When can I pick up and drop off my camper?

Drop off times for all camp sessions is 3-5pm. We are busy preparing for your camp session before 3 pm, please don’t arrive early.

Pick up times for all camp sessions starts at 10am and ends at 11am. Campers are busy with camp programing up to 10 am. They will be available for pick up at their cabin after 10am.

Camp is located at 49504 Highway 244, La Grande, OR 97850

What should my camper bring?

Sleeping bag and pillow or bedding, water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, towel, swimwear, personal toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, closed toe shoes for hiking and activities, sandals for the shower, warm and cold weather clothing, pajamas, notebook, pens or pencils, flashlight, personal prescription medications*, watch**, camera**, and a Bible if you have one.

Please mark or label all personal items brought to camp. Lost and found items not claimed by the end of the season will be donated.

*all medications prescription or otherwise must be given to the nurse, no exceptions

**no personal electronic devices are allowed, campers cannot use their phones to keep track of time or take pictures

What should my camper NOT bring?

Knives, guns, or other weapons, or toy knives, guns, or other weapons. Fireworks or other explosives. Drugs, tobacco, or alcohol. Personal electronic devices such as smart phones, cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, handheld video games, etc. If any of these items are brought to camp they will be placed in secure storage until pick-up at the end of the session. Camp Elkanah is not responsible for the cost of replacing lost or stolen property, we recommend leaving valuables and special items at home.

How can I contact my child?

Send them mail!!! Campers love to get mail and care packages from friends and family.  You can leave letters for your camper when you drop them off or mail them to camp.  Make sure to send it early (at least 5 days) so it arrives while they are at camp.  Please write your campers name and the day you wish to have it delivered on the outside of the envelope or package.

Our camp mailing address is 49504 Highway 244, La Grande, OR 97850

Please address mail as follows:

Camp Elkanah
attn: Camper Name
49504 Hwy 244
La Grande, OR 97850

Campers do not have access to a phone for personal use. If you need to reach your child you can call our camp office at 541-428-2175 and camp staff will assist you as well as locate your child if needed.  Personal cell phones are not allowed at camp and there is no cell service on the property.

Can my camper be in a cabin with their friend or sibling?

You can list up to 3 friends your child would like to be in a cabin with during the registration process. We make every effort to make sure our campers get placed in a cabin with at least one of their requested friends.

Is there a camp dress code?

Camp Elkanah requires that all clothing be appropriate for our goal to create a positive and respectful Christian community. Clothing should not display images or messages that are derogatory, violent in nature, or disrespectful to others; it should also fit properly and be appropriate for active movement. Closed-toe shoes are required for many activities including the ropes course and hiking. We encourage swimwear for both boys and girls that provides adequate sun protection, fits properly and is appropriate for active movement on the slip n slide.

What about the safety, health and dietary needs of my camper?

A camp nurse and paramedic will be on site to handle all accident or illness related problems that arise and to administer all medications, both prescription and over the counter. All prescription drugs must be in the original container with dosage instructions on the label and turned in upon arrival.

Health related diets can be accommodated, if planned ahead of time. If your child has dietary restrictions for health reasons, please indicate so on the registration form. We can’t accommodate picky eaters but are happy to help with health-related concerns.

During activities and games, campers are required to wear appropriate clothing and safety gear.

Who are the staff?

Most of our seasonal staff members are college aged, Christian young adults who go through an extensive application, interview, background check and screening process. Dream Team staff are part of a leadership training program and rotate through a wide variety of camp responsibilities. We also occasionally accept other adult volunteers who come highly recommended by our full time camp staff or local church leadership. All adults who are involved with children at Camp Elkanah are background checked and we take the safety of kids on our property very seriously.