About Us FAQ

FAQs

Don't see the answer you're looking for? 

E-mail us or give us a call 605-990-7780
 

How do I register for camp? 

There are four options to register for camp: on-line, over the phone, mail-in or fax registration form to camping office.  Please feel free to choose whichever way is most convenient and comfortable for you.  Not sure which is best for you?  Give us a call and we’ll be happy to share each option.  

I’m registering on-line, or I’m planning to register on-line, and have some questions -

Dakotas UM Camping has partnered with Campwise, a nationally recognized leader in camp management software, for on-line registrations.  We do hear from time-to-time of folks who encounter challenges.  Please click here for information and help with some of the most common on-line registration challenges.  

When does early bird registration end?

Early bird registration ends April 30, 2018. Its $5 off a night at camp, so a two night camp would be $10 off.  If you are unsure of the prices, they included online in "Camp & Events".  Find your camp your interested, and click "More Info".   

How can I pay for camp?

A $50 deposit is required on 2 night camps and longer camps require $100 deposit with each camp registration unless otherwise indicated. The balance is due two weeks prior to the start of that camp.   Additional payments can be made with a credit card, or by calling 605-990-7780.

What if I need financial assistance? 

The Camp & Retreat Board feels strongly that everyone who wants to attend camp can do so, and that no camper will be turned away because they can't afford to pay. We provide campership funds to the individuals who need them most, based on individual and family needs. Our expectation is that your local church, personal funds, other sources of support and conference support will combine to cover the registration cost for one conference camping event of your choice. Please allow enough time for this application to be reviewed prior to your camp experience.

What is my church code?

Some of our churches have requested that they pay part of the camper’s registration.  They would like the camping office to bill them at the end of the summer.  You will need to contact your church to receive this code.  

How do I apply the church discount?

We have worked hard with our vendor on creating a better way to apply a church discount. There are two ways to apply the code.  One way is when you are registering for camp, you can apply toward the end of registration or the second way, you can apply at the "Make Payment' screen.  This has been an added feature this year.  If you have multiple people using the code from your family, this feature will allow you to choose the family members the code needs to be applied to.  

What happens after I register? 

If you registered by paper you will receive a confirmation packet within two weeks that will include a health form, liability waiver and a list of what each camper needs to bring to camp. Instructions about times for check in and check out, payment and other important information will be included in this packet. If you do not receive this packet within two weeks after you register, please call the Camping Office between 8 am and 5 pm weekdays. If you registered online you can find all the necessary forms and camp information on your registration "dashboard" when you have completed registration under the "Downloadable Forms".  

If you would prefer to have all the forms and camp information sent via US postal or would like it emailed as attachments, please email info@dakcamps.org requesting the information or call the Camping office between 8 am and 4 pm weekdays.

What is the Refund Policy if I have to cancel from a camp - can I get my money back?

If you cancel 21 days prior to a camp, you will be issued a refund minus the $45 non-refundable deposit when we receive your written request.  With less than 21-days notice, no refund will be issued.  If you cancel due to an illness or a family emergency, the 21-day less notice is not required.  You will receive a full refund after we receive a written request.

Do I register by grade or age?

Our youth and child camps are by grade completed of the school year 2017-2018 year. 

How will I know if I got into a camp?

You will receive an immediate, automatic confirmation email when you register online. If you do not receive an email, your registration has not been processed. Please review your registration for missing information or call the camping office at 605-990-7780 for assistance. If you register by mail you will receive an email from the camping office when the registration has been processed if you provided an email address on the registration form. The Camping Office will notify you if you are on a waiting list.  If this is the case, the Camping Office will suggest other camp experiences you may enjoy.

Can my child go to your camp? 

All Dakotas UM camps are open to everyone, regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or disability.  Additionally, campers need not be United Methodist.  All campsite program staff members receive training on the inclusion of those with disabilities, and the campsites welcome such persons. Off-site and wilderness-based camps present more challenges for individuals with disabilities, and arrangements for those are made on an individual basis. 

How do I register my child with special needs? 

• Fill out the Camper's Needs information section on the registration form.
• Provide additional comments where indicated.
• Dakotas UM Camping representative will contact you regarding your camper's need.
• Personal care attendants are welcome to attend camp with their camper.

If you have anything that you would like to discuss with us further, please don't hesitate to contact our offices:

What does a typical day at camp look like? 

Each camping event has its uniqueness; however, most will include a daily schedule that includes the activities highlighted by the session chosen, worship and Bible study, pathway activities (camper choice times), meals and snacks, large group and small group activities, an afternoon rest time, swimming, and evening activities.

What do I need to bring to camp? 

Each camping event has its uniqueness; however, most will include a daily schedule that includes the activities highlighted by the session chosen, worship and Bible study, meals and snacks, large group and small group activities, an afternoon rest time, swimming, and evening activities.

Do I need to bring money to camp? 

Our sites have camp stores where you may purchase items.  At check-in, you will turn your money in which will be applied to your store account.  Any left-over money will be returned to you at check-out.

Is there transportation to campsites?

There is only transportation offered to Storm Mountain during certain weeks.  Click here for the Bus Schedule.

What if my child has health problems or takes medications? 

Each camp has a Health Care Manager qual­ified to handle accidents and health issues who will oversee distribution of medications. On opening day medications are collected and parents will verify special medical con­siderations we need to be aware of. We keep medical forms you have completed on hand so we may reach you.

How are campers grouped into cabins? Will my 9-year-old be staying with a 16-year-old? 

Campers are grouped into living groups based on age and gender, while always maintaining strict camper-to-staff ratios.  Campers may request up to one bunk mate.  We do our best to honor requests.  To request a bunk mate, simply complete the appropriate section on your registration form and on-line there will be a spot on the “Dashboard” that will say “Cabin Mate”.

I still have some questions or concerns about my child's time at camp. -

No problem, we're happy to speak with you! Please feel free to contact us with any of your questions. 

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.(not all bases apply to all programs.) Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Contact

For more information, contact the Child and Adult Nutrition Services office at (605) 773-3413.