Summer 2022 - Boundless: God Beyond Measure!
*IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING SUMMER PROGRAMMING IN 2022*
So that we are able to safely and faithfully provide ministry this summer, we will only be holding one camp program per week and capping the number of participants so that we are within American Camp Association guidelines for adult to camper ratios. Additionally, we have made the painful decision to cancel the following programs: Explorers (grades K-3), On-Site Day Camp (grades K-5), Confirmation Camp (grades 6-8), Voyagers (grades 9-12), and Special Friends (adults).
If your program is not affected by these changes, there is nothing for you to do – your spot is secure. If your week has been moved and you would like to transfer to a different schedule, please email adam@mtcross.org ASAP. Transfer requests will be awarded in the order in which the request was received via email.
If your program was cancelled or you are unable to transfer to a different week, you have 3 options for your fees:
1) They can be donated to Mt. Cross to help make this summer possible;
2) They can be saved and applied to Summer 2023;
3) They can be refunded to your original method of payment.
Again, please e-email adam@mtcross.org for any questions regarding changes to programming. We are very sorry that we have had to make these changes to the schedule, and are looking forward to a fun, safe, and effective summer of ministry in the Santa Cruz mountains!
COVID-19 Information
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All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated means that children ages 5-17 have received both shots of the Pfizer vaccine, and adults 18+ have received both shots of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, at least two weeks prior to the first day of your camp session. You will be required to upload your vaccination card into the registration portal as proof of vaccination.
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Families will need to fill out a "Pre-Camp COVID Symptom Check Form" for 14 days prior to the start of their camper's week of camp and present it at check-in. No campers will be allowed to stay without this form being turned in.
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Mt. Cross will follow all masking requirements of Santa Cruz County. Participants should pack at least one mask for each day they will be at camp, as mask protocols can change with little advance notice.
Tiered Pricing
We know that summer camp is a transformative experience for so many people, so if someone wants to come to camp, we think they should be able to. In fact, thanks to generous donors, we never turn anyone away from camp for an inability to pay. We strive to keep camp affordable, so the prices we normally charge are subsidized by our operating budget.
This year, recognizing that some people can afford to pay more, and are willing to, while others may not be in a position to do so, we are introducing a three-tier pricing system in which YOU get to decide what your price will be. Tier 1 represents what we would have charged in previous years. Tier 2 is a bit of a higher price, and helps offset some of the subsidy our operating budget provides. Tier 3 is the price that is closest to the actual cost per participant, and results in the lowest subsidy needed by the operating budget. Regardless of the tier you choose, all campers will be treated the same and will have the exact same experience at camp. We also know that Tier 1 prices can be challenging for families, so we will continue to offer Camperships and will never let the price of camp be a barrier to attendance.
Note: The prices listed in each tier (below) are before any discounts have been applied.
Click here to see information about discounts, refunds, and our payment policies.
Camp Service Project: LWR School Kits
This summer at camp, we will be making school kits for Lutheran World Relief, and we need your help! Our goal is to make at least 1,000 kits over the summer. You can check out our LWR School Kit Wishlist on Amazon to purchase items and have them sent directly to Mt. Cross, or you can bring supplies with you at check-in. We would love to have each camper provide supplies for one kit, but you're welcome to provide more supplies, too!
Additionally, if you, or someone you know, loves to sew, we will need at least 1,000 drawstring backpacks for the school kits. Any and all help with this project is greatly appreciated!
Here are links to all the information about LWR School Kits:
Summer Camp 2022 Program Options
*Please note that all grades listed next to each program refer to the 2021-2022 school year.*
Explorers - Cancelled in 2022 (due to staff shortage) Grades K-3
This half-week, mini camp is designed to gently introduce younger campers to all the fun and excitement summer camp has to offer. Explorers enjoy traditional camp activities like hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, Bible study, and evening campfires. Campers arrive on Sunday afternoon and are picked up on Tuesday at 12:30pm OR arrive on Wednesday at 2pm and are picked up on Friday at 12:30pm. Please note: Campers in the 3rd grade during the current school year (2021-2022) can opt to do the Pathfinders full-week program. Please register as a Pathfinder if wanting a full-week program.
Pathfinders - June 12-17, July 10-15, July 17-22 Grades 3-5
Tier 1: $500 Tier 2: $600 Tier 3: $700
This popular, full-week program is designed for new and returning campers who are ready for a full week of fun! Pathfinders add on to our standard camp activities with options like archery, low ropes, and campouts. June 19-24
Trailblazers - June 19-24 Grades 6-8
Tier 1: $500 Tier 2: $600 Tier 3: $700
This program gives the option to participate in literally everything the camp has to offer. Building upon all the activities they've come to love, Trailblazers are the first age group that goes up on the high ropes and can complete our challenge course. Don't miss out!
Surf 'n' Turf - June 26 - July 1 Grades 6-8
Tier 1: $650 Tier 2: $750 Tier 3: $850
Whether on land or water, we're set to have a good time! This camp has two days at the beach with professional surfing lessons, picnic lunches, and camping out... but also two days on solid ground as we hike, complete the challenge course, and enjoy the beautiful redwoods at Mt. Cross. Campers not only have a lot of fun, but experience the awe of creation in two very different places.
Voyagers - Cancelled in 2022 (due to staff shortage) Grades 9-12
Tier 1: $600 Tier 2: $700 Tier 3: $800
This camp is for high school students who like adventure! We'll be camping in the Mt. Cross forest, cooking (several) meals over the campfire, hiking at local state parks, kayaking in Monterey Bay, and getting a chance to participate in favorite camp activities like swimming and mastering the high ropes course. You'll be moving the whole time and getting to enjoy all the Santa Cruz Mountains have to offer!
Staff in Training - Cancelled in 2022 (due to staff shortage Grades 9-11
Tier 1: $550 Tier 2: $650 Tier 3: $750
Develop leadership skills, grow in your faith, and find out what it's like to be on summer staff at Mt. Cross! A combination of classroom and experiential learning opportunities will prepare you to work directly with campers under the guidance of an experienced counselor. You'll stay in cabins with a counselor and campers, help with support duties such as cleaning, KP, and grounds, and have opportunities to lead programmatic elements throughout. First-time SITs will serve for two weeks, and returners will have the option to serve for two or three weeks.
This program requires an application, letters of reference, and an interview. We will only be accepting six students into the program. If interested in applying, or have questions, please contact Adam Erickson. Once you've been accepted, we will send instructions on how to complete the registration process.
Family Camp - July 3-8 All Ages
Various Prices
Experience camp as a whole family! There will be opportunities for the kids to spend time with the counselors while adults have their own programming, as well as all-camp programs that incorporate the entire family. Families have the choice of staying in our campground or in a cabin; all spaces are first-come, first-served, so be sure to register early to get your preferred spot!
We are working to secure a special guest presenter for this great week of camp, so be sure to check back often for updates!
Special Friends - Cancelled in 2022 (due to staff shortage) Ages 18+
Tier 1: $500 Tier 2: $600 Tier 3: $700
This program enables adults with developmental disabilities to experience all the joy and self-confidence camp has to offer. Campers will enjoy both traditional camp activities like swimming and arts & crafts, as well as some activities reserved just for these campers, such as a tea party and a theme dance.
Campers must be able to care for their own hygiene needs, interact well with others, and be willing to sleep in the same room as other campers.
Confirmation Camp - Cancelled in 2022 (due to staff shortage)
Tier 1: $500 Tier 2: $600 Tier 3: $700 Leaders: $125
Confirmation Camp is a way for pastors and youth leaders to bond more deeply with their confirmands while also giving campers time to meet other youth and enjoy the awesome stuff we have at camp! You have to register as a part of a group for this incredible week of camp, so talk to your pastor or youth leader to get your registration code, then come back here and click on the "Register Now" button.
Confirmation Camp Information for Pastors/Youth Leaders
*These are "typical" confirmation grades. If your congregation runs confirmation at a different time, please contact us to discuss the pros/cons of older or younger youth at Confirmation Camp.
At Mt. Cross - Cancelled in 2022 (due to staff shortage) Grades K-5
Tier 1: $280 Tier 2: $380 Tier 3: $480
This brand new camp is for campers who live locally. We'll have all the fun of regular camp, just without the overnight stay. We're still starting and ending with worship, going hiking and swimming, team-building, and crafting together, all while making new friends! Times are 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
In Congregations Grades K-5
Mt. Cross can bring camp to your congregation through our traveling Day Camp ministry! We provide the programming, a team of counselors, and the materials, and you provide a place for the staff to stay, a site coordinator, and the campers.
Congregational leaders should check out this Day Camp Manual with all the details, and then click on the registration button below to get the process started.
Discounts
Early Bird - $25
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Automatically applied to registrations received by 8:59pm PST on January 31, 2022
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Needs to be requested for Family Camp, and is $25 off your total balance, not per person
Brand New Camper - $10
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If you've never been to Mt. Cross before, you can request this discount at the time of registration. Upon verification, $10 will be taken off your balance per person.
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Is a $10 discount off the total balance for Family Camp (not per person)
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Does not apply to Confirmation Camp or Onsite Day Camp
Multiple Campers - $10
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Automatically applied to registrations from the same household
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Does not apply to Family Camp
Church Worker - $100
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Available to employees of an ELCA or LCMS congregation in the Sierra Pacific Synod or California-Nevada-Hawaii District
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Must be requested at time of registration
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Takes $100 off your total balance (not $100/person)
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Does not apply to Onsite Day Camp or the leader fee for Confirmation Camp
Group Discount - With One Check - $15/person
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Requires the organization to pay the entire balance of their group registration fee in one transaction, with one check (not credit card or e-check)
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The balance must be paid no later than at check-in on the first day of the group's week of camp
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Must be requested when contacting the camp to get your "Group Hold ID"
Campership
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Download the Campership Request Form, fill it out, and scan (preferred as PDF) or take a picture of your completed form and email it to adam@mtcross.org
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The "typical" scenario is that the family pays 1/3 of the cost of camp, their congregation pays 1/3 of the cost of camp, and Mt. Cross' Campership Fund covers the remaining 1/3 of the cost
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Not having a home congregation does not disqualify someone from receiving a campership
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The family not being able to cover 1/3 of the cost of camp does not disqualify them from receiving a campership
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Do not let the cost of camp be a barrier to registration! Mt. Cross does not turn away campers due to financial need.
Payment Policies
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All individual/family camps require a $100, non-refundable deposit to secure your spot
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Discounts are not applicable until you have paid the deposit, so in order to receive the Early Bird Discount, you must pay the deposit by the deadline
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All electronic payments will be subject to a 4% fee; mail in a check if you would like to avoid this fee (take into account the timing of your mailed check, as it must be received by the camp on January 31 in order to secure the Early Bird Discount)
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Payment plans are available and can be requested by contacting the camp
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Payment 1 = $100 deposit at time of registration
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Payment 2 = 50% of remaining balance, automatically charged to your credit card 30 days prior to the first day of camp
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Payment 3 = Remaining balance, automatically charged to your credit card on the first day of camp
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More frequent payments for lower amounts can be arranged (excluding the deposit)
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Refund/Cancellation Policy
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Cancellations made by May 1, 2022 are eligible for a full refund minus the non-refundable deposit
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Cancellations made after May 1, 2022, and 30 or more days before the first day of your camp session is eligible for a refund of half the total balance minus the non-refundable deposit
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Cancellations made 29-14 days before the first day of your camp session are eligible for a refund of 25% of the total balance, less the non-refundable deposit
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Cancellations made less than 14 days before the first day of your camp session are not eligible for a refund
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Cancellations due to a member of your immediate household contracting COVID-19 or under physician-directed quarantine within 14 days of your first day of camp are eligible for a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee
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Refunds will not be given if a camper is not allowed to participate because they either have not shown proof of full vaccination (defined above) and/or they have not completed the required COVID symptom check form prior to arrival
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FOR ONSITE DAY CAMP: Refunds/reductions in price will not be given for campers who need to arrive late/leave early and/or not attend a particular day(s)
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Refunds requested in situations not addressed in these policies are at the discretion of the Executive Director
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Refunds will not be given in any circumstance for a camper that has been sent home early (or asked not to return in the case of onsite day camp) due to discipline issues