If you have a question about summer camps or booking our facility, there’s a good chance the answer can be found here! If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our FAQ below, you can contact us with your question!
Should I register my child for camp based on the grade they are entering or coming out of?
Please register your child based on the grade they have completed. If for whatever reason your child isn’t able to attend the weeks that they are eligible for, reach out to our team and we will do our best to accommodate your situation.
What goes into the cost of each session of camp?
Our goal when setting camp fees is to cover as much of the expense of running the programming each week as we can, without creating the image that camp is only for those with means. Although we do have full sponsorship program available for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford their camper fees, every registration is partially sponsored by our generous partners and supporters.
Our camper fees typically cover only half of the costs for what it takes to run a week of camp, with the remainder made up by the support from our partner organizations, generous donors, and federal grants (which we aren’t guaranteed to receive each year). In 2023 the actual cost incurred by the camp for each camper is over $670, while our average camper fees are only $330.
If you are in a position to give over and above the listed camper fees, or you are passionate about kids and families have the chance to hear the Good News of God’s love for them, please consider making an online donation through our donation page, or contact us for more options. Thanks in advance!
What is the refund policy for camps?
If you cancel your camp registration greater than seven days in advance of your camp start date, you will receive a refund less $20 to cover administration expenses. If you cancel your registration within one week of your camp start date (6 days or less), you will receive a refund less 20% of your registration cost to help cover the expenses which have already been purchased for your camper. If the camp is cancelled by the Executive Director then you will receive a full refund.
Our family does not belong to the Christian faith. Can my child still attend?
Absolutely! As long as you are aware and comfortable that our camp holds Christian values and our songs and chapel times speak about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Anyone is welcome. Whispering Pines Camp is a part of the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada, and we are partnered with several churches in Medicine Hat and surrounding area. If you would like to know more about our faith statement, you can view it by going to the “About Us” tab, or you can contact us.
My child has special needs or circumstances. Are they still able to attend camp?
If you are concerned about whether our camp is able to suitably accommodate your child please don’t hesitate to reach out and talk with our staff to discuss your child’s specific needs. We want every child to be able to have a positive experience at our camp, but in order to do so our camp staff will need to be aware of your child’s situation well in advance so we can do our best to arrange the appropriate accommodations.
I’m not sure if our family can afford to send our kids to camp, is there anything we can do?
We know finances can be a huge stress when it comes to planning for summer camp. At Whispering Pines we believe that finances should never be a barrier that keeps a child from attending camp. If you or someone you know needs financial assistance please visit our Sponsorship page. There you can fill out an application to receive a “pay what you will” sponsorship for your kids. You’ll have the opportunity to pay what you can afford for camp, and our generous partners and supporters will cover the rest.
