Parents & guardians
Summer 2023!
Welcome to Ocean Park Camp & Retreat Center. We are so glad that you and/or your camper will be joining us this summer for an unforgettable experience of Christian community, teachings, and play in God’s amazing Creation.
This year’s theme is: FruitFULL Faith
Have you ever seen God at work and wondered why the moment was so clear? Have you wondered what you could do to try and connect with those moments and feelings? Paul’s letter to the Church in Galatia will come alive this week as we explore the “Fruits of the Spirit.” Seeing this fruit all around assures us we have encountered God. We will see how these same fruits flow freely from us when we walk in the Spirit. Scripture is honest about how complicated life can be. The “Fruits of the Spirit” show us we are on the right track as we observe, receive, and embody these virtues.
COVID-19 Safety Information
We are still evaluating our policies for 2023 based on American Camping Association guidance. Our 2022 policy is listed below for reference.
Masks:
It is our goal to try and give campers as normal a camp experience as possible while still being safe. Campers and staff will wear masks when they cannot socially distance outside, when they are inside, and at campfire singing. Campers will be sorted into small groups of no more than 8, this will help us to create spaces where they will not need to wear masks. This means campers will not be wearing masks when they are in their small groups, outside and more than 6′ apart, showering, at the lake or when they are sleeping.
Meals:
All meals this summer will be enjoyed al fresco (outside). Meals will be served cafeteria buffet style. Campers will enter the dining hall, have their food served, then exit to their designated outdoor dining space. In case of bad weather we have plenty of indoor spaces where we can space small groups out.
Sleeping:
Since we are limiting the number of campers each week our cabins will be at half capacity which means campers will sleep every other bunk. Along with that each of our cabins is equipped with a HEPA air filter that will be running all night to clean the air. Furthermore we will have barriers between each bunk to help prevent the spread of germs. Campers WILL NOT wear masks to bed.
Outdoor Activities:
Most of the time at Ocean Park we are outside which means your camper(s) will be enjoying playing, learning, and worshiping in the fresh air. As long as they are in their small group or spaced out they are allowed to take their mask off! For the most part this means that your camper(s) will spend most of their day without a mask on. All equipment will be sanitized (bows and arrows at archery, craft supplies, etc.) between camper use.
Vaccines:
Vaccinations are encouraged but not required. All campers will be required to complete a COVID test within 48 hours of drop off. We will have tests available if a camper does not test before hand.
Preparing your Child For Camp
Success at camp and how to avoid homesickness:
We want to help you as a parent to set up your child for success at camp. While homesickness is very rare here at Ocean Park where we play hard all day, we wanted to inform you about some tips and techniques to help your child prepare for a week away from their normal routine. Please visit this link for an excellent article published by the American Camp Association.
For additional information on preparing your child for camp, read this article written by HuffPost.
Important Camp Information
Elementary
Dates: July 9-14, 2022
Arrival – Sunday, July 9, 1pm – 2pm
Departure – Friday, July 14, 10:30am – 12pm. Please feel free to arrive in time to participate in our closing campfire at 11am.
Mid – High
Dates: July 16-21, 2022
Arrival – Sunday, July 16, 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Departure – Saturday, July 21, 10:30am – 12pm. Please feel free to arrive in time to participate in our closing campfire at 11:30 a.m.
How to get here:
The Ocean Park Retreat Center is located at 28511 Vernon Avenue. It is 1.1 miles north of the 4-way stop in the town of Ocean Park on the west side of the Long Beach Peninsula in SW Washington.
These directions are to travel north on the east side (Willapa Bay) on the peninsula. The east side has less traffic than on the ocean/west side which goes through the small towns.
FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (3 ½ – 4 Hours driving time)
- Take I-5 S to Olympia, Washington.
- Merge onto US-101 N via exit 104 toward Port Angeles/Aberdeen.
- Take WA-8 W toward Montesano/Aberdeen. WA-8 W becomes US-12 W.
- Take the WA-107 ramp toward Montesano/Raymond.
- Turn left onto S Main Street.
- Proceed straight onto WA-107.
- Turn left onto US-101. Continue through Raymond and South Bend toward Long Beach, WA (app. 1 hr).
- Turn north (right) onto Sandridge Road (has a light) and continue north approx 1 mile to 3-way stop. Continue north 10 – 10.5 miles to Bay Avenue in Ocean Park. There is a stop sign at Bay Ave.
- Turn left (west) onto Bay Avenue and continue .7 mile to 4-way stop.
- Turn right (north) onto Vernon Ave. Continue north on Vernon Ave. about 1.1 mile to camp.
- Turn left at the Ocean Park Retreat Center sign.
- Go down gravel road to stop sign. There is a directory board that will show you where to park.
- At stop sign in front of office, turn left to RV Park.
***NOTE: If you miss the turn onto Sandridge, continue straight for .4 mile to flashing red lights. Turn right (north) onto WA-103 N (Pacific Ave.) on the west side of peninsula. Continue north 11 miles until you get to the 4-way stop in Ocean Park. Continue north 1.1 miles to camp. This takes you through Long Beach. (lots of tourists – lots of traffic!)
FROM PORTLAND, OREGON and VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON (2 ½ – 3 Hours driving time)
- Take I-5 N to Longview, WA. Exit 36. Take this exit.
- Merge onto WA-432 W (Tennant Way) toward WA-4 (Longview / Long Beach).
- Turn left onto WA-433 (Oregon Way). Continue to follow WA-433. (Industrial area) Stay in left lane. Cross over Lewis & Clark Bridge to Oregon and merge onto US-30 West (right turn and up the hill). **Viewpoint 1 or 2 coming up the hill offers a great view of Columbia River, port, and Longview. **Stop and take a break; it’s about 2-21/2 hours to the camp – all two lane roads. 🙂
- Follow US-30 W to Astoria, Oregon. (Approximately 1 1/2 hours).
- Continue through Astoria and follow signs for US-101 and Astoria – Megler Bridge. Stay in right lane.
- Turn right onto US 101 (just past KFC). Cross Astoria – Megler Bridge (across Columbia River) to Washington.
- Turn left at end of bridge and go towards Long Beach Recreation Area.
- Continue to follow US-101 for 9 miles to Alternate US-101.
- Turn right (north) onto Alternate US-101 and continue .6 mile to stop sign.
- Turn left (west) onto US-101. Continue for 1.8 miles to Sandridge Road.
- Turn right (north) onto Sandridge Road (there is a stoplight). Continue north approx 1 mile to 3-way stop. Continue north 10 – 10.5 miles to Bay Avenue in Ocean Park. There is a stop sign at Bay Ave.
- Turn left (west) onto Bay Avenue and continue .7 mile to 4-way stop.
- Turn right (north) onto Vernon Ave. Continue north on Vernon Ave. about 1.1 mile to camp.
- Turn left at the Ocean Park Retreat Center sign.
- Go down gravel road to stop sign in front of office. Check in at office – if no one is there, turn left into the RV Park.
***NOTE: If you miss the turn onto Sandridge, continue straight for .4 mile to flashing red lights. Turn right (north) onto WA-103 N (Pacific Ave.) on the west side of peninsula. Continue north 11 miles until you get to the 4-way stop in Ocean Park. Continue north 1.1 miles to camp.
Packing List
Water bottle
Pillow
Sleeping bag
2 towels
Shorts (at least 2 pair)
Long pants (at least 2 pair)
Swimsuit
2 sweatshirts
T-shirts (one per day)
Soap
Shampoo
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Sunscreen
Rub-on insect repellent
Warm jacket
Underwear (one per day)
Socks (one per day)
2 pairs of shoes (one sturdy for hiking)
Sandals
Medication(s) in original container
Flashlight (extra batteries)
Bible
Check Dean’s Letter for additional items
OPTIONAL ITEMS
Pen
Paper
Envelopes – pre-stamped & addressed
Flashlight
Money for camp store
NOTE: Campers who drive their own vehicle to camp should leave the vehicle in the parking lot until camp is over. Permission from the Small Group Leader is needed after check-in to access items in your car.
PLEASE LEAVE BEHIND
Negative attitude
Food, gum, or candy (attracts mice and bugs)
Cell phones
Valuables (jewelry, clothes, camera)
Digital cameras (we will share photos following camp)
Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, drugs
Electronics – games, music players, etc…
Weapons, knives, guns, etc…
Animals should not be brought to camp unless for programmatic purposes with prior permission from the Director.
Questions:
If you have any questions, we would love to help and chat: