You Have Questions and We Have Answers!
We want you and your camper to be as prepared for camp as possible, and we know you have questions! Here are the answers to the ones we get most often. As always, you can call us at (785)257-3221 if you have additional questions. Or you can email at campregistrar@rockspringsranch.org
PARENT FAQs
Where will my child be staying?
Rock Springs Ranch is both a summer camp for 4-H youth and a retreat/conference center. That means we have a variety of facilities where kids and adults can stay, from rustic cabins to multi-room cottages with HVAC and indoor bathrooms. You can learn more about our Facilities here.
What will my child be doing?
We have so many activities at RSR! Depending on your camper’s or program progression. Camp will also host All-Camp Events all summer long that include all campers together. You can view a Sample Schedule and learn more about our age-related activities.
What if my child gets homesick?
It’s not unusual for children, especially younger ones away for the first time, to feel homesick the first few days. Most get over it quickly and go on to have a wonderful time. We provide structure and keep campers busy from the moment they arrive, which helps to shift their focus away from home to new friends and having fun. Pretty soon, as they experience things for the first time they begin to look forward to each day. In the rare instance that a child is truly struggling, we will contact you.
Can I contact my child while they are at camp?
You can send an email to your child while at camp using camper@rockspringsranch.org. Please include your camper’s first & last name and cabin assignment in the subject line. This is a one-way email that you can send to your child to give them a little update from home, campers will not be able to respond.
You can also send traditional mail to your camper. Campers can pack paper and stamped envelopes to write home if they want!
We will be posting photographs during their stay so you can log on and see what your camper has been up to day-to-day. We will also keep our social media filled during the summer for another opportunity to see just what’s going on at RSR.
In case of emergencies, parents can call the RSR Office at (785)257-3221 and we can get in touch with campers.
What medical staff work at camp and what facilities are nearby? What if my child takes medication? What if my child is injured?
We have a brand new Health Center with a staff member on duty, who can administer daily medications and treat the stings, bumps and bruises that can come with camp. Counselors also have certifications in First Aid and CPR. Camp provides over-the-counter medication to campers on an as needed basis. If there are any medications that your camper cannot have please include that information on the Health History Form. Health center staff will care for campers with minor illness or injury without notifying guardians, this includes dispensing over the counter medication. If your camper needs additional medical assistance outside of what can be provided at camp or visits the Health Center repeatedly for the same treatment we will notify guardians by phone. If additional care is needed, Junction City is only 15 minutes away.
When you register your child on the Campminder site you will be asked to complete a Health History Form. Please include the name of medications, time of day to administer, and dose. It is critical that you enter every medication you bring to camp as our daily medication log populates from the form you fill out. Include prescription, OTC, vitamins, creams, etc. – anything you expect our nurses to administer. Medications are not permitted in the cabin and will be given to camp staff at check-in except for emergency medications including inhaler and epi-pen. Please make sure you have provided enough medication for the duration of your campers stay.
A physical is not required before attending camp though suggested. Campers will have a general health screening at the start of camp conducted by Health Staff.
My child has food allergies, how can I make sure they are safe?
Special dietary needs should be communicated with camp prior to your camper’s arrival. Please include all necessary information on health form. There is also the option of filling out the Special Diet Request Form if needed. If you would like to send supplemental food items please contact RSR ahead of time so we can plan accordingly and store items in our dining hall.
Please note that while we do our best to address food allergies, we do not have a kitchen dedicated to producing allergen-free meals; we simply cannot claim to have a facility free of any identified allergen such as “gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, or egg-free” for example.
How does my child get to camp?
Campers can be dropped off at camp or ride one of our charter busses to camp. ALL families must submit the transportation form and indicate whether their camper plans to ride the bus or be dropped off at camp by May 15.
Half-Week Sessions
Check-In at Camp:
Sunday & Wednesday 2:30-4:00 pm
Check-Out at Camp:
Wednesday & Saturday 10:00-11:30 am
Week-Long Sessions
Check-In at Camp:
Sunday 2:30-4:00 pm
Check-Out at Camp:
Friday 4:00-6:00 pm
When you arrive at camp you will be greeted by staff who will direct you and your camper to their cabin. If you need to drop off campers outside of the designated camp times, please call the camp office at (785) 257-3221.
Check-In at Bus Hub –
RSR has added nine transportation ‘hubs’ for camper drop off & pick up this summer. Bus transportation is provided at no cost to families due to generous donations to the Kansas 4-H Foundation. For the most up-to-date information on ALL 9 bus hub locations please visit the Transportation page.
What’s the weather like?
Kansas is known for its “big sky,” beautiful sunshine AND summer heat. We also have rainy days, chilly mornings, thunderstorms, and wind! Our typical days at camp are in the high 80s to low-mid 90s and evenings in the 80s and 70s. In other words, almost any kind of weather can happen in Kansas! Follow the packing list for all the essential clothing for camp
All About Packing!
We have created a handy downloadable packing list so you can make sure you have everything you need for a fun-filled experience.
Packing Tips
Mark All Items With Full Name or First Initial, Last Name
Camp is busy! So we urge parents to mark EVERYTHING; socks, shoes, even toiletries. Many campers have the same initials and so last name is important. SHARPIES and sew-on labels work much better than stick-on for clothes and shoes. Stickers are great for toiletries.
Put Toiletries and Smaller Items in Ziploc Bags
Toothbrushes, combs, even socks and underwear, are better organized in small bags. Mark the bags with your camper’s name. Add a copy of the packing list to help your camper remember what he/she brought so it can make it back home.
Help Your Camper Pack
They will become familiar with all their items if they pack themselves.
Please Don’t Send Valuables
While we try our best to return properly labeled lost items, sometimes things get broken or are irretrievably lost. And while a lost toothbrush or pair of shorts can be replaced, some things can’t and we are not responsible for lost or damaged items. “If you would be sad to lose it, don’t bring it!” So leave all electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices, etc) safely at home.
Old Clothes Work Best
Time at Rock Springs Ranch is spent mostly outdoors, wading in streams, hiking, riding horses, playing games or eating in the dining hall. So clothes have a good chance of bearing evidence of all the fun they had here. Please send items that can stand a good staining.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices Are NOT Allowed
If any electronic devices are found they will be confiscated and returned at the end of the session.
If you have any additional questions we encourage you to call us at (785) 257-3221.