Christian Summer Camps in Texas

Getting Ready…

The first step toward having a fun, successful summer at Renew Camps is sitting down with your family and talking about what to expect and what questions you all have.

• Make a list of questions, concerns, and another list of things you, as a camper, are excited about. Feel free to set up a family call with Jeremy to help answer questions and get more comfortable.
• Familiarize yourself with the camp environment and daily routine.
• Though we’re apt to paint a bright, promising picture of an ideal camp experience, it’s important not to gloss over the not-so glamorous realities of camp life. There will be HOT days (we are Christian summer camps in Texas after all), challenging activities, learning curves with roommates, and maybe even a sprain, strain, or scrape. These incidents should not surprise a first-time camper.
• Speak openly about homesickness and concerns before camp, it’s very common. Once you accept that homesickness is normal and natural, it helps decrease anxiety. Know that if you do experience homesickness, regardless of how old you are, you won’t be alone. In fact our Christian summer camps are filled with experts on the subject! In the end, be assured them you will make a speedy and complete recovery from the homesick blues and have a great experience.

Clothing Clothing should be functional and durable for Renew’s Christian summer camps. Please be sure that attire is modest and in good taste and that bra straps and tummies are covered. Please don’t send valuable clothing. 10 pair underwear 10 pair socks 1 pair jeans 10 shirts 1 yellow or blue shirt for “Capture the Flag” 8 athletic shorts 2-3 bathing suits Warm sweater, jacket, or sweatshirt Pajamas Bathrobe and bedroom slippers 1 raincoat Shoes 2 pair tennis shoes Crocs, flip-flops, or Tevas to wear to pool and to shower Personal Items Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss Shampoo Soap/soap dish Deodorant Lotion/cream Comb/brush Hair bands Sunscreen Lip ointment w/sun block PLEASE MARK YOUR (CAMPERS) NAMES CLEARLY ON ALL ITEMS!

Miscellaneous Pillow with two pillowcases Flashlight/batteries Stationery and stamps (store in zip-loc bags) Pens or pencils 1 laundry bag Daypack or book bag with padded straps Water bottle* Bible/books Optional Camera/film Sunglasses Extra pair of glasses/contact lenses Swim goggles, earplugs, and nose plugs Playing cards Battery operated fan Outfits for themed dances/evening programs/skits Hat Musical Instruments

Electronic Devices

Cell Phones- Unlike other Christian summer camps all campers have call times EVERY DAY.  You are encouraged to bring cell phones in order to make calls home at designated times.  We will store cell phones in the main office outside of calling hours and distribute them out at appropriate times.

IPods, MP3, Etc- Sometimes a little music goes a long way! Feel free to bring IPods, Mp3 players and what not. Renew is not to be held liable for any damages to devices during your time at camp.  NOTE: phones that play music  will be treated like cell phones, collected, and distributed at appropriate times.

Laptops- Laptops are not permitted at summer camp. You will have time in computer labs each week and we kindly ask that all laptops be left at home.

Laundry

Laundry is done once a week in small groups with help from camp counselors. If you haven’t had the opportunity to do your own laundry at home, maybe ask your parents or an older sibling to walk you through it a couple times before summer camp. Lots of campers haven’t done laundry before, so your summer camp counselors will be there to help where needed.

Roommates

Based on the information we gather from you in the preliminary stages of camp we do our best to pair you with a roommate that, on paper, seems like a good fit.  Sometimes it goes GREAT, sometimes, you may not mesh. We are always willing to talk through your living situation and help you problem solve where necessary.