a time to step away from the hectic pace of life and focus on relationships, cell phones are NOT permitted. Thanks for keeping your camper’s phone at home.
How can I prepare my camper for their week of camp?
To give your camper the best opportunity for an amazing week, begin preparing them at home for what they will experience. Here are a few tips:
Involve your camper in the decision to spend time away from home, so that they have a sense of control.
Speak openly of possible homesickness. Feeling homesick and missing family, friends, and pets is normal. Knowing this, your camper may accept homesickness with less anxiety.
Arrange for a practice time away from home, such as a two-or three-day stay with relatives. If they have reached high school without having attended summer camp or spent more than a night away from home, this is especially important to prepare them for college or independent life.
Work with your camper to learn about the camp ahead of time, so they know what to expect. Heighten their interest by pointing out some of the exciting activities at camp, perhaps by viewing the photographs and reading descriptions on the Sunset Lake Camp website.
Encourage your camper to make friends with others and seek out trusted adults to connect with. Talk with your camper about the role of their counselor. Let them know this is someone they can talk to if they have any questions or concerns.
Before the separation, avoid making comments that express anxiety about the camper going away. Even "I hope you'll be okay" or "what will I do without you" can leave a camper worried that something bad might happen to them or their parents, and make them preoccupied with thoughts of home. Rather, acknowledge in a positive way that you will miss your camper. For example, say "I'm going to miss you, but I know you will have a good time at camp."
When dropping your camper off at camp, take enough time to see the facilities, meet the counselors, and then leave. This is not a good time to visit and watch activities. A cheerful, confident attitude on your part will get the week off to a good start.
How do you go about hiring your counselors?
Understanding that the camper/counselor relationship is probably the most important factor in your camper’s camp experience, we take great care to hire the best possible counseling staff. Starting in December, we travel to different college campuses to meet potential staff. Our Director interviews applicants in person or via video conference and narrows the search from there. Counselors are then required to complete an extensive application that includes three references and three personal evaluation sheets, which the references must complete in full before the staff person is hired. As a final precautionary measure, all staff we hire undergo an extensive background check. After they are hired, our staff are required to participate in several hours of training before camp begins, including a course on how to spot and prevent sexual abuse. Once at camp, all our staff participate in 8 days of training, including first-aid and CPR certification. Year after year, we consistently hire top-notch staff and believe that your camper will be in the best hands when they come to camp.
How do I request a cabin-mate for my camper?
If you wish to have your camper in the same cabin as a friend, you can request it during registration. The friend must be registered for the same week of camp. We cannot tell you if your friend is registered for camp; you will need to coordinate that between yourselves. We will try our best to accommodate your request.
How much money should I put in the camp store for my camper?
Most parents put between $25 and $100 into the camp store. Your camper will visit the camp store once during their week of camp. They can also make purchases during check-in and check-out. The camp store offers a variety of clothing items, stuffed animals, toys, and snacks at various price points, allowing every camper, no matter how much money they have, to make a purchase. Money that your camper does not use by the end of the week can be credited back to your account, or you can donate it to our camper scholarship fund.
Is Sunset Lake inspected by an outside agency?
As an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camp, Sunset Lake Camp must comply annually with all ACA standards. We receive an on-site visit from ACA every 5 years. Each summer camp is inspected by the Pierce County Health Department. Our dining hall is licensed by the county health department and receives at least one unannounced inspection each summer.
What are the camper-to-counselor ratios?
The in-cabin ratios as mandated by the American Camp Association are:
Standard Overnight Ratios:
Ages 6–8: 1:6
Ages 9–14: 1:8
Ages 15–18: 1:10
Most activity areas require at least 2 staff members to run.
How do your staff manage behaviors at camp?
At Sunset Lake, we strive to create safe spaces where campers can thrive and be themselves. Rather than focusing on negative actions through punitive behavior management, we focus on positive outcomes and encourage inclusive behaviors. Our Five-Finger contract serves as the basis for our camp management system. When we ask campers to give us five, they agree to live out the following behaviors.
Pinky Finger – Safety (both physical and emotional): We don’t hit, kick, exclude, name-call, or bully at camp.
Ring Finger – Commitment: At camp, we give our best to all the activities and discussions. While we may not like everything, we are committed to being together, sharing camp experiences, and learning as a group.
Middle Finger – Respect: At camp, we value diversity. We listen before we react and seek to learn from each other. We treat each other as we would want to be treated and show respect to our leaders and to God.
Pointer Finger – Responsibility: At camp, we take responsibility for our actions and seek to help others who may be struggling.
Thumb – Encouragement: At camp, we recognize that our words and actions are powerful. In everything we do, we will affirm and build up those around us. Making the world a better place begins with me.
How do you handle conflict between campers?
Active peacemaking requires direct, respectful, and creative communication. It can be hard. We aren’t perfect and strive to embrace difficult conversations, not run from them. Conflict is a natural and normal part of any community. We expect conflict to occur at camp and have a system in place to heal harm, prevent future harm, and build community. The Circle System is a simple, three-step process we use when conflict arises.
The small circle is simply talking with the other person, with your counselor's help, to try to resolve the situation.
The medium circle comprises the individuals in conflict, their counselor, and their village director.
The large circle involves the camp director in the process.
After any circle, either party in the conflict can choose to call a circle of the same or larger size if they feel the conflict has not been resolved. At each circle, the process is the same. It starts with listening to each other. Each party is asked, “How do you feel about what happened?” and “What do you need to move forward?” Finally, all parties explain what they are asking for and what they are agreeing to. Through the circle process, we are better able to remove blame, shame, and punishment. Instead, we can partner with all members of our camp community to create a community where every individual is valued and respected.
What should my camper bring to camp?
You will receive a list of items to bring after you register. You can also find the list on our website HERE.
How do you handle my camper’s health care needs and medication?
Sunset Lake Camp provides assessment, treatment, and management of minor illnesses and injuries, along with basic emergency care, for a generally healthy camper population.
Medical facilities, supplies, staffing, and procedures are designed for this population and do not replace a primary care office, urgent care, or hospital.
Parents/guardians of prospective campers with special healthcare needs are encouraged to contact our Medical Director at camp@sunsetlake.org to determine if needs can be safely supported at camp.
Illnesses or injuries requiring a higher level of care, based on protocols or clinical judgment, will be referred to urgent care, the emergency department, or 911 as appropriate.
Complete the health history form before arrival.
All medications—prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements—must be in original containers. No pill boxes.
All medications must be turned in to the nurse at check-in. No medications are allowed in cabins. Approved emergency medications (e.g., inhalers, EpiPens) may be carried but must be reviewed at check-in.
The Health Hut provides common as-needed medications. If taken routinely, bring them to check in. No aspirin products are stocked.
How do I get to camp?
HERE is a link to our location. Our address is: 30811 Quinnon Ext Rd E, Wilkeson, WA. Once you arrive at our main gate, drive to the top of the hill. Our staff will meet you there and direct you to where registration begins.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in on the Sunday of camp is from 3:00-4:30 pm. Because our staff is preparing camp for a new week in the morning and early afternoon, early check-ins are not possible. Check-in is a simple process: the first stations are set up at the gym (main building), and after that, you will take your child to the cabin area. Check-out time is the following Sunday. Please arrive at camp in time for our 8:15 end-of-the-week wrap-up program at the gym. You will pick up your child from their cabin after the program. Be sure to bring your photo ID; we cannot release your camper to you without proof of identity matching the authorized pick-up list.
What if my camper is staying over for a second week?
If your camper is staying over for a second week, a counselor will be assigned to provide activities and supervision during the transition time. During this time, we will do their laundry so they have clean clothes and bedding for the upcoming week. The supervising counselor will walk them through any necessary registration steps and help them settle into their new cabin. If you wish to see your camper during this transition time, you will need to sign them out to your care and then sign them back in during registration.
Can I view camp photos while my camper is at camp?
During the week of camp, we posted a limited selection of photos on Facebook and Instagram pages. We use SmugMug to store all camp photos of the week. On registration day, you will be given information on how to download photos for digital use or print. The entire collection of photos from the week will be uploaded at the end of the week.
In what circumstances does Sunset Lake contact me?
We value your role as a partner in the camp process. We will contact you in the following circumstances. If you wish to check on how your camper is doing, please feel free to call. We will have our boys’ or girls’ director contact you with a report of your camper’s week.
A camper becomes homesick and is struggling to function in the camp setting.
A camper’s behavior has become detrimental to the community, and we need assistance in addressing it; otherwise, the problem is severe enough that we need to send your camper home. Our goal is to do all we can to avoid this outcome.
If a camper comes to the Health Hut with a recurring issue, the medical team may notify you or request a consultation.
If a camper becomes ill and is vomiting or running a fever.
If a camper needs to be taken off-site for treatment.
What should I do if my camper comes home with a story or experience that concerns me?
We do all we can to provide your camper with an incredible week of camp. If at any time we fall short of that goal, we would love to hear about it. When you call, we will provide you with the information we have or investigate the incident further to help resolve the situation. While we can’t always fix everything, knowing about problems enables us to avoid them in the future. We always value your input.
My camper left something at camp. What should I do?
Each Sunday at check-out time, a lost-and-found table is set up right outside the gym. Always be sure to look through the items there to see if you recognize anything. If you get home without an item, give us a call and describe what you are missing. We hold onto our lost and found items for 2 weeks after camp before sending it to charity.
What are your policies regarding camper safety?
Sunset Lake is an accredited member of the American Camp Association. This accreditation process brings oversight and accountability to our camp experience and ensures that Sunset Lake is in the top tier of camps.
ACA Accreditation also means we have high-level Emergency Action Plans in place for fire, earthquake, lost camper, active shooters, and waterfront emergencies. These are drilled every summer.
All horsemanship, challenge course, and marksmanship staff undergo specialized safety training from outside organizations.
Sunset Lake has two Registered Nurses on duty each week. Our health care procedures are reviewed regularly by a qualified licensed provider and comply with all American Camp Association standards.
Sunset Lake employs a mental health or social work intern each summer to help create an emotionally safe environment for your camper. This person serves as a resource for our staff to connect with campers who are struggling with emotional challenges.