Information

Acceptance Policy/Waiting List

Eligibility

Grades 3-12 (grade completed by Camp time) with priority acceptance to grades 4-12.

Acceptance Policy:

Primary Rule:

We accept all campers according to the gender and grade quotas we have set for that year’s Camp. In other words, we accept so many 5th grade girls, 9th grade boys, etc. We strive for a balance of the grades and genders. This is the first and primary rule we use and it takes precedence over all other secondary rules. Since we normally have more applications than we have beds, your application is not a guarantee of acceptance. We notify all applicants of acceptance or waiting list by the first of May.

Secondary Rules

All Applications received on or before April 15 are treated equally as far as the date received is concerned. This is done to equalize the opportunity for all to apply.
Applications from returning campers and their siblings received up to April 15 will be accepted into the Camp first.
All remaining campers will be accepted on an earliest date received basis.
If multiple campers are equal as far as date received, preference is given to the camper who was on the waiting list the previous year.
Waiting List – All campers who are not accepted are placed on a waiting list and are contacted as soon as we have an opening on an earliest date received basis. Please do not contact us. More information is listed below.

Waiting List:

Usually we have more campers to apply than we can accept. If you are not accepted, you will be notified that you are on the Waiting List. As soon as we have an opening, we will contact you by phone. If time permits, we will leave a message with a time limit for a returned phone call. If time does not permit and the phone is not answered, we move to the next person on our Waiting List. So during the few days between public notification of the Waiting List and Camp, please answer your phone.
Please do not contact us for more information about your waiting list status. If you are not ultimately accepted, all of your money will be refunded. For more information, See FAQ.

Activities & Crafts

Check out the many things that you can do, a different thing each day, Monday through Thursday. You rank your choices in order of your preference (1-10). Usually you can get most if not all of the things you want to do. There is something cool for every one, every day. When you fill out your application, you will be able to choose your preference of which activity/craft you would like to participate in. To help you to choose, you can download this pdf file or read below.

Music

Learn new songs or sing old favorites. You won’t be disappointed. You can participate all 4 days if you like.

Archery

The sport, practice or skill of using a bow to propel arrows at targets. Your targets may be enhanced with balloons.

Basketball

Team sport. Need at least 3 – 5 on each team. Come get your dribbling and shooting fun and compete with other teammates.

Board Games

Anyone up for competition? Fast paced games available in air condition comfort.

Fishing

Fishing is the practice of catching or attempting to catch fish with a hook that is generally known as angling. You can always return the fish to the water. Campers have caught some big fish. Try your luck.

Geo-Caching

Using special tools find the “cache” in the woods. Then cool off by the Snack Shack.

Leather Bracelets

Using stamps and metal colored paints, you can make a bracelet to wear or give away.

Making Ice Cream

Make your own ice cream and put on toppings before you eat.

Newspaper

The Newshound, Camp newspaper. Written daily by you about what’s happening at camp that day.

Paint on Canvas or Rocks

Use masking tape, balloons, or brushes to paint on your canvas or rock. Your imagination will be the limit.

Paper Weights

Enjoy being creative to make a paper weight to take home. Could be a Father’s Day gift.

Photography

New cameras to use. Making many pictures and yours may be picked for the newspaper and/or put online.

Rifle Range

New targets. This will be a challenge to see how good you are at hitting your target.

Shrinky Dinks® and Perler Beads

Draw or trace or copy any image onto a Shrinky Dinks sheet, then bake to watch it shrink. Fascinating. You may also want to make a project using Perler Beads. The designs and ideas are almost limitless.

Sling Shot

What can you hit with a slingshot? Come find out. It is very exciting.

String Art

Make a beautiful piece of art using pins and string. Bring your own design or use one of ours.

Wood Burning

Using simple wood burning tools and easy techniques to help you add designs to a bare wood project.

Grades 7–12:

Canoeing/Kayaking

2 person canoes and kayaks include paddling and balancing while moving fast across open water. Of course, your partner should be as coordinated as you are, or you are all likely to end up in the cool wet water. Life vests are worn by all. Sign up if you are 7th grade or higher.

Grades 9–12:

High Ropes

Get parents’ permission first, then join others climbing up high in the trees, a climbing wall and zip line. The thrill is there to grab. (Permission slip required.) Click here!

Bus Transportation

Not Available this Year!

The bus picks up on Sunday AM and returns to the same location on Saturday PM. On Sunday, the bus stops for worship services and for lunch arriving at the Camp around 3 PM. On the return trip on Saturday, the bus stops only for lunch. If there is insufficient ridership to charter the bus, you will be notified and your bus fee fully refunded.

Cost per rider for both round trip and one way: $80
Schedule

You will be dropped off after Camp at the same bus stop where you were picked up before Camp. No changes to the drop-off stop can be made without a note signed by your parent or guardian.

How To Pack and What To Wear:

Change Medical Form/Medicine – If needed, bring your completed and signed Change Medical Form and give it to the bus chaperone. If you are bringing medication that will be given by the nurse, please pack it in your luggage for easy access. You will give your medicine to the nurse at Check-In.
Luggage – Mark all luggage with your name and address. Please limit your luggage to no more than 2 pieces, one large and one small bag (1 bag would be even better.)
Meals – Bring $14 cash which will cover 2 meals, one going and one returning. Have your money in your pocket or your purse — not in your luggage.
Sunday Night Supper – Bring a sack lunch for Sunday night supper at Camp.
Sunday Dress – On Sunday, dress appropriately for worship services. After services, you can change into Camp attire. Luggage will be inaccessible while packed on the bus. Please bring the clothes you wish to change into in a small bag or sack.
Your things – When leaving the bus at Camp or returning to your home, please take all of your belongings with you. Items left on the bus are usually not retrievable.

Camp Dates

Dry Creek Camp (Grades 4-12) June 4-10, 2023

3rd graders may apply for the waiting list but only accepted space permitting.

Camp Opening and Closing:

Opening: 2:30 p.m. – Sunday afternoon – June 4, 2023 (Check In 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. Please do not arrive early.)

Closing Assembly: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Saturday morning – June 10, 2023 – Parents are invited.
Closing: 11:00 a.m. – Saturday morning – June 10, 2023 (Pickup may be made any time after 10:00 a.m.)

Camper Pick-up Policy:

If you need to pick up your child at some other time than the scheduled closing time on Saturday morning, please notify us in advance. Then you must first come to the Office (in the cafeteria); identify yourself and inform us that your child will be leaving. We will only release the child to a parent or an adult that has been properly authorized by a parent. If more information is needed, contact the Camp.

Late Arrival/Early Departure:

If you must arrive later than Sunday at 7 PM or leave before Saturday AM, please notify us in advance. Also if other activities such as sports games, school camps, etc. are the cause, please seek our permission. Limiting a campers time at Camp is important to the Camp Experience we plan for each Camper. If you are unable to commit to the full week, please consider not coming this year. Permission to arrive late or leave early, will be considered on a case by case basis.

Conduct & Dress

It is the purpose of the camp to create an atmosphere permeated by the values and love of Christ. Each camper is expected to follow the rules of the Camp and to respect the counselors’ instructions.

Campers are to wear modest clothing. Please, only modest necklines and arm holes. No one is allowed to wear tank tops, muscle shirts, midriff shirts or very tight fitting clothing. Loose fitting walking shorts, pants, or skirts coming to the kneecap are permitted. We do not regard our dress code as the absolute standard of right and wrong, but a balanced approach at harmonizing many diverse opinions. If adhering to this standard is not what you are willing to do, please do not apply to the Camp.

Your daily camp attire is suitable for all activities, thus eliminating the need for frequent dress changes. Please do not over pack. There is very limited space in the cabins.

No use of tobacco, any smoked substance, alcohol, or non-prescribed drugs, possession of weapons or abuse of camp facilities is permitted.

There is no mixed swimming. Modest attire must be worn to and from the pool.

Proper relationship between boys and girls is to be maintained at all times.

Contact Us

Before and After Camp

Florida College Camp
P. O. Box 333
Alief, TX 77411-0333

General Info:

Secretary: Erin Stevenson – 832.444.9154

Director: John M. Kilgore – 281.498.8782

During Camp

Mail Call for Campers:

Only mail via the Post Office, FedEx, UPS, etc. will be accepted (no packages left by parents on Sunday to be delivered throughout the week). Mail can be slow and any mail arriving after Camp will not be delivered.

(Camper’s Name)
Florida College Camp
P. O. Box 580
Dry Creek, LA 70637-0580

Physical Address for UPS, FedEx, etc:
(Camper’s Name)
Florida College Camp
8237 Hiwy 113
Dry Creek, LA 70637-0580

For Info & Emergencies:

337.328.7302 – FC Dry Creek Camp Office
337.328.7531 – Campground Office
Fax: 866.395.2786

Email us at:

FCDryCreek@gmail.com

Costs/Refund Policy

Cost per Camper: $360

Payment Method & Deadline Date:
- Online payment is only by credit or debit card.
- Payment options are 1 full payment or multiple installment payments. If you choose installment payments, each installment will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card.

Refund Policy
- If you are accepted then cancel, here is the refund policy:
  - Before May 10, all fees are refundable except a $25 per camper application fee.
  - After May 10, all fees are refundable except a $50 per camper cancellation fee.
  - After June 1, there is no refund.

Optional Costs:

Photos (5×7) of camper’s sports team, cabin, or counselors: $5 each
Digital Video to treasure and to keep (ready by July 1): $30 each

Donations/Camp Grant Fund

Donations

Please help a young person come to Camp! Every year we have a number of children whose parents cannot afford to pay the full camp fee. You can help them to have one of the best weeks of their young lives. To see what a week cost at Camp please see Costs/Refund Policy but of course any amount will be appreciated. All donations are tax deductible. Please mail a check or select Donate below to use a credit card or PayPal account.

Mail a check payable to FC Dry Creek to:
Florida College Camp
P. O. Box 333
Alief, TX 77411

Donate

Also, when using the online Application process for your camper, you can add a donation to the total fees.

Camp Grants

The Camp has a limited fund contributed by generous donors to help campers who do not have the money to attend Camp. If you would like to apply, download the form, complete and submit by attaching it to an email. Please complete/submit this form before applying online for Camp. Be sure to read and fully agree to the conditions. Please do not order optional items like a video or pictures. If approved, you will be emailed a payment coupon that will enable you to complete the payment section of the online application. Please wait for this email before you apply online for the Camp. For the form please click here: Camp Grant.

FAQ

Acceptance and Waiting List

Q – When will I know if I am accepted or on the waiting list?
A – All notifications, both acceptance and waiting list, are emailed on or about May 1. These lists are also published on our website. Please do not contact us for this information unless it is well beyond this date. Be on the lookout for the notice.

Q – If I am on the waiting list, can I contact the Camp to see what my chances are of getting in?
A – No, please do not contact us. We have no way of knowing when and if an opening will occur. We will contact you when we have an opening and you will have a specified time limit to accept or reject.

Q – If I am on the waiting list, does contacting the Camp increase my chances of getting in?
A – No, please do not contact us. We will contact you when we have an opening and you will have a specified time limit to accept or reject.

Q – If I am on the waiting list and I know of a camper who has to cancel, can I contact the Camp to get that vacancy?
A – No, please do not contact us. We have several criteria that determine how we fill vacancies. See Application/Acceptance Policy.

Q – If the payment for the Camp fees has cleared the credit card company or the bank, does this mean that I am accepted into the Camp?
A – No! We process all payments in a timely way. Everyone will be notified as to whether they are accepted or on the waiting list. All who are not ultimately accepted will receive a full refund. See Application/Acceptance Policy. For money and refunds, See Money! (next topic)

Money

Q – When should all of the money be paid?

A — When you apply online, you must use a credit or debit card to make a full payment or you can choose to pay in multiple installments which are automatically charged to your credit or debit card.

Q – If I am not accepted, will I get all of my money back?

A – Yes! Refunds are usually sent by the second week after Camp.

Q – If I decide not to go to Camp, can I get a full refund?

A — No! If we are notified by May 10 that you are not coming to Camp, you will receive a full refund less $25 per camper application fee to cover our expenses of receiving and accepting your application. If we are notified after May 10, a full refund less $50 per camper will be sent. If we are notified after June 1, there is no refund. All refunds will be sent after Camp.

Specific Request for a Sports Team or Camper

Submit your requests for a camper roommate on your online application. We do not guarantee that your request will be honored. No requests for a sports team are accepted.

Dress Code

Q – Is there a dress code that requires generally longer and looser fitting clothes than is currently popular?
A – Generally, yes! Our dress code is not totally based upon the current trends but a collective judgment as to what is modest and what will work the best for one week for campers from a wide range of views. Please plan your clothes in view of our guidelines. For more information, see General Info/Conduct & Dress.

Camper Talent Show

Q – Are there any rules or guidelines?
A – Yes! See Camper Talent Show Rules/Guidelines *

Q – Need clarification or our opinion on content?
A – Contact us. See General Info/Contact Us.

Visitation

Q – Can I visit my child or friends during the Camp?
A – Unfortunately the answer this year is No! Our COVID-19 protocols which strives to maintain a small camp bubble of protection uses a no visitor policy. Also, one of the purposes of the Camp is to provide a safe and profitable week for a young person to be away from family and friends (some for the first time) in order to learn self-reliance and to make new friends. Your child or friend will have a lot more fun telling you all about their away from home adventure if it is all new to you. For more information, see General Info/Parents’ and Visitors’ Info.

Phones

Q – What are the phone privileges at the Camp?
A – We restrict all phone calls to emergency calls only. Please do not bring cell phones. Cell phones do not generally work well in the Dry Creek area and we want all campers to be fully involved in the Camp activities. We know every camper who is coming to Camp and will notify the parents of any camper who does not arrive at Camp on Sunday. Therefore no news is good news. For more information see PackingList.pdf/What Not To Bring.

Bus Transportation (Not available this year)

Q – Can I buy only a one way bus fare either to or from the Camp?
A – No, we must pay for the bus to go both ways and therefore need the revenue to justify chartering the bus. You may ride the bus only one way as long as we are informed in advance.

Q – Can I get off at a different bus stop coming back from Camp?
A – Yes, only if we are fully informed in advance and know that this is the will of a parent. We will need this request in writing. For more information see Bus/Maps.

Nurse

Q – When will the nurse be available for a consultation in regards to any special medical needs?
A – The nurse will be available during Check-In on Sunday afternoon. See General Info/Camp Opening and Closing. If you need a consultation before Camp, contact the Camp (preferably by email) and we will put you in contact with the nurse. See General Info/Contact Us .

Suitability of the Camp

Q – What if my child does not enjoy sports, is the Camp suitable for them?
A – Our sports program is planned and conducted with the understanding that not all children are good at sports. What we ask of all campers is that they participate; even if that means that they would rather participate by cheering for their team. We do not play our games for the benefit of the gifted athlete but with the view of practicing good sportsmanship, win or lose, and everyone having fun doing it together.

Q – What if my child is a loner, is the Camp suitable for them?
A – All campers are expected to be fully involved on some level in all of our activities. That is to say that the daily major events are not optional but mandatory. There is some free time dispersed throughout the day to be by yourself if you want, but one of the major benefits of the Camp is learning how to interact with others and making new friends. We understand that not all children are as adept in this area as others and we try to help the less sociable camper to be fully involved in the Camp. Therefore we request that all parents discuss thoughtfully with their child whether Camp is for them. A child who is unwilling to interact with others will not be able to take advantage of the major strengths of the Camp.

Q – What if my child is prone to be homesick, is the Camp suitable for them?
A – Homesickness is common for many children especially if it is their first away from home experience. It is our experience that the following can help:

Before Camp, begin to reassure your child that nothing important will change while they are away from home. You will know right where they are and will be there to pick them up after Camp. Note: It is important for you to be on time to pick them up. Reassure them that they, with their counselors help, will be able to take care of their needs.
Phone calls can delay the adjustment period of fully participating in the Camp and learning that many fun and good things can happen while away from home. Please do not call or text your camper directly. Emergency calls must be made to the Office. See Contact Us.
Be positive and optimistic with your child knowing that this is just one of many stages of growing into a mature loving person.
Please know that if the situation dictates, we will feel free to call you for advice.

Forms and Notices

Click on each text item below to view and/or download a PDF document.

You will need Acrobat Reader 8.0 or higher to access these PDF documents on Windows. Download Adobe Reader

A Day at Dry Creek

Activities and Crafts

Alpha Club Application

Bible Lessons – Coming Soon

Bus Schedule – No Bus This Year!

Camp Grant Request – to be completed before online application

Camper/Parent Information Letter

Change Medical Form – For changes (usually last minute) not recorded in Online Medical Form

Deadline Dates

Florida College Dry Creek Scholarship Application

Florida College Falcon Days Information

High Ropes Form — Complete &, bring to Camp. Give to Cabin Counselor.

High Ropes Participants

Packing List — What To Bring & Not To Bring

Release & Waver Form – for Campers 18 years and older

Talent Show Rules/Guidelines

Lost & Found

Medical Procedures

Staffing

The Camp has two nurses who serve as first aid volunteers and administer medication schedules.

Local Medical Facilities

The Camp uses the medical facilities (hospital and medical clinic) in Lake Charles and DeRidder, LA to treat all medical emergencies that require something more than first aid.
In the event of a medical emergency requiring more than first aid, we will contact the camper’s parents using the information that the parents’ have provided.

Medications

All medications (Rx and over the counter) that are brought to Camp must be listed in the Medication section of your Medical Form that is a part of your Camp Application. Medications need to be in their original containers with pharmacy label.
Please be careful to indicate on your Medical Form which medications (Rx and over the counter) will be administered only by the nurses and which are to be self administered by campers with the parents’ knowledge and permission. Usually, self administered is reserved for older campers and over the counter medications.

COVID

If the camper has a medical condition that puts them at greater risk of the virus, you should seriously consider not sending them to Camp this year. We CANNOT guarantee that a camper will not contract the virus at Camp. There are inherent risks in coming to Camp and given the nature of Camp and its activities (sports, cabin lodging, shared bathrooms, bible classes, cafeteria-style meals, etc.), everyone who attends must accept these risks. By attending Camp, you acknowledge the foregoing facts and that you have assessed and accepted on behalf of yourself and/or your child, the risks/benefits of attending Camp

Insurance

All campers are covered by a secondary accidental insurance policy which is relatively small but adequate to cover most camp situations.
All medical costs not covered by insurance are the responsibility of the camper’s parents/guardians.

Before Camp

Be on the alert for an email detailing any change in protocols related to COVID-19 or any other medical situation.

At Camp

Turn in your medication that is to be administered by the nurse.
Change Medical Form: If there are changes to your Medical Form (Rx, insurance, etc.) that are not included in the original online Medical Form, you must complete this form and bring it to Camp and submit it to the nurse at check-in. Get the form here: Change Medical Form

Packing List

WHAT TO BRING:

Change Medical Form – Only for those medical changes not entered in your original online Medical Form. Complete and bring it with you to Camp. Please read the form carefully. If your medical situation has not changed since you completed your Camp Application, you do not need this form.

Medication properly labeled. See the medical form for instructions.
3 Face Masks & Hand Sanitizer (personal size) – There may be situations where masks must be worn.

Luggage:

Be sure to label all luggage with your name and address.
Please limit yourself to no more than 1 bag. There is so little room in the cabins. Under bunk clearance is 12 inches. Large trunks do not work. Duffle bags work best.
When using garbage bags for dirty clothes, label the outside so it will not be mistaken for trash!!!

Clothing:

Mark your name or initials in each item.
Dirty clothes bag – Be sure to put your name or initials on it.
Swimsuit (only modest ones, please) and a cover-up robe for going to and from the pool or you can change at the pool.
Shirts – Please only modest necklines and arm holes. No one is allowed to wear tank tops, muscle shirts, midriff shirts or very tight fitting clothing.
Two pairs of long pants or jeans (in case your shorts do not come to the kneecap).
Walking Shorts & Long Pants: – You are permitted to wear loose fitting walking shorts, pants, or skirts which come to the kneecap. We ask your cooperation in this matter so that camp can be as harmonious as possible. If you feel that you cannot enjoy camp while abiding by these rules, please allow your spot to be taken by someone who is on our waiting list. We do not consider our rules as the standard for absolute right or wrong, but only as a collective judgment as to how a large number of young people can live in harmony for one week. We lovingly solicit your kind cooperation.
Shoes – Shoes must be always worn when outside on the campground. Athletic-type shoes should be worn for sports activities.
Extra pair of shoes (in case of rain).

Bedroll or Single bed linens; blanket and pillow
Towels, wash cloths and toiletries
Sun screen and a hat (especially for those who burn easily) We will be in the sun a lot.
Bible (Note: Smart phones with Bibles are not permitted to be out and used.)
Softball glove (optional)
Sunday Sack Supper – No Sunday evening meal will be served. Drinks will be sold.
$30 spending money – (optional, much less is fine) This should be enough for all Snack Shack and Gift Gallery purchases. For younger Campers – Break up spending money into small amounts. Put it in the packed socks so you will have some each day. Only bring the amount of cash you are willing to lose.

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

Cell phones and internet devices should be left at home. We want your full involvement in what is happening at Camp. If your parents want you to have a phone for travel security, on arrival at Camp call your parents. After the Sunday evening worship assembly, a cell phone and internet free zone will be observed. All camper phones and internet devices will be stored and then returned to campers on Saturday AM. This is a must! It will be enforced!
Radios, stereos, recorders, walkie-talkies, electronic games should be left at home. We will be making our own music and playing together. The only exception to this rule is for equipment brought to be used in the talent show. Jewelry, expensive watches, rings, large amount of cash or other valuables should not be brought. The rooms will not be locked.
Water Guns, Shaving Cream, Rubber Bands etc. – No Water Fights Will Be Allowed. All equipment brought for these purposes will be taken up and held.

Parents & Visitors Info.

No Visitor Policy:

This year there is a no visitor policy. COVID-19 protocols direct us to create and maintain a camp bubble for one week. We ask for your understanding and co-operation in this restriction this year. This may be a blessing in disguise for most older children want to be away from their parents for this one week. It is wise to give them this time. Their after camp stories will have a greater meaning to them and to you.

Late Arrivals/Early Departures:

Camper Pick-up Policy:

If you need to pick up your child at some other time than the scheduled closing time on Saturday morning, please notify us in advance.
Come first to the Office (in the cafeteria); identify yourself and inform us that your child will be leaving.
We will only release the child to a parent or an adult that has been properly authorized by a parent.
If more information is needed, contact the Camp. See Info/Contact Us.

Emergencies:

In case of an emergency, call us at Camp at 337-328-7302 or 832.444.9154. If we are away from the desk, please leave a message. As an alternate, call the Dry Creek Baptist Camp office, 337-328-7531.

Mail Call:

You may write to a Camper at:

(Camper’s Name)
c/o Florida College Camp
P. O. Box 580
Dry Creek, LA 70637-0580

Physical Address Required by Some Shippers:

(Camper’s Name)
c/o Florida College Camp
8237 Hwy #113
Dry Creek, LA 70637

Parent Suggestions:

If you have suggestions on how to make the Camp better or just need to write to us please email us at: FCDryCreek@gmail.com.

Cell Phones:

Calling home is reserved for emergencies only. Also we are asking that campers not bring cell phones. If they must bring a cell phone for travel safety, then the phone must remain in the car or their luggage and unused during Camp. We know every camper who is coming to Camp and will notify the parents of any camper who does not arrive at Camp on Sunday. Therefore, no news is good news.