questions

General questions

When is Arrival and Departure for my camper?
All Campers arrive on Sundays, between 4:00 and 5pm. The Ranch entrance will not be open before 4:00pm so please do not come any earlier as our staff will not be ready to receive your camper. Upon arrival you will check in your camper, visit the camp nurse, have a chance to deposit funds at the Hitching Post, meet your camper’s counselor, and help them get settled in to their cabin!

All Resident Campers depart on Saturdays following Closing Celebration at 9:30am.
What kind of lodging and meals are provided at MAPLERIDGE?
Lodging is provided in our bunk house or smaller cabins. The rooms have bunk beds for sleeping. Bathroom facilities include showers, toilets and sinks.
Counselors and students are assigned to specific rooms based on their counselor group for the week. Guys and girls stay in completely separate facilities. Two counselors will be in every room/cabin. No Guys in Girls rooms, No Girls in Guys rooms!

Our meals are graciously prepared by a wonderful kitchen staff who work hard to prepare meals that kids will love. Well balanced meals that are wide in variety keep campers’ energy up and their spirits high. If your camper has food allergies/sensitivities, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate. Our facilities pass and exceed all of the NYS Health Department’s requirements.
What should I bring for summer camp at MAPLERIDGE?
After you register, you’ll receive a packet of information via email. This will include things like what to bring, how parents can write to campers, and more information about camp activities. This packet will also include a form which allows you to request which friends your camper would like as roommates. Click here for our Camper Packing List & Information.

Paintball players: you may bring your own marker and mask. They will be locked up and labeled. The Ranch is not responsible for lost or stolen equipment. You will be the only one allowed to use your equipment.
What should I NOT bring for summer camp at MAPLERIDGE?
Do not bring: radios, cd players, ipods, mp3 players, fireworks, electronics, tobacco, or cell phones. (If you bring a cell phone it will be locked in the ranch office until you depart for home.)
Can I contact my child while they are at camp? Why no cell phones?
Under no circumstance can a student bring their cell phone to camp! Why? For several reasons: 1) It eliminates all distractions so that students can hear God clearly, 2) It ensures student safety and the proper chain of communication with parents, and 3) The Classic Motto: No News is Good News! If a student is found with a cell phone during camp, it will be taken away. It will be returned on Closing Day. If you have any questions/concerns please contact our Camp Director.

We strongly recommend that you do not contact your child during camp unless there is a serious emergency. If there is an emergency, please call the Ranch Office at 607-687-2238.
Besides your full-time staff, who else serves at MAPLERIDGE's summer camp?
Your child will be under the direct supervision of their assigned counselors. There will a 2:10 ratio of campers to counselors (2 leaders for every 10 campers). MAPLERIDGE will also have a Support Staff of 6 members, as well as 6 Program Staff on hand at all times.

We work year-round to prepare a quality summer staff. Many staff come from colleges around the country and dedicate their summer to working with your children. Counselors must be 18 years old, graduated high school, complete an interview, provide reference checks and a background check, as well as complete two weeks of staff training before camp begins. Our Summer Staff come from all over the East Coast.
What kind of activities do you offer for summer camp participants at MAPLERIDGE?
At MAPLERIDGE Ranch, campers will participate in life-changing experiences. Through challenging activities like the Alpine Tower and horseback riding, campers learn more about themselves and their creator, God. It is a time to be away from the distractions of every day life and their ordinary routines. Campers build meaningful and lasting relationships with their peers and most of all learn what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Schedules are organized for each specific week of camp keeping in mind the ages of the campers. They will never get bored! Activities include swimming, crafts, games, hiking, horseback riding, climbing the Alpine Tower, paintball, and archery (some activities have age limits.) Each day campers are led spiritually through songs, prayer & devotion times, and/or camp fire services led by their counselor, special guest speakers or other staff members.
Will my child need extra money during camp?
Everything needed during the week of camp (lodging, meals, etc.) has been covered in your camp cost. However, our camp store (the Hitching Post) is located at The Ranch, and your child may want to visit occasionally during free time. Parents may deposit money into their campers “account” upon arrival to purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, extra snacks, drinks, etc. Money not spent can be collected before departure on Closing Day.
What are the payment options for my camper's balance?
At time of registration, there is a $100 deposit due. You have 3 options for the remainder of your balance (after the deposit payment). You can either Pay in Full now, select a Monthly Installment Plan or Pay Balance by June 16th. We will send Email invoices to you on a monthly basis and collect payments for Installments Plans around the 15th of each month via the credit card on file. All payments are due by June 16th, prior to arriving at camp. Reserve your spot today. Sign up!
How will my child travel to camp?
Most families drive to camp! However, if you live farther out of town, some families may prefer that their campers fly to MAPLERIDGE. We are happy to assist with this process, however there are some specific guidelines that you must follow if you would like your child to be picked up from the airport. For more information on our policies for flights to camp, please read in detail our Camper Flight Information document by clicking here

In addition, ALL campers must fill out the Transportation Form on CampMinder once registering for camp, whether they are driving or flying! 
I love what you're doing at MAPLERIDGE! How can I get involved?
If you are 18 years or older and interested in serving on staff at MAPLERIDGE, please visit our Summer Staff page to fill out an application. We are also looking for financial partners who have a desire to invest in the future of MAPLERIDGE, as well as for generous individuals who feel called to sponsor campers! Just go to our Donate page for more information.
What is the expected Code of Conduct of my child while at camp?
At MAPLERIDGE, we strive for everyone to have an awesome week of camp, and truly experience the Ranch Of Peace. In order to do so, we have a few rules to ensure everyone has a safe, awesome camp experience. To view, visit this link: Camper Code of Conduct.
As a parent, what am I agreeing to by sending my child to camp?
At MAPLERIDGE, we understand you are trusting us with your most valuable possession on this earth. When sending your child, you will be asked to agree to the following form. You will sign this at time of registration. To view, visit this link: MRR Parent Agreement.
Are there any scholarships available for my camper?
We desire every child would have an opportunity to attend MAPLERIDGE. We strive to provide as many partial scholarships to families that are unable to afford the full cost of camp. Partial scholarship funds are limited to the actual funds that have been donated to the Bob & Helen Monell Scholarship Fund, and are awarded at the discretion of The Board of Directors based upon the financial need of the camper. All Scholarship Applications are due March 30th, and will be awarded during the month of April. Click here to apply for a scholarship.

STAFF APPLICATION QUESTIONS

What is the Staff Application Process?
  • Express interest by filling out Staff Application Online (All Positions).
  • Submit 3 Reference Forms.
  • Once Application and References are received and checked, an interview will be conducted (via phone or FaceTime).
  • Following interviews, you will be notified via email with status of Summer Employment.
  • If hired, Health Form and Background Checks will need to be completed.
  • Staff Manual, What To Bring, and Letter of Commitment will be emailed to you prior to Staff Training.
How long is my Summer Staff commitment?
Staff Training for all Counselors and Staff begins Wednesday, June 12th, and the first Session of Camp begins Sunday, June 23rd. Our Staff Closing Celebration will be on Saturday, August 10th in the evening. Staff will be able to leave on Sunday, August 11th.
How can I expect to be involved as a Camp Staff?
MAKE "FUN" AN EVERYDAY OCCURRENCE.
Camp is a place of "Over The Top" FUN for campers. Because of the unique setting, it is expected that you enter into the elements of "FUN" daily. A Creative & Fun Camp Spirit is very important at camp.

CAMP IS FOR THE CAMPER.
It is our desire that everyone here is working for the campers. This means caring for their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well being. You can expect there to be some tough times. We ask that you keep your summer one of balance even when it comes to the weekends, relationships, rest, and spiritual growth. Keeping these in balance will help in finishing the summer strong.

CAMP IS REWARDING, BUT DEMANDING.
MAPLERIDGE Staff sacrifice their summer with hard days, long hours and being "on-duty" 24/7. We believe that physically exerting yourself is good and an act of service to God. You will have a 24 hour period off each weekend, but when it comes to camp you need to be available to campers and other staff. Staff work hard for very little pay but are rewarded eternally.

BUILD AND INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.
The demanding task of being with young people can only be sustained by being with the One that can supernaturally energize you. Parents desire to see young adult's model Christ-like behavior and attitudes before campers, no matter what the circumstance.

DON'T "SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF."
There are many instances at camp when things do not go as we wish. It can be frustrating, but it's eternity that we focus on as a staff. As the little things come and go at camp we ask you to let them go and stay focused on your ministry opportunity. Your hard work and meeting these expectations will be rewarded. It might come in a child asking you, "How can I know Jesus?". You may see it when your camper is smiling in a picture or your camper overcoming a fear at the tower, horses or paintball.
What are the primary requirements for being a Summer Staff Applicant?
There are three primary things we look for in our Summer Staff:
1. They Love Jesus Passionately.
2. They Love Kids!
3. They Love Being Fun and Enthusiastic About Everything!

Everything else we can teach during Staff Training.
Did I hear we can't have our cell phones while camp is in session?
You heard correctly! Here at MAPLERIDGE we feel it is imperative for our staff to give their campers their undivided attention, and we know the importance of "getting away" from all of life's distractions. Because we value these things...cell phones, computers, iPods, and iPads will be collected and locked in the Ranch Office during camp hours. They will, however, be available for use during your time off on the weekends. We do not view this as a restriction but rather a great experience for you to hopefully embrace! Please note: We will collect your cell phones and all other electronics aforementioned at the beginning of Staff Training.

How much time off do we get in the Summer?
Each staff member will have one 24 hour period off a week, typically from noon on Saturday till noon on Sunday. Our typical Sunday schedule is lunch at 1pm, Staff Worship at 2pm, Staff Meeting to follow, and campers arrive at 4pm.
During your time off you are free to do whatever you please. We encourage you to stay over the weekends, with curfew being midnight on Saturdays. You are responsible for your own transportation on your days off, but many times staff coordinate their activities and carpool for those who don't have cars.
How do I get to camp?
You are responsible for your own transportation to and from camp. Many drive; many fly. Your choice. If you are flying in or out please send us your flight itinerary right away so we can arrange transportation for you to and from the airport. Please do not book any flights without first confirming that we can pick you up from the airport, and see your Staff Welcome Packet for more guidelines on this.
How much spending money would I need this summer?
You will probably need to consider bringing some spending money. Your expenses here at camp are completely taken care of, but any time you leave the camp property (with the exception of any "staff outings") you will be responsible for your own meals, activities, gas, etc. There will, however, be food available in the camp kitchen for your during your time off. A daily snack and drink are provided M-F for staff during the weeks of camp, but you may want to bring money for any extra snacks or drinks. You will be given two staff shirts to wear for opening and closing days and a MAPLERIDGE water bottle, but there are many other t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, etc. available for purchase in the Hitching Post.

Can't find your answer?

Contact Us
Call or email us with any questions you may have.
Phone: 607-687-2238
Documentation
Looking for specific details? You can find all of our important documents and information right here.