FAQs
How do I get to camp? Can I send my child a letter? How does camp handle food allergies? It's okay if you have questions about camp. We would love to help you find the answers! Below is a list of the questions we are most frequently asked. If your question isn't on the list, please send us an email at office@ipoint.org or call 218.338.5379.
General Questions About Inspiration Point
How do I get to Twin Oaks?
If you are using a navigation app to get to Twin Oaks, please use this address: 16157 Co Hwy 65, Vining, MN 56588.
I have a food allergy can I attend a camp or retreat?
Yes. We have an incredible food service staff that is trained and certified in food safety practices. Inspiration Point is able to accommodate any of the common 'Big Nine' allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, dairy, fish and shellfish, sesame, soy, and eggs), as well as vegan or vegetarian options, but is unable to provide options based on diet preference. If you have specific questions for our food service director about food allergies, please email ian.anderson@ipoint.org.
What should I pack?
Here is a general list of things to pack for any event at IPoint: a bible, bed linens or sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, a towel, closed-toed shoes, and appropriate clothing for the season. Specific packing lists are included in confirmation materials and are sent via email.
What size of bed linens should I bring?
• Red Oak Rooms: 1 queen bed, 4 twin beds per room
• Village Green Cabins: 1 queen bed, 11 twin beds per room
• Caboose: 8 twin beds per room
• Oak Point: 1 full bed, 3/5 twin beds per room
• Oak Point Suites: 1 full bed, 5 twin beds per room
• Birchwood: 1 queen bed, 11 twin beds per room
Can I bring my dog to camp?
To protect campers/guests with pet allergies all of our facilities are pet free. There are several kennels and overnight boarding facilities in the area.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
To register, a non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is required ($50 Retreats, $75 Youth Camp, $100 Family Camp). In the event of cancellation, a refund of the balance (excluding the deposit) will be granted if we are notified at least two weeks prior to the event. No transfers or refunds for cancelations will be allowed within two weeks of the event. For summer youth camps, same camper transfers from one camp session to another (including the deposit) are available before April 1st, transfers after that date will require a new deposit. Please ensure that any transfer requests or cancelations comply with the respective timelines specified in this policy. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these guidelines. If you have any further questions or require clarification, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What is the mission of Inspiration Point?
Click here to learn more about the mission, vision and values of Inspiration Point.
Youth Camp Questions
Will my child be safe at camp?
Camper safety is our top priority at Inspiration Point and is something we take very seriously. Our supervision protocol is strong and exists to protect every child that attends camp. Staff are present wherever kids are so that every student can feel confident that they are being cared for. Every member of our staff completes over 140 hours of training before the summer begins. We typically have more than 20 lifeguards on our staff who are trained in first aid and CPR. We also employ a camp nurse to manage medications and care for camper and staff health.
How do you hire summer staff?
At Inspiration Point, we recognize that staff are the backbone of the ministry. We go to great lengths to make sure we hire the very best staff possible. Staff members complete a lengthy application, submit multiple character references, interview with our Camp Director & Ministries Director, and complete a background check prior to being hired. We hire staff with exceptional character, strong integrity, a vibrant and growing faith in Jesus Christ, and a passion for serving others. The vast majority of our summer staff are known by us prior to working at IPoint.
What is your camper/staff ratio?
In cabin groups, the cabin leader to camper ratio is between 1:5 and 1:8 (Trailblazers 1:3 or 1:4).
When you include all our support staff, the total camper to staff ratio is around 1:3.
Are the swimming pool and boating pond properly supervised?
Always. Around 25% of our summer staff are Red Cross lifeguard/CPR/first aid certified. In addition to properly staffing the waterfront, we require a life jacket to be worn whenever campers use boats.
I have a child with special needs. Can they attend camp?
At Inspiration Point, our hope is that all kids can have the opportunity to experience camp. We recognize that every child attending camp may have unique needs (physical, social, mental, emotional, or behavioral). If you have concerns about your child's ability to participate in any part of a camp experience, we would love to have a conversation about how we can best serve your child.
If one-to-one care is required for your child to attend camp, a same-sex personal care attend (PCA) must accompany the camper. A background check is required for all PCAs. PCAs attend camp at reduced rate (50% of camper price). Please contact our office if you would like to discuss your camper's needs further with a member of our staff.
How do I make a roommate request for my camper?
Roommates can be requested on your registration form or by contacting our office. Roommate requests must be made at least two weeks before the camp begins. Since the benefits of a camp experience include making new friends, campers may write the name of only ONE or TWO other people that they would like to room with. Groups of four or more will be split into smaller groups. Roommate requests are only guaranteed if both campers request each other.
Can I send my child a letter while they are at camp?
Campers enjoy receiving mail, so you are welcome to write! If you write your letters ahead of time and mark which day they are to be given to the camper, bring them with you to registration and our staff will deliver them accordingly. When sending letters to Twin Oaks, use the address 16157 Co Hwy 65, Vining, MN 56588 (remember to include the camper's first and last name and a return address on the outside of the envelope or package). Please do not email letters. Phone calls may be made and/or accepted only in cases of emergency.
My child has medications - what should I do with them? How do they receive them during the week?
Daily medications will be dispensed by a nurse according to the instructions given by the parent. A camper medication form should be filled out (found on our website) prior to arrival, describing when the camper needs each medication. During check-in on the first day of camp, parents will have the chance to connect with one of our camp nurses, ensuring that directions are clearly given. All prescription medication needs to be in its original bottles.
What are good questions to ask my child after their week of camp?
Good questions often start with the words "tell me..."
For example, you could ask your child some of the following...
"Tell me about a few of your favorite things you got to do."
"Tell me something you learned about God."
"Tell me something you learned about yourself."
"Tell me about your cabin leader and cabinmates."
"Can you think of a time when you felt a little nervous? Tell me about that... Tell me how you saw God take care of you..."
What is Inspiration Point's policy on electronics?
Because research shows that the presence of electronics causes the opportunity for growth to be vastly diminished, Inspiration Point does not allow the use of cell phones, smart watches, and other electronic devices. It has been shown that being "untethered" from the outside world provides an environment ripe for growth and increased confidence. With fewer distractions, campers can more readily focus on God and who they've been created to be. In case of emergency, parents should contact the camp office.
Adult & Family Events
Can I request a single occupancy room?
Yes. If space allows you may request a single occupancy room in Oak Point for an additional fee of $50.
Is my first choice in housing guaranteed?
We do our best to accommodate all housing requests. However, due to space limitations, housing requests are not guaranteed. If your first choice is unavailable, we will notify you prior to your arrival.
I have a newborn, can I bring my baby with me to a women's retreat?
We understand that it can be difficult for a nursing mother to attend a women's event without her new born. In order to protect the retreat experience for other guests we ask that infants not accompany mom. If you cannot be separated from your child, please wait and attend another retreat when you are able. Infants are welcome at all family events.