Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is Summer Camp?
  • Every summer, we provide 7 camps for teenagers (7th-12th grade).
  • These summer camps provide a fun week to help students have a deep encounter with God.
  • This 4-night, all-inclusive camp includes all meals, a t-shirt, special guest communicators, premier worship, and tons of fun.
  • 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
  • 2025 High School Graduates can attend as well, but they must attend as campers.
  • 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 gap year between the camper and counselor ages.
  • Counselors: All counselors 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.

    Are visitors allowed at summer camp?

    For the safety of all campers and counselors, PFYouth Summer Camp is a CLOSED camp! Visitors are not permitted. This includes ALL individuals not registered for attendance during that week of camp. (all pastors, students, and parents not registered for camp)

     

    • According to the state of Florida, all counselors (18 or older) on MPG property must have an approved Level 2 Background Check registered with Masterpiece Gardens under the Department of Children and Family (DCF).
    • Students are not permitted to visit the campground at any time. The only students allowed on the property must be registered as campers for the specific week they plan to attend.
    • Only visitors approved by the Pen Florida Youth Ministry Staff and/or the PFYouth Directors are permitted to be on campground property.
    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 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.
    • We would recommend that you don’t bring small children to camp. 
    • Small children are not permitted to stay in the dorms during Youth Camp.
    • Any counselors desiring to bring small children with them must pay for their own hotel room and the entire counselor registration fee to participate in the camp.
    • All children must also pay the daily fees if coming to the property. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis due to the required insurance and food costs.
    Who are the guest speakers for each week?

    Each year, we strive to get this information as fast as possible.

     

    • Week 1  – Elisha Garcia & Josh Carter
    • Week 2  – Peter Reeves & Joanna Reeves
    • Week 3  – Natalie Barnoske & Chris Stanley
    • Week 4  – Jacob Jester & Joe Barnoske
    • Week 5  – Kendall Alfaro & Becky Johnson
    • Week 6  – Reggie Dabbs & ???
    • Week 7  – Chris Mikkelson & Timothy McCain
      Who is leading worship at camp?

      Each year, we strive to get this information as soon as possible.

       

      • Week 1  – KC Music and Jameil Walls
      • Week 2  – VSC Worship & Friends
      • Week 3  – John Wilds Worship
      • Week 4  – Justin Duenas Worship
      • Week 5  – Javier Rodriguez Worship
      • Week 6  – KC Music and Jameil Walls
      • Week 7  – Haley and Kaleb Conley with Harvest Worship
        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.
          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 who 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 get their child from the campground.
          • In an emergency, our licensed nurse responds very quickly, and we contact emergency personnel as needed.
          • In the most extreme cases, we may need to have the student transported to the hospital.
          • We also have two defibrillators 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

                Registration Questions

                PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
                STEP 1

                Pre-Registration Request is required.

                • Your Church will nned to fill out and submit a Camp Pre-Registration Request.
                    • Basic information will be collected on the form.
                    • Select your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week of choice. Please do not select all the same week or you may not get into camp.
                    • Include the total number of spots needed, both leaders and students.
                    • All requests will still be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
                • PFYouth will process the request and respond with an email approval for the week your group is approved to attend.
                    • Our prayer is to provide you with approval by the end of the year.
                    • After receiving approval, you may start promoting your approved week of camp.
                STEP 2
                • Online Registration and deposits will open on Feb 3rd.
                    • Only approved requests will be collected.
                    • You will not be allowed to register for more spots than approved. (additional spot purchases must wait until all registration approvals have been processed and received)
                    • Your group will have until Feb 10th to pay your deposit online.
                    • After Feb 10th, any group with unpaid requests will forfeit your spots.
                How do I access CampTrak?
                • To request a leader account, contact youth@penflorida.org and we can get an account set up for you.
                • 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.
                How to pay deposits and register for camp?
                Step 1 – Set up an account in CampTrak
                • Request an Account for CampTrak by emailing us at youth.penflorida.org.
                • If you have an account from last year, make sure you can log in.
                • CampTrak is our payment and information website for summer camp.
                Step 2 – Purchase Bed Spots
                • After submitting a pre-registation request, you will recieve an email with a camp approval.
                • Your church will only be able to register for the approved amount. 
                • All reservations will require a $50 deposit per bed.
                • Starting on February 3rd,  you will be able to register.
                • All reservations must go through the approval of the Youth Pastor or Pastor.
                • We do not accept registrations from individuals not associated with a participating church.

                 

                • To register log into CampTrak
                  • In the left menu and select manage, then click church.
                  • Under the Add Reservation tab you can register and pay your deposits.
                  • After payment,
                    • The numbers will change at the top of the page.
                    • The camper tab will have your spots added for each gender.
                    • The counselor tab will have your spots added for each gender.
                    • The finance tab will show your total balance as well as your paid deposit.
                Step 3 – Collect the Camper and Counselor Info
                • Download the registration forms at this link. CAMP DOWNLOADS
                • Collect each camper’s and counselor’s information! Do NOT send forms in the mail!
                • If you are the group leader with an church account in CampTrak, you will also need to fill out a counselor application as well.
                • You are required to bring all consent forms and the medication form for those who need regular medication.
                • You do NOT need all the attendees’ information when reserving spots. However, this  information is required no later than 2 weeks before attending camp, or the spot may be forfeited.
                • All counselor information is required ASAP for us to verify their background checks. Please get this information to us 4 weeks out.
                Step 4 – Required Background Checks
                • All leaders/counselors must obtain a DCF Level 2 Live Scan Background Check.
                Step 5 – Enter all Information into Camptrak
                • Links for the online forms can be found in Camptrak
                  • From the left menu, click on your dashbord.
                  • On the right side there is a + sign which opens your week of camp.
                  • Clicking on the “Add Camper” or “Add Counselor” buttons.
                  • Fill out the forms and submit.
                  • Please remember to bring all consent forms with you to camp or email us a PDF.
                • Information must be entered no later than two weeks before camp starts, or you may lose your spots.
                • This application does not replace the DCF Level 2 Background check.
                Step 5 – Drop Spots
                • All unused spots must be dropped before your week’s drop date.
                • Any spots dropped after that date will require full payment for that spot.
                Step 6 – Pay Final Payments
                • All online payments are due 7 days before your week of camp.
                • Final payments can be made onsite with a credit card or check.
                • Any bounced checks will be charged an additional $100 fee.
                When do all the students and counselors needed to be placed into CampTrak?
                • Please make sure to enter all the student and counselor 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 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/counselors must have an approved background check before coming to camp.
                • The youth office may request a list of your counselors early, however, you are still required to enter all the students and counselors in CampTrak as well.
                What forms must I bring to the camp check-in?
                • All Parental consent forms.
                • All Leader consent forms.
                • Medication forms.
                What is the price for camp?

                Camp Prices 2025

                • Student Camper Early Price: $280 per person
                • Student Camper Regular Price: $325 per person
                • Leader Early Price: $215 per person
                • Leader Regular Price: $260 per person 
                • Pre-Order Shirt: Included
                • Shack Cards: $10 each

                All prices are based on the time of the deposits.

                Hotel prices differ for leaders.

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

                When is the the final payment due?
                  • Early pricing is determined by the date of the deposit. 
                  • You can pay your final balance any time before attending camp. Your account must be paid in full before you can attend camp.
                  • Final online payments are due 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 counselors is my group allowed to bring?
                  • Every group should have at least one counselor.
                  • We recommend no more than one counselor for every five students.
                  Do I need to pre order a shirt or shack card?
                  • Pre-order shirts are now included in the price of camp.
                  • There will be additional merchandise available for purchase.
                  • 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 – May 16th
                    2. Week 2 – May 23rd
                    3. Week 3 – May 30th
                    4. Week 4 – June 6th
                    5. Week 5 – June 13th
                    6. Week 6 – June 20th
                    7. Week 7 – June 26th
                  • 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. Groups that drop more than 10% of their original registration number will lose their deposit for all dropped spots.
                    4. Please send an email to youth@penflorida.org to drop the spots.
                    5. If you drop less than 10% of your original spots before the drop date, the amount previously paid will be credited to your account and reduce your final balance due.
                    6. You will not get a refund from the district, but the funds will be applied to your account and reduce your final payment. This deadline will allow your group to register in advance and release unused spots before other groups miss the early registration deadline.
                      1. There will not be any refunds for dropped spots!
                      2. The drop date deadline was not designed for you to drop your entire group. In this situation, you will lose your deposit for every spot, and no refunds will be provided.
                    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 unused spots.
                    • After notifying us, we will try to make those spots available to other groups.
                    • If PFYouth finds someone to use your dropped spots, you will only lose the cost of the deposits, and the remaining balance will be credited to your account. (No refunds will be issued)
                    • We highly recommend only purchasing the spots your group will completely fill.
                    • 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 lose your deposit for every spot and there will not be any refunds provided.
                    When will Drop spots become available?
                    Dropped spots will be announced in succession order.
                    • Week 1 – May 23rd
                    • Week 2 – May 30th
                    • Week 3 – June 6th
                    • Week 4 – June 13th
                    • Week 5 – June 20th
                    • Week 6 – June 26th

                    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 counselor, how will I be able to attend camp?
                    • If you are a pregnant counselor 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.
                    • You must still register as a counselor to attend camp and be on the property.
                    • 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.
                    What is included in the registration?

                    On-Campus Tickets

                    • Camp attendance
                    • Camper insurance
                    • 3 meals a day
                    • All church services
                    • A Camp T-shirt
                    • All games and competitions
                      What is NOT included in the registration?
                      • Food at the Snack Shack
                      • Merchandise at the PFYouth Booth
                        Are there any extra expenses?
                          • Shack Cards: $10 each.
                          • Food in the snack shack will be available all week.
                          • Merchandise will be available for purchase.
                          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 reserved spots must 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 shack cards are non-refundable purchases.

                          Preparation Questions

                          How do counselors get a DCF LEVEL 2 Background check?
                          • All leaders/counselor 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 counselors 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 are the camp policy and rules?

                          By registering for camp, you agree to abide by all rules set forth by the Pen Florida District Council of the Assemblies of God, Masterpiece Gardens Campground, and the District Youth Director. Policies are given as guidelines for every camper to follow. This code of conduct has been established for your student’s protection and the benefit of every person present. The lack of cooperation, unnecessary roughness, lack of respect for property, or an unwholesome attitude on the part of any camper will result in expulsion from camp. The expense of transporting the expelled camper(s) home from camp is the responsibility of the parents/guardians.

                           

                          ATTITUDE / BEHAVIOR

                          • We should strive at all times to conduct ourselves as Christians with proper consideration shown for others.
                          • Campers must show respect for counselors, staff, and camp property. 
                          • All counselors are authorized to maintain order anywhere on the grounds.
                          • No public displays of affection.
                          • Profanity is not allowed.
                          • No excessive practical joking. Hazing and destruction of property will result in dismissal from the camp.
                          • Attendance at all scheduled activities is compulsory.
                          • No one may leave the campgrounds at any time.
                          • Sneaking off with someone is grounds for dismissal.
                          • During services and teaching times, no hoods (hoodies) are allowed to cover heads.
                          • 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 fireworks, firearms, knives, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, Orby guns, Air-soft guns, paintball guns, or pets will be allowed on the grounds. Except by authorized and approved personnel.
                          • No improper reading materials such as pornography, erotic novels, violence, or anything in violation camp policies. 
                          • We reserve the right to inspect the contents of all personal belongings, locked or unlocked.
                          • For the comfort of those around you, please observe habits of personal cleanliness. Take a daily shower!

                          VEHICLES / GOLF CARTS

                          • Campers are not allowed to use counselor 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 your counselor or the camp dean for the entirety.

                          DORMS

                          • Campers must stay in their assigned dorm room. Do not hang out in other dorm rooms.
                          • Campers are not allowed to stay in the dorm room for any reason during activities (if sick, go to First Aid).
                          • Campers are not allowed in the opposite biological sex dorm area. (This is a Christian camp and biological sex is decided according to biblical principles outlined in our bylaws of the Assemblies of God)
                          • Only 1 camper per bunk. No exceptions!
                          • Only 1 camper per shower at a time. No exceptions!
                          • Keep dorm room picked up. Nothing should be blocking aisle ways 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.
                          • 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 counselors 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: towel, shirts, and shoes are required 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 into the camp nurse during registration. First aid is accessible 24 hours a day.
                          • 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. (Exception for the PFYouth Staff and counselors during July 4th Fireworks)
                          • Visitors are not allowed on the campgrounds.
                              Is there a dress code policy?
                              • Shoes must be worn at all times.
                              • No visible undergarments.
                              • Shorts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee.
                              • For Girls: No skirts or dresses shorter than 3 inches above the knee. No halter tops or spaghetti straps.
                              • For Boys: No Muscle shirts that expose your side or abdomen
                              • No exposed mid-drifts 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 should I bring with me?
                                  • Bible, Notepad & Pen
                                  • A lock to secure your items in the provided lockers
                                  • Recreational Clothes
                                  • Gym shoes
                                  • Sleeping bag or twin bed sheets, blanket, pillow
                                  • Towels & Wash Cloths
                                  • Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Hairdryer
                                  • Modest swimwear
                                    • For girls – no exposed mid drifts and low-cut swim tops
                                    • For boys – no speedos 
                                  • Spending money for snacks & camp store
                                  • Water Bottle (refillable with name clearly marked)
                                  • Sunscreen & Bug Spray
                                  • Dirty Clothes Bag
                                      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 hotel tickets 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 campers?
                                          • All campers 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 campers can grab their bags and find their dorm beds.
                                          • If the group is a hotel 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 campers to the hotel.

                                           

                                          How will check-in work for Leaders?
                                          • Only counselors 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 consent forms for all campers and counselors!
                                          • 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.

                                           

                                          Hotel Questions

                                          How does the Hotel pricing work?

                                          The hotel overflow will become available after all camps are sold out. 

                                           

                                          • The cost will be Eraly $280, Regular $325 per person.
                                          • Unfortunately, there is no discount for counselors for the hotel groups.
                                          • All groups in the hotel will be expected to provide at least 4 people per room per gender.
                                          • Hotels will be determined on an as-needed basis once all weeks of camp have been filled.
                                          • Be aware that your camp experience will be slightly different and require more logistics.
                                          • PFYouth will be booking and managing the hotel reservations.
                                          • Groups will be moved onsite if spots become open on camp property. We must ensure that the camp is filled to capacity.
                                          Who is responsible for our group?
                                          • Please make arrangements to be responsible for your own group.
                                          • 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 for providing transportation all week.
                                          • The Hampton Inn Lake Wales is roughly 14-15 minutes away and 7-8 miles from the campground.

                                           

                                          What hotel will my group be at?

                                          Hampton Inn Lake Wales

                                          Office Phone – (863) 734-3000

                                           

                                           

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

                                           

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

                                           

                                          Will my group by required to do swim time at the campground?
                                          • Hotel groups will not be required to spend 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 cannot stay in the dorms.
                                          • We love children, but we highly suggest you find someone to care for your kids during your week of summer camp.
                                          • If you have no other option, purchase your own hotel room off-campus. We might be able to get you a room in our group block.
                                          • The counselor price will still apply to your registration.
                                          • Children’s prices will be determined by the daily insurance and meals consumed.

                                           

                                          What if I need a hotel room because I am pregnant?
                                          • If you are a pregnant counselor wanting to attend camp, we encourage you to purchase your own hotel room off-campus.
                                          • Additionally, the counselor 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.