Camp Good News

How long has Camp Good News been in business?

Camp Good News has been operating continuously since 1955. Check out our History Page under the About Us section to learn more!

Where do you get your staff?

Many of our staff have 'come up through the ranks' from Campers, to CITs, to Staff. When we do hire a staff member who has not been to Camp before, we ensure that they have the necessary qualifications to instruct the activities they will be teaching and most importantly, a desire to work and care for our Campers. All of our Staff must submit an extensive application that includes references and recommendations from others. We then have an interview process, and discuss as a group whom we will and will not hire.

What about homesickness?

We have learned that everyone gets a little homesick while away at Camp Good News. It is your job as a parent to help your camper to be able to deal with that feeling. Talk to your child before camp starts and ensure them that you are proud of them and love them very much, but that you want them to spend the entire week at Camp Good News and get the most out of it. Please avoid telling your child that they can come home if they get homesick. Homesickness at the beginning of camp is natural and within a short amount of time, campers are busy having fun, making friends, and begin to feel secure very soon. Our staff is supportive and understanding to children who experience homesickness. Check out our Important Info Page for more information on Homesickness.

What happens if there is Bed Wetting?

An occasional incident of bed‐wetting will be handled in an understanding manner with discretion and compassion, by the child's counselors. However, our limited laundry facilities and humid environment make it difficult to deal effectively with chronic bed‐wetters. Please make sure you note this on the camper health form and mention to counselors on arrival day, so we can make sure we cut evening beverages out and work out a night‐time bathroom schedule. Any other information will make your child's stay more of a success.

How do you determine who gets to swim in the deep end of the pool?

All campers wishing to swim in the deep end of the pool must complete a swim evaluation on arrival day. This is not a test, but an evaluation to determine if the camper can swim safely in the deep end. It is only required for those wishing to swim in the deep end. The lifeguards will then determine if the camper is able to continue swimming in the deep end throughout the week. If so, they will be given a swim bracelet that they must keep on to be allowed into the deep end.

Can campers request roommates?

Yes. Please do this on the camper registration form. We do very well at making sure each camper gets their requested Cabin Buddy. We do encourage parents to try and request campers close to the same age. Each cabin is split by ages, so it's not very fun being the old one in the young cabin and it's super scary being the young guy in the older cabin.

How much money should I send with my child?

All money is online in the “camper’s bank" so your child doesn't risk losing it. During the week, they can visit The Bee Hive Sugar Shack, The Owl’s Nest Camp Store, and the Craft Room. Most items in The Bee Hive are $1 with some of our bigger items being $2. Items in The Owl’s Nest cost anywhere from $1 to $20. The Craft Room has Free Crafts as well as crafts that cost anywherefrom $1 to $5. We reccomend about $30 per camper for the week. Any money not spent during the week, the parent has the option to give that money to our Missions offering or left in their UltraCamp account.

How many kids are in a cabin?

There are up to 10 campers per cabin with a minimum of two counselors, but we try to keep the numbers of campers to 7 or less. It all depends on how big the week is.

Can I call my camper during the week?

Campers may not receive phone calls while at camp. As well, please do not visit your child while at camp. If there is an emergency at home, please contact the Camp Director. You are more than welcome to write to your child. (See next question)

Can I write to my child?

Yes, writing is strongly encouraged. You may send mail to:

Camper's Name
c/o Camp Good News
26010 Liberty Lane
Washington, IL 61571

We have discovered over the past few years that a camper will treasure a handwritten letter or card for years to come. Please do not send candy, gum, or other food items to your child while at camp. The critters in our woods are attracted to dropped crumbs or food stored in the cabins.

What happens if my child has bad behavior while at camp?

The Camp Good News program is designed to help create a safe, caring and moral community where self‐esteem, skills, teamwork and a sense of community can be developed.

Camp Good News utilizes a number of behavior management techniques such as:

1. Time outs

2. Conflict resolution

3. Counsel and Prayer

We also have a 3 strike rule:

Strike One – Discussion with Counselor and proper behavior management technique given.

Strike Two – Discussion with Counselor, Director, and phone call home to parent. As well, another proper behavior management technique will be administered.

Strike Three – Parent will be contacted and must come pick up their child immediately. No refund is given for children who are sent home.

Camp Good News does not use any methods of physical or humiliating discipline.

Misbehavior is dealt with on an individual basis and on any serious occurrence could result in an immediate dismissal.

What happens when my child loses something at Camp?

All lost and found items are placed on the back table in the chapel and can be claimed throughout the session or at the Closing Ceremony (where we encourage the parents to check through it!) They are kept for one week after the session. After one week, items are donated to a local thrift shop or given to other campers in need here at Camp Good News. Items will need to be collected from camp as the camp cannot mail any items. Camp Good News accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged personal property.

Who decides what goes on at Camp Good News?

Camp Good News was created as a camp for children by Child Evangelism Fellowship of Illinois Inc. We have our State Office located in Peoria, IL, that makes many of the decisions at camp. The Camp is then directly run by our Camp Director: Christopher Kallal. He decides schedule, program activities, and all thatgoes on.

How can I find out more?

We would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Please feel free to contact us via email: campgn@telstar-online.net or call Camp: (309) 444-3255