General FAQs
What is Ferncliff’s mission?
“As an expression of God’s love, Ferncliff welcomes people into a life of caring for Creation, others, and themselves.” We consider this mission the goal of all our summer camp programs.
How do Ferncliff’s summer camp programs achieve this goal?
We achieve this goal through five objectives with our campers: expanding independence, strengthening a sense of identity, developing interpersonal skills, interacting with creation, and exploring Christian faith.
We know Ferncliff is a Presbyterian camp, but we’re not Presbyterian. Can my camper still attend Ferncliff?
Of course! Campers come from many different faiths, including some who do not have a faith tradition. Our summer staff members are all Christian, but not all are Presbyterian, either. We only ask that all campers participate in the daily Bible studies and worship times that are a part of our camp programs.
Can my child’s friend be in the same group as my child?
Yes. While making new friends is an important part of the camp experience, in the registration process you will be asked if you have a buddy request. You can put in one friend’s name and they can put your child’s name on their registration form. We do not put larger groups together because it can put others in the group at a disadvantage; we do not want situations where, for instance, a single camper is put with a group of five campers who are already close friends.
Do you have medical staff on duty?
Yes. We have a registered nurse on call at all times. In addition, all of our staff are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR.
What’s the camper-to-counselor ratio?
Our groups follow the counselor-to-camper ratios of the American Camp Association. For Day Campers, that’s 1:6 for campers under 6 years old, 1:8 for day campers ages 6-8 and 1:10 for day campers ages 9-14. For Overnight Campers – 1:6 for overnight campers ages 6-8, 1:8 for overnight campers ages 9-14, and 1:10 for ages 15-18. There will be one to two staff members with each group. All campers in a group will be the same approximate age, usually within a couple of grades. Typically, camper groups are co-ed, though occasionally, a family group may be composed of all female campers and counselors or all male campers and counselors.
What if my camper loses or forgets items at camp?
We collect any items we find each week in a Lost and Found tub. If you arrive home and realize something is missing, give us a call and let us know! We keep lost and found items for two weeks before donating them to a local shelter.
Please be aware that Ferncliff is not responsible for any items that are lost or damaged while at camp. Campers are also responsible for keeping up with their own items. As noted on the packing list, do not send anything with your camper that is irreplaceable or would be devastating to get dirty.
Can you accommodate campers with special needs?
Our counselors generally are not trained with the specific skills required to work with children with special needs. In some instances, exceptions can be made after we consult with the child’s parents and the child’s doctors. Contact our office before the summer starts so we can discuss what your camper would need to be successful at camp. Please do not send a child with special needs to camp without first consulting us.
Are there scholarships or financial assistance available?
The tiered pricing system allows us to offer camp sessions at subsidized rates (Tiers I and II). Ferncliff also has some limited campership funds reserved to help families who need financial assistance with the cost of camp. Many Presbyterian churches also provide assistance for children and youth to attend programs – ask your pastor if your church has a discount code for camps!
A campership application can be found by clicking here, or you can call us for more information.
Looks like camp is full – should I get on the waitlist?
YES! Because of our small-group camping model, we’ve limited how many campers are in each camp group, and many weeks of camp fill quickly. Sometimes we’re able to add a whole new group of campers all at once, and we open those spots for folks on the waitlist. We encourage families to add their camper to the waitlist for each session of camp they’re interested in. As a spot becomes available, families on the waitlist will receive an automatic email notifying them and giving them 48 hours to register. After that window of time passes, the next family on the waitlist will receive a notification.
Day Camp FAQs
How much is a week of day camp?
Day Camp sessions start at $289 per week, which includes a $50 non-refundable deposit paid at the time of registration. The total balance is due 2 weeks prior to the beginning of camp.
Day Camp tiered prices are $289, $319, and $339 (including $50 deposits). You choose the price at registration.
Why three prices? What is tiered pricing?
Recognizing that families have different abilities to pay, Ferncliff has instituted a voluntary three-tier fee program. You may choose the tier that is most suitable for your family. It is a “free will” system; you pick the level that is comfortable and affordable for your family.
No matter what tier you choose, the amenities, activities, and camp experience are the same. It’s a way to make camp more affordable for more families.
Does day camp include meals?
YES! Ferncliff Day Camp includes lunch in the Ferncliff Dining Hall, as well as morning & afternoon snacks. No need to pack a lunch!
Can you accommodate campers with special dietary needs?
We can usually accommodate the most common dietary restrictions, including allergies. Let us know about dietary needs in advance by calling us before your child comes to camp. In addition, please indicate dietary needs on the online camp registration form. Parents of campers with allergies or dietary restrictions may pack ‘safe’ food for their child in a lunchbox each day if they prefer.
Is there a transportation option?
No. All campers must be picked up and dropped off at Ferncliff.
What ages can attend Ferncliff day camps?
Day Camp is for campers who are entering grades 1st-8th. Campers will be split into smaller groups based on relative age.
How many sessions of camp can I sign up for?
Day Camp is offered for 9 weeks this summer, from the week of June 3rd through the week of August 4th. You can sign up for as many weeks as you like! Please note, many of our day camp activities are repeated each week.
What should I bring?
See the 2024 Day Camp Packing List!
We know campers swim each day, but my child is new to swimming. Will they be ok?
At Ferncliff, we swim in both our pool and in the creek. We have certified lifeguards on duty at all times that campers are swimming. Our pool has a large shallow side, which is especially great for campers with varying swimming abilities. We also have a splash pad where campers who prefer to stay out of the pool can still have great water fun. The creek area where we swim has a pebble beach into the water, and lots of shallow areas that allow for water play. If campers would like to swim in the deep side of the pool or the deeper part of the creek, they will first complete a Skills Check with our certified lifeguards.
What time is drop-off and pick-up?
Drop off for day camp program is between 8:30am and 9:00am. Pickup is from 3:30pm to 4:00pm. Drop-offs and pick-ups outside these windows are very difficult, as our camper groups range all over our large camp property, and may be in the water, on the top of the mountain, or out at the farm. Drop off and pickup times will be strictly enforced.
What are your options for extended hours?
Early Drop-Off at Ferncliff is available for an additional charge of $50.00 per week from 7:30am – 8:00am Monday through Friday. This option includes breakfast for your camper!
Late Pick-Up is available for an additional charge of $30.00 per week from 4:00pm – 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Overnight Camp FAQs
How much is a week of Overnight Camp?
Most Overnight Camp sessions start at $535 per week, which includes a $50 non-refundable deposit paid at the time of registration. The total balance is due 2 weeks prior to the beginning of camp.
Overnight Camp tiered prices are $535, $625, and $695 (including $50 deposits). You choose the price at registration. Some specialty camps, including the Future Counselor camps and Watercraft Adventure camps have different prices.
Why three prices? What is tiered pricing?
Recognizing that families have different abilities to pay, Ferncliff has instituted a voluntary three-tier fee program. You may choose the tier that is most suitable for your family. It is a “free will” system; you pick the level that is comfortable and affordable for your family.
No matter what tier you choose, the amenities, activities, and camp experience are the same. It’s a way to make camp more affordable for more families.
What ages can attend Ferncliff Overnight Camps?
Overnight Camp is for campers who are entering grades 1st-12th. Sessions are split based on relative age: discovery (entering 1st-3rd), elementary (entering 3rd-5th), middle school (entering 6th-8th), and high school (entering 9th-12th.)
How many sessions of camp can I sign up for?
You may sign up for any session your child is eligible to attend.
Does Overnight Camp include meals?
Overnight Camp includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and morning & afternoon snacks for the entirety of their stay.
Can you accommodate campers with special dietary needs?
We can usually accommodate the most common dietary restrictions, including allergies. Let us know about dietary needs in advance by calling us before your child comes to camp. In addition, please indicate dietary needs on the health form. Parents of campers with allergies or dietary restrictions may bring ‘safe’ food for their child to be kept in the dining hall for meal times, if approved in advance.
What should I bring?
See the 2024 Overnight Camp Packing List!
When do Overnight Camp sessions begin and end?
Our Overnight Camp sessions begin on Sundays and end on Fridays. Check-in is from 4:00pm-5:00pm on Sundays. Closing Program takes place at 4:00pm on Fridays and is followed by Camper Check-out until 5:00pm. Drop off and pickup times will be strictly enforced due to staff duties in opening and closing camp sessions.
What else do I need to know about check-in and pick-up?
Prior to check-in time, staff members are busy preparing for campers, so we ask that all campers arrive during the scheduled times. Please arrive within the hour-long check-in window from 4:00-5:00pm on Sundays. We will send more information about where to go and what to expect at check-in the week prior to your camp session.
On Fridays, camp will conclude with a 20-30 minute Closing Program. Closing Program will start at 4:00pm in the Christian Activity Building (CAB), and will include camper group skits, a slideshow of the week, and hearing from our Camp Chaplain. Camper Check-out will follow Closing Program, and staff will direct you on how to sign your camper out and pick up your camper’s luggage.
When dropping off and picking up your child, please stay on camp roads and obey the camp speed limit, which is 10 miles per hour. Be aware of any animals, pedestrians, or bike riders as you drive through camp.
Where will my Overnight Camper stay?
Your child will be in a cabin with campers of the same gender and approximate age. Our Belden Pond cabins have air conditioning, bunk beds, showers, and toilets. Our new Yurt Cabins have air conditioning and bunk beds in each, and a shared bathhouse with showers and toilets next door.
Will you accommodate transgender campers?
Yes. Ferncliff strives to create a fully inclusive culture and environment that values equality and fosters respect for all people. We understand Christian faith as a shared journey from which no one should be excluded. In alignment with our faith, vision, and mission, Ferncliff welcomes all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, as guests and as full participants in all our programs. To learn more about Ferncliff’s policy on transgender campers and guests click here.
How can I stay in touch with my Overnight camper?
Campers love receiving mail from home! We deliver mail each day after lunch. You can send good old-fashioned snail mail addressed to your camper to the camp address. Our address is:
1720 Ferncliff Road
Little Rock, AR 72223
You may also opt to purchase credits to send one-way emails to your camper. When you drop your child off at camp, you will be given information about this one-way email service. We print emails each morning to deliver with the mail each day after lunch.
Care packages are a nice treat for campers, but please do not send any food to your camper. We provide snacks multiple times a day, and our policy is to keep all food out of cabins. We also take all precautions to be as nut-free a site as possible due to nut allergies every week, and that is difficult to regulate with additional snacks coming in. If you do send food or snacks to your camper, the Camp Director will hold onto it until pickup on Friday.
We do not allow campers to make or receive phone calls, or carry cell phones. If you are concerned about your camper, feel free to give us a call or email and we will check on your child.
In addition, our summer staff will take photos of campers to post digitally. You will receive the access information to this secure website at camp check-in. Viewing photos is a great way to check up on your child and see what they’re doing throughout the week!
More questions?
Email Camp Director Jocelyn Wildwright at jocelyn@ferncliff.org.
