FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click the title of each section to find answers to the questions listed.

FAQ - Youth Camps

1. What are the costs of SBR Youth Camps?
2. How do I register my child for camp?
3. How much of the total cost needs to be paid to reserve a spot in camp for SBR Youth Camps?
4. When is the final balance due?
5. I forget my username and/or password for my online account. What should I do?
6. I have registered, but it says that my child is only “Enrolled, Not Registered.” Why?
7. How can I make an online payment for Registration or Canteen?
8. Does my child have to be part of a church group to attend Silver Birch?
9. What is Riding Adventure Camp?

FAQ - Canteen (includes Snack Shop, Coffee Bar and Trading Post)

1. I odered online. When does my order ship?
2. What is the process for giving my child spending money? 
3. Can I add money to my child’s account while he/she is at camp?
4. How much money should I give to my camper for his/her session at camp?
5. What does the Canteen sell and what are the prices?

FAQ - Special Dietary Meals

1. What if I have food allergies?
2. Does camp provide storage if I bring my own food?
3. What are the costs for meals?

FAQ - Transportation & Check in/out

1. Is transportation to and from Silver Birch available?
2. Does the bus make a stop on its travel to SBR?
3. Where is the bus location?
4. What if my high school age camper drives to camp?
5. What are the Check-In and Check-Out procedures at camp? 

FAQ - SBR Dress Code

1. What is the dress code for camp?

FAQ - Packing List

1. What should my camper pack for camp?

FAQ - During Camp

1. How can I see what my son or daughter is doing while they are at camp?
2. Why can’t I see my child in any photos?
3. How does my son or daughter receive his/her medication during camp?
4. What if my son or daughter has food allergies and needs a special diet?
5. What activities will my child participate in while at camp?
6. Where can I send mail to my camper? 
7. What time is Check-In and Check-Out?
8. What about electronics and phones?
9. What if my child leaves some clothing or personal items at camp?
10. What if I have to cancel my camper’s camp session?
For any other additional information, see the other Important Documents

FAQ - Payments

1. How do I make the final payment for my son or daughter's week at camp?
2. How do I make payments to my son or daughter's Canteen account?

FAQ - Youth Camps

1. What are the costs of SBR Youth Camps?
For up-to-date pricing, visit our Youth Camps page.

2. How do I register my child for camp?
You can register your child in two ways. First, you can click on "Youth Camps" under the Summer dropdown menu. Then click the "Register Now" button listed under the pricing table. The second way is by clicking the "Register/Log In" button in the main menu and follow the instructions on the page.
NOTE: Silver Birch Ranch uses an external registration software called Campwise. We do not manage their website or software. If you need assistance registering or logging back into your account, you may call the help desk at 866-433-4548 or Silver Birch Ranch at 715-484-2742.

3. How much of the total cost needs to be paid to reserve a spot in camp for SBR Youth Camps?
A $75 deposit is required to reserve a spot in camp. (Note: If the camper is attending camp with a church group that has given him/her an ID Code, the camp payment should be made to the church. Then only the Canteen payment will be made online at the SBR site.) 

4. When is the final balance due?
The final balance should be paid online (at silverbirchranch.org) 1 week in advance of the camp session. The balance (or partial payments) can be made online at any time prior to that time. (Note: If the camper is attending camp with a church group that has given him/her an ID Code, the camp payment should be made to the church. Then only the Canteen payment will be made online at the SBR site.) 

5. I forget my username and/or password for my online account. What should I do?
Go to silverbirchranch.org/register. Click the Returning Camper Login button. Then after going through the Browser Check, click the Forgot Username or Forgot Password button on the Login Screen and follow the prompts.

6. I have registered, but it says that my child is only “Enrolled, Not Registered or Incomplete.” Why?
Either you have not paid the deposit or you have not completed a required Form (under Forms on the Registration Dashboard.) 

7. How can I make an online payment for Registration or Canteen?
Please reference the detailed Payment Page for online payments.

8. Does my child have to be part of a church group to attend Silver Birch?
No. Your child can attend alone or with a couple of friends. There are a few sessions that are only available through a particular church registration process, but our general camps (Junior-Middler, Middle School, High School, and Riding Adventure Camp) are attended by individuals, a few friends attending together, and some church groups ranging from 10-100 campers. Campers who attend by themselves are placed into cabins with other single campers or those who are just with one or two friends. 

9. What is Riding Adventure Camp?
You can learn more about our Riding Adventure Camp by going to the Riding Adventure page under the Summer tab.

Back to FAQ

FAQ - Canteen (includes Snack Shop, Coffee Bar and Trading Post)

1. I ordered online. When does my order ship?
When orders are placed online we usually receive the notification within the hour and can have it ready to go by the next day. However, please allow up to 3 business days for us to fulfill your order. Shipping time is 1-3 business days via USPS.

2. What is the process for giving my child spending money?
You can set up your child’s Canteen account online at registration or any time thereafter. Go to your online account Dashboard, and click Make Payment under the Financial section.

3. Can I add money to my child’s account while he/she is at camp?
Yes. You can add money throughout the week up until 24 hours before departure. Any unused money will be returned to the camper in cash on departure day.

4. How much money should I give to my camper for his/her session at camp?
This is a personal preference but campers are given the opportunity to visit the Canteen two times each day typically (afternoon and evening). The Canteen has snacks, a “Coffee/Smoothie Bar,” and our Trading Post where clothing items and souvenirs can be purchased. See the Canteen Items document at silverbirchranch.org. Typically parents give campers between $20-$80 for their Canteen accounts.

5. What does the Canteen sell and what are the prices?
The Canteen sells various items the range in prices. Click the button below to see the list of Canteen items.

Back to FAQ

FAQ - Special dietary meals

Our goal is to make the process of requesting a Special Dietary Meal as simple as possible and to give everyone the opportunity to attend camp—even with special diet considerations.

ALLERGIES

We are able to accommodate for gluten and dairy allergens. This option is available on the Registration Form, so please be sure to communicate your needs there so that we can be prepared for your arrival with enough supplies to accommodate your needs. Late requests cannot be guaranteed. (Rates double if submitted after 7 days prior to session)

We encourage those who cannot tolerate gluten (celiac) to bring their own food and utilize the refrigerator, microwave, and toaster in our Specialty Kitchen. Please keep in mind that all SBR kitchens are not celiac. The main SBR Kitchen is not able to store or prepare food for campers that is brought from home.

We recognize that other types of allergies exist. Depending on the type of allergy, you may be able to navigate the set menu without additional charge. In addition, there is a well-stocked “all you can eat” salad bar that accompanies almost every meal. 

Please be aware that peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish are on the premises, and there is a peanut butter and jelly station located in the Dining Hall. We are also not in control of snacks other campers bring from home, which could contain some of these allergens.

COST

During Summer:
5 day session $22
6 day session $28
7 day session $34

FOOD ALLERGY DISCLAIMER

Silver Birch Ranch Food Service works hard to identify ingredients that may cause allergic reactions for those individuals with food allergies and instruct our staff on the severity of food allergies. Because of the number of meals served and the number of items used each day, along with food product changes from our food vendors, it cannot be guaranteed that every allergen in the food served will be identified and labeled. The possibility that manufacturers of the commercial foods we use could change the formulation at any time without notice also exists. Customers concerned with food allergies must be aware of this risk. Silver Birch Ranch Food Service cannot assume any liability for adverse reactions to food consumed, or items one may come in contact with while eating in our Dining Hall. 

Back to FAQ

FAQ - Transportation & Check in/out

1. Is transportation to and from Silver Birch available?
Silver Birch provides transportation in coach buses (and sometimes vans) from Redemption Bible Church, Mt. Prospect, IL, for an additional $90 round trip (or $45 one way). The Transportation option screen appears in the Registration process, or you can locate it under the Optional Items button on the on the Dashboard and then the Transportation button. Campers must be registered for the bus (which will show on your online invoice statement) in advance to guarantee a seat. (Spots may fill and then Transportation will not show as an option. Call camp to receive further information.)

Please review the bus/van rules before stepping on the bus/van from Redemption Bible Church.

The SBR Bus/Van Check-In on departure day is 11:15 am and returns on the final camp day around 5:00 pm. Please park parking lot in the back of the church so there is plenty of space for the busses/vans and luggage vehicles to park. (Note: If you are attending SBR with a church group, they may have separate bus times and locations. See their literature for details.)

2. Does the bus/van make a stop on its travel to SBR?
Please bring a sack lunch for the trip to camp. For the trip home, you can select to add McDonald’s money to the camper Canteen account under Optional Items on the Dashboard.

3. Where is the bus location?
The SBR bus to camp is located at Redemption Bible Church 505 W. Golf Rd.-Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. (General directions can be downloaded here)

4. What if my high school age camper drives to camp?
High school campers who drive to camp must turn in their keys upon arrival at Check-In. They will receive their keys back on departure day from Program staff.

5. What are the Check-In and Check-Out procedures at camp?

If you are providing your own transportation to camp, Check-In at camp is anytime from 2:00-4:30 pm.
Maps can be downloaded here.
NOTE: Remember, your cabin assignments will be made prior to your arrival, based on your previous request online on the cabin mate screen, or a request of a church group or counselor. (You can look up your requests on your camper’s account on the right side of the Dashboard under Optional Items. You can make changes up to two weeks prior to camp.)

At CHECK-IN, you can expect the following:

1) You will be given your cabin assignment and directions to the cabin.
2) You will be directed to go into the Dining Hall for our Health Screening where you will then be asked to answer a few health-related questions.
3) Next, if you have meds, you can then meet the nurse at Fix-It to drop off your meds.*
4) Finally—you can head to your cabin, meet your counselor, and settle in.

Dinner at 6pm is the first scheduled activity.

*All medicines should be turned in to the nurse (prescription AND non-prescription, (except inhalers, bee sting medications, or other devices used for life-threatening situations) in original containers-STATE HEALTH CODE in a Ziplock bag with the meds labelled with the camper name. The medications should all be listed on the camper's online account on the Medical Button on the Dashboard.

At CHECK-OUT, you can expect the following:

Please park in the parking lot by the Dining Hall (overflow on the road.)
Check out with a designated SBR staff member at the Chapel. Then retrieve campers’ luggage at their cabins, or a designated location.

If you must arrive after 10:30am, please make arrangements earlier in the week by contacting us at: linda.wager@silverbirchranch.org; 715-484-2742 ext. 230.

(Day of pick-up emergency number: 715-484-2742 Press “0”)

Back to FAQ

FAQ - SBR Dress Standards

1. What is the dress code for camp?

Silver Birch Ranch desires to maintain an appropriate atmosphere at camp, so we have established a dress code for our staff, campers, retreaters, and guests that is both comfortable and modest. It has proven a very difficult task to define a dress code in absolute terms without creating loopholes and ambiguous guidelines. Our simple hope is to create an atmosphere of modesty and respect where people can be encouraged, yet not distracted. So please join us as we strive towards this goal with the following standards.

Both Males and Females

• All clothing must be in acceptable repair and appearance (no rips or tears in questionable spots).

• Clothing should not cause undue attention.

• No attire with reference to any type of alcoholic beverage, illegal substance, lewd, vulgar, indecent or sexually suggestive subjects may be worn.

• No wording on the back of pants or shorts.

• Shorts must be modest length. No short shorts, split-sided jogging shorts, or spandex shorts will be permitted.

• Clothing must not be so tight that it reveals undergarments.

• There must be no skin showing between the top of pants and the bottom of shirts while standing.

• Undergarments (including straps) must not be seen.

• Camp Mega Team shirts must remain unaltered in any form.

Females

• Halter tops, camisoles, spaghetti straps, tube tops, strapless and/or backless tops, tops with plunging necklines (no cleavage), and tight-fitting tops are not allowed.

• Tank tops are permitted as long as they cover all parts and completely cover undergarments.

• Leggings (Spandex/Lycra/yoga style) may only be worn under tops of appropriate length.

• Items of clothing which expose bare midriffs, bare chests, undergarments, or that are transparent (see through) are prohibited.

Males

• Shirts must be worn at all times except in the lake, shower or cabin.

• Sleeveless shirts must completely cover the chest, back, and sides of the mid-body up to just below the armpit area.

  If you choose to dress inappropriately, you will be asked to change. Please plan ahead and pack accordingly.

Swimming & Water Activities

Males: Swim trunks only. (No Speedos) Swim trunks must be 5 inch inseams or longer.

Females: Modest (no plunging necklines, low-cut backs, and/or high-cut leg openings) one-piece suits are recommended, however, two-piece tankinis are allowed as long as they are modestly cut and cover the midriff. Swim shorts over the swimsuits are highly encouraged.

 Swimsuits that do not adequately cover the body are to be covered by a colored T-shirt.

Back to FAQ

FAQ - Packing List

1. What should my child pack for camp?
See Dress Code Standards before packing!

• Sleeping bag or blankets and linens (twin beds); pillow

• Modest casual clothing: modest shorts, t-shirts, jeans, sweats, socks, underwear; pajamas (See separate document for SBR Dress Code .)

• Old clothes for “messy” games; extra pair of long socks for games

• Jeans and closed-toe shoes are required for horseback riding.

• Sweatshirts/jacket for cool weather

• Modest swimsuit
  Males: Swim trunks only. (No Speedos) Swim trunks must be 5 inch inseams or longer.

  Females: Modest (no plunging necklines, low-cut backs, and/or high-cut leg openings) one-piece suits are recommended, however, two-piece tankinis are allowed as long as they are modestly cut and cover the midriff. Swim shorts over the swimsuits are highly encouraged.

• Gym shoes (and an extra pair for rafting that can get wet!!)

• Towels for showering and swimming

• Water bottle and cinch sack or backpack

• Rain gear/jacket

• Toiletry articles: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, wash cloth, cup, brush

• Laundry bag (Do NOT use a plastic garbage bag, please. They rip AND get mixed-up.)

• Bible, paper, pens, envelopes, stamps

• Flashlight; sunscreen; bug spray; optional: camera, fishing gear

• Personal sports equipment (fishing pole, baseball mitt, etc.) is allowed.

Please do NOT bring knives or weapons, electronic games of any kind, fireworks, tobacco, firearms, alcohol/drugs, or animals.Silver Birch Ranch staff reserves the right to search and seize campers’ items that are not allowed or are misused at camp.

Cell phones - We highly encourage campers not to bring cell phones OR to turn in their phones at camp to be stored in a secure area and returned at the end of the camp session.

Smoking is not permitted in the buildings and is only permitted by those 18 years and older (non-campers).

For those High School campers who drive themselves to camp, keys must be turned in upon arrival and will be returned on departure day.

NOTE: Silver Birch Ranch is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. Please mark all clothing and equipment clearly with camper’s first and last name. Missing items (other than socks and underwear) which we are able to find can be returned, upon request, for a postage and handling fee. We suggest that you make a clothing check-off list for your child to check on the day returning home from camp. We recommend that new or expensive clothing not be brought to camp.

Back to FAQ

FAQ - During Camp

1. How can I see what my son or daughter is doing while they are at camp?
During the week photos are posted each day. Photos may not be posted until after at least one full day at camp. You can go to our Camper Photos page, under the Summer tab, to view and download photos from the week. You can also view the Week-in Review Video on Silver Birch Ranch’s YouTube channel following your camper’s week.

2. Why can’t I see my child in any photos?
We have one photographer who circulates around camp to various activities and events, with the aim of capturing as many campers as possible. Obviously, if some campers choose to avoid the camera, or just due to random photo opportunities, some campers may or may not be in any or many photos except cabin photos.

3. How does my son or daughter receive his/her medication during camp?
SBR has a Health Care Supervisor onsite who administers the medication to campers and staff. Please list your child’s medication on the Medical button under the medical section on the Dashboard screen. There you can list his/her Prescription and over-the-counter meds. You can amend this closer to camp time as needed. Medications in their original containers should be dropped off at the SBR bus/van, church bus, or at SBR Fix-It (Nurse) for car arrivals after Check-In in a ziplock bag with the camper’s name on the bag.

4. What if my son or daughter has food allergies and needs a special diet?
Special Dietary Meal requests for gluten-free and/or dairy-free must be made online with the registration. There is an additional charge. Requests are not guaranteed, any late requests (within 7 days prior to the session) may not be able to be honored due to lack of food availability and will be charged an additional late fee. The SBR kitchen is NOT a celiac, wheat-free, peanut-free, or tree nut-free facility. Please see our Special Dietary Meal information page found here. Contact foodservice@silverbirchranch.org with questions.

5. What activities will my child participate in while at camp?
See the camp schedule for the particular session of camp at silverbirchranch.org. Campers will participate in Bible meetings in the morning and night with music and speakers, organized group games in the morning and evening, and free time options in the afternoon. Free time options may include the following: horseback riding, swimming, boating, rafting, water tubing or water-skiing, Climbing Wall, Leap of Faith, Zip Line, archery, airsoft (older camps), BB guns, and more. There are no advance signups needed for any activity prior to the camp session. Counselors help the campers sign up for specific activities when they are offered to their cabin.

6. Where can I send mail to my camper?
All mail and packages (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) can be sent to us by following the address format below.

Silver Birch Ranch
Camper Name
N6120 Sawyer Lake Road
White Lake, WI 54491

Emails can be sent to campers for a fee using our Bunk1 one-way email service.
 
7. When do campers Check-In and Check-Out?
Check-In for those arriving at SBR by car is anytime between 2pm and 4:30pm at the Dining Hall porch. For any later arrivals, please make arrangements with Linda at 715-484-2742 ext. 230 in advance of the camp session. Cabin assignments are made prior to arrival to camp. The session program officially begins at dinner (6pm) on the first day of camp. Check-Out for those leaving SBR by car is at 10:30 at the Chapel. All campers (under high school age) who are not leaving with a church group or by SBR bus should turn in a Check-Out Form at Check-In. Find the Check-Out Form Here. Be sure to check-out with the SBR staff on the porch.

8. What if my child leaves some clothing or personal items at camp?
Silver Birch Ranch is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. If after your child returns home from camp you find some articles missing, you can contact our Housekeeping Director, Casey Golema at Casimir.Golema@silverbirchranch.org in a descriptive email about those lost items. Missing items which we are able to find can be returned upon request for a postage and handling fee. We recommend that new or expensive clothing not be brought to camp.

9. What if I have to cancel my camper’s camp session?
Please notify linda.wager@silverbirchranch.org of any cancellations prior to the start of camp.
All fees paid above the $75 non-refundable deposit will be refunded.

Back to FAQ

FAQ - Payments

1. How do I make the final payment for my son or daughter's week at camp?
Please make your final payment for your session online 1 week prior to arrival by logging into your online account. (Click here to access your online account.) Login with your Username and Password, and select your camper’s name from the Campers section on the Dashboard.
Click on Financial button on the right hand side and click “Make Payment.” Click “Registration” for Registration Payments and “Canteen” for Canteen payments and follow the payment prompts.)
(If you are part of a larger group with a Group ID code, you will be making your registration payment to your church as you have been instructed previously.)

2. How do I make payments to my son or daughter's Canteen account?
Canteen (camp store) accounts should be set up online at least one week prior to arrival so that they are ready for use upon arrival. (Accounts set up with cash should be set up at Check-In.) Access to camper Canteen accounts will be available for parents to add money to online (until 24 hours before departure from camp).