Does Camp Saint Christopher have any religious affiliation?

We are an Episcopal institution, and a ministry of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina. You do not have to be an Episcopalian to attend our camps, but we ask that you are open and willing to participate in a collaborative chaplain and youth-led worship.

What does a typical day at camp look and feel like?

Although no day at summer camp ever quite looks and feels the same, we do have a consistent schedule that guides our community through worship and daily activities. We begin our day with a delicious breakfast, then we head to the chapel for morning worship.  Your camper(s) will spend a portion of each day participating in free choice activities led by our counselors and CITs. These activities typically are in the morning and are designed for each age group’s interests. We prepare all the activities ahead of time, but we give our young people a voice and choice in the offerings we provide each session. We refuel our bodies and minds with lunch and a siesta. Our afternoon portion of the day focuses more on skill development such as sailing, kayaking, team-building challenge course, outdoor living skills, arts and crafts, and theater. After dinner, we move into our evening activities which often include all camp activities such as talent shows, capture the flag, water games, outdoor movie nights, dance parties etc. before ending our day with compline.

What will my camper(s) experience at camp?

1. New Ways of Honoring God’s Image in Others
   We believe that all persons are created in God’s image and deeply loved just as they are. 
2. Plenty of Running, Hiking, Exploring, and Time Outdoors
   We value the Earth and all life upon it. We strive to share a spirituality of creation care and love for God’s kingdom as much as possible throughout your camper’s experience. This is one of the deeply held values of The Episcopal Church.
3. Episcopal Worship, Led by People of All Ages
   We are an Episcopal institution, and a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. You do not have to be an Episcopalian to attend our camps, but we ask that you are open and willing to participate in a collaborative chaplain and youth-led worship.
4. A Sore Stomach from Laughing So Hard!
   We love to laugh, play games, have talent shows, dress silly, sing, and dance!
5. Delicious Food and Snacks Served Communally
   All meals are shared together, and served family style. We can accommodate Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegetarian/Vegan needs at every meal and snack time. Please let us know about your camper’s dietary needs BEFORE camp. We do not allow any products that contain nuts on our campus, and especially during camp sessions because of food allergies, so please do not pack snacks!
6. A Chance to Learn More About Yourself and the World at Large
   We strive to welcome everyone at our center and actively seek a diversity of campers and staff. We welcome all as children of God, and hope that you and your camper will as well.
7. Awesome, Heart-Filling, Unconditional Acceptance, and Love
   As an Episcopal institution, we believe that God loves us all, and so we strive to be a community where all are welcome. In alignment of these values, we are committed to the inclusion of all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Therefore, we create a community of love, belonging, and acceptance through our program.
8. Safe Risk-Taking (Emotionally, Physically, & Spiritually)
   We work diligently and empower our staff to create a safe space for campers to try new activities, eat new foods, make new friends, and learn new aspects about themselves and their world. We believe that in vulnerability lies the strength to grow.
9. Plenty of “Unplugged” Time Away in Shared Community
   We encourage connection with others at camp and  acknowledge the importance of being “unplugged ” to create a community in Christ. We encourage all campers to leave their phones at home and engage with others without the distraction of technology.
10. A Desire to Return Next Year!
    We aspire to inspire our campers to return to St. Christopher and hope that they will one day consider serving in a leadership role in future summers.

How can I best prepare my camper for camp?

The best way to prepare your camper(s) for camp is to include them in conversations and planning leading up to their arrival at camp. Have your camper(s) help with writing a shopping list, or packing their bag for camp. The more you include them into the process, the more prepared you both will feel sending them to camp. Go over the camp policies with them, share the process of registration, pack letter writing materials, talk about homesickness etc. we are here to support you and your camper(s) in any way we can. You know your camper(s) better than anyone else, and we want your camper(s) to have the best experience possible. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Will I be able to contact my camper while at camp?

Families and Households may stay in touch with their camper(s) through handwritten letters. We strongly encourage you to write these ahead of time and drop them off at registration after taking your camper(s) to their cabin. This ensures that your camper will receive them in a timely manner throughout the week. Mailing letters and postcards from home is also acceptable, but sometimes letters arrive after the campers have left their session. Please understand that campers are not allowed to receive any packages. We will hold on to these and hand them to parents and guardians on closing days. Please use the following format when address letters to your camper(s):

Camper Name

Session #

St. Christopher Summer Camp

2810 Seabrook Island Road

Seabrook Island, SC 29455

Emailed letters will not be accepted, as we are actively out with your campers and away from our computers. We would not want a camper to miss out on any correspondence as we are already working diligently to respond to other emails during the busy camp season.

What should my camper pack for camp? 

We recommend the following items to give your camper everything that they will need while away at camp. Campers will not be able to do laundry during a camp session except in case of an emergency. 

Please label everything that you can with your camper’s first and last names. We suggest using a suitcase, duffel bag, plastic under the bed box, or a trunk. Please keep in mind there is limited storage space in the cabins and bags are often stored under bunk beds.

• Fitted and/or Flat Twin Sheets
• Pillow and Pillowcase
• Sleeping Bag and/or Blanket
• Large Bath Towel(s)
• Wash Cloth and/or Shower Scrubby if desired
• Toiletries (Toothbrush, Tooth Paste, Shampoo/Conditioner, Body Soap or Wash, Deodorant etc.)
• Extra Contacts or Glasses if needed
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray (Camper’s name must be written on packages/bottles)
• Reusable Water Bottles (1 is great, 2 is even better!)
• Sunglasses, Hats, Bandanas
• Sturdy Shoes (Sneakers, Boots, Sandals with Strap around the Heel etc. Please note that Flip Flops will not be allowed outside of the cabins, but can be used as shower shoes)
• Outfits for warm, active days and enough for the number of days in the camp session plus 1 or 2 more
• Warm Clothing (Hoodie, Jacket, Pants etc. for air conditioned cabins and indoor spaces)
• Outfit for the Mud Pit
• Rain Layer or Protection such as Jacket or Poncho
• Lots of socks and underwear
• PJs
• Flashlight & Batteries

Optional List:

• Bible, Book of Common Prayer
• Stuffed Animals
• Backpack or small bag
• Shower Shoes (Flip Flops etc.)
• Paper, Pen, Envelopes, Stamps for Letter Writing
• Non-Smart Phone Camera
• Quiet Activities for Rest Time
• Books
• Hammock
• Age-Appropriate Board Games

Packing Tips

Before packing, sit down with your camper and talk with them about what you all are doing and why. This can mean the difference between a meltdown over a lost toothbrush and no socks (even though they really are there) and a more positive camping experience.

Here’s a short list of ideas to keep in mind!

1. Sort clothes by outfit for younger kids and by type of clothing for older kids, bag and label them if needed.
2. Pack toiletries separately so they’re easily transportable to the bathroom.
3. Pack bedding last so it’s on top or separately in a clean trash bag.
4. Hide notes or a surprise for them to find later (no candy or food please).

Potential things to talk about:

1. Go over the packing list and ask them what they might not need.
2. Discuss why some things are appropriate for camp and why some aren’t 
3. Discuss non-clothing items they want to bring (and if they don’t mention them, why they should): stuffed animals, picture of family, journal, or paper to write letters home, etc.)
4. Are there things they want to add to the packing list?

What to pack everything in:

For our summer camps, we recommend duffle bags, trunks, or large plastic bins that fit under bunk beds. The terrain at camp can break wheeled luggage. Trunks with sturdy wheels usually fare okay.

Packing sleeping bags and bedding in a trash bag can also be helpful as it keeps it clean until use. Make sure to include a replacement bag in case the original gets thrown out!

We are an “unplugged” environment. Please help us to create an environment where new friendships can blossom, and each camper has a unique and special outdoor experience. Do not bring portable music players, video games, computers, iPads, tablets, electronics and cell phones to camp. Furthermore, cell phones and apple watches especially interrupt camp in a variety of ways; namely our ability to enhance your camper’s confidence and independence. 

If any of the items listed are discovered, the camp staff will collect the items and return them at the end of the session.

We appreciate that most families and households will honor our request and support our reasoning for not allowing cell phones at camp. We also recognize that some may feel that hiding a cell phone in camper luggage is OK. Keep in mind that by doing this, you are teaching your campers that it is OK to break the rules as well as creating a level of distrust between the camper and counselor or CIT. If a camper is unable to come to camp without a cell phone, then you or your camper(s) may not be ready for the camp experience. 

What NOT to Pack

• Electronic Devices (mobile phones, smart phones, smart watches that require a phone, tablets, laptops, gaming devices etc.)
• Any item that may be considered a weapon (knives including swiss army knives) Including other items such as firearms, lighters, fireworks, matches etc.
• Food (snacks, candy, gum, drinks, etc.) We will provide plenty of meals and snacks throughout the session that also meet your camper’s dietary needs.
• Tobacco Products 
• Alcohol & Controlled Substances 
• Pets or other animals 
• Valuable or Fragile Items
• Inappropriate Clothing

Please help us ensure that the above listed items are NOT brought to camp by reviewing what your camper has packed before departing for camp. Please understand that if any of these items are found at camp, they will be confiscated immediately, and if necessary, your child may be sent home.

What is the dress code policy for campers and staff at Camp Saint Christopher?

Our dress code is intended to support equitable access and should not reinforce gender stereotypes. The dress code and its enforcement should not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, household income, gender identity or cultural observance. 

This dress code is intended to address recent and escalating controversy and conversation both at CSC and across the nation about overreaching and detrimental dress codes for some youth and adolescents. 

Our values are: 

• All people should be able to dress comfortably at camp without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming. 
• All people should understand that ​they are responsible for ​managing their own personal “distractions” without regulating individuals’ clothing/self-expression. 
• Staff can focus on teaching without the additional and often uncomfortable burden of dress code enforcement. 
• People should not face unnecessary barriers to camp attendance. 
• Reasons for conflict and inconsistent discipline should be minimized whenever possible 

Goals of dress code:

Camp dress code should accomplish several goals: 

• Maintain a safe environment where protective or supportive clothing is needed during games and outdoor activities. 
• Allow people to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable. 
• Allow people to wear clothing that expresses their self-identified gender. 
• Allow people to wear religious attire without fear of discipline or discrimination. 
• Prevent people from wearing clothing with offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech, and pornography.
• Prevent people from wearing clothing with images or language depicting or advocating violence or the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Ensure that all people are treated equitably regardless of gender/gender identification, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, body type/size, religion, and personal style.

The primary responsibility for a staff member or camper’s attire resides with the individual and their guardians. The camp is responsible for seeing that camper’s attire does not interfere with the health or safety of any camper, or their uninhibited participation, and that camper attire does not contribute to a hostile or intimidating atmosphere for any camper or staff. 

Campers and staff should be given the most choice possible in how they dress for camp. Keeping in mind: while campers and staff will have the opportunity to “dress up” for certain events (e.g. dances, talent shows) the majority of the daily schedule is outdoors and very active. Therefore, the clothing packed for camp should be suitable for running, jumping, crouching, and bending in a sunny, hot, and windy environment according to the following: 

Basic Principle: Certain body parts must be covered for all people at all times. 

Clothes must be worn in a way such that genitals, buttocks, and nipples are covered with opaque material while running, jumping, playing, bending, swimming, etc.. All items listed in the “must wear” and “may wear” categories below must meet this basic principle. 

 Campers Must Wear, ​while following the basic principle of the paragraphs above: 

• Shirt: with fabric in the front, back, and on the sides under the arms. 
• Bottom: shorts/pants/sweatpants/skirt/dress/leggings. 
• Shoes: closed-toe, closed heel shoes are required for safety during running/playing activities 

Campers May Wear, ​as long as these items do not violate the above policies: 

• Hats, including religious headwear 
• Fitted pants, including leggings, yoga pants and “skinny jeans” 
• Midriff baring shirts 
• Ripped jeans, as long as underwear is not exposed 
• Tank tops, including spaghetti straps, and halter tops 
• Athletic attire 

Campers Cannot Wear: 

• Violent language or images. 
• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity) or the use of the same. 
• Hate speech, profanity, pornography. 
• Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment based on any protected class. 
• Visible underwear. 

How does Camp Saint Christopher assign cabins for campers and staff?

We factor in your camper(s) personal information including age, grade level, gender, and cabin mate requests. We assign male campers in male cabins and females in female cabins. We assign our counselors and CITs in the same manner. 

Family camps are assigned by households, and each household has the option to choose the best style of lodging by means of a cabin or a lodge room. We will not assign more than one family or household in a cabin, unless requested. All requests will be reviewed like cabin mate requests, and we will work diligently to honor these requests to the best of our ability.

What if my camper is homesick or I am campersick?

Missing home and each other is normal, and it even happens among the staff and camp directors! Here are some tried and true tips for helping you and your camper(s) deal with missing home and each other and preparing them for fully investing in the camp experience!

If you know of any specific personal or family-related issues that may come up while your camper is at camp, please don’t keep it to yourself.

Specific concerns can be noted on the registration or health forms online or emailed to the Director of Summer Camp. In all cases, the information you share will be kept confidential and shared with only the appropriate staff parties. It is extremely helpful for us to be aware of potential stressors or anxieties campers may bring to camp so we can prepare appropriately. In this way we can meet the camper where they are and help them have the best time possible at camp.

It’s important to talk with your camper before leaving for camp to discuss any worries they may have about being away from home.

Younger campers’ concerns are often related to missing home, though homesickness is not unusual for campers of any age. Our counselors and CITS foster a nurturing environment which will help alleviate any homesick tendencies, and homesickness is a topic of particular concern that we focus on during staff training sessions.

How YOU talk with your camper about their time away from home has the biggest impact on their outlook on their camp experience.

Please strive to be positive, upbeat, and keep the focus on your camper and the welcoming, accepting, and exciting time they can expect to have at camp. Acknowledging you will miss them helps them know you care, but please pair it with positive, solutions-based comments such as “We can’t wait to hear from you when you write us letters!” or “We know you’ll have a great time and that makes us happy!”

Please NEVER promise to pick up your camper or let them call home if they are not having a good time.

This creates a barrier to your camper fully investing in the camp experience and all it has to offer.

What is the food like?

Our professional kitchen team serves delicious, well-balanced meals that are kid-friendly and healthy. For breakfast there is always a hot item option along with cereals, fruit, milk, and juice. For lunch and dinner, a main entree is served along with vegetables and fruit. A dessert option is also offered at the end of dinner. While our counselors and staff members encourage campers to try new foods (and to always eat their veggies!), we do have the option for sunflower seed butter and jelly sandwiches if there are no exceptional camper allergies within the session.

With notice, we can accommodate Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Vegetarian/Vegan needs.

If your camper has a specific food allergy or other dietary need, please be as specific as possible when indicating that on their camp health history and registration. We also suggest that you reach out to us and ask for our chef, who will be glad to speak with you about accommodating your camper’s needs. We will ensure that our entire staff is aware of your camper’s dietary needs.

What are the counselors and counselors-in-training (CIT’s) like?

We are proud of our outstanding counselors and CITs at Camp Saint Christopher. Each camp season has a team that is fun, friendly, and loving. All seasonal and year-round staff go through an extensive application process that includes an initial application, various interviews, and reference checks and background checks. Before they arrive at Camp Saint Christopher, all staff complete a sexual abuse prevention training (Safeguarding God’s Children) and completion of their CPR and First Aid certifications. Some of our counselors and CITs have additional training and certifications such as sailing, kayaking, rock wall belaying, and archery. 

At the start of the summer, all of the counselors attend a two week-long training that addresses common camper issues (from homesickness to behavior management), emergency situations, and what to expect from campers of different ages. Staff have a chance to practice techniques (as well as games/music/activities) before campers arrive. CITs complete the same required certifications and training in a shortened time frame, as much of the training is hands-on during their camp sessions.

All training is infused with fun and activities. Role play activities help us practice giving clear expectations and directions, being specific in praise and affirmations and using a clear and loving tone when redirection is needed. These skills are essential to life in the community as staff as well as to building relationships with campers.

We continue our training throughout the summer. Our year-round team works with staff to enhance their abilities and skills in working with campers beyond the first day of camp, creating a dynamic learning environment that uses ongoing assessment and feedback to help our staff be their best and lead by example.

Are friends and family allowed to visit campers while at camp?

We are sorry but friends and family members are not allowed to visit any campers while at camp. You are welcome to explore the center on the last day of camp, once your camper(s) have been checked out.