Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Modesty is the key. No belly shirts or spaghetti straps (we like lasagna straps) for girls. One-piece swimsuits for girls, too. And, cool as it looks, no “low rider” pants for guys. Underwear is encouraged, we just don’t want to see it.

Q: Can my daughter wear a tankini or a shirt over her bikini?
A: The waterfront is much more activity-based than lying around in the sun. Your daughter’s suit should fit so that she can easily get in and out of boats, swim, play water games and not run the risk of making others uncomfortable or embarassing herself. So a modest tankini, okay. But no bikinis, shirt or otherwise. Thanks!

Q: May I add a roommate to my registration?
A: Yes, up to one week prior to the start of your child’s session. Log-on to your on-line account and follow the links (a link to your account is highlighted in the confirmation email sent to you upon registration).

Q: How do roommate requests work?
A: Your child may request up to two roommates. Requests must be within one grade level (i.e. we won’t put a 2nd grader with a 4th grader). We do honor the great majority of requests. Occassionally, it is impossible to accommodate all requests (e.g. the 14 middle school girls who all “inter-request” each other. We’re good, but there are only 10 girls per cabin!).

Q: Can I put money in my child's camp store account online or by mail before they arrive at camp?
A: Junior high and high school students hang on to their money (more than one place to spend it). That would seem to make sense (and it does) for elementary campers, but we’re not there yet, technologically. Sorry! So please do have store money ready to deposit separately upon check-in.

Q: Can I leave mail for my camper at camp when I arrive?
A: Definitely. And it isn’t even taxed!

Q: Can I send food in care packages?
A: Yes – please allow enough time (send it at least three days prior to the last day of camp) and try and send it UPS or FedEx (U.S. Mail leaves it out at the highway if we’re lucky. Some days there is too much to fit in the carrier’s car and they won’t deliver it at all. Don’t get us started…).

Q: Is transportation provided to/from camp?
A: In general, no. Some churches do provide transportation for kids coming as a group from that church. But we do not coordinate that, and is not a general option.

Q: Do we have to attend a church for my child to attend camp?
A: No, we have lots of kids come to camp who don’t attend church. Your child WILL have a total blast, but know that we are a Christian camp and we will talk about important things (like what a life lived with Jesus Christ looks like). But we aren’t “arm-twisters,”either. No altar calls or pressure for a certain response.

Q: What do I do if my child has a food allergy?
A: Please call the kitchen supervisor directly at least a week prior to the start of your child’s camp: (509) 447-4388 x. 42.

Q: What is the difference between Pioneer and Resident Camp?
A: Pioneer Camp is somewhat of a Disneyland version of camping – they’ll get the woodsy experience (and dirt!) but without a lot of the hassle (most of the food is prepped in the camp kitchen). Pioneer Camp has far fewer kids each week (up to 28 vs. up to 180 at Resident Camp), and do cool things like sleep in tipis, have an overnight under the stars and do more camping things (though they do lots of the great stuff Spalding offers, too – especially the waterfront each day). Resident campers are in a cabin with up to 9 other kids and a counselor. They stay somewhat cleaner. Both have tons of fun!

Q: Can my child attend more than one camp in one summer?
A: Yes, as long as it is a different type of camp (e.g. Resident Camp and Arts Camp, or Resident Camp and Pioneer Camp). We don’t encourage the same child attending the same type camp (e.g. both Resident Junior High camps) because the program is identical both sessions, and it may mean one child doesn’t get to come because another child came twice (in the case of sold-out camps).

Q: Can my child come late or leave early? Will you prorate my fee?
A: Yes and no. If your child needs to come late, let us know ahead of time by calling directly to camp: (509) 447-4388 x. 12. It is best if they come not later than the next morning after camp begins. As far as leaving early, circumstances sometimes necessitates that. But the last night is pretty special, so if you can pick up your child later in the evening they will be grateful! And no, we don’t prorate the week. Most of our camps sell out, and we can’t afford to charge less than we do as there really is no savings to us if your child misses the beginning or end of the week.

Q: You used to have a multi-child discount. Is that still offered?
A: Sorry, but as each child’s fee is already underwritten by nearly $100, we can no longer offer the discount for three or more kids per family. However, as with any family, please contact our registrar if finances would keep you from sending your child to camp. We want your kids here! We’ll work with you to make it happen.

Q: Our kids attend a private school, we have a family trip to Europe this summer, and my kids are in expensive sports camps. Can my kids attend Spalding for free?
A: Financial aid is need-based, not priority-based.