Camp FAQs

Camp Canaan is the sole occupant of a picture-perfect, 100-acre island in the middle of the Catawba River – or, as we like to say, we’re just off the coast of Rock Hill! Located at 3111 Sand Island Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29732, we’re just 25 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina and an easy drive from Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Check out our Island Map & Directions!

Overnight Camps, Day Camps, and Teen Camps go all summer long! Beginning on the first Sunday in June, camps run for nine consecutive weeks – including the week of the Fourth – and conclude the last week in July. The adventure never stops!

We also host a three-day, overnight Winter Camp in mid-December and a week-long Teen Leadership Camp (TLC), off campus backpacking trip in the spring.

Absolutely! Every spring, we host an Open House event featuring music, camp tours, and pre-summer fun – it’s the perfect opportunity for new families to meet Team Canaan and get a taste of life on The Island! Keep an eye on your email inbox for more details. Can’t make it? Connect with us to set up a camp tour.

Yes, Camp Canaan is a Christian ministry committed to upholding the teachings of Jesus Christ, providing opportunities for campers to grow in their faith and strengthen their relationship with God. In addition to adventure programming, campers engage in themed activities, participate daily in Inside Out Time (IOT) Devotions, and attend evening devotions with key speakers.

You can easily and securely register online. Click on any of the Book Now links to get started.

• First-time registrants: Please create an account using the “New User Sign-Up”.
• Returning registrants: Please use your username (email) and password from last season to prevent duplicate accounts. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Password Reset” link. Your household information will be saved from last year, but you will need to review/ update/complete forms as necessary.

Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to complete registration for each session:

• Day Camps: $50
• Overnight Camps: $100
• Counselor in Training Program: $100
• Teen Leadership Camp (TLC; Spring): $100

You have three payment options when you register for camp in advance:

1. Pay in full
2. Sign up for auto draft: Payments are drafted on the first Tuesday of every month until the first Tuesday in May
3. Pay a deposit; balance auto-drafted first Tuesday in May

If you would like to change your auto-draft method of payment (update credit card information, pay with check or cash, etc.) please contact our office at least two weeks prior to the first Tuesday in June.

Any camp registrations completed on/after the first Tuesday in May require payment in full at the time of registration.

We accept credit and debit cards: VISA, Mastercard, and Discover. Unfortunately, our online registration system doesn’t accept American Express (AMEX).

Register two or more campers and receive a $10 Sibling Discount on the second and subsequent children’s registrations (least expensive applicant). The Sibling Discount applies to each session siblings are enrolled in and is automatically applied to your cart during registration.

Yes, scholarships are available to campers ages 5-15 for one week of summer camp. Check out our scholarships page for details.

Once a camp reaches capacity, you have the option of adding your camper(s) to the waitlist. You don’t have to make any payments to be waitlisted, but you’ll need to fill out your Household Info Form.

The waitlist prioritizes campers in the order in which they were added. Should a spot become available and you accept it, you will be required to complete the remaining forms and payment.

Waitlisted sessions should be considered “in addition” to a camper’s current registrations. You cannot exchange an accepted waitlist opening for a current registration.

Change of date requests may only be made while availability lasts. Requests must be made via email to be valid (not over the phone). We are generally able to review and process account changes within two business days. If a change of date is not possible and you’re not able to attend your registered session, the session registration will be canceled and subject to our cancellation policy.

All cancellations and withdrawals must be submitted via email to be valid (not over the phone); a cancellation is not final until the email is received. All session deposits are non-refundable.

• Cancellations for medical reasons must be accompanied by a letter from the attending physician. In the case of medical cancellations prior to the first Tuesday in May, we will refund camp tuition minus the non-refundable deposit(s). After the first Tuesday in May, medically-related cancellations will be refunded half the tuition.

• Cancellations made for any other reason, from the date of registration to the first Tuesday in May will result in the loss of each session’s non-refundable deposit.

• Cancellations made from the first Tuesday in May onward will result in the loss of the full tuition of each canceled session.

• Session Options, such as paintball, wakeboard/wakesurf, etc., are non-refundable if canceled on or after the first Tuesday in May.

Camp Canaan reserves the right to dismiss any camper from the program if the staff believes, in their discretion, s/he presents a safety concern or medical risk, is disruptive, or otherwise conducts her/himself in a manner detrimental to the camp community.

If a child is dismissed or departs from camp for any reason, no refunds can be granted. Parents are responsible for all costs of early departure whether for medical reasons, dismissal, personal emergencies, or otherwise. These costs include, but are not limited to medical and/or airlift evacuation and costs.

Camp Canaan serves ages 5 to 17.

• Day Camps: Ages 5-13
• Overnight Camps: Ages 10-16
• Winter Camp: Ages 10-13
• Teen Leadership Camp (TLC): Ages 14-16
• Counselor in Training Program: Age 16
• Assistant Counselor Program: Age 17

Canaan campers are typically split as follows.

Day Camps

• Junior Day Camp: Ages 5-8
• Senior Day Camp: Ages 9-13

Overnight Camps

• Journey Camp: Ages 8-9
• All Girls Camp: Ages 10-13
• Co-ed Camp: Ages 10-13
• Legacy Camp: Ages 14-15

Winter Camp: Ages 10-13

Teen Leadership Camp (TLC; Spring): Ages 14-16

Summer in the Carolinas is hot!! We are blessed with a number of places to swim and facilitate a number of water-based activities.

At Camp, we have a Junior Olympic-sized pool (staffed by lifeguards) and Lake Canaan, a man-made watering hole complete with a 4 foot by 14 foot water slide and a double-decker platform! We also have direct access to the clean and beautiful Catawba River.

For some activities, we board our big green bus for a short drive over to Lake Wylie.

Yes, all campers complete a swim test which consists of swimming the width of the pool and treading water for one minute. Based on proficiency, campers are issued either a green, yellow, or red band that they wear throughout the week.

• Red band: Camper wears a life vest at all swim times in the swimming pool.
• Yellow band: Camper can swim in the shallow end of the pool without a life vest.
• Green band: Camper can swim anywhere in the pool without a life vest.

All Junior Day Camp participants are issued either a red or green band. All other campers will have either a green, yellow or red band.

All campers, regardless of swim ability, wear a life vest while in Lake Canaan, the Catawba River, and in Lake Wylie. (It’s the only way to keep Grundy away, too!)

Session 9 of our summer season is commonly referred to as Champions Week. Campers are split into teams to compete in sports, problem-solving, and a variety of highly competitive games for the title of Canaan Champions.

Returning campers thrive during Champions Week. First time campers or those who don’t deal well with intense competition should probably sit this week out.

Camp Canaan counselors are carefully selected through an extensive interview process. All reference and background checks are completed prior to being for the season. Our ideal counselors are camper-centered, actively seek Jesus, and display Christian character, responsibility, and integrity. Once hired, we personally invest in our counselors through weekly Bible study.

All staff annually engage in a training retreat where they receive all required training, including CPR and First-Aid. Our counselor return rate averages 45% each summer.

All adventure staff are trained in accordance with Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards and guidelines.

All camps operate on a 1:8 counselor to camper ratio.

There is only one way on and off The Island – by bridge. The bridge gate is closed during the day except during drop off and pick up periods, and when required for programming. The gate is locked at night and on-call directors do a final check of The Island after bedtime.

Additionally:

• Directors and interns live on site
• Staff are trained on child abuse prevention
• Staff are never alone with a child
• All counselors and lifeguards are CPR-certified
• Cameras are strategically placed across camp
• Campers are supervised around the clock
• Campers move around camp according to a buddy system

Supplements, over-the-counter, and prescription medication is securely stored in a locked nurse’s room in the Welcome Center; refrigeration is available as needed. Medication will be administered as directed.

All medicines must be in the original prescription bottle or packaging; medication in bags or pill organizers will not be accepted. Prescription bottles must be labeled correctly. List the exact name of the medication along with the prescribed dosage. (Example: generic Zyrtec needs to be listed as: Cetirizine 10 mg).

Examples of medications that meet these requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Allergy medications and sprays
• Ear drops
• Epinephrine auto injector
• Eye drops
• Inhalers
• Prescription medications
• Topical ointments
• Vitamins

Unclaimed medication at the end of the camp week will be discarded the Sunday before the next Overnight Camp checks in – please contact us as soon as possible if you’ve forgotten medication on The Island.

The Medical Form required at registration includes the approval/restriction of the following over-the-counter (OTC) preventative aids and medications:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Antihistamines (Benadryl, Diphenhydramine)
• Calamine Lotion
• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Insect repellent
• Pepto Bismol
• Neosporin
• Sunscreen

Need to update your camper’s Medical Form? Call our office or access the Parent Portal for more information.

Camp Canaan offers an adventure-filled experience featuring activities that are high off the ground (e.g. ropes courses, ziplining), water-based (e.g. kayaking, tubing), and fast-paced (e.g. archery tag^®, field games). Every child is different – if you think your kid can handle and enjoy it, they probably can! Please connect with us to discuss your child’s specific diagnosis or disability.

No, we’re not a peanut-free facility, but we do discourage Day Camp families from packing lunches and snacks containing peanuts.

To set up a Canteen account for your camper, or check their balance, just follow these directions to view their wallet and securely add funds online. We do not accept cash for Canteen deposits.

• Log in to Campbrain
• Click “View Details” for this summer’s registration
• Look for the “Camp Store” section in the bottom right of the screen
• Click “Add Funds”
• Add an appropriate amount for your child, enter your card info, and “Process Payment”
• Funds will be instantly available to your camper

Please email us you’d like a refund for unused funds at the end of your camper’s session. Credits will be processed back to the original card.

Yes! Hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts and more are available in our online store and on site. Campers can use Canteen money to purchase merch, including Grundy the Cat Fish, Polar Plunge, and Big Foot plushies! (Don’t know what that means? Ask your camper on pick up day!)

Lost & Found is located in the cubbies at the Welcome Center. We check daily for forgotten items and add them to Lost & Found. Any unclaimed items after check-out on Friday are donated. Make sure to label everything your camper brings on The Island!

This is shorthand for a camp rule that means you can’t pick up snakes, sticks, rocks, or spiders!

All Overnight Camps run from 3 pm on Sunday through to 4:30 pm on Friday. You’ll receive an email with more details about drop off and pick up procedures ahead of camp, but here’s an outline:

• Sunday drop-off is between 3 pm and 4 pm.
• Park at the Welcome Center to drop off medication, or/then head to the Multipurpose Building.
• All campers are checked for lice on arrival.
• Friday pick-up is between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
• There’s a Closing Ceremony on Friday from 4:30 pm to 5 pm.
• Campers are only released to people on their Authorized Pick Up list; ID required.
• Please stay in your car if you’re early on drop off or pick up day.

Yes, early pick-up times are 7:30 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, early pick-up times are limited to 7:30 am and 12 noon. We offer standard early pick up times for efficiency and so that your camper misses the fewest activities. Of course, exceptions are made for emergencies.

Campers who return to camp following a mid-session pick up must be back on The Island by 8 pm. If this isn’t possible, your camper will need to stay at home for the night and return the next morning between 7:30 am and 8:15 am.

If you have kids in both Day Camp and Overnight Camp and need to pick up early on Friday, both kids need to be picked up by noon.

Please email us 24 hours in advance with your preferred pick-up time. In case of an emergency, call (803) 327-6932.

Please pick up your child in Overnight Camp first and, after the Closing Ceremony ends at 5 pm, pick up your child in Day Camp.

If you have kids in both Day Camp and Overnight Camp and need to pick up early on Friday, both kids need to be picked up by noon.

Have a Legacy camper too? Learn more in the Legacy Camp Questions section.

Yep! It’s a fact of camp life. We conduct lice checks on arrival. If several campers arrive all at once, there may be a line. But … there’s a way to hack the system! We’ve partnered with Pediatric Hair Solutions in Charlotte who can clear your camper for check in:

• Book an appointment the Thursday or Friday before arriving for camp (2-3 days before).
• Walk-ins are often not accommodated.
• Camp families are eligible for a discount on head checks ($10 vs $25)
• If your camper is negative, you’ll get a note confirming they’ve been checked and cleared.
• If your camper is positive, they’ll provide same-day treatment options.

Overnight camps at Camp Canaan are fully-loaded with exhilarating adventure, exciting experiences, and lots of new friends! Parents: this is the sleepaway camp experience you’ve always dreamed about. Kids: your amazing days of fun and friendship will stay with you forever!

Here is a sample schedule for an Overnight Camp. Campers will experience 3 to 4 adventure electives per session, e.g. high ropes course, ziplining, kayaking, and much more! Schedules and electives are subject to change based on camp session, age group, weather, behavior, or other factors.

Check out individual camp pages for more information:

• Journey Camp, Ages 8-9
• Co-ed Camp, Ages 10-13
• All Girls Camp, Ages 10-13
• Legacy Camp, Ages 14-15

You’ll receive a more detailed list ahead of camp, but here’s an idea of what your camper will need to bring to summer camp. Label everything!

• Reusable water bottle x 2
• Sleeping bag and pillow or twin sheets, blanket, and pillow
• Body/face soap, shampoo, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
• Clothes, pajamas, underwear, and socks x 8 days
• Rain jacket and jacket/sweatshirt
• Laundry or trash bag for dirty clothes
• Modest swimsuit x 2
• Sneakers (required)
• Flip-flops (recommended for showers)
• River shoes (closed toe required)
• Bath towel
• Pool towels (recommended) x 2
• Flashlight/headlamp with batteries
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Bible, journal, and/or book
• Pen or pencil

Paintball registrants: bring a pair of jeans and a T-shirt

Campers are not allowed to have:

• Cell phones, electronics, smart watches, tablets, etc.
• Cameras, pocket knives, or weapons of any kind
• Cash, gum, energy drinks, toys, trading cards

Breakfast

Monday-Friday

• Hot breakfast
• Fresh fruit
• Cereal assortment
• Juice and milk

Lunch

Monday-Friday

• Hot lunch x 4 days
• Sandwiches x 1 day
• Potato chips
• Salad bar
• Applesauce
• Chocolate pudding/popsicles

Dinner

Sunday-Thursday

• Hot dinner
• Salad bar
• Dessert

Friday only

• Hors d’oeuvres during Closing Ceremony

Please share dietary restrictions with us by email before arriving at camp. We can share the weekly menu with you in advance and, if a particular meal does not work for your child, please bring a substitute during drop-off and it will be served to your camper during that meal.

We partner with a third party caterer to provide meals. Menus are set for the summer in advance, but they can accommodate gluten, dairy, and peanut allergies. Get in touch to learn what’s on the menu during your camper’s week(s) with us and discuss options.

Yes, day and overnight campers can buy candy, snacks, soda, and ice cream at our snack shack, the Canteen. You can add money to their Canteen account during camp registration process and throughout summer.

Teen Leadership Camp (TLC) participants are provided with snacks and meals.

Campers bunk in one of three large cabins: Longleaf Pine, Tulip Poplar, and the A&J Lodge. Each cabin accommodates 30+ campers and has AC, indoor bathrooms, and laundry facilities. Cabins are assigned by age and gender assigned at birth.

Yes. Bunkmate Requests allow up to 3 campers. i.e. your camper and 2 friends to be in the same cabin. The reason for this limitation is because one of the best parts of summer camp is meeting new people, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive community, not cliques. Based on the number of beds and requests,we may be able to pair your camper with only one listed friend.

Note, there’s only one cabin for Legacy Camp, so no need to submit a bunkmate request.

No – please submit a Bunkmate Request if you want siblings to be together. You’ll receive several emails that include our Bunkmate Request Form prior to coming to camp.

Lights are out camp-wide at 10pm.

Yes! We have a number of care package bundles to choose from in our online store. You can also bring a boxed care package with you on drop off day and indicate when you want it delivered by placing it in a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday bin; no deliveries on Thursday or Friday. Care packages are delivered directly to your camper’s cabin!

Do not mail your package!

Legacy Resident Camps run from 3 pm on Sunday through to 3:15 pm on Friday. You’ll receive an email with more details about drop off and pick up procedures ahead of camp, but here’s an outline:

• Sunday drop-off is between 3 pm and 4 pm.
• Park at the Welcome Center to drop off medication, or/then head to the Multipurpose Building.
• All campers are checked for lice on arrival.
• Friday pick-up is between 2:30 pm and 3:15 pm.
• There’s a Closing Ceremony on Friday from 3:30 pm to 4 pm.
• Campers are only released to people on their Authorized Pick Up list; ID required.
• Please stay in your car if you’re early on drop off or pick up day.

Yes, early pick-up times are 7:30 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, early pick-up times are limited to 7:30 am and 12 noon. We offer standard early pick up times for efficiency and so that your camper misses the fewest activities. Of course, exceptions are made for emergencies.

Campers who return to camp following a mid-session pick up must be back on The Island by 8 pm. If this isn’t possible, your camper will need to stay at home for the night and return the next morning between 7:30 am and 8:15 am.

If you have kids in both Day Camp and Overnight Camp and need to pick up early on Friday, both kids need to be picked up by noon.

Please email us 24 hours in advance with your preferred pick-up time. In case of an emergency, call (803) 327-6932.

Please pick up your child in Overnight Camp first and, after the Closing Ceremony ends at 5 pm, pick up your child in Day Camp.

If you have kids in both Day Camp and Overnight Camp and need to pick up early on Friday, both kids need to be picked up by noon.

Here is a sample schedule for an Overnight Camp. Schedules are subject to change based on camp session, age group, weather, behavior, or other factors.

Both Junior and Senior Day Camps run from 7:30 am to 5:15 pm, Monday through Friday. You’ll receive an email with more details about drop off and pick up procedures ahead of camp, but here’s an outline:

• Morning drop-off is between 7:30 and 8:15 am.
• Please stay in your car if you’re early.
• Campers are digitally checked in from your car; no need to walk in your camper.
• Park at the Welcome Center to drop off medication to our staff.
• Afternoon pick-up is between 4:30 and 5:30 pm.
• Campers are only released to people on their Authorized Pick Up list; ID required.
• The gate to The Island stays closed from 9 am to 4:20 pm for security.

Yes, early pick-up times are 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, and 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. We offer standard early pick up times for efficiency and so that your camper misses the fewest activities. Of course, exceptions are made for emergencies.

Please email us 24 hours in advance with your preferred pick-up time. In case of an emergency, call (803) 327-6932.

Please pick up your child in Overnight Camp first and, after the Closing Ceremony ends at 5 pm, pick up your child in Day Camp.

Yes, we offer Late Stay until 6:00 pm for an additional $25 per child per week. Late Stay must be added to your camp registration before the week starts.

You’ll receive several emails that include our Friend Request Form prior to coming to camp. Friend Requests allow up to 4 campers. i.e. your camper and 3 friends. For friends to be in the same group, this form MUST be submitted by June 1. Emailed or phoned-in friend requests may not be accommodated; groups cannot be reassigned once the camp week has begun.

No – please submit a Friend Request Form if you want siblings to be together. You’ll receive several emails that include our Friend Request Form prior to coming to camp.

Here is a sample schedule for Junior Day Camp. Schedules are subject to change based on weather, behavior, or other factors.

Here is a sample schedule for Senior Day Camp. Campers will experience 3 adventure electives per session, e.g. high ropes course, ziplining, kayaking. Schedules and electives are subject to change based on weather, behavior, or other factors. On Friday, campers participate in a large group event, like an island-wide scavenger hunt.

Campers should arrive every day in summer appropriate athletic clothing, such as shorts and T-shirt with tennis shoes and socks. Crocs and other slip-on shoes are not allowed in the morning, but they can be in their bag as pool shoes after adventure programs end.

Junior Day Camps for ages 5 to 8 feature a weekly theme with characters and a storyline – every session is different.

You’ll receive a more detailed list ahead of camp, but here’s an idea of what your camper will need to bring. Label everything!

• Backpack or other small bag
• Morning snack and lunch
• Water bottle
• Change of clothes (recommend for ages 5-8)
• Swimsuit
• Pool towel
• Sunscreen
• Water shoes (with heel strap)
• Optional: bug bands or insect spray
• Medications (check-in/out with camp nurse)

Campers are not allowed to have:

• Cell phones, electronics, smart watches, tablets, etc.
• Cameras, pocket knives, or weapons of any kind
• Cash, gum, energy drinks, toys, trading cards

Lunches are stored in cubbies out of the direct sun. Lunches cannot be refrigerated; please add an ice pack or frozen drink to your camper’s lunch box to keep their lunch cool. Camp Canaan is not a peanut-free facility, but we do ask that you limit the amount of snacks and lunches that contain peanuts.

Campers can also purchase snacks from the camp store using their Canteen account.