Hey, first time camp family!
Here are a few things that we want you to know so you can feel more prepared as you get ready for camp!
Packing For Camp
Many campers pack a backpack to bring each day to camp. This makes transporting all your camp necessities easy. Be sure to read your camper's packing list as camp approaches for all the packing needs. And, don't forget the sunscreen!
We encourage all campers to bring their own reusable water bottle that they continue to fill throughout the week. There are many places to fill up and we want your camper to stay hydrated as we play during the hot summer months.
Theme Day Costumes
Get your creative brain going! Each year we have different Theme Days, and we love seeing how campers come dressed up. There are some Theme Days that stay the same and some that change every year.
An all-time camper favorite is Mission Impossible: a chance to work as a cabin to complete your mission and gather the most points.
Be sure to check your camper's packing list for tips on how pack best for their Theme Days.
Campers are not required to dress up according to the theme, but many do! While some campers love to go all out with their theme day costumes (and we love to see them!), costumes don’t need to be elaborate. You can make a theme day costume out of things you already own.
If your camper’s Theme Day costume (dress, inflatable costume, etc.) would prevent them from participating in camp activities the rest of the day, such as jumping on the jumping pillow or climbing the rock wall, please pack them a second outfit they can change into for these activities.
Drop Off Expectations
The excitement of camp starts even before you get here! Opening Day is for parents and campers alike. The whole family can get FUAGNEM (fired up and going nuts every minute) for camp with car paint, costumes, and silly string!
At New Braunfels Day Camp, you will not need to park your car once you arrive at camp, as parents will be asked to remain in their cars for the duration of drop off each day, including Opening Day. Instead, you will follow our drive-thru stations to drop off your camper and their belongings.
You can expect the following drop off stations:
Med Drop off – If you have meds, you will need to give those directly to the nurse. Be sure to have your meds already bagged up and labeled to keep the line moving. We have a strict medication policy. Please follow all instructions to be ready to hand off meds in the car line.
Registration - Here you will learn your camper’s cabin name for the week! You'll also have a chance to ask a Director any lingering questions you may have.
Pick-Up Forms - Receive your campers' pick-up form that you will use, along with your ID, to pick up your camper safely every day.
Camper Drop off - Give them a big hug and wish your camper the best day! This is also where you will meet your camper’s coach for the week. We will take it from there!
At our Discover Camp locations, you will park your car on Opening Day and walk your camper in for registration and med drop off. For the rest of the week, you will drop them off in a car line.
Cabins
Your camper’s cabin will be their home base throughout the week. This is a group of peers where campers will share laughs, stories, and lessons from the day.
Here's a little behind the scenes on the naming of our cabins:
Discover Camp cabins are named after trees and flowers in Texas.
New Braunfels Day Camp cabins are named after small Texas towns.
At both of our day camps, your camper will start and end each day with their cabin, competing, doing Bible study, and going from activity to activity with each other and their coaches.
Do All Campers Come with a Friend?
Absolutely not. This is actually super common!
We are confident your camper will make friends quickly! Our cabin assignments and friend requests are strategically managed to ensure no one feels left out. Our coaches are trained to help campers make friends and ensure sure everyone is included, without forming cliques. After all, this is camp! For this week, your camper gets to take a break away from hard friendship dynamics and embrace the joy of creating new memories.
Staying Connected at Camp
We know you will miss your camper while they are away! Our T Bar M Camps app for Apple and Android gives you the opportunity to stay connected while your camper unplugs. Once you download the app, simply log in with the same email and password you used when you registered for camp. If you prefer to use a computer, you can log in with the same credentials here.
The T Bar M app will be where you will be able to see photos of your camper posted throughout the week! You will find them in the “gallery” tab of our app, located in the center of the menu on the bottom of your screen.
Camp Store
Camp Store goodies make camp even sweeter and give your camper a memory to take home with them! Campers have a designated time during their week at camp to visit the camp store with their cabin and find the perfect memento to take home. Each year there are new shirts, sweatshirts, hats, memorabilia, snacks etc. to purchase. Before going to camp, you can add store money online to your camper's account.
If you have any other questions about preparing for camp, feel free to give our registrars, Gaye and Stacy, a call at 830-620-4263. They would love to answer your questions or connect you with another member of our team who can.
Let the countdown to summer begin!
