GEMS CAMP CONFIRMATION INFORMATION

Dear Campers and Cabin Counselors,

We are so excited that God is bringing you to GEMS Camp 2014 in just a couple weeks! We have been praying for this camp and for YOU and we know that God has plans for us there and can’t wait to experience camp with you. This letter contains A LOT of important information, so please read it carefully and do not hesitate to contact one of us if you have any questions at all.

1.      Camp begins with registration at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2014. Please eat dinner before you arrive. Upon arrival, you will check-in, find your cabin, and have the opportunity to explore the camp grounds before we begin our first official activity at 7:00 p.m.

2.      Please bring the following items with you: sleeping bag, pillow, swimsuit & towels, sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, other toiletries, clothes for hot & cold weather, shoes for walks/hikes, coat/jacket, flashlight, Bible, and a refillable water bottle. Life jackets are provided by the camp for all lake activities. If you would like to have your daughter wear water wings or a life jacket in the pool, please send that along from home. For your peace of mind, know that lifeguards are on duty at the lake and the pool during the entire time the girls have access to those areas. Safety is of utmost importance to us during camp.

3.      We realize that many of the older girls have cell phones and that parents rely on these to be able to reach their children. We ask that the girls do not bring cell phones or music players to camp, but if the parents feel it is necessary, we ask that the girls refrain from using them during camp activities except in case of emergency. We reserve the right to hold on to a girl’s cell phone or music player during camp activities if we believe it is being used inappropriately at camp. Cabin Counselors may bring cell phones, but we ask that you only use them as necessary and with discretion, as your primary task while at camp is to be with your group of girls and accompany them and assist them throughout the camp experience. Parents, please feel free to call the phone of your daughter’s club counselors if you need to reach your daughter during camp at any time.

4.      Directions to Lake Retreat & Conference Center:

From Tacoma: 
North on I-5 to Federal Way
East on Hwy 18 at exit 142A
Right on 272nd Street (this is also Hwy 516 and Kent-Kangley Rd. - same road, three names)
Right on Retreat-Kanaskat Rd. SE
Lake Retreat is approx. 1/4 mile on the left 

From North of Seattle: 

I-5 South

Merge onto I-405 S

East on I-90
Right on Front Street in Issaquah at Exit 17
Approx. 20 min. drive to first stop sign. Left onto Kent-Kangley Rd.
Right on Retreat-Kanaskat Rd. SE
Lake Retreat is approx. 1/4 mile on the left 

From Seattle: 
East on I-90
Right on Front Street in Issaquah at Exit 17
Approx. 20 min. drive to first stop sign. Left onto Kent-Kangley Rd.
Right on Retreat-Kanaskat Rd. SE
Lake Retreat is approx. 1/4 mile on the left 

From Ellensburg: 
West on I-90
West on Hwy 18 at Exit 25
Off at Hobart exit, turn left
At first stop sign turn Left onto Kent-Kangley Rd.
Right on Retreat-Kanaskat Rd. SE
Lake Retreat is approx. 1/4 mile on the left 

 If you would like to see a map or have any other questions about the camp facility, you may visit their website at lakeretreat.org. In case of emergency, the main phone number for the camp is 425-432-4293.

5.      Transportation to & from camp should be coordinated with your club. Counselors, please communicate to your own girls your travel information.

6.      Camp will end by 10:30 on Sunday morning, June 8, at which time you’ll be given the opportunity to load up your vehicles. We hope to have everyone on their way by 11:00 a.m. A travel snack will be provided, but you will be on your own for lunch if needed on your way home.

7.      When you arrive, each camper and cabin counselor will be given a name tag, a schedule, and a booklet with devotions and other pertinent information. Emergency phone numbers will be included in this booklet.

8.      Parents: If your daughter requires medication while at camp, please advise the counselors she will be traveling with from your club. We will have a camp nurse for acute care and emergencies; but she will not be able to distribute medications. Likewise, if your daughter requires an Epi-pen or other immediate care medications for allergies or chronic conditions, please consult with your club counselors to clarify her care.

9.      Many clubs have offered to donate snacks and supplies. A separate letter with counselor information and these details will be sent to all Club Coordinators and Cabin Counselors who are registered for camp.

As we have said before, please do not hesitate to contact either one of us with any questions or concerns regarding camp. 

Looking forward to camp with you,

Julie Ball, Camp Co-Coordinator

Tami Cleveringa, Camp Co-Coordinator