Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Camp held?
A. Ponderosa Conference and Retreat Center in Larkspur, CO
2. How do we get there?
A. All transportation is the responsibility of the individual camper and his/her family, both to and from camp.
3. What time do we arrive and check in at camp?
A. Check in is from 1:30-4:00. All campers MUST arrive no later than 3:45 as check in does end at 4:00.
4. What time do we pick up our camper(s)?
A. Closing ceremony starts at 9:20 am and is open to family and we encourage you to join us for that. Our final flag ceremony and send off is at 9:45 am
5. Who can apply to attend RMHC?
A. All campers who are entering the 6th grade or higher and have completed one year of AWANA club requirements. (T&T: Start Zone, T&T Handbook; Trek: Trek Check, Trek Handbook and Bible Reading/Summaries; Journey: Faith Foundations, Journey Handbook, Bible Reading/Summaries, Share Your Faith, Service/Training), and who meet the age requirements are eligible. Returning Campers: must complete the next AWANA handbook or study, and related requirements, for the year in the current handbook progression.
6. What are the age requirements for campers?
A. 6th – 8th grade campers must be at least 10 years old and 9th – 12th grade campers must be at least 13 years old by the first day of camp.
7. How much does the week-long camp cost?
A. $395.00 if the camper’s complete application is turned in by June 1st. $415.00 after June 1st.
8. How do we apply for camp?
A. Online camper applications will be available at RMHCamp.org. Camp is filled on a first come, first served basis, so early application is encouraged.
9. Where do the campers sleep?
A. We have lodging with bunk-style bedrooms with standard bathrooms as well as meeting space. Linens and towels are not included. Dorms are specifically either girl or boy dorms.
10. Who are the Staff and Counselors?
A. All of our Staff and Counselors are volunteers – most are current or former AWANA leaders. Each person desiring to serve at RMHC goes through an application process, interview, background check, child protection test and onsite training.
11. What should campers take to camp?
A. Sleeping bag, and/or sheets, blanket, and pillow
Towel and washcloth
Toiletries: soap, shampoo, deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste, sunscreen, lip balm, hat, insect repellent,
Flashlight with fresh batteries
Your Bible (the old fashioned kind, not electronic)
Pen and/or pencil and notebook or journal
Jacket, sweater, rain jacket (for short PM showers)
T-Shirts, sweatshirts, blouses, shirts, Jeans, sweats, wind-pants or Capri’s, shorts that are NOT shorter than fingertip length when your arms are at your side. (like basketball shorts or Bermuda’s) – They will need plenty of clothes, camp can be dirty and they will likely get wet.
Tennis shoes and a spare pair you can get really dirty, Flip flops, sandals (except for athletic events) Underwear, socks, warm PJs
Camera (NOT your phone, iPad, or anything else electronic)
Water bottle
Postage stamps if you are writing home along with envelopes
Spending money (for crafts, snacks, offering) – Usually $30-50 for the week is plenty. Please bring it in $1 and $5 bills which will go in the Camp Bank at registration
Your great attitude and a heart to learn.
Put your name on everything!!
12. What CAN’T I take to camp?
A. Cell phones, any sort of electronic device like Smart Watches, Kindles, iPads or video games, matches, lighters, any form of tobacco, vaping devices or materials, weapons (including knives), alcohol, drugs or medications (except as noted on the camp application and turned into the Nurse at registration), fireworks, or any questionable reading material.
13. What is the dress code?
A. Review the dress code here!
14. What is a camper’s day like?
A. The day begins at 6:30, with a shower, prayer time, personal devotions, gathering at the flag and then breakfast. After breakfast is cabin clean-up, Bible Hour, team activities, Flag call, and lunch. After lunch is Team Time, quiet time and then free time. After free time is dinner and then games, followed by evening chapel service, cabin devotions and then lights out. On Friday night we have campfire/testimonies before packing up and cleaning Saturday morning to go home.
15. What kind of free time activities are available?
A. Basketball, volleyball, soccer, Zip-Line, Jousting, Frisbee golf, softball, a game room, horseshoe pits, gaga ball, four square, nine square, mini golf, crafts, archery and tomahawk throwing. There is also a camp store where campers can pick up snacks and souvenirs.
16. What is the offering for?
A. We take an offering during the week to give to the camp speaker and Awana Missionaries.
17. Can I contact my camper?
A. Absolutely – but only via snail mail. Send letters, postcards, and the best – a package! Campers love mail from home and look forward to “mail call.” Send it to: “Camper’s Name”, Rocky Mountain Honors Camp, c/o Ponderosa Retreat and Conference Center, 15235 Furrow Road, Larkspur, CO 80118-5703. Or, take a package to registration and drop it off with the RMHC staff for delivery later in the week.
18. Can I call my camper?
A. No, you cannot unless it is an emergency. For general communication you can call the camp at 719-481-2482, and a staff member will personally relay the message to the camper.
19. Can I visit my camper or camp during the week?
A. No, but you can take a tour of camp during registration.
20. Can my camper bunk with a friend?
A. You may request a cabin-mate in the same age/grade level. Both campers should make note of that on the application and we will do everything possible to make that happen.
21. My child has dietary restrictions. Can the camp accommodate them?
A. Yes, Ponderosa can accommodate dietary restrictions and on a daily basis has gluten free items available. Campers have a buffet-style choice of fresh vegetables, fruit, meats, breads and desserts to choose from. Please note any dietary restrictions on your child’s application.
22. Is there a discount for multiple family members?
A. The current camper fee does not cover the full cost of camp so we are not able to offer discounts. If there are additional questions please call RMHC.
23. Does RMHC have scholarships available?
A. Many times the club where the camper attends or their church will have some sort of scholarship available, so check with them first. RMHC does have a limited number of partial scholarships available, which can be discussed as needed. If you are so lead an additional, tax deductible, gift can help make an eternal impact by allowing us to reach more campers for Christ.
If our FAQ did not address your question send us a message to start a conversation. We hear from parents, churches, and volunteers all the time. We'd love to connect with you and answer your questions.