For Parents

Dear Parents,

We hope that this Web site is helpful as you explore the summer offerings at Shrine Mont Camps and Conferences. On this page there is more information for you, as well as a link to our “frequently asked questions” page.  Please do not hesitate to contact either Paris Ball or Kathlyn Jones if you have any further questions or concerns; we love talking about camp with parents! 

As our mission statement says: The Diocese of Virginia’s summer camp program at Shrine Mont exists to promote the emotional and spiritual development of children, youth, and young adults through the fostering of a safe and positive environment for all. It is the goal of this program to encourage the growth of relationships with self, others, and God.  Because of our commitment to the safety and well being of each young person who comes to camp, we begin working on the next season of camp almost as soon as the last season has ended.  All staff members who are employed at any of the camps will have gone through an extensive application process, which includes a reference and background check.  We also have a training period where each staff member (new or returning) is required to attend before the camp season officially begins.   This training covers camper issues (such as homesickness, bedwetting, and behavior management), emergency situations, and what to expect from campers of different age levels.  All staff members also go through sexual misconduct prevention training and each staff member is expected to be CPR and First Aid Certified. 

Campers in most of the programs at Shrine Mont live in a cabin.  They share their cabin with up to nine other campers and one cabin counselor of the same gender.  The cabins have screened-in windows and doors, and are very basic.  Each campsite has a bathhouse for girls and one for boys, and the cabins are all centrally located within the campsite.  Each campsite has a Director’s Cabin (where the senior staff members live), as well as an Infirmary (where our nurses live and keep all medical supplies/medicines) and a Rectory (where our chaplaincy staff live while they are working with the camps).   

During camp, your child will spend the majority of his or her time at Shrine Mont, but many of our camps go on an overnight camping trip.  These trips are led by camping directors, and the utmost care is taken during the planning and execution of these trips.  If there are any other field trips or extended camping trips planned for your camper, we will notify you prior to the opening of the camp session.

Again, thank you for your interest in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia’s summer camp program at Shrine Mont.  See below for a sample daily schedule, packing list, and a link to our frequently asked questions page.

Peace,
Paris Ball, Director of Shrine Mont Camps

A day in the life of a camper:

   Daily Schedule:*

7:15- Wake up Bell
8:00- Breakfast
9:00- Clean Cabins
9:30- Scheduled activities (Sports, Swimming, Art, etc.)
10:30- Chaplain’s Time
11:30- Camper Free Time
12:30- Lunch
1:15- Rest Period
2:30- Scheduled Activities
3:30- Cabin Free Time
4:30- Camp Free Time
5:30- Dinner
6:15- Worship
7:00- Evening Games
8:00- Evening Program (Dance, Skit Night, etc.)
9:30- Good Night Song and head to cabins

*Please note this is a typical schedule for a day at camp.  The schedule may change for each camp.

Shrine Mont Camps Cell Phone Policy:

It is the strong belief that time spent at Shrine Mont is time spent in “a place apart.”  One of the wonderful benefits that campers get from attending a Shrine Mont camp is the community that is built with other campers and counselors, and the opportunity to truly spend time in God’s creation.  Because being able to provide a true “place apart” for campers and staff alike is so important to the mission of the Summer Camp program, cell phones are strictly prohibited.  We ask that communication between campers and those at home be limited to letters and postcards, unless there is an emergency.  There is a phone number where parents are able to call if there is an emergency, but we do not provide opportunities for phone calls or emails while camp is in session.  In a time of great technological advances, there are fewer and fewer times when children are called to be fully present in one place and time alone.  Summer camp at Shrine Mont is an environment that is strongly committed to these beliefs, and we thank you for respecting the restrictions on any cell phones, PDAs, or other communication devices at Shrine Mont Camps.

• a sleeping bag and/or sheets and a blanket
• sneakers for every day use, boots for hiking – Please note – for safety reasons, we do not allow campers to wear shoes that don’t have a back (such as flipflops).
• enough tough, casual clothes to make it through the session without doing laundry
• rain gear
• at least one pair of long pants, and a sweatshirt or jacket for cool evenings
• a swimsuit (or two) and a towel
• a flashlight
• TWO durable water bottles or canteens
• paper, envelopes, and stamps
• books to read during rest period
• supplies for a creative activity you enjoy (e.g., a musical instrument, sketchbook, journal, knitting supplies…)
• a Bible and a Book of Common Prayer, if you have them
• shampoo, toothpaste, etc., and a bath towel
• *This is a basic supply list.  Different camps may require some extra items.

Please click here: for a link to Frequently Asked Questions.