Summer Camp FAQs
Q: IS BUS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE?
A: YES! Bus transportation is available as space allows. Cost is $35 for a round trip. Summer camp bus departure time from Zion, Illinois is 6:30 AM from the south parking lot at Christ Community Church of Zion, and approximate arrival time at Camp Zion is 12 NOON. Snack provided for younger groups. Jr. High and Sr. High should bring $ for McDonald’s. DEPARTURE TIME on the last day of camp is 10:00AM (for HS 2.0 session, pick up time on last day is 9:45 AM.) We anticipate the bus arriving in Zion, Illinois around 4:00, depending on traffic. Because seating on bus is limited, please do not sign your child to ride the bus if you are not certain, saving the seats for those who need it most.
Q: WHAT IF MY CHILD WILL NOT BE RIDING THE BUS?
A: Parents bringing their child directly to camp may arrive between 11:00AM-Noon. PICK UP TIME on the last day is 10:00AM (9:00 AM for Sr. High 2.0). Please check back for details, and watch for an email announcement. Campers may not drive themselves to camp without advance permission.
Q: CAN ANYONE ATTEND CAMP ZION YOUTH CAMPS?
A: Yes! Sign up for summer youth camps begins at 8:00 AM on January 2, 2024. Don’t delay! While most sessions have plenty of space, some sessions fill up fast.
Q: HOW DO I REGISTER FOR YOUTH CAMPS?
Note: Date form and deposit is received at camp determines placement.
A: Register online.
A: It is possible to register people over the phone, but not during the first several hours of registration opening day. If you need help with this method, please call after 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, January 2.
A: To make payments by credit card or set up payment schedule, please contact the camp office at 920.854.2790.
Q: WHEN ARE SUMMER YOUTH CAMP FEES DUE?
A: BALANCE of all fees must be received at the camp office or postmarked by June 1. Because some campers are on a wait list, out of courtesy to them, it is very important that you contact the camp office by June 1 to make payment arrangements or let us know of your intentions. We don’t want to drop anyone from the regular camper list. Whenever possible, please pay spending money (for canteen treats, crafts, apparel) at the same time. We are happy to work out a payment schedule. Please contact the camp office to set up a payment schedule or to pay by credit card.
Q: What is the Cancellation Policy?
A: Out of courtesy and respect for others, please let us know as soon as possible if your child will not be attending. Some sessions may have children on a wait list, staff members need to to organize cabins, teams, etc. If camper cancels for reasons OTHER THAN sickness or unavoidable circumstance less than two weeks prior to the session, a $50 cancellation fee IN ADDITION to the deposit will be charged.
Q: WHICH SESSION DO I SIGN MY CHILD UP FOR?
A: Summer campers attend the session for the grade they enter in the fall.
Q: IS MY CHILD CLOSELY SUPERVISED?
A: Your child's safety and welfare is our top concern. We will do everything possible to ensure that a camper has a great camp experience. Our staff are carefully screened prior to the session, and we have an overall camper staff/camper ratio of 2:1. Cabins are staffed with a minimum of 2 cabin counselors each. Certified personnel supervise the waterfront, and our health supervisor works under the direction of a Wisconsin licensed physician.
Q: HOW WILL MY CHILD'S MEDICATIONS BE DISPENSED??
A: ALL MEDICINE, including aspirin, band-aids, and vitamins must be turned in and administered by the camp health supervisor. ALL over-the-counter AND prescription medications must be in original container from pharmacy, clearly labeled according to Wisconsin law, AND listed on the Camper Med Admin Form.pdf
Q: IS THERE A LUGGAGE LIMIT?
A: LUGGAGE LIMIT: 1 case not to exceed 50 lbs., 1 small overnight, and 1 bed roll. Luggage should be brought the morning of departure.
Q: MAY CAMPERS COME AND GO?
A: No. Campers may not leave the camp grounds unless on a camp-sponsored, staffed outing.
Q: MAY MY CAMPER CALL HOME?
A: Sorry! Your child will be well-cared for. Phone calls to or from camp are disruptive to the camp environment and program. Cell phones are NOT permitted. We also ask that parents not call their children unless there is an emergency. Please do not pack cell phones in luggage!
Q: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR SENDING MY CHILD TO CAMP?
A: Be positive! Talk to your child about all the great things they will experience at camp, and don’t dwell on how much you (or your pet!) might miss each other.
Q: TELL ME ABOUT THE FACILITIES.
A: The camp is situated on over 31 wooded acres on the shores of Green Bay, with 250+ acres of adjacent undeveloped county park land. Winterized sleeping facilities are all carpeted with tile bathrooms. The Lodge meeting room is situated on a bluff above the water. Tasty meals are served in the Dining Hall on upper camp. Did we say that we have GOOD FOOD?
Q: IS CAMP ZION LICENSED BY OR AFFILIATED WITH ANY ORGANIZATIONS?
A: Camp Zion is licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a Recreation/Educational camp and is inspected annually. Camp Zion is a charter member of Christian Camp & Conference Association, and the Wisconsin Section. CCCA is the premier organization for equipping Christian camp and conference leaders. Christ Community Church of Zion is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Q: MY CHILD IS ON THE WAITING LIST. WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT HE WILL GET TO ATTEND?
A: There are no guarantees, but quite often the list begins to change when school lets out and people realize what their summer schedule includes. If your child moves up to the regular list, you will be notified immediately. If we are unable to accommodate your child, you will receive a full refund for any deposit and fees already paid. Hang in there!
Q: WHAT SHOULD MY CAMPER BRING?
A: Play clothes, Bible, pen or pencil, notebook, toiletries, sleeping bag, heavy sweater/jacket, 2 pair sturdy shoes, flashlight, pillow & pillowcase, swimsuit, fitted twin sheet, towel & washcloth, aqua-socks for non-swimmers, sunscreen. Optional: fishing equipment, camera, raincoat, sunglasses, water bottle, Covid mask. (By the way, label everything!)
Q: WHAT SHOULD MY CAMPER NOT BRING?
A: CELL PHONES, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, smart phones, electronic music playing devices, personal 2-way radios, laptops, handheld games, knives, firearms, food from home, unless accompanied by a doctor's dietary order.
Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE YOUTH CAMP POLICY ON CELL PHONES, RADIOS, AND MUSIC PLAYING DEVICES?
A: Like most camps, Camp Zion does not allow electronic devices such as smart phones, music playing devices, radios, and cell phones, electronic games, etc. at youth camps. We want our campers to be free from the normal distractions of life, and these rules help the campers and staff focus on their relationship with the Lord, and on the goals of the camp session.
Please understand that for a number of reasons, including privacy concerns, Camp Zion youth camp campers are strictly prohibited from bringing and/or using cell phones. For more information, please contact the camp office.
Q: IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
A: DRESS CODE: It is not our desire to be legalistic, however, we do want to encourage appropriate standards that we believe will benefit everyone in the group environment. No immodest or indecent attire, which includes, but is not limited to: midriff-baring tops, spaghetti strap tank tops, short shorts, immodest swimsuits, shirts with inappropriate messages, and exposed undergarments.
Q: ARE THERE LAUNDRY OPPORTUNITIES?
A: LAUNDRY privileges are not available.
Q: MAY I WRITE MY CHILD?
A: PARENTS: Yes! Kids love good old-fashioned letters and cards. Please write early. Camp Zion, P.O. Box 32, Ellison Bay, WI 54210. Please do not send food. Campers may receive two brief text only e-mail messages, no attachments. Keep in mind, e-mails are not private. Send camper email to: happycamper@campzion.com, place your child’s name in the subject area.
Q: MAY I SEND MY CHILD A PACKAGE?
A: Please do not send packages. Please know that we no longer give out packages. Some campers have allergies that could be severely impacted by the contents of a package being opened in the cabin. And, we do not have space to store packages.
Q: HOW DO I ARRANGE A VISIT?
A: We welcome visitors! Please call 920.854.2790 to arrange for a visit and a tour. So as not to disrupt the flow of summer youth camp sessions (or cause unnecessary homesickness!), visits should be kept brief, and only once per session. Visitors should not expect to participate in camp activities or programs.
Q: WHAT ABOUT HOMESICKNESS?
A: Most campers get so involved and enthused in the program and activities that homesickness is not an issue. Parents are often surprised and pleased that their child does so well while at camp. But, homesickness does occasionally occur. Depending on the camper, parental visits can sometimes exacerbate the problem. The camp staff will do everything possible to ensure that the camper has a great experience, and campers will be well cared for.
Q: Are there any COVID 19 protocols still in place?
A: No. Please use good judgement, and treat others with courtesy, respect and common sense. Masks are optional.
OTHER Frequently Asked Questions
Q: HOW DO I GET ON THE MAILING LIST?
A: Please send your address to Camp Zion, P.O. Box 32, Ellison Bay, WI 54210, or send us a message.
Q: CAN MY CHURCH OR GROUP USE CAMP ZION?
A: Yes. Camp Zion is perfect for retreats for church youth, family, and adult groups, home-schools groups. Our staff will work together with you to ensure that Camp Zion is a good fit for you, that your retreat is successful, meets YOUR needs, and fulfills our mission. Camp policies and rules will be enforced. Contact the Camp Office at 920.854.2790 or send us a message for booking information.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR GUEST GROUP RATES?
A: We strive hard to keep our fees as low as possible. Weekend youth retreat prices begin at $129, adult retreats begin at $155 (2 nights, 4 meals, additional fee for more meals). (Summer youth camp fees are listed on this site under the Kids & Youth tab.) 15-20 person minimum preferred. Prices are per person, and subject to change.
Q: DOES THE YOUTH CAMP CELL PHONE POLICY APPLY TO GUEST GROUPS?
A: No. However, especially for youth retreats, it is our strong recommendation that guests take a fast, or break, from technology!
Q: MAY I HAVE THE WiFi PASSWORD ?
A: Sorry. With limited available internet bandwidth, our WiFi is primarily for office use. Guest group leaders only may request access. In granting guest access, we ask that you please limit your usage, and not use video or music streaming services like YouTube, Spotify, etc, which slow down everyone’s access. Please respect our Christian camp social media standards in your viewing habits.
Q: HOW DO I CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY?
A: Camp Zion donors are special members of the Camp Zion team. They believe in the potential for Christian camping to make a difference for eternity in kid's lives. Tax-deductible gifts may be given at the DONATE tab, or sent to Camp Zion, P.O. Box 32, Ellison Bay, WI 54210.
Q: WHO OWNS CAMP ZION?
A: Camp Zion is a ministry of Christ Community Church of Zion, Illinois, who has owned and operated the camp since its inception in 1946. Christ Community Church founded the City of Zion, Illinois in 1901, and is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals. You may contact Christ Community Church at 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion, IL 60099. 847.746.1411.
Q: HOW LONG HAS CAMP ZION BEEN AROUND?
A: In the late 1930''s, Paul Peters, Steve LaBelle, Frank Scaccia, Jabez Taylor and others from what is now known as Christ Community Church began organizing overnight campouts. These retreats were well-received by the kids and parents. After WWII, seeing a vision for what God could do in Christian camping, these men began to scout out sites for the church to own it's own camp.
In 1946, the group camped near our present location in a farmer's orchard, in exchange for picking the cherries. The church leadership purchased the first two of four waterfront lots on our present site in 1947, and two more in 1953. 14.5 additional acres were purchased in 2001, and 2.5 additional acres were acquired in 2007, and 12.01 acres were purchased in 2016, making a total of just over 31 acres.
The camp program has always included summer youth camps and seasonal retreats for youth and adults. In 1999, the decision was made to make the camp director position a full-time position, in order to better get a handle on facility and upkeep needs, keep up with increasing health and safety codes, train staff, steward the program, and to operate camp more consistently throughout the year. Executive Director Dale Stewart and family moved permanently to Ellison Bay in 2000, and have lived in Gills Rock since 2001.
Q: WHERE IS CAMP ZION?
A: Just north of Ellison Bay, Wisconsin on Door Bluff on the northern tip of the beautiful Door County Peninsula, in the Northeast portion of the state, Green Bay side of the peninsula. We are adjacent to the Door Bluff Headlands County Park.
Q: GOOD NEWS? WHAT'S THAT ABOUT?
A: Learn about God's Good News for you!
Q: WHAT DOES CAMP ZION BELIEVE?
A: Doctrinal Statement of Christ Community Church of Zion.
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God, and our rule for faith and practice.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, in his sinless life, in his miracles, in his vicarious and atoning death through his shed blood, in his bodily resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in his personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that the salvation of lost and sinful man is only by the grace of God through faith in Christ alone, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of eternal life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of eternal punishment.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
8. We believe that Christ commanded two ordinances to be observed by the Church until Christ returns: water baptism and the Lord's Supper, both open to all believers.
Camp Zion is a ministry of Christ Community Church of Zion, Illinois. We subscribe to the Statement of Faith of the National Association of Evangelicals, and the Christian Camp & Conference Association.