Youth Specific FAQ

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.