Village UpNorth

An Orthodox Christian Summer Camp

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An Orthodox Christian Summer Camp

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FAQ

What should my child bring to camp? 

Village Up North Packing List 

Camp activities include lots of walking, running, and swimming in environments in which clothes get dirty and sweaty.  This packing list is designed to help our campers and staff prepare to safely and comfortably participate in all camp activities while adhering to Christian modesty and tradition. Although we do not have specific clothing restrictions or prohibitions, campers, staff, counselors and volunteers are expected to dress in clothing that is not overly provocative, revealing or offensive. Please make sure to limit luggage to the following: 1 bag for clothes; 1 bag for bedding and 1 carry-on bag if riding the bus to camp. Camp is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items. Please be sure to label every item with your camper’s name for easy identification. 

  • Bottoms (enough for 6 days)
    • Shorts for afternoon sports and activities
    • Pants for morning and evening
  • Shirts (enough for 6 days)
    • Shirts should cover the midriff
  • Shoes
    • Closed-toed shoes athletic shoes with backs 
    • Flip Flops/open toed shoes for showers and at the lakefront
  • Underwear (enough for 1-2 pairs per day)
  • Socks (enough for 1-2 pairs per day)
  • Jacket/sweater/sweatshirt 
  • Clothes for theme nights (theme will be shared with you a few weeks before camp starts)
  • 1 towel or bathrobe for the shower and 1 towel for the lake
    • Towels will be dried on outdoor clothes lines 
  • Rain Gear
  • Sunscreen
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and Conditioner
  • Body wash/soap
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Bug spray
    • Non-aerosol, 10% max DEET for children 12 and under, 30% max for 13 and up
  • Chapstick
  • Lotion
  • Feminine products
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Pillow, sleeping bag or twin sheets, and a blanket
  • Flashlight
  • Mesh laundry bag 
  • Hat 
  • Sunglasses
  • Medications must be brought in original containers and given to camp health official at check-in
  • Optional: Bible, camera (marked with name), journal, cards, instrument, travel games (non-electronic), goggles for the lake

Leave at Home (any of these items will be confiscated upon arrival to camp)

  • Food (this will attract rodents to the cabins)
  • Electronics (cell phones, ipods, electronic games, ipads/tablets, etc.)
  • All alcohol and tobacco products
  • Dangerous implements (knives, axes, fireworks, etc.)
  • Any illegal substances (campers found with any will be sent home immediately)
  • Expensive jewelry and clothing
  • Immodest apparel or clothing with inappropriate writing
  • Open-toed shoes (besides shower shoes)
  • Pets
  • Money

Notes regarding specific camp activities: 

Daily Services (2 services daily: Orthros, Vespers, and Supplication Services) 

  • Long pants should be worn at all church services 
  • Shoulders should not be bare at church services
  • Shoes with heels are not recommended since the outdoor chapel is dusty and uneven
  • Respectful attire should be worn for Liturgy on the Feast of the Dormition
    • Boys should wear slacks and a shirt +/- a tie
    • Girls should wear a dress, skirt or pants with a blouse
      • Skirts and dresses should be near the knee or lower

Lake Attire

  • Boys: Speedos are not permissible
  • Girls: One-piece swimsuits, tankinis, or swim shorts that cover the midriff 
    • Bikinis and front cutouts are not permissible
  • Flip Flops may be worn at the lake.

How do I communicate with my kids at camp?

It is important for campers to be completely disconnected from their usual lives in order to truly experience the connection with God and nature we aim to achieve.  Cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited.  Campers will not have access to email or any other communication devices.   The media director will send periodic updates to families during camp.  In the case of an emergency situation, families will communicate with campers through the camp director.  The camp director will communicate with parents directly if campers have any significant medical illness or injury while at camp. 

How do the campers get to camp?

Campers can either get dropped off by parents at Camp Tannadoonah or take a chartered school bus from St. Mary’s Church in Livonia, Michigan, for $75 per camper. This can be paid at the time of camper registration. Campers riding the bus are expected to arrive at St. Mary’s Church in Livonia at 9:00am on Monday, August 14, 2023.  After check-in, we will pray together an depart for camp at 10:00am with an expected arrival at 12:30pm.  There will be no stopping.  Parents will be invited to join a texting group which will allow the camp director to communicate travel updates with parents.  The bus will then bring campers home from camp at 10:30am on Saturday, August 19, 2023, with an expected arrival at St. Mary’s Church at 1:00pm.  The bus will be chartered through a commercial vendor. The bus driver will be a professional licensed driver and the vehicle will undergo professional inspection and maintenance. Every child will have his/her own seat with a seatbelt. At least 2 adult staff members, with CPR and First Aid training, will physically ride the bus with campers. More detailed information regarding the transportation policies of Village Up North can be provided upon request. 

What are the sleeping conditions like?

All cabins have electricity.  Cabins for the youngest campers have bathrooms.  Showers are located in clean facilities a few steps away from the cabins.  

What kind of meals will be served?

The Village Up North staff will prepare well-balanced and nutritious meals.  Volunteers from our own church community make all of the meals for our campers.  There will be 3 meals and 2 snacks per day.   Lunch and dinner always includes a salad bar with fresh produce grown at the camp.  

Are church services mandatory?

We will have matins and vespers every day in the beautiful outdoor chapel.  We will also have liturgy 1-2 times during the week.  This might seem like a lot at first.  However, the church services at camp are different than ones in a traditional church.  Campers participate in the church services and learn to appreciate and actually enjoy going to church.  This is one of the main goals of camp.  

What if I don’t like the water?

We use well water at camp.  The source is tested frequently to make sure that it is entirely safe and drinkable under the strict regulations of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  Some campers find that the water tastes a little different at camp but it is entirely clean and safe to drink.  Campers are permitted to bring their own re-usable water bottles with filters if they don’t like the taste of the water but they are not permitted to bring their own pre-bottled water.  The camp will supply bottled water in 5-gallon jugs for campers that don’t have filters and don’t like the taste of the water.

Will I get a lot of mosquito bites?

It is normal to get a lot of mosquito bites when you spend time outdoors.  That is normal and part of the camp experience.  Campers should bring their own bug spray and remember to apply in the morning and evening.

Is financial assistance available?

The Archdiocese Order of St. Ignatius offers financial assistance to some campers.  Please contact your parish priest or the Camp Committee at thevillageupnorth@gmail.com to find out how you can request financial assistance.

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Welcome to Village UpNorth

Welcome to Village Up North!

November 5, 2017 By admin

Welcome to the new website for Village Up North!  This website will contain information about the camp, pictures, videos as well as access to camper registration and staff application forms.  Join us … Read More...

Featured

Village Up North 2023 dates announced

Camper registration/staff application forms available!

Welcome to Village Up North!

The Camp Trailer

https://youtu.be/Etrg1oWi-pQ

Welcome to Village Up North

Welcome to the website for Village Up North! This website will contain all the information you need about our annual camp retreat, as well as  access to camper registration and staff application forms. Hope to see you at Village Up North 2023!

ABOUT VILLAGE UP NORTH

Village Up North is an Orthodox Christian overnight camping program for children aged 8-17.
The camp is open to all children of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest. Read More …

Mission Statement

The mission of the program is to give children a week away from distractions where they can build strong friendships and establish a connection with God among his beautiful creation.

Camp Location

The camping program is located at Camp Tannadoonah, a beautiful campsite on Birch Lake in southwest Michigan.

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