What to Bring to Camp/FAQ

• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, etc.)
• Clothing for all weather (jeans, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, hat, pajamas, underwear, swimsuit)
• Hat/head-covering for sunny days; raincoat for rainy days
• Running shoes, and rubber boots or cowboy boots (no flip-flops or sandals)
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Bible (optional item - bring if you have one otherwise one will be provided)
• Camera (optional item)
• Flashlight (optional item)

Please DO NOT Bring:

• Cell phones, electronic games, iPods, etc. (these seem get misplaced and/or broken)
• Flip flops (our ground is uneven and ankle injuries are common with flip flops)
• Candy, pop, or any other food (our campers are very well fed)
• Pocket knives
• Cigarettes, alcohol or drugs

 

What is the Cancellation Policy?

The $100 deposit is non-refundable. If there are extenuating circumstances please call the office. 

When do I arrive?

Please plan to arrive at camp on Sunday between 4:30-5:30pm. Our camp program officially begins at 6:00pm and all goodbyes will need to be said by that time. Please do not arrive early as we will be in staff meetings and we are unable to provide supervision before 4:30pm.

Where do I go when I arrive?

When you arrive at Birch Bay Ranch, a staff member will greet you and ask the name of the camper. You will be directed to your child's cabin. At the cabin you will meet their cabin leader and will choose a bed. You will have to sign in your camper. All other forms and releases have already been filled in online.

Is there supper on Sunday?

There is supper provided for the campers. 

What about medication for the week?

ALL medication - whether prescription or over-the-counter, MUST be taken to the nurse and logged in. The cabin leader will direct you to the nurses station. We have a designated person each week to provide first aid and to ensure that all medication is received, recorded and taken on time.

What about dietary needs?

We are able to accommodate many dietary needs. Please ensure that we are aware of any dietary requirements prior to arrival at camp. We do not use any nuts in cooking or baking. There are nuts in our tuck shop (candy store) in chocolate bars and on some candy labels as "may or may not contain". If you have specific questions about dietary concerns, please call us so we can talk with you individually (780-922-2883).

Do we need to bring any money for the tuck shop - candy, etc?

No, your camper will not require any additional money. You have already paid for their "tuck" (candy store) in your camp fee. On Friday the souvenir store will be open (cash, visa or mastercard) if you want to buy souvenirs or if you want pop, ice cream, choc bars during the finale.

When is pick up at the end of the week?

Pick up is on Friday at 6:00pm. You will require your child's ID number and will need to sign your child out. When you arrive at the Ranch you will be greeted and given a program. You will be directed to pick up your child and all their belongings. (You may then want to park up by the horse arena so you can leave easier at the end of the evening). There is a BBQ for all campers and their guests beginning at 6:00pm. At 7:00pm we will all meet in the grandstands by the horse arena for our FRIDAY FINALE.

Where will my child sleep and shower?

Campers stay in either our bunk-style cabins or in our Cedar Lodge on camping cots. There are up to 12 campers per cabin. Washrooms with running water and showers are shared between 3-4 cabins. The Cedar Lodge has outdoor shower tents (campers are in swim suits) and campers have access to the Main Lodge indoor showers.

I requested a roommate - what are the chances that will happen?

Your child will be put into a cabin (night) and a group (day) with whomever they requested. If there is any reason we cannot honor the request, we will contact you so that we can make a decision about the week together. NOTE: If you request campers of differing ages to be together we will put the older camper in with the younger campers. We do not move the younger campers "up". If you requested a sibling as the choice of roommate and would prefer that each child stays within their own age group, call and let us know and we'll make the switch.

What if I need to reach my child during the week?

If you want to reach your child during the week, please call the Ranch office 780-922-2883 and we will ensure a message is delivered to your child.

Can my child call home?

We allow children to call home if they ask. If they ask to call because they are a bit homesick, please be prepared that there may be tears when they hear your voice. This does not mean that they have been crying during their time at camp. If you are concerned, ask to speak to their cabin leader who will be with them while they call.

What are Birch Bay Ranch's cellphone guidelines?

We strongly recommend that cellphones be left at home. Your camper will have a better camp experience without worrying about their phone.  Cellphone coverage is quite poor in most of our buildings and cabins. Wifi is not available to campers. 

As this is more a guideline than a policy, we will not be taking cell phones away from campers. We will ask that the phones be put away if there is any compromise in safety or if they are being used irresponsibly. 

Birch Bay Ranch is not responsible for lost/stolen/damaged cell phones or cell phone accessories. This includes ALL manner of electronics. 

Birch Bay Ranch is not responsible for the digital citizenship of your camper.

What if I can't drop off or pick up my child? Can I send my child with someone else?

Yes, you can send your child with someone else for drop off or pick up. That person will need to know your child's registration ID number and will need to sign them in or out. You have already signed all waivers and have provided us with all the medical information. If you are sending medicine (prescription or non-prescription), please also send a letter with your signature giving our staff permission to give the medication and indicating what medications you are sending, the dosage and when you want the medication given.