Frequently Asked Questions

What camp should I sign up for? A common question, we receive, is what camp to sign up for if your camper is in one of the transition grades. For example, we will host a 4th-6th grade camp as well as a 7th-9th grade camp. If your camper is a 6th grader and going into 7th, we allow either grade.

When is drop off? Camper drop off is between 3pm-5pm on the first day of camp

When is pick up? Camper pick is no later than 11am. We hold a 10am rally the last day of camp. We strongly encourage parents/guardians to join the rally. Campers will be dismissed at 11am

What should I pack?

  • Pillow and bedding (or sleeping bag) - keep an eye on the weather, we don’t have AC in the cabins

  • Wash cloths and at least 2 towels

  • Soap and shampoo

  • Tooth brush/paste

  • Comfortable clothing - casual sports wear for during the day and a hoody/sweatpants for the evening

  • Two pairs of comfortable shoes/footwear

  • Bible

  • Pen and/or pencil

  • Envelopes with stamps if you would like to send a letter home

  • One-piece swimsuit (t-shirt over a two piece is also acceptable) or a tankini.

  • Personal items

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug spray

  • Flashlight (optional, but we totally understand a flashlight is so cool!!)

  • Sleep mask (optional, yeah we get it, some people need their shut eye)

  • Ear plugs (optional, but we totally understand)

  • Extra money for the canteen (optional, but there will be some cool merchandise!!)

  • Fishing gear (optional)

  • Personal life jacket. Camp Joy will supply a life jacket, but we also understand if you have your own

What Should I NOT pack?

  • We do not allow electronics to be on site. Camp Joy will collect all electronics, which includes, gaming devices, phones and etc. If a camper and/or parent needs to connect with a parent/guardian, we are more than happy to accommodate.

  • Two piece swimsuit

  • Inappropriate clothing or clothing with vulgar words/themes

  • Tobacco, alcohol, and/or drugs

  • Fireworks

Camp Policies for Campers

PARTICIPATION: 

·        100% involvement at "All Camp Activities" unless excused by the Camp Nurse or program leader (includes meals, chapels, and announced activity times.)

PRIVACY:

  • Cabins:  Campers may only enter their cabin and may not go near cabins inhabited by the opposite sex.

  • Kitchen:  State law permits only authorized food service personnel.

CAMP BOUNDARIES:

  • Campers may not leave the grounds without the permission of the executive director.

  • Boaters must not leave their watercraft except at the Camp's designated waterfront.

  • Campers must leave all their car keys with the Executive Director.

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES:

  • Recreation equipment must be returned after use.

  • "You break it; you replace it."  (Normal wear and tear excluded.)

  • The washer and dryer is reserved exclusively for official Camp use.

  • The piano may be used by skilled musicians only (stage is completely off limits to non-band members)

  • Game rooms are to be food and drink free

  • Please keep camp clean by picking up trash

  • Keep off of roofs

WATERFRONT EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY:

  • Swimming is permitted only in designated areas when lifeguards are on duty.

  • All swimmers must swim with a buddy.

  • Appropriate tests must be completed prior to unescorted use of watercraft and swimming in the deep end.

  • Campers sixth grade and under must wear a life-jacket while fishing on docks.

  • All users of Camp Joy watercraft must wear life-jackets.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

  • All medications are to be stored with and dispensed by the First Aid Staff.

  • Shoes must be worn at all times except when inside the cabin, lake, showers, or sand.

  • Fires and the use of matches and lighters are not permitted without staff present

UNAPPROVED ACTIVITIES: dancing, cabin raids, pranks, gambling, offensive TV/DVD programs.

UNAPPROVED MATERIALS include: Alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, electronic entertainment devices, weapons, dangerous recreation equipment (e.g. boomerangs, shot guns, knives), cell phones, illicit pictures or content.

RESPECTFUL CONDUCT:

  • Listening attentively to staff

  • Use God-honoring appropriate language

  • Bullying other staff/campers is not allowed and will not be tolerated

  • Do not steal from other staff or campers

DRESS CODE:

  • Clothing must be modest and in good taste.  Examples of unapproved clothing include short-shorts, two-piece, cut-out, or bikini swimwear, bare mid-rifts, thin-strapped or tight tank tops, and offensive graphics.

  • Swim suits may be worn for waterfront activities only.

  • Shirts are to be worn at all non-aquatic activities (excluding male-only activities).

PUBLIC/PRIVATE DISPLAY OF AFFECTION: 

·        Camp policy does not permit dating or public (or private!) male to female displays of affection amongst unmarried individuals.

"How can I contact my camper?"

Campers are welcome to get mail while at camp. If you would like to send a letter or care package to your camper, please mail it to the following address:

We STRONGLY recommend sending your care package/letter no later than the Saturday before the camp starts.

​Camper Name 

C/O Camp Joy 

32521 380th ST 

Dent, MN 56528

​You may send emails to your camper at director@campjoyminnesota.org

For emergency situations please call the camp at the following number (218) 849-7814. Please do not call your camper unless it is an emergency, and please note that the phone is not always answered. Please feel free to leave a message.

“What’s at Camp Joy?”

We're glad you asked! Camp has a multitude of buildings and grounds. Check them out.

Star Lake

The flagship of Camp Joy, Star Lake has crystal clear water, a gentle drop off, and sandy swimming area. On hot days, campers love to dive into swimming, fishing, canoeing, tubing and much more! The beauty of the lake really shines during sunset.

Chapel

Located in the center of Camp Joy, this building is a staple on the shoreline of Star Lake. Sitting lake side, this is the perfect building for listening to a sermon or participating in an evening worship session.

Volleyball Court

Our brand new court is a favorite place for campers and counselors to gather for various games of volleyball. Whether it's free time, cabin adventure time, or game time, there's always a match in progress!

The Craft Hall

Do you enjoy making crafts of all kinds? This is the place for you! In our Craft Hall we have lots of different things you can do from making bracelets to maybe even making some slime…

Recreational Field

Camp Joy’s sports and recreation field is 16 wide open acres perfect for a game of kickball or capture the flag! It features a basketball court, playground, ball field and out bath. This is also favorite spot for gathering outdoors for worship, a camp fire, and the slip 'n slide!

Dining Hall

The dining hall is a favorite place for hungry campers to take a break from their daily activities to grab a bite to eat. The facility accommodates up to 120 and has large windows to view Star Lake's famous sunsets.

Cabins

All of Camp Joy’s cabins feature a pine interior and each sleeps 9. The cabins provide a calm camping atmosphere and all of them are tucked up against Star Lake’s shoreline.