Sending your child away to camp for a week can be a scary thing! There are lots of things that are nice to know when you are preparing for a week of camping at Bandina!
Can my child stay in a cabin with his/her friend?
Well, that depends…
Our campers are grouped in cabins based on their age and gender. But, since we have a large camp, we sometimes have multiple cabins of the same age. So, if there is someone that you would like to make sure you bunk with, please add that information to your application. We can not stress the importance of this. Changes are NOT made once arriving at camp.
Also, if you aren’t the same age, our camp session policy is that a camper can choose to go down ONE age group to bunk with someone (i.e. a 12 year old can go down to room with an 11 year old). We do NOT allow younger campers to go up an age.
ALL REQUESTS MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT CAMP.
Do you give refunds?
Refunds are issued up until the registration deadline (June 22nd, 2024). Because of planning and purchases being made prior to camp, NO REFUNDS ARE GIVEN AFTER THE DEADLINE FOR ANY REASON.
Can I call and talk to my child during the week while they are there?
Sure. Although, if your child is prone to getting homesick, talking to mom and dad sometimes makes that worse! If you need to call for some reason, you can ask for one of our directors or our secretary (Melissa McAdams). They could then find your child (our campers are busy during the day!!) and have them get back to you soon, in needed. They have the information needed to find your child during the day.
Can I mail a package or letter to my child?
Absolutely!! Our campers LOVE to receive mail! We have mail call each evening before dinner. If you send them something, they will get their name called and get to go to the front to get it. It’s always nice to get stuff from home.
Make sure you mail it in plenty of time for us to get it. You may want to send it the day before your camper leaves to make sure it gets there.
Mail for campers:
Camp Bandina(Camper Name)
320 Bandina Ranch Road
Bandera, TX 78003
Does my child play sports each day?
Yes. We have sports each day. Campers are grouped in teams based on their age group (9-11, 12-14, 15-18) and only play with that age. They play basketball, volleyball, soccer, and kickball. We also have afternoon free time when they can choose to play sports or get involved in a tournament, which also includes ping pong, gaga ball, etc. We have a fun-filled week playing games and sports!
What should I pack?
Please feel free to bring what would make you comfortable away from home for a week. But, make sure you don’t forget these items: Bible, pen or pencil, clothes for outdoor activities (tennis shoes) in the HOT hill country, personal grooming items (soap, towels, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant), bed linens for a twin bed or sleeping bag, swimsuit and coverup, ball glove (for older kids), flashlight, anything that would make your child’s stay more comfortable. Stamps and stationery for those who want to write letters home might also be something to consider.
Although we want you to bring what would help you enjoy your week, please remember to not bring any electronic devices (i.e. iPads, Game Systems), knives, vaping devices/e-cigarettes, tobacco products of any kind, illegal drugs, water balloons. Phones will be taken up during our CHECK-IN process and kept safe until Saturday dismissal. They will not be allowed to be kept in cabins. This is a safety issue for all our campers. All phones have cameras on them these days, and it’s just not a good idea to have those so readily available in the cabins with social media. It’s another way we are working to keep your child safe while at camp. Thank you for understanding. If you need to speak with your child during the week, see the section above relating to this.
Also, no clothing such as halter tops, spaghetti strap tops, short shorts, and tight yoga pants. NOTE: We ask that shorts be fingertip length and/or have a 5″ inseam.
What is being done to keep my child safe while at camp?
Safety is a top priority, as we are caring for over 300 precious campers all week. All campers AND staff wear ID tags every day. These tags have each camper’s personal info (name, age, cabin, classes, schedule, etc.) on it for the week — another reason we don’t change classes and cabins once we get to camp. This allows us to know where each and every camper is supposed to be at all times, helps with safety in the nurse’s clinic, and helps in organization with all classes and sports. No adult or child is allowed on campgrounds during the week unless they have our ID tag. This helps to assure that only the adults/staff who have been through the proper training and orientation are on the campgrounds at any given time.
All our staff and adults on campus have passed the required background checks and proper training in accordance with state requirements. We will always do everything possible that we can to make sure the people caring for your children this week are the best they can be.
We strive to take extra measures in your child’s safety.
What is Canteen and does my child have to bring extra money?
During free time each afternoon, canteen is available for campers. It is our Camp Store that offers items such as affordable cokes, snacks, ice cream, Gatorade, and chips that you can purchase if you want. Your money is placed in a camp ‘bank’ that we deduct your purchases from. All purchases at crafts and additional t-shirts (your camp registration fee includes one camp shirt, but different additional Bandina merchandise is available for purchase) are also deducted from money brought and placed in canteen. Average amounts used range from $15-$25. T-shirts or hoodies range from $12-$40.
What do the cabins look like?
All our cabins have air conditioning and restrooms inside the cabins. All beds are twin size bunks with rails on the top beds for safety. Mattresses are plastic camp mattresses and the floors are concrete. All our cabins range in size with 12-24 beds.
When can we drop off our camper?
Camp begins Sunday, July 7th. You can drop off anytime between 2:00pm-4:00pm that afternoon. Please don’t arrive before this time, as you won’t be able to check in or move into any cabins until then. We are busy preparing and getting ready right up until this time to receive you. Thanks for waiting until 2:00pm! We’ll see you then!
When is pick up on Saturday at the end of the week?
Please be at the camp to pick up your camper BY 9:00am on Saturday, July 13th. We are working to dismiss and close out our camp session that morning, but all parents need to be ready to receive your campers when we finish. Please do not be late, as we must exit the campus, clean up, and close to allow the next session to come in. We LOVE getting a week with your camper, but being punctual for pick up is CRUTIAL to us ending our week great! Thank you for respecting our dismissal schedule.
Still have questions?
Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.