Every effort to have accurate, up to date info here is made. That said, we recommend you check this page and your email the week prior to attending camp for any updates. Remember we are implementing a new camper info portal, and you will be notified about that via email as well. Thanks!
1. What should my child bring to camp?
- CLOTHES! (Very important you don’t forget these and be sure to check out the CLBC DRESS CODE which is listed below. NO tank tops.) Label ALL clothing and other items with camper name. (Every effort will be made to help campers keep up with their belongings, but the camp cannot be responsible for lost items. A lost and found will be available at the end of camp on pick-up day.)
- Bible—It is Canal Lake BIBLE Camp!
- Bedding—For middle and high school overnight camp, lodging is in dorm style rooms with twin sized bunk beds. You will need pillows, sheets and blankets or sleeping bag.
- Towels and Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, sunscreen, etc.)
- Flashlight (overnight camp)
- PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS—(NO MEDS ARE DISTRIBUTED ELEMENTARY WEEK. MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL WEEKS ONLY) These will ONLY be accepted in the original container having clear instructions on the pharmacy label with camper’s name.
2. Are electronics allowed?
Thanks for asking. Nope. We want your children to plug into a relationship with God while they’re at camp, and we’ve found the best way to facilitate that is to ask them to unplug from electronics. Should a phone be found on your child, it will be placed in a locked cabinet until the end of camp.
3. I want my child to have a cell phone to call me, is that alright?
(See question 2.) Sorry, no. Unless there is a medical reason a child needs a cell phone, we ask that campers leave these items at home. However, if your child ever needs to call home, our counselors will make sure they have access to a phone.
4. What is the CLBC CAMP DRESS CODE?
We’re thrilled you asked! It’s very simple, and we do enforce it! Check it out below.
- T-Shirts–no offensive words or graphics on t-shirts and fall at or below the waist. (No tank tops-guys or gals)
- Shorts must fall at or below the length of your child’s fist when it is balled at his/her side.
- Jeans—You will want at least one pair of jeans for cool evenings.
- Underwear and socks—We don’t recommend sharing, so make sure you pack plenty!
- Shoes—Required at all times at camp. We recommend at least one pair of tennis/athletic shoes, water shoes (for mud pit) and flip-flops/sandals.
- Swimsuit—For girls, a tankini or one piece. If your child wears a 2 piece, they must wear a full tank-top covering. We recommend 2 swimsuits. They do not have to wear a t-shirt while swimming.
- PLAY clothes are suggested. Keep in mind, we do a lot of messy activities. Don’t send their best.
5. My child has special diet requirements; will you accommodate them?
We attempt to accommodate as many dietary needs as possible. Our dedicated cooks serve a really great variety of fresh fruits and veggies along with our main entrees. If your child is diabetic, vegetarian, lactose intolerant or has nut allergies, we will definitely be able to accommodate them. Just let us know at registration. However, we are NOT equipped to handle dietary preferences or undiagnosed sensitivities. We have a large number of campers, and if your child eats dairy sometimes or some gluten, but not all, we will either feed them completely dairy and gluten free or we will feed them the regular menu. Thanks for understanding.
6. Can my child request a dorm partner?
Yes, absolutely. We allow one friend request per child. Please make sure you note who they wish to be dorm partners with on the registration form prior to registration day. (There is the occasional time when this is not possible, but rest assured we do everyone in our power to put the kids in a dorm where they have a friend and feel comfortable.)
7. Can my child request a dorm mom or dad?
Our dorm moms and dads are the greatest, aren’t they!? You can request a dorm mom though we cannot guarantee your child will get the person they request. If it is possible to accommodate them, we will. Again, this must be noted on their registration form prior to registration day.
8. Can my child be on the same team as their friend?
While we try to put campers with a friend in the dorms, we do not guarantee that children will be placed with their friends on their team. The team-time is only during the morning. Your child is free to sign up for track times, eat meals, and sit with their friends throughout the remainder of the day.
9. Can my child attend a different week of camp than the age requirements?
This is a very common request. In fact, if we said yes to this request every time, we wouldn’t have camp according to age at all. We completely understand that some of you have mature children, some of you have children with a sibling in a different age group, etc. There are often legitimate reasons why it might be ideal for your child to attend a different age level week of camp than their appropriate one. The problem is that there are also a lot of really legitimate reasons why we need to keep the right ages in the right weeks. Activities, team building, teaching, dorm devotions, and games are all carefully created for specific age levels. Additionally, our counselors are trained and prepared to help with specific age levels each week. Because we cannot make exceptions for one without others hoping for the same exception, the answer to this question is NO. If you feel your circumstances are truly unique or have a medical reason why your child should attend a different week of camp you may email your request to info@canallakebiblecamp.com, and we will respond as soon as we are able. Otherwise, we PROMISE we’ll do everything in our power to make your child comfortable should you choose to send them to the appropriate week of camp. (To determine what week your child should attend, simply select the week for the grade your child will be rising into the following year according to the traditional public school calendar according to their age. )
10. Can my child attend two weeks of camp?
Often we have campers with a birthday during the month of July. Sometimes parents want their kids to attend with two different friends. Camp is just so fun, isn’t it? Sorry. One week of camp per child per summer!
11. Can I pick my child up for sports or other appointments?
Yes, but you’ll need to sign them out from the nurses station and sign them back in when you return. (But seriously, mom! Don’t make ‘em go to the dentist during camp!!)
12. How do you offer camp for free?
Well, that’s a great question! Glad you asked. Camp is funded by generous donations and lots of fundraising. It actually takes tens of thousands of dollars to run camp every year and we trust God to provide. If you’d like to make a tax deductible donation to CLBC, you can donate here.
13. What is your camp doctrinal statement?
That’s a deep question. We’re glad you asked about that. Here’s where we stand on the big stuff.
Statement of Faith
1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
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 for the salvation of lost and sinful man, 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 save and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
14. Do you have lifeguards at the lake?
Yes, we do have certified lifeguards at the lake. Additionally, our children wear life vests while at the lake. We don’t take the honor of caring for your children lightly and use this precaution because we want to provide the safest environment possible.
15. My child is no longer planning to attend camp, will you refund the $10 registration fee?
We’re sorry, the $10 is non-refundable as stated on the registration form.
16. Should I send snack money for Snack Shack?
No need to do that, but you may want to check out our new CLBC Store at registration or when you pick your child up from camp at the end of the week. We have really affordable CLBC gear that you may wish to purchase as a memento. (And you’ll love this: ALL the proceeds go right back into CLBC.)
17. I would like to volunteer while my child is at camp. Is this possible?
We love awesome parents who love to be involved in their children’s lives. In addition to having a background check, our staff go through an interview process, training, and other team building activities throughout the year. We are very careful when selecting volunteers (since we’re caring for your precious children!). If you are willing to walk through the entire process, you may click on the Staff Application tab from the Home Page and send us your application.
18. Is there a nurse on staff?
We have a variety of terrific volunteer nurses, EMT’s, and paramedics who help in our nurse’s station.
19. My child has a medical condition. Can they still attend CLBC?
We are a Bible camp run by volunteers. As such, we are not equipped for major medical conditions, however, we have had many diabetic children (who are able to manage carb counting/insulin), for example, who attend camp with no difficulty. Additionally, we have been able to accommodate a few children with special needs. We take these situations on a case by case basis and you are welcome to email us at info@canallakebiblecamp.com to discuss your child’s specific scenario. If your child has special needs, we ask that you email us prior to registering them so that we can discuss your situation. We treasure every child and realize we are limited in the scope of our volunteer capabilities. Thank you for understanding.
20. What are the 2023 camp dates?
Elementary–July 8-12
Teen–July 15-19
Middle School–July 22-26
21. What time is registration on Monday?
Elementary Week Drop-Off is 8:30 am and Pick-Up is 4:30 pm.
Teen and Middle Weeks-2-4 PM
22. Can I drop my child off early?
We cannot accept children early. We have to give our counselors time to arrive—we wouldn’t want campers without counselors!
23. Can I register my child after 4PM?
You can do that if you need to. It’s not ideal because they won’t get their pick of track times or bunk beds, but if you have no other choice, you can register them late. Report to the nurse’s station to do so.
24. What time is parent pick-up on Friday?
Elementary Week-4:30pm Friday
Teen and Middle Weeks-Glad you asked. 3PM Closing ceremonies begin at 2PM on Friday. You must pick your child up NO LATER THAN 3PM. Closing ceremonies include announcing team winners, individual winners, awarding prizes and final thoughts. Most kids really like to stay through closing ceremonies. Parents often enjoy observing them, though it is not a formal event. Campers return to their dorms after closing ceremonies where they are released to parents after the parent has signed them out.
25. Can I pick my child up early on Friday?
You can sign your child out from 8am to noon, but must call in advance. Most kids really want to stay through closing ceremonies. We really try to keep things organized and ensure the safety of all our children, so it is best if you come during parent pick-up at 3PM and sign your child out AT THEIR DORM. Do be advised though that there is no early sign out after noon on Friday.
26. Where do I pick up my child on Friday?
You go to your child’s dorm to pick them up. You must sign your child out with their dorm leader. If you are early (8am-noon), you report to the nurse’s station. You may wish to watch closing ceremonies in the gym and then follow your camper to the dorm to sign them out.
27. Can I visit my child during the week?
Elementary Week-No parent visitation during day camp.
Teen and Middle Weeks-We totally understand; you miss your kids! We’d love for you to come to the Wednesday evening service at 7PM. Plan to arrive around 6:30PM so that you have time to sign in and get a visitor bracelet. After the service, we ask that you say goodbye to your children in the service area. They will exit for snack shack out the front double doors. To ensure the safety of our campers, visitors are asked to remain in our Family Life Center. We ask that all visitors respect our visiting hours. Again, they are from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Wednesday of each week.
28. Can I stop in to say hi to my child at a time other than the visiting hours on Wednesday?
No. After hosting this camp for over fifty years, we’ve learned a few things. One of them is that most kids don’t get homesick . . . parents do! When you come visit throughout the day, it interrupts the planned activities and often upsets the kids. Though it may not upset your kids, it will often make other children miss their parents. Remember your child can receive mail throughout camp. Fill out camper postcards and place them in their dorm mailboxes on registration day.
29. What if my child is homesick?
We will do everything we can to encourage your camper should they start missing you. We will certainly allow them to call mom and dad if they are missing you. Should they really struggle every day, we may determine that they are not quite ready for independent camp and ask you to pick them up. Usually our fun-loving counselors and nurturing dorm parents are able to encourage even the most timid of campers. Typically our homesick campers end up having so much fun that by Friday, they don’t want to go home.
30. My child takes medication; can they keep it with them?
We do not allow medication elementary week, and our nurse does not administer prescription medication elementary week. Pleases plan accordingly.
Teen and Middle Weeks, our nurse will be really glad to help your child with their medication. Please be certain that you turn in ALL meds to the nurse on registration day. To ensure everyone’s safety, campers may not keep any meds in their dorm.
31. Are there off campus activities?
Some years we do offer some off campus track times. You will have the opportunity to sign your child up for track times on registration day. Any off campus activities are chaperoned and have drivers over the age of 18. Your child does not have to participate in these activities.
32. Can I send my camper mail?
We provide 2 postcards for you to fill out on registration day and place in your child’s dorm mailbox. Their counselors will deliver their mail to them. Kids also love these real letters. (Mailing address for camp is PO Box 1475 Blairsville GA 30514)
33. What is your physical address so I can find you?
That would be helpful info to have! 145 Bible Camp Circle Blairsville, GA 30512 Just in case you get lost, you may want the phone number too: 762-525-7562
34. For teen or middle weeks, my child is a day camper; what time and where should I drop them off and pick them up?
CLBC is an overnight camp, and we give preference to ALL overnight campers prior to considering day campers for teen and mdidle weeks. We have such a long wait list for full-time campers, that day camping isn’t typically an option. Please check with us first. Should we approve a daycamper, they will be dropped off between 8:00 and 8:30 at the nurse’s station where they must be signed in. They must be picked up at 5:00-5:30 at the nurse’s station or after the evening service between 8:15-8:30 at the nurse’s station. You will need to let us know at registration which evening time slot you will be picking your child up at so that we can have them waiting for you in the nurse’s station where they will be signed out. Our staff are very busy throughout the day, so it is imperative that your child is dropped off and picked up during these times. They will be waiting for you at the nurse’s station. Thanks for your help with this!
35. What does a typical camp day schedule look like?
Every day is slightly different, and each camp week also varies. This will give you a general idea.
8:30 BREAKFAST
9:30 HOP Talks – Deep dives into relevant Biblical topics.
10:30 Team Building (Games, small group teaching time, in depth Bible Study)
12:00 LUNCH
1:00 Quiet time/Verses (We have awesome contests for scripture memory and encourage our campers to learn lots of verses.)
1:30 Track time (We have leadership tracks such as How to Defend Your Faith, creative tracks like pottery, Athletic tracks like Ultimate Frisbee, Zipline etc.)
3:00 Swimming/Free Time/Snack Shack(till 4:30)
5:00 Clean-Up/Free Time
5:30 DINNER
6:45 Counselor Skit/Worship/Memory Verse
7:00 Worship Service (We bring in awesome speakers from all over the country to share with your children.)
8:30 Snack Shack
9:00 Camp Special (Different fun activities each night from outdoor games to marshmallow fights and other surprises.)
9:45-10:30 Dorm Devotions/Showers (Time depends on the week with elementary week being the earliest.)
10:30- 12:00 Lights Out! (Time depends on the week with elementary week being the earliest.)
