FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions

What is DaySpring's welcome statement?

At Camp DaySpring, all are invited to gather in community, grow in faith, and experience God’s love through nature, friendship, and joyful play. As a ministry of the Episcopal Church, we believe every child is created in the image of God — beloved, worthy, and wonderfully made.

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We joyfully welcome campers and staff of every race, background, ability, family structure, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Our staff are trained to foster a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where every child can belong, thrive, and be themselves. We are committed to creating a community where each person’s dignity is honored and where all are embraced as full and equal members of the body of Christ.

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Our Camp Director, Caitlin, loves questions! If you need assistance with registration, housing, or any specific requests, we want to make sure your camper has the best summer ever. Email Caitlin here.

What type of training do the staff receive?

All of Camp DaySpring's counselors and staff are First Aid/CPR/AED certified for adults and children. Specialty staff hold certifications for their area such as lifeguarding. Camp staff spend 7 days before the start of camp training in safety, camper concerns such as homesickness and bullying prevention, and tips on delivering a high-quality, fun camp experience for all. All staff and overnight volunteers participate in childhood abuse awareness and prevention training and pass state and federal background checks.

Are scholarships available?

Scholarships are available and are based on need. More information about financial assistance and scholarships can be found on our general Camp Dayspring page. Please contact us for more information and resources. Interested in donating to DaySpring's scholarship fund? Click on the give button at the top of the page.

How do cabin mate requests work?

During registration campers can request up to 2 cabin-mates. If the request is mutual (all campers request each other), and campers are within a 3 year age range, it may be granted upon Director approval. Camp DaySpring can't guarantee non-mutual cabin-mate requests and will not accommodate large friend groups bunking together. Camp is a place to build new friendships and campers will interact with people outside their cabin throughout the day. Sibling cabin mate requests are generally not approved unless special circumstances permit it.

What are the cabins like?

Camper cabins fit up to 16 people on either side, with a combined area space in the middle. A full cabin will have 14 campers and 2 staff members per wing. Each wing also has their own bathrooms with showers, sinks, and toilets. Cabins are temperature controlled to ensure camper comfortability.

Can campers use their phone while at camp?

The short answer? No! Camp DaySpring believes in a tech-free environment, which allows our  campers to make meaningful connections with each other, nature, and God. Phones, tablets, or other electronic devices sent to camp will be safely stored by staff and returned on departure day. Exceptions are made for digital cameras and campers must abide by our digital camera policies.

What about heat? Is there A/C?

While we are focused on getting campers outdoors and connected with nature, we understand there are times where Florida's summer weather can make outdoor experiences uncomfortable. DaySpring has large gathering areas and spaces that are temperature controlled with air conditioning available. Additionally, activities such as pool time are scheduled during the heat of the day, to allow campers to cool off. Staff are trained to recognize temperature related health concerns and emergencies.

Is there a nurse on site?

Camp DaySpring operates with a higher trained medical provider on site during summer youth camps. These may include: RNs, EMTs, Paramedics, Physicians, and more. Interested in helping provide health services to Camp Dayspring? Please contact us.

Does my camper need to be Episcopalian/Christian?

No. Camp DaySpring welcomes all from religious and non-religious backgrounds. All are welcome here. As an Episcopal camp, we are passionate about being a safe space for all campers. We celebrate a rich diversity of national origin, religious belief, race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, family structure, and ability among all our staff and campers. Chaplains are available as support for campers and staff and often join in on the fun of camp. We hold a weekly Eucharist where campers may choose to participate or not participate. All campers expected to be present, and are invited to participate in a way that fits with their diverse religious beliefs and practices. Faith and spirituality are an open and ongoing conversation at camp, and each individual’s beliefs and practices are welcomed and respected. For more information on the Episcopal Church visit our Diocesan Website here or the National Church website here.

Swim tests?

Camp DaySpring does require swim tests for campers. Campers will be tested on swimming abilities, endurance, and comfortability in the water. Non-swimmers may still enter the pool in designated areas, and may be asked to wear a coast guard approved lifejacket. For more questions regarding swim testing please contact us.

Dietary needs?

Camp DaySpring can make reasonable accommodations for dietary restrictions such as: gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, etc. with advanced notice. Please contact us for more information regarding specialized dietary requirements, to see if Dayspring can meet your needs.

Does my camper need any money while at camp?

Camp DaySpring has a daily canteen time where campers may choose to purchase items. Campers can visit once per day and purchase snacks, beverages, camp merch (stickers, water bottles, etc.), and more. Snacks and drinks such as caffeine free soda are limited to 2 items per camper per day. Campers typically spend under $20 at the canteen per week. Funds can be loaded into a camper's account on Campwise or at arrival. We ask that campers try not to carry cash on them, as this can become easily misplaced.

What is camp's refund policy?

Cancellations must be made 30 days prior to the start of camp. Cancellations made prior to 30 days will be issued a refund, minus the non-refundable deposit.  Cancellations after 30 days will charge the full tuition, which is non-refundable. Cancellations due to medical reasons after 30 days- DaySpring will issue a 75% credit that can be applied to a future camp session for up to 12 months. Medical reasons will need to be supported by appropriate documentation where a medical doctor has deemed that your camper is not able to attend because of an illness/injury. If a camper withdraws voluntarily or is sent home because of unacceptable behavior, no refund of any type will be granted. It is the parents’ responsibility to cover any additional travel expenses. All fees paid will be forfeited if camper does not check in on the opening day of their camp session.

What is a typical day like?

Camp DaySpring's days vary depending on the day with a mix of structured time as well as free time. The general camp schedule includes consistent rest times, meal times, and clean up times. Outside of this, campers can expect a day filled with varying activities both indoor and outdoor, supervised free time/rec time, and time to bond with their counselors, cabin mates, and fellow campers.

How do I know if my child is ready for camp?

Summer sessions at Camp DaySpring are open to all campers within the listed grade/age requirements. Each child is different and readiness is an important component of a successful camp experience. General indicators of readiness for campers include: expressing excitement about attending camp. Can somewhat manage their daily self-care tasks like teeth brushing, hair care, showering, etc. Understands that overnight camp includes sleeping overnight in cabins with others. Ready to compromise and understands that the camp experience will be shared with others who also have ideas, needs, and preferences. Understands that they won’t have their cell phone or be able to call home during their time at camp. For more information on prepping your child for overnight camp, click on this link.

Can my camper call home?

Camp professionals have found it best for campers not to talk with family/friends from home as it can encourage homesickness and disengage from the camp experience. Phone calls home will only be made in special circumstances. We ask that you do not send any electronic devices to camp, and that your camper understands this policy.

Behavior?

Campers are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with Camp DaySpring's goals of

providing a safe, positive, and respectful Christian community. Staff will work closely with campers to handle minor disciplinary issues. DaySpring reserves the right to send home any camper whose behavior is consistently inappropriate. Any direct threat or actual physical harm to self or others will result in a camper being sent home. Parents will be responsible for arranging to have the camper dismissed from camp and transported home as soon as possible.