Common Questions about Camp Okoboji
Questions about registration and camp? See if these FAQ's can answer any of your questions. If you have further questions, contact the Camp Office at 712-337-3325. We are happy to help in any way we can!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is Camp Okoboji?
Camp Okoboji is located on the shores of Little Emerson Bay on West Lake Okoboji. Our address is 1531 Edgewood Drive Milford, IA 51351.
How Do I Register?
YOUTH CAMPS
All youth camps - Kids' Kamp, Cub Week, Junior High Week, Youth Week - must be completed online via our 'Parent Portal.'
Click 'Registraion' on our web page..
If you haven't created an account, click 'Create A New Account'
If you have created an account, just sign in!
Once signed in, navigate your account by filling out registrations, making payments, filling out forms, etc.
If you do have any questions or any confusions, please call us at 712-337-3325! We would love to help you through the online registration process!
All youth camps - Kids' Kamp, Cub Week, Junior High Week, Youth Week - must be completed online via our 'Parent Portal.'
Click 'Registraion' on our web page..
If you haven't created an account, click 'Create A New Account'
If you have created an account, just sign in!
Once signed in, navigate your account by filling out registrations, making payments, filling out forms, etc.
If you do have any questions or any confusions, please call us at 712-337-3325! We would love to help you through the online registration process!
JOY CAMP
JOY Camp registration can either be done online or through paper registration. It's preferred campers are registred online, but we will receive hard copies as well. If you do register via hard copy, please mail it to Camp Okoboji within 21 days of the begin date of JOY Camp. Download a hard copy of a registration form here.
FAMILY RETREATS
Family Retreat registration must be completed via a hard copy. Download the Family Retreat Registration Form. Either print it and fill it out or fill it out via Acrobat / PDF Reader. Then either snail mail or email (camp@campokoboji.org) it to Camp Okoboji. Be sure to send your $75 deposit with. Once your registration form and $75 deposit is received, you'll receive a confirmation email within a week! After your confirmation email, you will be able to sign in to your online account and make any online payments if you would like.
Download a Family Retreat Registration Form Here.
Download a July 4 Family Retreat Registraion Form Here.
If working with technology is not a particularly preferrable situation for you, we're more than happy to mail you a registration form to your home address. Just give a call to the Camp Office and we'll send it off!
JOY Camp registration can either be done online or through paper registration. It's preferred campers are registred online, but we will receive hard copies as well. If you do register via hard copy, please mail it to Camp Okoboji within 21 days of the begin date of JOY Camp. Download a hard copy of a registration form here.
FAMILY RETREATS
Family Retreat registration must be completed via a hard copy. Download the Family Retreat Registration Form. Either print it and fill it out or fill it out via Acrobat / PDF Reader. Then either snail mail or email (camp@campokoboji.org) it to Camp Okoboji. Be sure to send your $75 deposit with. Once your registration form and $75 deposit is received, you'll receive a confirmation email within a week! After your confirmation email, you will be able to sign in to your online account and make any online payments if you would like.
Download a Family Retreat Registration Form Here.
Download a July 4 Family Retreat Registraion Form Here.
If working with technology is not a particularly preferrable situation for you, we're more than happy to mail you a registration form to your home address. Just give a call to the Camp Office and we'll send it off!
What forms do I need to fill out?
Every camper (or participant under the age of 18) needs a registration form, health form, & photography release form. Youth Camp Registration is all online, JOY Camp registration is either online or paper, and Family Retreat registration is hard copy/PDF.
What should I bring?
YOUTH CAMPS
For youth camps, campers should bring a change of clothes for 6 days, 1-piece swim suit, closed-toed shoes, a Bible, a flashlight, money to deposit in the camp store bank, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, body wash, etc.), linens or sleeping bag, pillow, shower towel, beach towel, insect repellent, facial coverings (i.e. masks) for every day os the session, and sunscreen.
DO NOT BRING: Electronics, Weapons of any kind, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes, and vaping products.
FAMILY RETREATS
For family retreats, families should bring a change of clothes for 5 days, Bibles, personal toiletries, linens (confirm with Camp Office the size of your beds), pillows, towels, facial coverings (i.e. masks) for every day of the session, and any other needs at camp. Linens and towels can be requested to rent ($15/bundle) from the Camp Office.
For youth camps, campers should bring a change of clothes for 6 days, 1-piece swim suit, closed-toed shoes, a Bible, a flashlight, money to deposit in the camp store bank, toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, body wash, etc.), linens or sleeping bag, pillow, shower towel, beach towel, insect repellent, facial coverings (i.e. masks) for every day os the session, and sunscreen.
DO NOT BRING: Electronics, Weapons of any kind, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vapes, and vaping products.
FAMILY RETREATS
For family retreats, families should bring a change of clothes for 5 days, Bibles, personal toiletries, linens (confirm with Camp Office the size of your beds), pillows, towels, facial coverings (i.e. masks) for every day of the session, and any other needs at camp. Linens and towels can be requested to rent ($15/bundle) from the Camp Office.
When Is Check-In?
Check-in for all Programs* is from 3:30-5:00pm either under the Christian Life Center awning or inside the Christian Life Center. Check-in procedures will be communicated upon your arrival to camp!
Can I Send Mail to my Child At Camp?
YES! Sending mail to your child at camp is encouraged. While they are being built up in the faith and enriched in Christian Community, it is our hope that your letters will remind them of the love and affirmation that you have for them. Provide mail/messages for your child at camp in any of the following ways:
LEAVE LETTERS AT CHECK-IN
Pre-write letters before the beginning of your child's session. Bring them to the session's check-in and we will ensure they are distrubed throughout the week to your child! This is especially best for families that live longer distances away from Camp Okoboji!
MAIL LETTERS
Mail letters to your child throughout their session. Ensure you include their name and indicate that they are a camper. Camp Okoboji's mailing address is 1531 Edgewood Drive Milford, IA 51351.
E-MAIL MESSAGES
E-mail messages to your child throughout their session. In the e-mail message, ensure you include the cabin your child is staying in and their full name (Example: Issachar - Joe Sample). Send e-mails to your child at camp@campokoboji.org and we'll print it off and ensure it is distibuted to your child! Know that they will not be able to respond to emails via email.
LEAVE LETTERS AT CHECK-IN
Pre-write letters before the beginning of your child's session. Bring them to the session's check-in and we will ensure they are distrubed throughout the week to your child! This is especially best for families that live longer distances away from Camp Okoboji!
MAIL LETTERS
Mail letters to your child throughout their session. Ensure you include their name and indicate that they are a camper. Camp Okoboji's mailing address is 1531 Edgewood Drive Milford, IA 51351.
E-MAIL MESSAGES
E-mail messages to your child throughout their session. In the e-mail message, ensure you include the cabin your child is staying in and their full name (Example: Issachar - Joe Sample). Send e-mails to your child at camp@campokoboji.org and we'll print it off and ensure it is distibuted to your child! Know that they will not be able to respond to emails via email.
What if my child has medications?
Be sure to indicate your child's medications on his or her health form prior to arriving at camp. Bring the medications to check-in where they will be collected and distrubited by Camp Okoboji Staff or a volunteer health medical professional (nurse, EMT, etc.)
Can my child request a roommate?
Yes! Indicate your request on your child's registration. Ensure your child's requested roommate also has requested your child on their registration as well! Watch for an e-mail to verify the roommate request!
How are counselors trained?
All counselors, staff, and volunteers are recruited and selected with the intention to provide campers and participants with the most excellent experience at camp possible. Counselors undergo intensive training prior to each camp's session, along with prior reference checks and background screenings.
Is there financial assistance?
Yes! Do not let cost be a hindrance to you coming to Camp Okoboji! Financial assistance and camperships are available for individuals and families from the following resources. Be sure to check these resources in this order:
CAMP OKOBOJI AUXILIARY - The Camp Okoboji Auxiliary offers full scholarships to six youth campers (Cub Week, Junior High Week, Youth Week). The application for the Camp Okoboji Auxiliary Scholarship is in 'Helpful Links' on the website and are due to Camp Okoboji by April 3, 2024. Scholarships will be granted late-April / early May.
YOUR CHURCH - Ask your pastor if your congregation provides financial assistance for those attending camp - youth AND families!
IOWA DISTRICT WEST - If you are a member of a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Congregation in the Iowa District - West, you can apply for a scholarship through Iowa District West for Cub Week, Junior High Week, and Youth Week. Contact the district office (515-576-7666) for more information.
CAMP OKOBOJI - We offer scholarships and camperships for those attending camp in need of financial assistance. Call the Camp Office (712-337-3325) or e-mail the Discipleship Director (discipleship.campokoboji@gmail.com) for more informatnion and to receive a Camp Okoboji Campership Application Form.
CAMP OKOBOJI AUXILIARY - The Camp Okoboji Auxiliary offers full scholarships to six youth campers (Cub Week, Junior High Week, Youth Week). The application for the Camp Okoboji Auxiliary Scholarship is in 'Helpful Links' on the website and are due to Camp Okoboji by April 3, 2024. Scholarships will be granted late-April / early May.
YOUR CHURCH - Ask your pastor if your congregation provides financial assistance for those attending camp - youth AND families!
IOWA DISTRICT WEST - If you are a member of a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Congregation in the Iowa District - West, you can apply for a scholarship through Iowa District West for Cub Week, Junior High Week, and Youth Week. Contact the district office (515-576-7666) for more information.
CAMP OKOBOJI - We offer scholarships and camperships for those attending camp in need of financial assistance. Call the Camp Office (712-337-3325) or e-mail the Discipleship Director (discipleship.campokoboji@gmail.com) for more informatnion and to receive a Camp Okoboji Campership Application Form.
What if I have a cancellation?
In the case of a cancellation prior to arriving at Camp Okoboji, all fees can be refunded with the exception of the deposit ($50/youth; $75/family)