What makes Camp Crestridge different from all the other camps?
Camp Crestridge was founded over 60 years ago with a very well rounded program and with a Christian emphasis. It is very strong in traditions. We provide excellent role models for today's children and youth. Camp is focused on individual attention and building one-on-one relationships. We have a wonderful Christian staff, many who have grown up at camp and have become staff. We are dedicated to honor and glorify God in all that we do. Our activities are planned to enrich each area of a camper's life- socially, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
To find out more, read What Makes Crestridge Unique?
How do we get to the camp and can we come and see it during the year?
We are located 18 miles east of Asheville on Interstate 40, at Exit 66. Someone would be more than glad to give you a tour of either or both camps if you would call and make an appointment. Please keep in mind that our camps are completely shut down and boarded up during the off-season, so the facilities and grounds will look entirely different than in the summer. We have tried to provide lots of information on our website for your convenience.
Can we visit our daughter during camp?
We ask that you not visit your camper if she is staying only for a two-week session. We make this request on behalf of all of our campers and the continuity of their experience. If your child is staying for multiple sessions, you will be required to have someone pick up your child for the entire session break.
Can we telephone our daughter?
In general, we encourage parents to rely on written communication with
their child. If parents refrain from calling to speak with their child,
it will help her quickly settle into the camp routine, make new friends,
and have a great experience. If you would like to check on your daughter, we
can have one of our staff who knows her well call you back with an update. If you would still
like to talk to your daughter during her camp stay, you may call and leave a
message with our receptionist. The message will be posted for your daughter's
counselor, and the call will be returned when the child is not in an
activity. We ask that during the first week of the camper's stay that
you refrain from calling, to allow her time to adjust.
For other ways to contact your daughter, read Contacting Campers.
Do you have any COVID Guidelines?
Yes, please visit our COVID Guidelines page for more information.
What if my daughter gets homesick?
If this is your daughter's first summer away from home, you will probably have some reservations. Sometimes the first day or two at camp will be difficult for both daughter and parents. Actually, we experience very little real homesickness. Most of these problems stem from being in a new environment and being unsure of what will happen. This is a temporary situation and clears up as soon as she discovers the excitement of the camp activities. Please help your child and the camp by understanding this early adjustment period and any unfavorable remarks she makes in her initial letters. Give her time to adjust.
If you receive a letter from your child with homesickness signals, remember that letter writing usually takes place during rest hour and the camper's thoughts naturally return to you and home during those quiet times. Try to bring your own separation feelings into proper perspective, and then sit down and write your child an encouraging response. Avoid phrases such as "we miss you" or detailed accounts of what siblings and the family are doing. Ask about camp activities, counselors, etc., and set a positive, encouraging tone. Express your confidence in their ability to cope and that camp is there to assist. The camp administration is always ready to help you if you have concerns. The camp phone number is (828) 669-2613, and a Director will be available for consultations.
The best preparation for homesickness is a positive family attitude about camp, discussions about what to expect at camp, and gentle encouragement that missing home is "ok". This preparation beforehand will usually suffice to give your child the tools needed to make the camp transition a valuable growth experience.
Is your staff trained to handle homesickness?
Yes, we have a staff training period that is over a week-long before our campers arrive, where numerous topics are covered, including homesickness. In addition to our on-site training, our staff are required to take a number of online courses to reiterate important topics such as homesickness. Our full time and seasonal staff are well trained and equipped to counsel a camper who may be homesick.
Will my child be bored or lonely away from home at camp?
The camp schedule is packed with games and activities designed to keep your child having a fun, safe time. We believe that campers will have the time of their lives at camp; often having the opportunities to do brand new things along with some they are more familiar with.
What is the ratio of staff to campers in a cabin?
We have two and sometimes three staff in each cabin, and 10-12 girls in each cabin. Cabin ratios are generally 1:5 (staff to campers) at night and 1:3 during the day (staff to campers). Also note, most of our youngest campers have a cabin ratio of 1:3, with 3 staff in some cabins with 7-8 year olds.
Will my child fit in socially?
Every effort is made to foster social unity both in the cabin and village for our campers. This begins the first day of camp as counselors and staff engage the groups and introduce campers. The first night in the cabin is always a good time for campers to get to know one another and learn about camp.
What are some activities they will be participating in?
What type of skills can my daughter sign up for?
They can choose 6 skills. A Skill Request Form will be sent to parents before camp. Each skill period has a limited capacity. The scheduling program takes the date you choose skills into account when assigning skills. We recommend you complete your skills form soon after it is sent to you in the spring.
Check out the Activities and Skills Page for a complete list of options! Some change from year to year depending on staff.
Are deposits refundable?
Please refer to the Dates and Rates page for more information on camp deposits.
What does the camp look for in hiring camp counselors?
We seek out the finest Christian role models from schools all over the country. We have a strong mix of staff with and without a Camp Crestridge background. We seek to hire staff with one purpose in mind, serving Christ through serving our campers.
Learn more about how we hire staff.
Does my daughter need to have a physical?
No, we do not require our campers to have a Physical before attending Camp. There is a required Health History Form that can be completed by a parent or guardian.
Will my daughter be able to receive special meals?
If your child is a vegetarian, or is allergic to certain foods, we will work with them to find things they can eat. If they simply do not like something we are serving, we cannot accommodate these requests. If your child has serious food allergies, we ask that you complete the
Special Diet and Food Allergy Form. For serious concerns, the camper may meet on Opening
Day with our Dietary Lead from our Kitchen, the Camps Assistant Director, and a
counselor in her cabin. This will help to keep everyone on the "same page." Also be aware that we have a salad bar and alternate meal options at lunch and dinner, as well as cereal and a yogurt bar with fruit at each breakfast meal. We always serve a hot breakfast option.
What if my child has medications or supplements she needs to bring to camp?
The task of routine medication administration at our camps has become more complicated as more of our campers tend to be on medication. Any camper that takes daily medication (or supplements/vitamins) at camp will need to have that medication (for their time at camp) purchased through and packaged by our contracted pharmacy, Sunshine Pharmacy and Health, in Black Mountain, NC. This process includes not only packaging the medication with the exact time and date stamp, but the medication information is also put into a system that is computerized. It will be noted each time your child received or didn’t receive their medication. Sunshine Pharmacy will work with you and/or your doctor’s office to get the prescription for your child’s time at camp. We strongly discourage parents to send vitamins or supplements to camp. Any "as needed" medication sent to camp (without a prescription) will not be returned on Closing Day.
Will I be notified if my child gets sick at camp?
We have three RNs, a Medical Assistant, and often a Doctor on staff at camp that will take good care of your child should they need medical attention while they are here. For cold symptoms or allergies, minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes, we will not be contacting you. If your child does not feel well during the day or even has a brief stomach bug, the medical team will likely not contact you. In the event that your child spends the night in the infirmary, or is taken to the doctor, we will call and let you know.
Will my child stay at the Infirmary if she gets sick at camp?
We will ask parents of all campers who test positive for the Flu, Covid, or other highly contagious viruses, to come and pick up their camper until the child has significantly improved. (This could be as short as 48 hours, or as long as 1 week.) If you are traveling while your camper is at camp, please have an alternate and approved adult who is available to pick up your child within 24 hours of receiving a call from Camp. While we have designed an infirmary that can adequately support our camp family, we have learned that the best way to keep campers and staff healthy, is to quickly remove the sick individuals from our camp population until they have recovered. Thanks for helping make this possible.
If my child is staying multiple sessions, can she stay at camp between sessions?
No, we no longer offer a "Session Break" for our campers staying multiple sessions. Please make arrangements to pick up your child on Closing Day during the normal pickup window and return them to camp on the Opening Day of the next session.
Is your camp certified?
We are accredited by the American Camp Association and are members of the Christian Camp and Conference Association. In addition, certified instructors lead most of our skill, adventure, and wilderness programs.
Is Camp Crestridge a Christian camp?
Yes, we are a Christian camp that focuses on the Gospel and following Jesus. To learn more about what this looks like at Camp, visit our Spiritual Emphasis Page.
Can we send our child to camp via airplane?
Yes, the Asheville airport is served by several airlines. We have a representative stationed at the airport throughout the day on opening and closing days. Due to the distance to and from camp from other airports, we are unable to transport campers to and from these locations. An additional transportation form is required for us to pick up your camper from the airport. There is a $50 per camper (each way) transportation fee for those flying children to and/or from camp. On Closing Day, we will only be able to service flights that are scheduled for 3 PM or earlier. Please do not schedule a flight home for your child on Closing Day after 3 PM. If you do, we will contact you to change your flight, at your expense.
Where can we stay when we bring our camper to and from camp?
The camp is not equipped to house and feed the parents (or friends) of campers. However, there are accommodations in Ridgecrest, Black Mountain, and Asheville.
Are campers covered under camp insurance?
Camp does not cover any expenses for a camper's illness or injury. In the event that your child has an illness or accident, it will need to be covered under your family's insurance.
Does my child need extra spending money?
Parents are welcome to send spending money with their child. Many campers will have the opportunity to use this cash on an off-site trip (villages finishing 6th and older). Camp does not collect money from campers "for safe keeping" or have a camper bank; therefore, all money sent with your camper is "at your own risk". Camp will not be liable for any money that is lost or stolen.
Is it acceptable to bring our camper early or to have her stay late?
Please do not plan to have your daughter arrive early or stay late. We are not prepared to give campers the attention necessary because of staff time-off, pre-session meetings, and work assignments prior to the opening of a session.
Of course, we cannot anticipate every question that you might think of. If we have not covered a question that you need the answer to in this area, please feel free to call or email us at rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com.
