FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Questions

What is Summer Camp?
  • Every summer we provide 6 camps for teenagers (7th-12th grade) and 3 camps for kids (3rd-6th grade).
  • These summer camps provide a fun week to help students have a deep encounter with God.
  • This is a 4-night, all-inclusive camp that includes all meals, special guest communicators, premier worship, and tons of fun meeting students from all over the state of Florida.
  • Every morning and evening there is a service. 7 total services with a final send-off on Friday morning.
  • Every day there will be team competitions, free time, small group times, and snack shack time.
Who can attend summer camp?
Youth Camp
  • Students entering 7th – 12th grade
  • 2024 High School Graduates can attend as well, but they must attend as students.
  • Any person currently 19 years old and will not be 20 before camp starts should attend as a camper or apply to be on the camp crew.
  • There must be at least one year between the students’ oldest age and the leaders’ age.
  • Leaders: All leaders must be at least 20 years of age with an approved DCF Level 2 Live Scan Background Screen on file with the Masterpiece Garden Campground.
  • Please visit the DCF Level 2 page for more info on background checks.
Kids Camp
  • Students entering 3rd – 6th grade (6th grade graduates can choose kids or youth camp)
  • Leaders: All leaders must be at least 17 years of age with an approved DCF Level 2 Live Scan Background Screen on file with the Masterpiece Garden Campground
  • Please visit the DCF Level 2 page for more info on background checks.

    Where is Summer Camp Located?
    • Masterpiece Gardens Family Conference Center
    • Address: 3900 Great Masterpiece Rd. Lake Wales FL 33898

     

    When does camp start and end?
    • Check-in starts at 10 am and closes at 12 noon on Monday.
    • Make sure that your group arrives before 12 noon. Arriving after this time will create complications for the entire schedule and your students may not get lunch.
    • Summer Camp starts at 12 noon on Monday.
    • Summer Camp ends at 1oam on Friday Morning.

     

    Is there Childcare?
    • There is no childcare at summer camp
    • For Youth Camp, small children are not permitted to stay in the dorms. We recommend not bringing small children to camp. 
    • Any leaders bringing small children with them will need to pay for their own hotel room and the entire commuter registration fee to participate in the camp.
    • All children will also be required to pay the commuter fee if coming on the property. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis due to the required insurance costs and food costs.
    • For Kids Camp, we recommend not bringing children under the age of 7 to camp.
    Who are the guest speakers for each week?

    Each year, we strive to get this information into the hands of our leaders by the Youth Leaders and Creative Conference.

    Youth Camp
    • Week 1  – TBA
    • Week 2  – TBA
    • Week 3  – TBA
    • Week 4  – TBA
    • Week 5  – TBA
    • Week 6  – TBA
    Kids Camp
    • Week 1  – TBA
    • Week 2  – TBA
    • Week 3  – TBA
    Who is leading worship at camp?

    Each year, we strive to get this information into the hands of our leaders by the Youth Leaders and Creative Conference.

    Youth Camp
    • Week 1  – TBA
    • Week 2  – TBA
    • Week 3  – TBA
    • Week 4  – TBA
    • Week 5  – TBA
    • Week 6  – TBA
    Kids Camp
    • Week 1  – The Woods
    • Week 2  – The Woods
    • Week 3  – The Woods
    Can I join the camp crew?

    Youth Camp

    • Camp Crew is required to be 18+ years of age.
    • Anyone wanting to join the camp crew at Youth Camp must fill out the application on the PFYouth website. Click here to access the Youth Camp form.
    • We are looking for hard-working individuals who have a passion to serve.

    Kids Camp

    What happens if my child gets hurt at camp?

    We pray that everyone at camp has a great experience and returns home without any injuries.

    Nurse Requirements

    • Our minimum requirement for all nurses is that they are certified in First Aid and CPR.
    • We strive to have a Registered Nurse with more thorough experience each week.
    • Typically, we have more than one nurse on the property for each week of camp and we have a head nurse that is advising all nurses for the entire year.

    Nurse Clinic Procedures

    • For minor issues, the onsite nurse is able to provide basic care and send the patient back to normal activities.
    • For medium-level incidents, the nurse reaches out to the group leader, camp director, and district leadership to inform them of the patient’s situation. The group leader will contact the student’s parents and allow them to make the final decision on the care provided. Occasionally, we may require the student to be sent home and the parents will need to come to get their child from the campground.
    • In an emergency situation, our licensed nurse responds very quickly, and we contact emergency personnel as the care may require.
    • In the most extreme cases, we may need to have the student transported to the hospital.
    • We also have a defibrillator on the property for the most severe situations.

    Hospital Visits

    • If an individual goes to the hospital, our primary focus is to get them the best possible care.
    • We will provide our camp insurance to the hospital.
    • Each patient will need to fill out their claim paperwork within 90 days of the incident.
    • We will provide this paperwork to each patient or the patient’s parents in an expedited timeframe after camp.
        How do I contact summer camp if I have a question?

        Youth Camp

        Kids Camp

        Registration Questions

        How do I register for camp?
        Forms
        • Download the registration forms from the PFYouth website or at this link. CAMP DOWNLOADS
        • Collect each camper and leader’s information. Do NOT send the forms in the mail!
        • You will be required to bring to camp all camper parental consent forms and the medication form for those who require regular medication.
        • You do NOT need all attendees’ information when reserving spots. However, information is required 2 weeks before attending camp.
        • All Leader’s information is required ASAP for us to verify their background checks. Please get this information to us 4 weeks out.
        Purchase Spots
        • Before purchasing spots, create or login into your account on the PFYouth website by clicking here MY ACCOUNT
        • In 2023, we are moving registration to CampTrak. We are working very hard to get this new information into your hands.
        • Please try your best to make one transaction for your entire group together.
        • All registrations must go through the approval of the Youth Pastor or Pastor. We do not accept registrations from individuals not associated with a church.
        Pricing for 2023
        • The Early Student Price is $250, and the Early Leader is $185
        • After the Early deadline, the Student Price is $275, and the Leader Price is $210.
        • The Early deposit is $50 per person and must be paid to reserve each bed space.
        • All prices are based on the time of the paid deposits.
        • Final online payments are due at least one week before the start of that week of camp.
        • The church may bring a check for the final payment with them. Any bounced checks will be required to pay a $100 fee.
        CampTrak
        • Once spots are purchased, we will open up spots for all deposits to register online at CampTrak.
        • Fill in all the information for each student and leader into the CampTrak system.
        • The information should be entered no later than two weeks before camp starts.
        Background Checks
        • All staff must obtain a DCF Level 2 Live Scan Background Check.
        How do I access CampTrak?
        • After purchasing deposits, your spots will manually be added to the CampTrak website.
        • Here is the website link. camptrak.studentlifeportal.com
        • If you have an account from a previous year, you should be able to log in with your account.
        • If you forgot your password, please use the Forgot my password option.
        • To request a leader account, contact youth@penflorida.org and we can get an account set up for you.
        When do all the students and leaders needed to be placed into CampTrak?
        • Once you have a leader account for the CampTrak website, enter all students and leaders into the system as soon as you can.
        • Here is the website link. camptrak.studentlifeportal.com
        • Please make sure to enter all the student and leader information into the system no later than 2 week before camp starts.
        • Do not send your forms in the mail!
        • Please be advised that we need all parental consent forms and medication forms to be brought with you to camp check-in.
        • This system does not replace the DCF Level 2 screening. All leaders must have an approved background check before coming to camp.
        • The youth office may request a list of your leaders early, however, you are still required to enter all the students and leaders in CampTrak as well.
        What forms must I bring to the camp check-in?
        • We need all parental consent forms and medication forms to be brought with you to camp check-in.
        What is the price for camp?

        Camp Prices 2023 / 2024 prices are TBD

        • Student Camper Early Price: $250 per person
        • Student Camper Regular Price: $275 per person
        • Staff/Leader Camper Early Price: $185 per person
        • Staff/Leader Camper Regular Price: $210 per person 
        • Pre-Order Shirt: $20 each
        • Shack Cards: $10 each
        • All staff/leaders get a free T-shirt

        All prices are based on the time of the deposits.

        Final online payments are due at least one week before the start of that week of camp.

        If I paid deposits, when is the the final payment due?
          • All prices are based on the time of the paid deposits.
          • Your final payment is not required by the early deadline to still keep the Early Price. You can pay your final balance any time before attending camp.
          • Online payments are due at least one week before the start of that week of camp.
          • A check can be brought to camp, to satisfy your account. However, if the check is not written for the correct amount you will be charged on the spot for the difference.
          • Any bounced checks will incur a $100 processing fee and must be satisfied within 48 hours of the missed payment.
          When is the the full payment due?
          • Your account must be fully paid before you can attend camp.
          • All prices are based on the time of the paid deposits.
          • Final online payments are due at least one week prior to the start of that week of camp.
          • We highly encourage you to pay your account online to reduce time at camp check-in.
          • Pre-Order T-Shirts are $20 each. Pre-order shirts must be paid in full by the weekly online deadline.
          • Camp payments can be processed with a church check, but any bounced checks will incur a $100 processing fee and must be satisfied within 48 hours of the missed payment.
            How many Leaders is my group allowed to bring?
            • Every group should have at least one leader.
            • We recommend no more than one leader for every five students.
            • If your ratio is more than one leader to 5 students, you must pay an extra $25 for each additional leader.
            • If your group only has four students, then you are allowed to have one leader at the regular leader price based on the time of registration.
            • For example, if you have five leaders and 15 students, three leaders will pay the leader price of $185 early or $210 regular. 2 Leaders will pay $210 early or $235 regular.
            Do I need to pre order a shirt or shack card?
            • Pre-order shirts are $20. Pre-order shirts must be paid in full by the online deadline for each week.
            • All shirts on-site will be at a higher price.
            • We recommend purchasing snack cards early. Each card is $10.
            • The Snack Shack is a cashless transaction. Every person will need to purchase a shack card either way. These shack cards help us process transactions faster.
            • All purchases are non-refundable.
            Is there a Drop Date for registrations?
            Youth Camp ONLY
            • Dropped Date Deadline will happen in a succession order:
              1. Week 1 – April 29th
              2. Week 2 – May 6th
              3. Week 3 – May 13th
              4. Week 4 – May 20th
              5. Week 5 – May 27th
              6. Week 6 – June 3rd
            • Here is how this will work:
              1. You must register your group early for camp.
              2. You can use the drop date if fewer students sign up for camp.
              3. Please send an email to youth@penflorida.org to drop the spots.
              4. You will not get a refund from the district, but the funds will be applied to your account and reduce your final payment.
              5. This deadline will allow your group to register in advance and release unused spots before other groups miss the early registration deadline.
            • There will not be any refunds for dropped spots!
            • The drop date deadline was not started for you to drop your entire group. In this situation, you will be charged your deposit for every spot, and no refunds will be provided.
            Kids Camp ONLY

            Kids Camp has no drop date because the kids’ weeks have not traditionally been filled to capacity. This may be needed in the future.

            After the Drop Date deadline, Can I drop registration spots?
            Youth Camp ONLY
            • Yes, you can drop spots after the drop date deadline, however, your group will be required to pay in full for all spots.
            • If we are able to sell any of your dropped spots, after the deadline, then you will only be required to cover the cost of the deposits.
            • We highly recommend that you only purchase the spots that your group will fill completely.
            • Do not buy spots in advance that you know will not be filled.
            • The drop date was not started for you to drop your entire group, in this situation, you will be charged your deposit for every spot and there will not be any refunds provided.
            When will Drop spots become available?
            Youth Camp ONLY
            • Dropped spots will be announced in succession order.
            • Week 1 – May 4th
            • Week 2 – May 11th
            • Week 3 – May 18th
            • Week 4 & 5 – May 27th
            • If spots become available, they will be released on the website on those dates.
            • If you need more spots for camp and you have already registered for camp prior to the drop date, please send an email to youth@penflorida.org.
            If I am a pregnant leader, how will I be able to attend camp?
            • If you are a pregnant leader wanting to attend camp, we suggest you consider staying off-property at a hotel.
            • It is your responsibility to purchase your own hotel room off-campus.
            • We will be offering a commuter price once all the camps sell out. This will be the price that you will pay to attend camp.
            • We will have a group block you can use to get special hotel pricing.
            • We love our community of youth pastors, but the campground is not the best place for nursing mothers or heavily pregnant women to stay on property.
            When is the registration deadlines?
            Youth Camp

            All Camps usually sell out. These are the deadlines for price increases, but once a week sells out then there are no more beds on the property. We will open a commuter option once all camps are sold out.

            • Week 1 – Early rate is due by May 13, 2024. Online registration closes May 26th.
            • Week 2  – Early rate is due by May 20, 2024. Online registration closes June 2nd.
            • Week 3  – Early rate is due by May 27, 2023. Online registration closes June 9th.
            • Week 4  – Early rate is due by June 3, 2024. Online registration closes June 16th.
            • Week 5  – Early rate is due by June 10, 2024. Online registration closes June 23rd.
            • Week 6  – Early rate is due by June 17, 2024. Online registration closes June 30th.
            Kids Camp
            • Week 1  – Early rate is due by June 24, 2024. Online registration closes July 7th.
            • Week 2  – Early rate is due by July 1, 2024. Online registration closes July 14th.
            • Week 3  – Early rate is due by July 8th, 2024. Online registration closes July 21st.
            What is included in the registration?

            On-Campus Tickets

            • Camp attendance
            • Camper insurance
            • 3 meals a day
            • All church services
            • All games and competitions
            • On-campus bed space

            Commuter Tickets

            • Camp attendance
            • Camper insurance
            • 2 meals a day
            • All church services
            • All games and competitions
            What is NOT included in the registration?

            On-Campus Tickets

            • Food at the Snack Shack
            • Merchandise at the PFYouth Booth
            • Pre-order shirts must be purchased by the online price deadline.

            Commuter Tickets

            • The group must purchase hotel rooms.
            • Food at the Snack Shack
            • Merchandise at the PFYouth Booth
            • Pre-Order shirts must be purchased by the online price deadline.
            How will registration work and will I get a bed?
            • It is best to reserve your spots early to ensure you have enough space for your group.
            • There are only 222 spaces on campus for boy campers or boy leaders.
            • There are only 220 spaces on campus for girl campers or girl leaders.
            • If one week of camp becomes full, we will ask groups to move to another open week of camp.
            • Only after we reach full capacity for all weeks of camp will we open a commuter price.
            Are there any extra expenses?
              • Pre-Order Shirts: $20 each (Must be ordered by the online deadline).
              • Shack Cards: $10 each.
              • Food in the snack shack will be available all week.
              • Merchandise will be available for purchase.
              • Commuters must book their own hotel rooms.
              What is the refund policy?
              • There are no refunds!
              • All registration deposits are exchangeable between the same gender individuals in your own group.
              • If you need to exchange deposits between genders, this must be approved by the PFYouth Team if space is still available.
              • Drop date is meant to help churches that register early.
              • After the Drop date, all spots will need to be paid in full.
              • This is different than in years past. We have limited availability at our campground and any unused spots hold back other groups from being able to register all their students for camp.
              • All pre-order t-shirts and shack cards are non-refundable purchases.

              Preparation Questions

              How do leaders get a DCF LEVEL 2 Background check?
              • All leaders must have this Background Check on file with the campground.
              • DCF can be a lengthy process. It usually takes 5-10 business days to process your fingerprints.
              • This process can take several weeks. Please begin this process with your leaders with sufficient time to gain approval from the Florida Department of Children and Family.
              • Please visit our DCF Level 2 page to have a step-by-step guide. Click Here
              • Follow the two main steps:
                • Register and attend your appointment with Fieldprint
                • Send in your MPG Screening and Privacy Forms. (without these forms you will not gain a confirmation)
              What should I bring with me?
              • Bible, Notepad & Pen
              • Recreational Clothes
              • Gym shoes
              • Sleeping bag or twin bed sheets, blanket, pillow
              • Towels & Wash Cloths
              • Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Hairdryer
              • Modest swimwear
              • Spending money for snacks & camp store
              • Water Bottle (refillable with name clearly marked)
              • Sunscreen & Bug Spray
              • Dirty Clothes Bag
                  Is there a dress code policy?

                  Yes, there is a dress code.

                  • Shoes must be worn at all times.
                  • No visible undergarments on guys or girls.
                  • Shorts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee.
                  • No skirts or dresses shorter than 3 inches above the knee.
                  • No halter tops or spaghetti straps.
                  • No exposed bellies or low-cut shirts.
                  • Apparel may not promote alcohol, tobacco, or inappropriate or sexually suggestive language.
                  • Tattoos and body piercings must be unobtrusive and of non-controversial content. Some piercings may need to be removed and tattoos covered.
                  • You must be appropriately covered while walking to and from the pool area. Wear a towel, robe, whatever it takes…Cover up!
                      What are the camp rules?
                      DORMS
                      • Campers must stay in their assigned dorm room.
                      • No hanging out in other dorm rooms, please.
                      • Campers are not allowed to stay in the dorm room for any reason during activities (if sick, go to First Aid).
                      • Only 1 camper per bunk.
                      • Only 1 camper per shower at a time.
                      • Keep dorm room picked up. Nothing should be blocking aisleways or doorways.
                      • Keep bathrooms picked up by wiping the sink after use and properly disposing of your trash.
                      • No food or drinks are allowed in the dorm rooms.
                      • Texting pictures from dorm rooms is prohibited.
                      • No excessive practical joking. Hazing and destruction of property will result in dismissal from the camp.
                      • Campers must stay in dorm rooms after lights out and must stay there until the wake-up call.
                      • Leaving the dorm after lights-out is grounds for dismissal.
                      • Zero tolerance for bullying. There is an immediate dismissal of students bullying other students.
                      CAFETERIA
                      • Clean up after yourself. Take your tray and trash to the designated areas.
                      • No saving places in the cafeteria line.
                      • Respectfully allow leaders to cut to the front of the line.
                      • No food or cafeteria items are to be taken from the cafeteria.
                      • Shoes must be worn at all times in the cafeteria.
                      • No wet clothing in the cafeteria.
                      POOL
                      • You must wear proper clothing and shoes to walk to and from the pool area.
                      • No excessive horseplay.
                      • You must shower before entering the pool.
                      • No food or drinks in the pool area.
                      • No pool access if covered in paint from the paint war. 
                      SNACK SHACK / OUTDOOR RECREATION BUILDING
                      • Keep the Snack Shack area and surrounding outdoor area clean by properly disposing of trash.
                      CAMPGROUNDS
                      • Campers must turn all medication in to the camp nurse during registration. First aid is accessible 24 hours a day.
                      • Campers are not allowed in the opposite gender’s dorm area.
                      • Campers must not enter wooded areas surrounding Masterpiece Gardens due to wildlife and quicksand dangers.
                      • Campers must not go near Lake Pierce due to the excessive gator population.
                      • No one is allowed on the dock at any time. (only exception is the PFYouth Staff and Leaders during the 4th of July Fireworks).
                      • No personal electronic devices are allowed! This includes iPods, MP3s, cameras, etc. Cell phones may be used in the parking lot during free time, but are otherwise off-limits.
                      • No one may leave the campgrounds at any time.
                      • Campers are not allowed to use leader vehicles.
                      • Campers are not allowed to ride on or drive golf carts. If caught on a cart, you will be subject to immediate dismissal.
                      • If you have a car parked on the property, you must turn in your keys to the camp dean for the entirety of the youth camp.
                      • Visitors are not allowed on the campgrounds.
                      • No public displays of affection beyond hand-holding.
                      • No fireworks, firearms, knives, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, Orby, Air-soft, paintball guns, improper reading materials, or pets will be allowed on the grounds.
                      • Campers must show respect for leaders, staff, and camp property.
                      • We reserve the right to inspect the contents of all personal belongings, locked or unlocked.
                      • During services and teaching times, no hoods (hoodies) are allowed to be worn.
                      • Profanity is not allowed.
                      • For the comfort of those around you, please observe habits of personal cleanliness. Take a daily shower!
                      • All leaders are authorized to maintain order anywhere on the grounds.
                      • Sneaking off with someone is grounds for dismissal.
                          Is there bedding provided at the camp?
                          There is NO bedding provided. Please make sure to bring a sleeping bag or twin bed sheets, blanket, and pillow.
                              How does transportation work?
                              • The district will not provide transportation.
                              • All groups purchasing a commuter ticket are responsible to provide transportation for their students and leaders.

                              Check-In Questions

                              When does onsite check-in start?
                              • Check-in begins at 10 am on Monday morning.
                              • All attendees must go through lice and temperature checks.
                              • Check-in closes at 12 noon on Monday.
                              • Please make sure that you are not late to check in or your group will cause a delay in our camp schedule and you will miss lunch for your entire group.

                               

                              Where do we park for check-in?
                              • All vehicles need to come into the right gate and park in the cement parking lot.
                              • Do not park on the grass.

                               

                              How will check-in work for Students?
                              • All students will need to line up at the main entrance of the Gym without their bags.
                              • All attendees must go through a lice and temperature check.
                              • Once they finish, they will need to wait for their leader to go through check-in.
                              • Afterward, the students can grab their bags and find their dorm beds.
                              • If the group is a commuter group, you will need to check in at the campground between 10-12 on Monday. There will be an allotted time available before and after dinner to take your students to the hotel.

                               

                              How will check-in work for Leaders?
                              • Only leaders can come into the gym to register their students.
                              • This is where you will settle your financial account, check-in all attendees, and turn in the required forms.
                              • You must have the parental release form for all campers!
                              • Next, you will need to check in with the camp director to get room assignments and leader tags.
                              • Finally, you will need to provide the nurse with all medications and the medication forms.

                               

                              Commuter Questions

                              How does the commuter pricing work?
                              NEW FOR 2023

                              The new commuter option is available for all youth summer camps. This option became available after all camps sold out. PFYouth will no longer provide hotel spots for summer camps. However, we have 2 courtesy blocks for groups that want to take advantage of the commuter option.

                               

                              • $165 per person.
                              • Unfortunately, there is no discount for leaders for the commuter groups.
                              • Almost every year, all camps fill up.
                              • We will only sell commuter spots after all camps sell out of all on-campus spots.
                              • Be aware that your camp experience will be slightly different and require more logistics.
                              • Your group is fully responsible for booking your own hotel rooms and providing transportation all week.
                              • Below is a list of hotel options with a discounted rate.
                              Who is responsible for our group?
                              • Please make arrangements to be responsible for your own group.
                              • PFYOUTH will only provide a list of hotel room blocks for you to contact.
                              • There will not be any camp security at the hotel.
                              Does PFYouth provide transportation?
                              • No, PFYOUTH will not transport you or your students.
                              • Your group will be responsible to provide transportation all week.
                              • Most hotels are roughly 14-15 minutes away, and 7-8 miles from the campground.

                               

                              What hotel will my group be able to book?

                              PFYouth is no longer booking hotels for summer camp. However, we have two group blocks set up with local hotels. Booking links are available below, or you can call the hotel directly.

                               

                              Holiday Inn Lake Wales

                              $129 per night for 2 Queen Beds – Call Nicole for Booking.

                              Office Phone – (863) 949-4800

                               

                              Hampton Inn Lake Wales

                              $139 per night for 2 Queen Beds

                              Office Phone – (863) 734-3000

                               

                               

                              Does my group still need to enter students into CampTrak?
                              • Yes, the CampTrak system is where we keep track of all the students and leaders who attend summer camp.

                               

                              What meals are provided for commuter groups?
                              • Your group will need to eat breakfast at the hotel.
                              • The campground will provide lunch and dinner.
                              • There will be a total of 8 meals provided for commuters.

                               

                              Will my group by required to do swim time at the campground?
                              • No, commuter groups will not be required to do free time on the camp property.
                              • Swim time can be done at the hotel.

                               

                              What if I need a hotel room because I have small children?
                              • Small children can not stay in the dorms.
                              • We love children, but for camp, we highly suggest that you find someone to take care of your kids.
                              • If you have no other option, it is your responsibility to purchase your own hotel room off-campus.
                              • The commuter price will apply to your registration.
                              • Children’s prices will be determined by the meals they eat and the services that they attend.

                               

                              What if I need a hotel room because I am pregnant?
                              • If you are a pregnant leader wanting to attend camp, it is your responsibility to purchase your own hotel room off-campus.
                              • The commuter price will apply to your account.
                              • We love our community of youth pastors, but the campground is not the best place for nursing mothers or heavily pregnant women to stay on property.