FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General
Why Camp Deer Run?
What's the difference between a one and two week session?
One-week sessions run from Sunday to Friday, meaning there are four full days of Camp. Two-week sessions go from Sunday until the Friday of the next week, making twelve full days of Camp. So the biggest difference is that two-week sessions actually have triple the amount of Camp!
One-week sessions are often a great starting point for younger campers, and we pack as much fun, friendship, and worship into these shorter sessions as we can! Click here to check out the one-week session theme days and activities.
Two-week sessions include everything about one-week sessions, but with several extra highlights like Outcamping, the Hawaiian Day slip'n'slide, Killi Kapers, Mellow Night, and much more. Click here to check out the two-week session theme days and activities.
What are the age requirements?
Campers ages 5 to 8 years old are eligible for our PeeWee Day Camps (must be 5 years old by September 1, 2024 to be eligible).
Campers over the age of 9 up to incoming High School Seniors are eligible for overnight camp sessions (must be 9 years old by September 1, 2024 to be eligible).
How do I register?
Our new registration system is under construction and will be open starting January 6, 2025! At that time, you will be able to create an account and begin filling in your campers' information.
General Overnight Camp Registration begins on February 16th at 2:00pm.
What are the cabins like?
Our cabins are intentionally built to be rustic and minimalistic, but also safe and comfortable. There is no air conditioning in our cabins, but campers are encouraged to bring a box fan or other personal fan - this is usually plenty to keep everyone cool at night! Cabins are mostly used for changing clothes and sleeping, so in the heat of the day there is not much time spent in the cabins.
Is Camp Deer Run Safe?
Who are the Staff?
Every summer we hire 65+ college-aged young adults to serve on our summer staff. These staff go through a thorough application, interview, and background check process. Before the summer, all the staff are trained extensively in camper safety. We only hire staff who are practicing Christians who are members of a church body.
What are the dates and prices?
Registration
When does registration open?
General Registration for overnight camp begins February 16 at 2:00 pm.
Early registration for qualified families begins February 9 at 2:00 pm and ends February 14 at 5:00 pm.
Who is eligible for early registration?
Campers who have attended the same session for the past two years are eligible to register early for that same session in 2025.
These campers’ siblings will also be able to register early for that same session.
When will I know if my camper is in a cabin with their friends?
No cabin assignments will be available until one week before your camper’s session begins. At that time, any concerns about cabin buddies can be addressed by emailing office@campdeerrun.com. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee any cabin buddies, though we will try our very best.
Why was my camper waitlisted?
If your camper was waitlisted, it means that the session you attempted to register for was already full.
You will not be charged to join the waitlist. Campers on the waitlist will be given a spot at Camp in the order that they joined the waitlist if space becomes available.
How and when will I know if my camper gets off the waitlist?
You will receive a phone call or an email from Camp Deer Run as soon as a spot becomes available for your camper off the waitlist.
If my camper was waitlisted, do I have to pay?
If you are waitlisted, no payment is necessary. We will not take any payment from the credit card on your file until a space has opened up for your camper. We will contact you to confirm your camper still wants the space before we charge your card.
What is the cancellation policy?
The $150 deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation requests received by the end of the day on May 1st will be refunded all payments except the non-refundable deposit. After May 1st, Camp Deer Run will consider refunds on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstances of the cancellation and the likelihood of filling the forfeited spot. Cancellation requests must be submitted by email to office@campdeerrun.com
Does Camp Deer Run offer financial assistance?
Yes, we want everyone to have the opportunity to come to camp, no matter their financial situation. For more information on camper scholarships (camperships), please click here.
NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM (CIRCUITREE)
Why did the registration system change?
For several years we have been listening to your feedback on our registration process and tools, and we understand that our current registration system is not necessarily user-friendly or efficient. We have spent some time searching for a system that could alleviate some of that stress, and we decided on Circuitree.
We believe that this system is going to make your experience better as a parent, and will also help us to do our jobs better in serving you!
When will the new system be available, and when can I log in?
The new system will go live on January 6, 2025. At that time, you will be able to create an account for your family and create your campers' profiles.
Do I have to make a new account?
Yes. All camper families will need to create a new account and fill out registration information for their campers.
Will I be able to register all of my kids at once?
Yes! One of the features we're most excited about is the ability to register all of your campers in one transaction!
Is there an app?
Yes! It hasn't been released yet, but in early 2025 we will release the new Camp Deer Run mobile app, powered by Bunk1, that will seamlessly integrate with our registration system and allow you to be more connected to your camper's experience than ever! The app will deliver photos of your camper straight to your phone, allow you to send your camper notes for Mail Call, and much more!
Do I have to download the app?
The app is an optional bonus, but it will be the portal for your camper's photos and for sending notes to your camper at Mail Call! We highly encourage everyone to download it!
Preparing for Camp
Where is Camp Deer Run?
Camp Deer Run is located a few miles outside of Winnsboro, Texas. For our address and a map, please visit the contact page.
Do I need to send extra money with my camper?
No. Campers will not need any money during the session. Canteen and Crafts are covered by your registration fees. The only reason you may want to send money with your camper would be if you want them to be able to purchase anything from the gift shop. Please be careful though, Camp Deer Run cannot be held responsible for any lost cash, checks, or cards.
What do I need to pack?
Please see our Camp Deer Run Compass for a full packing list.
Important Times
What is "Camp Time?"
On the first day of Camp, we set our clocks back one hour. Campers and Staff get excited for “an extra hour of Camp,” and we create an environment that feels even more set apart from the world.
For simplicity, all times listed online or on Camp Deer Run documents will be in Central Standard Time, or as we like to call it at Camp, “world time.”
When should I arrive for my session?
One week before your session, you will receive an email with your camper's cabin assignment, check-in time, and check-out time. Check-in times have been staggered throughout the afternoon to avoid a backup in the check-out process. Please arrive for check-in at your assigned time.
If your camper's session is less than a week away and you have not received this email, or if you need to change your check-in time, please contact us.
When can I visit Camp?
Camp is open for visitors on the Middle Sunday of each two-week session, as well as the second Wednesday of every two-week session. To preserve the isolated environment that is vital to the Camp Deer Run program, there are no visiting times during a one-week session. If you need to see your camper outside of these designated times, please contact office@campdeerrun.com.
For more information about visiting times, please see the Camp Deer Run Compass.
What time is worship on Middle Sunday?
Middle Sunday visiting hours begin at 10:00am and worship begins at 11:00am.
For more information about Middle Sunday, please see the Camp Deer Run Compass.
What time is worship on Second Wednesdays?
On the second Wednesday of each Two Week Session, visitors are welcome to join us for Worship at 9:00 pm Central Standard Time. Visitors may arrive at early as 7:00 pm to observe Camp activities, but campers will remain on their normal schedules until Worship begins. We ask that all visitors leave Camp by 10:00 pm so that we can resume our regular program.
When should I pick up my camper?
One week before your session, you will receive an email with your camper's cabin assignment, check-in time, and check-out time. Check-out times have been staggered throughout the morning to avoid a backup in the check-out process. Please arrive for check-out at your assigned time.
If your camper's session is less than a week away and you have not received this email, or if you need to change your check-out time, please contact us.
During the Session
What activities do campers participate in?
For a list of overnight camp activities, click here.
For a list of day camp activities, click here.
What are the theme days?
For a list of overnight camp theme days, click here.
For a list of day camp theme days, click here.
How do I communicate with my camper?
Campers are able to receive both mail and email during session. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (not including check-out day) at afternoon Canteen, mail is distributed to campers and staff. You can mail cards and letters to camp or use the Camp Deer Run app (coming soon) to send notes to campers and staff that we will print and deliver at Mail Call. Please label all mail and emails with the camper’s name and cabin number.
For more information, please see the Camp Deer Run Compass.
Are the cabins air-conditioned?
Our cabins are intentionally built to be rustic and minimalistic, but also safe and comfortable. There is no air conditioning in our cabins, but campers are encouraged to bring a box fan or other personal fan - this is usually plenty to keep everyone cool at night! Cabins are mostly used for changing clothes and sleeping, so in the heat of the day there is not much time spent in the cabins.
What is the cell phone policy?
We have a strict no cell phone policy. Campers will turn in their phones to their counselors at the beginning of each session, and they will be safely stored in the office. If you need to get in touch with your camper urgently, please contact the Camp Office at (903) 629-7165.
For more information, check the Camp Deer Run Compass.
How do I check-out my camper?
Only a campers’ Parents or Authorized Pickups will be permitted to pick them up from camp. Under NO circumstances shall any other person be permitted to do so.
Parents can update the Authorized Pickups form at any time before or during the camp session by emailing office@campdeerrun.com or accessing the form through the online parent dashboard.
Until they are checked out, campers will be hanging out with their group in designated waiting areas.
For more information, check the Camp Deer Run Compass.