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Day Camp FAQs

Our FAQs for Noah’s Landing Day Camp provide all the essential information to ensure your child has a memorable experience at CRISTA Camps.

We understand that you may have questions about Noah's Landing Day Camp, and we are committed to ensuring you and your camper are well-prepared. Please browse our FAQ list for answers to frequently asked questions, and don't hesitate to reach out if you can't find the information you need.

The majority of the details provided below can be found in the Day Camp Information PDF.

FAQs for Day Camp

Arrival and Departure

Check-in and Pick-up

Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. Upon arrival, please check in to receive your group assignment. Ensure you've submitted your medicine and the updated Medicine Authorization form, which now requires only a parent's signature, to the Camp Nurse. Afterward, kindly sign in with your counselor. We're delighted to inform you that all necessary paperwork was completed during registration, resulting in shorter wait times – a reason to celebrate!

Pick-up at 4:00 p.m. See the Early Arrival and Late Departure section below for extended hours available.

We offer special arrangements for campers who need early arrival or late departure options at Miracle Ranch.

Early Arrival and Late Departure

We offer special arrangements for campers who need early arrival or late departure options at Miracle Ranch. Campers can arrive as early as 7:00 a.m. or be picked up as late as 5:30 p.m. The cost for Early Arrival is $28 per week, and for Late Departure, it's $33 per week. To ensure availability, please make advance registrations. Please note that breakfast is not provided for early arrival, but campers are welcome to bring a peanut-free snack if needed.

Medicine Authorization Form

The Medicine Authorization form necessitates a PARENT's signature, and we kindly ask that you bring this form with you on the first day of camp. This form is required if:

  • You intend to check in any medication, including epi-pens, inhalers, or over-the-counter drugs like allergy medication. All items must be in their original container/packaging, and prescription medications should feature a current pharmacy label with accurate dosage information. Please bring only the necessary doses required for the camp.

  • OR you wish our Camp Nurse to administer over-the-counter medication to your camper.

Emergency Contact

Emergency Contact number (253) 851-4410 (Office hours).

Directions to Miracle Ranch

Miracle Ranch
15999 Sidney Road SW
Port Orchard, WA 98367

From Bremerton and points north

  • Follow Highway 3 south to Gorst.

  • Continue around the inlet on Highway 16 South/East.

  • Highway 16 becomes a divided highway.

  • Take the second exit: Sedgwick Road.

  • Turn right (west) at the exit ramp stoplight.

  • Turn left onto Sidney Road (second stoplight).

  • Proceed seven miles.

  • As the road passes Horseshoe Lake County Park, it makes a sharp right turn; you make a left turn into the Miracle Ranch gate.

From Tacoma and I-5

  • Take I-5 to Highway 16/Bremerton exit.

  • Follow Highway 16 west, across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, to the Purdy exit.

  • Proceed into Purdy, turn left at Hwy. 302 and cross the bridge.

  • Continue a little over two miles to 94th Ave NW.

  • Turn right. Proceed to the Miracle Ranch gate. (Miracle Ranch is located on Horseshoe Lake).

Group/Friend Requests

Information for group requests can be accessed during the registration process. Alternatively, you may contact the office at (253) 851-4410 (Office hours) to make a group mate request, provided you do so at least two weeks before the start of the camp.

Packing List (label items with camper name)

Small refillable water bottle (highly recommended

Bible (optional; we have some to borrow)

Sunscreen (labeled w/ name)

Beach towel and flip-flops

Warm jacket/sweatshirt

Active footwear (closed-toed shoes)

Long pants and close-toed shoes (pony ride)

Swimwear: boys, no speedos

Swimwear: girls, modest one-piece or tankini

Rain clothes

Trading Post money (see below)

Medications - must be checked in with the Nurse

Please do not bring peanut products, cell phones, iPods/MP3 players, radios, tapes, DVD or CD

players, laptops, fishing gear, knives, fireworks, personal sports equipment, animals/pets, tobacco, or any other expensive items. Alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind are prohibited.

Food/Dietary Restrictions

Lunch and an afternoon snack are provided daily. (Breakfast is not provided for early arrival add-on). The Wednesday overnight option includes Wednesday dinner and Thursday breakfast.

With a minimum of one week's notice, our Kitchen is happy to accommodate dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free (non-Celiac), and dairy-free options. While we do not use peanut or peanut oil products in our Kitchen, please note that the Camp is not entirely peanut-free. If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to contact our office. Campers with severe allergies are encouraged to bring their lunches and store them in the camper fridge for safety.

Day Camp Rodeo

Join us Friday at 8:15 a.m. to cheer for your camper in our unique relays. Your camper may participate in one or all of the races, including roping, barrel racing, goat tail tying, and more. The rodeo is open to all campers and parents and is separate from the horsemanship option.

Swim Check

On the first full day of camp, campers will have a swim check. The test includes a short swim and a brief treading water session. Campers who successfully pass the test without using a personal flotation device (PFD) can swim in the deeper area without a PFD, but a PFD is still mandatory for using the slide or jumping. Alternatively, campers can take the test while wearing a PFD, allowing them to swim in the deeper area with the PFD on. All campers must wear a PFD when using the slide or jumping. For the safety of all participants, children under the age of 7 must wear a PFD at all times. Please note that swimming is optional, and if campers prefer not to swim, they can enjoy activities in the game room, store, and waterfront area during swim time.

Activities

Campers will have the chance to engage in various activities based on their age and weather conditions. These activities include archery, boating, swimming, rodeo, game room, crafts, music, nature walks, animal interactions, rock climbing, Gel Blasters, and outdoor games. Additionally, each camper can enjoy one pony ride, subject to availability and weather conditions. We'll do our best to accommodate this, as we know how much campers love the horses! To ensure safety, please remember to pack pants and closed-toed shoes for these activities.

Horsemanship Electives

If you've enrolled in the horsemanship elective, please make sure to pack long pants or jeans and cowboy boots with a heel. You can check thrift stores for used boots or visit Western stores for new ones. We kindly request that you avoid cumbersome rubber boots, which can be challenging to ride in. The camp will supply riding helmets, but you're welcome to bring your own ASTM/SEI-certified riding helmet if you prefer. Please note that the horsemanship instruction is designed for kids entering grades 3-6, with a minimum age requirement of 8. When you arrive at 8:00 a.m., please come prepared to ride with your long pants and appropriate footwear.

Spending Money at the Trading Post

The camp store offers a variety of items, including snacks, small merchandise, and Miracle Ranch clothing. Snacks like candy and ice cream range from $1.00 to $4.00, while larger items such as goggles, stuffed animals, bandanas, t-shirts, and sweatshirts are also available. To make things convenient for campers, we use a 'bank' system so they don't have to handle cash directly. You can add store deposits during registration, contact our office to add funds or make a deposit on the first day of camp. The amount of spending money needed is at the discretion of each camper. Larger items can be purchased at the store on the last day of camp. After camp, any remaining bank balance of $5.00 or less will be donated to the CRISTA Camps scholarship fund, while any amount over $5.00 will be credited back to the credit card used for camp payment.

Wednesday Overnight Elective

Campers in grades 3-7 can sign up for an overnight stay on Wednesday, which includes dinner and breakfast. We typically have 8 spots available for boys and 8 spots for girls. To prepare, please bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and extra clothing with you on Wednesday morning. Regular pick-up time on Thursday remains at 4:00 p.m. Rest assured, there will be two counselors assigned to each cabin to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

A Typical Sample Day (varies)

7:00 a.m.

Early Arrival (if added)

1:00 p.m.

Activity Rotation

8:00 a.m.

Check-in and Games

2:00 p.m.

Activity/Group Time

8:30 a.m.

Horsemanship/Animal Science

3:00 p.m.

All Group Game

9:30 a.m.

Fireside Talk, Bible Teaching

4:00 p.m.

Check Out

11:00 a.m.

Lunch

5:30 p.m.

Late Check Out (if added)

12:00 p.m.

Waterfront/Trading Post

Lost and Found

Ensure that all your camper's belongings are clearly labeled with their name and contact phone number. If a camper accidentally leaves something behind, please contact us with a description of the item, and we will try to locate it. Please be prepared to cover the postage required for the return of the item. Please note that any unclaimed items will be donated after the summer season.

Sick Child Procedures

For the well-being of all participants, an unwell camper will not be allowed to stay at Day Camp. If your child exhibits symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, lice or nits, draining rashes, pink-eye, eye discharge, or vomiting, alternative arrangements should be made for their care. If a child becomes ill after being dropped off, we will contact the parent/guardian and request that they promptly pick up their camper.

Phoning & Visiting

We are aware of our significant responsibility to ensure your camper's well-being. In the event of an emergency, rest assured that you will be promptly notified. As such, we discourage personal phone calls, both incoming and outgoing, and personal visits during the camp session, as they can disrupt the schedule and impact camper morale. However, you may contact the camp director to discuss the situation should a serious concern arise.

Safety

Closed Camp

  • Once at camp, no camper can leave without written consent from his or her parent or guardian. Campers will only be released to those people whom the parent has authorized to pick them up.

  • Teen campers who drive to camp must report to the camp leadership team and turn in their car keys.

  • All visitors must check in at camp, wear a badge once checked in, and be accompanied by a host.

Activity Safety & Certifications

  • CRISTA Camp's lifeguards are Red Cross-certified for swimming in lakes, and Kitsap County tests our lake water weekly.

  • Camp staff and interns are First Aid certified.

  • Ropes course facilitators and each ropes activity are certified by an ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) trainer.

  • Miracle Ranch is site certified by the CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) for all horse activities.

  • We adhere to best practices for our trail bike, paintball, archery, and all other activities.

Camper Safety

  • When a camper is in the nurse's station, he or she is never privately examined. There are always two trained adult staff present at all times.

  • CRISTA Camps include parents in any decisions made about a child's need for medical treatment, and we take advantage of the numerous local clinics nearby when a need is determined. A nurse oversees treatment at the camp.

  • Miracle Ranch is equipped to execute general safety plans and crisis management plans when necessary.

  • Resident campers must submit health and waiver forms signed by their parents or guardians upon arrival at camp.

  • The presence of 50+ trained and caring adults on camp during any given week ensures that kids' activities are closely monitored. There are always full-time, adult, year-round employees at Miracle Ranch. We've hired a professional staff with years of experience and training in safety issues monthly.

  • All CRISTA staff undergo a careful screening process consisting of an application, interview(s), and character references.

  • All adults at camp have completed a trak-1, WATCH, and DSHS background check in which staff and volunteer leaders must disclose any misconduct, as permitted by state law.

  • The CRISTA Ministries Human Resources department trains all full-time and summer staff on maintaining appropriate boundaries in relationships with kids.

Bullying Prevention

At CRISTA Camps, bullying is inexcusable, and we have a firm policy against all types of bullying. Our Camp philosophy is based on our mission statement, which ensures that every camper can experience a safe environment at camp, gain new friends, and go home with great memories.

Unfortunately, persons who are bullied may not have the same potential to get the most out of their camp experience. Our leadership addresses all incidents of bullying seriously and trains staff to promote communication with their staff and their campers so both staff and campers will be comfortable alerting us to any problems during their camp experience. Every person has the right to expect to have the best possible experience at camp, and by working together as a team to identify and manage bullying, we can help ensure that all campers and staff have a great summer with CRISTA Camps.

Sickness at Camp

CRISTA Camps asks our staff, parents/guardians of campers, and high school and summer staff attending our camp to take precautions to avoid sending campers or leaders if they have had any flu-like symptoms in the 24 hours before departure. Such symptoms can include fever, sore throat, cough, headache, tiredness, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Food Allergies & Food Safety

We can address most food allergies with reasonable substitutions and by campers avoiding particular food items. Please discuss any special situations with our registrar at least one week before camp starts so there is ample time to discuss any concerns with the food service department. We have peanut-free kitchens but sell packaged snacks in our concession spaces that may contain peanuts or peanut oil. All kitchen workers have Food Handler Cards, and Kitsap County routinely inspects our kitchen.

Cabin Inspections & Cleaning

Cabins and beds are cleaned, disinfected, and inspected between different use groups. All high-touch surfaces are disinfected daily.

CRISTA Ministries

CRISTA Camps at Miracle Ranch is part of the CRISTA Family of Ministries. A robust and healthy organization supports the camp, and policies are set with the bigger mission of CRISTA in mind. All camp employees adhere to CRISTA's doctrinal statement and conduct policies.

Cancellations

A $25 cancellation fee applies to day camps when the cancellation request is made with more than 30 days' notice from the first day of camp. Camp balances must be settled 30 days in advance of the camp start date. If a cancellation occurs within 30 days of the camp, the entire camp fee will be non-refundable.