Staff

Stronghold strives to provide the best domestic and international staff possible. Our staff comes from around the world to share faith and culture as we live together in our Christian community at Stronghold. They are college-age or older and all have been screened, selected and have experienced an intensive 2 week training program to ensure an exciting and meaningful camp experience. All staff are certified in community first aid and CPR and have had criminal background and reference checks.

Arrival and Departure

Registration for all camps will be at Brubaker Center from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on the starting date for each camp.  Early arrivals are welcome to walk the grounds until registration begins. Parents are invited to join us for Friday night’s dinner at 6:00 in the Brubaker Center which will include a short program.  Parents must sign up to attend and cost is $5 per person.  Campers will be released after dinner.

How can I communicate with my child?

Campers of all ages appreciate a letter from home. The first full day of camp is an excellent time for mail because not everyone gets a letter on that day. Why not write a letter early so that it will be here on the first full day of camp? That letter would need to be mailed before the child leaves for camp or discreetly passed to a staff member during opening check-in. Faxes and email are quick ways to send messages to your child. If you would like to send your child a “care package,” please send puzzles, comic books, or stuffed animals. Please do not send snacks. Stronghold provides all of the snacks your child will need and your extra goodies can attract bugs into the cabins. Write to your child and let them know that you are thinking of them and that you are proud of them. The camp address is:

(Camper name)
(Camper Group)
Stronghold Summer Camps
PO Box 199
Oregon, IL  61061

 Please be positive and cheerful in your letters. Allow sufficient time for mail to arrive during your camper’s stay. You can also fax letters to (815) 732-7325 or email to summercampinfo@strongholdcenter.org. Please, just one per day, per camper. Please include the campers full name and the name of the camp they are attending (i.e Jr. Adv. II, etc.) in the subject line and limit all email and faxes to one page in length. We are unable to process attached files. All mail, e-mail, and faxes will be given out during meal times. (8:30, 12:30, and 6:00). Please note that staff prints email and gathers faxes, so privacy is not completely guaranteed. Parents may call the office to check on a camper. Normally, we do not allow campers to call home or use telephones at camp. Our office is usually open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may leave a message at “ext. 609” other times. If there is an emergency please call 815-973-0360.

Tips

Often for younger campers, it is helpful to send stamped envelopes pre-addressed to ensure that your child's mail will reach it's intended destination.  We do have stamps available to purchase at the camp store.

Meals

We happily accommodate campers who are vegetarian, lactose intolerant, allergic to certain foods, and the like. Our menu is nutritious, well balanced, and tasty, and provides plenty of choices at each meal. Please make sure to note special dietary needs on the health/registration form so arrangements can be made to accommodate your camper's needs.

Registration Information  

Registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis without regard to race, color, disability, national origin and/or religion.  One name per registration form, please.  Additional forms can be downloaded at www.strongholdcenter.org or mailed on request.

Payment Policy 

One half of the camp fee is due at the time of registration and the balance is due 2 weeks before your camp begins. Please make checks payable to Stronghold. Registration forms postmarked on or before May 15th will receive a $25 discount on fees for most camps (with the exception of Day Camp, First Timers, and TOL).  Please see the schedule chart for specific pricing.  

Scholarships  

A limited number of Stronghold scholarships are available.  Please call for more information. (Many churches also provide their own scholarships).

Refunds  

Refunds of total paid, less $25 processing fee, will be made only if cancellation is received 10 or more days prior to the first day of the event.

Homesickness

It is not unusual for children to feel homesick. Learning to be away from home and family is an important part of growing up. The staff and other campers are supportive and helpful in these situations. Generally, homesickness passes quickly as campers become involved in their group’s activities.

Talking with parents on the phone tends to increase a camper’s homesickness. If you receive a letter from your child describing homesickness, please realize that these feelings have probably passed by the time you read the letter. Cheerful letters or emails from home assuring the camper that all is well are very helpful. If homesickness continues for an extended period, the Camp Director will contact you.

Lost and Found 

Please check the “Lost and Found” box in Knox Hall when you pick up your campers.  In September, all remaining items are donated to local charities.

I’m not Presbyterian.  Can I attend Stronghold and will I feel comfortable?

Certainly! Campers from many different faith orientations attend including some who do not have a faith tradition.  We only ask that all campers participate in the Bible study, worship and small group discussions that are part of all of out camps.

Can I visit the camp before I come?

Absolutely.  Call us at 815-732-6111 to arrange a tour.