General Info, Policies, & Resources

Policies and Resources

Cabin Mate Policy Camp Brochure Camper Mail Cancellation Policy Check-in and Check-out Info Check-in & Check-out Procedures Forms, Waivers, and Financial Aid General Policies Homesick Policy Late Arrival Policy Lost and Found Policy Mailing Address Mail/Email Policy Medication / Medical Issues Packing Lists Parent Info Kit Store Money Waiting List Policy

Cabin Mate Policy

Your Child's Cabin Mate Preference, if any:

1. We honor ONE AND ONLY ONE cabin mate request (ie a pair of campers)
2. The campers must be registered for the same camp and week.
3. The request must be reciprocal/mutual. Each camper must list the other camper in the registration to comply. For example, Jane requests Judy and Judy requests Jane.
4. WE DO NOT GROUP campers.
5. NO CHANGES are made at the time of Check-In,
6. We are unable to "confirm" cabin mate requests due to privacy. Camper families should communicate directly with each other regading confirmation.

Why we do not allow groups:

There is much research that indicates that providing children opportunities to meet new people and finding ways to understand and connect with each other is highly valuable to their overall growth. Our staff have training in ways to help kids get to know each other and create mutual experiences throughout the week. Additionally, we have observed that groups which include several campers who already know each other often lead to campers feeling excluded or isolated. We strive to ensure that no camper is in a group where there are only friend pairs, but we cannot guarantee it,

What we ask of parents:

Please do not attempt to group in the registration as we have multiple groups of the same age group for some weeks and there is no guarantee this will work. We suggest you invite a friend if there is an odd number so that you comply with the pair policy.

Discuss this with your child prior to their camp week. Confusion and disappointment at check-in can be avoided if parents help choose their child's one cabin mate and make sure it is reciprocal. Please call if you do not clearly understand this policy.

Camper Mail

Campers may receive letters by mail or through the website email system. Mail letters/packages one week prior to camp so they will arrive timely. NO food, candy or gum. If sent, these items will be disposed of. Label all mail/packages with camper name, event name, camp week. You may also leave packages when you check-in. Have your campers name and the date you want it delivered to them written on it.

Any mail received at Tekoa after the camper's week of camp will be shredded. We are unable to forward any mail or packages on to our campers.

Cancellation Policy

  1. Each camp week has a NON REFUNDABLE/NON TRANSFERRABLE $150 deposit.
  2. For cancellations up to 21 days before camp, a refund will be given of the balance paid, minus the $150 deposit.
  3. There will be no refund for cancellation within 21 days of the camp event.
  4. Once the camp session begins, there are no refunds. (Campers who are sent home during camp due to illness, inappropriate behavior, or homesickness are not eligible for a refund.)
  5. The camp director reserves the right to dismiss any camper whose conduct becomes in any way detrimental to the best interests of other campers. No refunds will be given in these cases.


Options for Cancellation:
Self- Cancelation before April 25th
Logging back into the registration and using the Make a Payment/Edit link on our homepage. Use the self-cancellation option until April 25th. .

After April 25th
All cancellations or changes must be done by contacting the office. You can email hlane@camptekoa.org or call the office at 828-692-6516.

Switching Weeks/Camps
If you would like to cancel a registration to switch into a different camp or week, please email hlane@camptekoa.org or call our office at 828-692-6516. Before requesting this, please use the online registration system to check if spots are open in the camp you are requesting transfer to, as we are only able to transfer if space is available.

Check-In & Check-Out Info

Sunday Drop-off

  • 3:00-3:30 pm: First Half Mini Campers, First Half Older Elementary Starter Campers, and Elementary Overnight Campers
  • 3:30-4:00 pm: Middle School Overnight Campers and First Half Middle School Starter Campers
  • 4:00-4:30 pm: High School Overnight Campers

Wednesday

  • 9:00-9:30 am: Pick up for First Half Mini Campers
  • 4:00-4:30 pm: Drop off for Second Half Mini Campers, Older Elementary Starter Campers, and Middle School Starter Campers

Saturday Pick-up

  • 9:00-9:30 am: Mini, Starter, and Elementary Campers
  • 9:30-10:00 am: Middle School Campers and Middle School Starter Campers
  • 10:00-10:30 am: High School Campers

Important: If you have campers in more than one age group, please plan to drop off and pick up according to your youngest camper's age.

A Note About Safety

Please drive cautiously through our site. We have many pedestrians and lots of activity on our large check-in and check-out days. Tekoa is committed to the safety of all staff, campers and guests. Our staff will be identifiable by their Tekoa Staff Shirts and will assist you throughout the property.

Should any changes affect our check-in or check-out days, we will relay that communication to the email associated with your registration.

Check-in & Check-out Procedures

Check-in & check-out takes place in the Dining Hall/Pavilion area. During check-in, leave all luggage in your vehicle and keep campers, visitors and minors in your presence at all times. Please follow signs and verbal instructions at check-in.

During check-out, you will be asked to present a photo-ID at the check-out table located on the Dining Hall porch. Be sure you and your camper collect all of their belongings, including necessary medication from the nurse's table. There is a $15/hr charge for campers not picked up on time.

Forms, Waivers, and Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Camp Tekoa is dedicated to providing youth with a meaningful camp experience - the "Tekoa Experience." No child should be excluded from this experience due to financial concerns. Families are welcome to schedule a monthly payment plan if they register before April 1, after the initial $150 deposit has been made. All payment plans must be paid in full by May 1.

If the full balance of camp is not paid by May 1st, the payment will be drafted from the original form of payment through Thriva Active Network. If you are waiting for a scholarship from your church make sure the payment is at Camp Tekoa prior to May 1st.

Final Payment: If the full balance of camp is not paid by May 1st, the payment will be drafted from the original form of payment through Active Network. If you are awaiting a scholarship from your church make sure the payment is received by Camp Tekoa prior to May 1st.

Service Fee: If your final payment fails for any reason, or if your payment is not received by May 1st, a $50 service fee will be charged to your account on May 2nd.

Camper families who cannot afford the full fee should first contact their Church about financial support. If the camper's family and local church cannot cover the event fee, partial scholarships are available from the Tekoa Scholarship Fund.

Families/Individuals requesting a scholarship MUST complete a Scholarship Request form. This form must be completed in full and must be signed by parent/guardian AND your minister or sponsoring agency representative. Submit prior to or with the camper's registration form. Please contact the Registrar if you have questions regarding scholarship assistance.

If you need to request a scholarship, fill out the Scholarship Request Form

Waivers and Required Forms

Important: The following camps require waivers. These will be due within three (3) weeks after you register for summer camp, unless you register after June 1. If emailing or uploading a waiver, we are unable to accept a photo/JPG document.

**HOW TO SUBMIT REQUIRED WAIVERS PLACEHOLDER**

General Policies

  1. All forms of TOBACCO, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ILLEGAL DRUGS, FIREARMS and FIREWORKS are PROHIBITED on site. We reserve the right to dismiss campers for violations. In addition electronic devices of any type (radios, CD players, smart watches, cell phones, MP3 players, hand held video games, etc.) are not allowed and will be confiscated if brought to camp.
  2. Should there be reasonable or probable cause, for the health and safety of all campers and staff, your camper may be asked to inventory his/her belongings in the presence of administrative staff.
  3. Visitors are permitted in camp ONLY WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR. For the security of your child and others, we request advance notice for visits. All visitors are REQUIRED to check in/out at the camp office and must wear a visitor's pass while on site. Costs for guest meal: $7.00 for breakfast, $8.00 for lunch, and $9.00 for dinner. Please give a 48 hour notice for meals and pay the Business Manager upon arrival.
  4. Telephone policy: Summer camp is a sacred space where campers can connect with God and other people. We do not allow campers to have cell phones, smart watches, or any other device that has communication functionality. It is disruptive to the camp experience. If your camper has a need, they can express that to the staff and we have the ability to communicate with parents/guardians if necessary. Camp is a great place for you to let your camper grow in independence and reliance. As a part of this, we do not have direct communication between campers and parents/guardians. If, however, there is a family emergency or an immediate need, you are able to call the camp office and we can communicate with you and your child in a way that is helpful to your situation. Regarding friendships: Camp Tekoa emphasizes friendships at camp rather than "relationships" and we do not allow PDA (public/private displays of affection) that go beyond friendship. Campers will be dismissed for inappropriate sexual behavior.
  5. Dress Code: Nothing with slogans promoting alcohol, sex, tobacco, drugs, profanity, or death themes. One-piece swimsuits for girls (tankinis are two-pieces and not allowed); swim trunks instead of briefs for boys. You may wear a t-shirt over your swimsuit while swimming, if you wish. We have a dress code of modesty. Girls should not wear sports bras alone, tops too short to tuck in, short-shorts, or tight clothes. Tank tops are ok, but should not be underwear-style, or show belly or bra. Guys do not go shirtless except at appropriate sports, nor should their underwear ever show. No underwear-style tank tops. Shoes, shirts & pants are to be worn in the dining hall, as required by the Health Department. Sandals are permitted. Closed-toed shoes are needed for some activities.
  6. Graffiti: We reserve the right to charge a fine or request actual clean-up for violation.
  7. Discharging fire extinguishers unnecessarily is very dangerous. A fine is charged for this act.
  8. NO PETS are allowed with campers during their stay at camp, except those assisting persons with special needs. Pets brought on site during registration and pick-up must be contained and on a leash.
  9. Camper laundry service is not available.
  10. Gravel and large rocks are placed for erosion control. Please refrain from throwing rocks, large or small.
  11. Camp Tekoa cannot assume responsibility for lost, broken or stolen items. Due to limited space and the amount of time involved in handling hundreds of lost and found items: Camp Tekoa is not responsible for items left behind, lost, or stolen. All items left behind will be displayed during the week as well as during checkout of Wednesday and Saturday. This will be the only opportunity to collect lost items. NEW Starting in Summer 2026, no items will be returned after the week closes. Any items that are in good condition will be washed and donated to a local charity.

Homesick Policy

It is natural for most campers to experience a degree of homesickness, mainly if it is their first time away from home. It is not uncommon for parents to receive a homesick letter, only to call the camp and learn that homesick feelings have passed and the camper is now having fun.

Tekoa's Family Group Leaders (FGL) plan the first few hours in great detail to help campers feel more comfortable at camp. Campers arriving at camp will quickly engage in games and ice breakers to help them meet new friends and feel more connected with their cabin.

Even with the efforts and support of your camper's FGL and other Tekoa staff, there are things you can do at home to start the process of preventing or minimizing homesickness.

To help you and your family prepare for summer camp, here are 7 Do's and 1 Don't for Preventing Homesickness:
Do:
1. Have the Conversation: Before camp, talk to your camper about camp, stressing that it may involve challenges that will help them to grow and gain new confidence. Mention homesickness and let them know it is normal to miss the familiarity of being home.

2. Practice at Home: Have younger campers practice managing their daily routine: getting ready for bed, starting the shower, getting dressed or organizing their belongings. Campers who feel more confident in these areas tend to have a smoother transition to camp.

3. Pack Together: Involve campers in the process of packing and preparing for camp. Working together ensures that campers will not forget to pack essential items and also helps them feel more confident and prepared.

4. Help them to Connect: Encourage your camper to talk with their leaders if they are starting to miss home. Tekoa staff receive training in a variety of strategies that can help your camper feel more comfortable and get involved in camp!

5. Develop Strategies: Evening and bedtime are when homesickness often arises. Talk with your camper in advance about things that they can do to make bedtime easier. Some campers find having a quote, favorite memory, or a few items from home will help.

6. Stay Connected: Write a few letters to your camper before camp begins and drop them off on check-in day in the dining hall area; since it takes a few days for the US Postal mail to arrive, so this ensures your camper will have letters from home during the first few days of camp.

7. Use Positive and Encouraging Language: When writing letters, be sure to focus on what your camper is looking forward to doing at camp, encouraging them to achieve the goals they set with you, and help them to write you a letter telling you about the fun things they are doing at camp. Try to avoid topics that might make them miss home more.

Don't
Watch out! The most common mistake parents can make is the Pick-Up Deal. It's normal for campers to ask, "What if I feel homesick?" Please never say, "If you feel homesick, I'll come and get you." This conveys a message of doubt and pity that undermines a camper's confidence and sense of independence. Pick-Up Deals become mental crutches and self-fulfilling prophecies for campers as soon as they arrive at camp (American Camp Association). You can read more about strategies to help campers succeed here. Focus on encouraging your camper to enjoy this new experience.
We will partner with you to help your camper adjust quickly and thrive during their time at Camp Tekoa!

Camp Tekoa's role in helping with homesick campers:
(All Tekoa team members are required to complete two weeks of staff training before camp opening. Homesickness is one of the many topics covered in depth during the two weeks of training.)

  • The camper's FGL informs the director or assistant director of the camper's homesickness. The counselor also encourages the camper to become actively involved in activities and to have fun.

  • If the camper wants to call home, the director (s) will consult with the counselor. One of the directors or members of the summer planning team will call the parents to inform them of their camper's homesickness. At this point, Tekoa staff consult with parents as to how to best address their child about the issue.

  • Several options are possible with the best solution being that the camper tries to become more actively involved and stay at camp. The camper might call and speak with his/her parent. In most cases, a phone call will only make the situation worse. In the event a child has to call home, the phone call is limited to 5 minutes and is under the supervision of a Tekoa staff person. The last resort is for parents to pick up the camper from camp.

We, as the Camp Tekoa Staff, do our best to include everyone in our camp community. We want campers to feel as comfortable as possible especially when it may be the first time away from their family. For some campers, it's still not easy to be away from home. We feel it is best for the parents to decide whether it's appropriate for the camper to be encouraged to stay at camp or go home and try another year.

At the same time, when a camper is extremely homesick, it's not only difficult for the camper, but also the camper's counselor and the community of the cabin. We hope that together we can find the best solution for everyone involved.

Late Arrival Policy

If you know in advance that your camper will be arriving later than the normal check-in time please email Holly Lane to let her know your camper's name and planned arrival time.

If you are stuck in traffic on the day of check in and or something comes up and you need to check-in later, please call Holly Lane at (828) 692 6516 x 10 and leave a message with an estimated time of arrival and your camper's name.

Lost and Found Policy

Due to limited space and the amount of time involved in handling hundreds of lost and found items:

  • CAMP TEKOA is not responsible for items left behind, lost, or stolen.
  • Parents are urged to label all clothing and personal items with a permanent marker with the camper's full name, not just initials.
  • All items left behind will be displayed during the week as well as at checkout on Saturday. This will be the only opportunity to collect lost items.
  • NEW Starting in Summer 2026, no items will be returned after the week closes.
  • Any items that are in good condition will be washed and donated to a local charity.

Mailing Address

Hendersonville Mailing Address:
Camp Tekoa
PO Box 1793
Flat Rock, NC 28731

Mail/Email Policy

  • Rather than sending packages we encourage you and your family to write letters to your child.
  • PLEASE LIMIT PACKAGES TO ONE PER CAMP SESSION.
  • Do not send candy, baked goods, or packaged food of any kind.
  • Food and sweets are magnets to all kinds of critters! In an effort to discourage the sending of food or candy, any received will be disposed of. Campers are offered dessert daily and special treats on occasions. 
  • At check in You may drop all letters off in the designated area. Mail is delivered Monday-Friday evenings for overnight campers only.
  • The login information to send camper emails (overnight campers only) and to view photos is provided to you in a welcome email sent at least two weeks prior to your camper's week of camp. It is also provided on the day of check in. We do not give this information out over the phone to protect your child's privacy.
  • Mail sent vis USPS - please put in the mail at least two weeks prior to your camper's week. Any mail received after their week of camp is not forwarded.

Medication / Medical Issues

During check-in, ALL MEDICATIONS must be checked in with the nurse. Prescription medication(s) should be in the original container in a Ziploc bag, clearly marked with the camper's name, dose amount, frequency, and any other instructions. Bring ONLY the amount necessary for your camper's stay. Tekoa's wellness center is stocked with a variety of generic over-the-counter medications including pain relievers, antacids, etc. therefore it is NOT necessary to send this medication with your camper. If sent, OTC meds will not be returned. Campers are not allowed to keep meds with them. Any medications left at camp will be disposed of after 7 days.

What happens in an emergency? Our registered nurse is on duty 24 hours a day. In the event your camper is sick for more than 6 hours, you will be contacted by phone. Minor injuries/illnesses are documented in the Nurse Log Book. For any major injuries/illnesses when your camper has to be transported to the hospital or doctor's office, you will be contacted immediately.

Insurance: Camp Tekoa does not carry health insurance on campers. Campers must be covered under a policy provided from home. If your camper requires medical treatment, your insurance information will be provided to the hospital and/or physician. Any unpaid medical bills incurred at camp will be sent home and/or collected at time of check-out.

Store Money

Parents are requested to pre-pay store money as it expedites the check-in process. The camp store sells snacks/drinks ($2.50), t-shirts ($20+) and other clothing items, animals ($2 to $14+), hats, Nalgenes ($22), jewelry ($2-12), and many other items. Unused store money will be available for return at check-out. Balances under $1.00 will automatically be transferred to the Tekoa Scholarship Fund.

Waiting List Policy

How do I add my camper to the waitlist?

To add your camper to the waitlist, navigate to the 2026 registration system, place the camp in your cart, and follow the prompts. At the end, it will show as zero payment and you will receive a confirmation email. Your camper has not been added to the list unless you receive this confirmation email.

How will I be notified if a spot comes open?

When a spot becomes available, the system will send you an email. You must respond within 24 hours to accept the spot and make payment. If you do not respond within the 24 hour time frame, your camper will be removed from the waitlist automatically and the spot offered to the next camper on the list.

Please make sure that you have hlane@camptekoa.org marked as safe, and add active.com and activenetwork.com in your address book so that you do not miss any of these important messages.

If you happen to find yourself on the waitlist for any of our camps, the process of contacting you for an opening has been automated. You will no longer receive phone calls announcing availability. When a spot becomes available the system will send you an email and you will have 24 hours to respond to the email. If you do not respond within that 24 hour time frame your camper will be removed from the waitlist automatically. Please make sure that you have hlane@camptekoa.org in your address book, so that you do not miss any of these important messages.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! Contact us:

Phone: 828-692-6516 Email: hlaine@camptekoa.org Office Hours: M-F, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Or schedule a tour to visit camp and see for yourself why families love Camp Tekoa!

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All information is subject to change. Please check your registration confirmation and pre-camp emails for the most current information specific to your session.

Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.