Please download the PDF versions of Camp forms and information sheets here.
Please print, fill out, and mail to:
Camp Palawopec | 3497 N. Clay Lick Road | Nashville, IN 47448
Mom & Dad
You should mark your camper’s name on all items where possible and pack them in a trunk or gear locker. A suitcase or pack will work fine, too. Don’t rush out and buy all new clothes; camp is a great place to wear out old ones. Note: A sleeping bag is more convenient for overnights, and a sheet and blanket are great for their bunk.
Spending Money
The regular camp fee includes everything your camper will need at camp, plus their camp T-shirts, badges, crafts, out-of-camp trips, camp store, and a nominal amount of spending money when necessary. If you do leave money with your camper, please keep the amount minimal to avoid any issues. Be sure to leave it with the check-in staff on Sunday so we can distribute it to campers when needed.
Letter Writing & Packages
One of the highlights of being away from home at camp is receiving mail, so please write often. We encourage campers to write home at least once a week — though the results are not exactly spectacular. The girls do a better job of writing than the boys. When you do write, try not to bring on a case of homesickness by telling your camper how much you miss him and that his dog hasn’t eaten since he left. You will no doubt get requests for “Care Packages.” These are acceptable, but please limit care packages to one per week per camper. Be sure to include something for them to share with ALL of their bunkmates as well.
Trips
A significant part of the camp program is out-of-camp trips. During a multi-week session, we may visit the Village of Nashville and explore the old log jail, art gallery, and other attractions. We’ll also be out of camp on various trips, including canoe trips, cave exploration trips, backpacking trips, and biking trips, among others.
Visiting
While we do not discourage visiting, we also don’t encourage it. Camp is a good time to let your son or daughter “go it alone,” so to speak. Sometimes, visits or even anticipated visits by parents can trigger a case of homesickness in a younger or new camper. The best approach is to tell your child that you’ll see them on pick-up day and write some cards to keep in touch. If you plan to visit, please call first to confirm that your camper is not currently on a trip.
Phone Calls
We do have a phone at camp, but it is for emergencies only. Parents and campers should NOT expect to be calling back and forth while camp is in session. If you need to get in touch with us or your child, please contact the camp number at 812-988-2689. If we’re not available by phone when you call, please leave a message with your number, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Remember, emergencies only, please. Cell phones are expressly prohibited and will be confiscated from campers!
Special Requests
There is a section on your application where you can note any special requests, such as bunking with a friend or buddy. We’ll always try to arrange campsites so campers can be with their friends. Sometimes, though, a cabin or tentsite won’t hold all the campers who might want to bunk together. But we’ll try our best to make everyone happy. Keep in mind that one of the most significant benefits of a camping experience can be forming new friendships.
Length of Camp Stay
We recommend a stay of at least two weeks at camp. While we realize that not everyone’s schedule will allow two or more weeks of camp, what we’ve seen over the years is that the most tremendous benefits of a camping experience seem to come during that second week. So many times, the first week is spent getting to know your way around camp, getting to know people’s names, and in general, just learning the routine of camp; it’s that second week when everyone finally loosens up and relaxes that kids seem to have the best time. So many times in a one-week session, just when you are starting to relax and feel a part of the camp, just when you start making friends and start having a great time, it’s time to pack your gear and go home. So, if you can swing it at all, try to come to camp for at least two weeks. If you come for just a week and then decide you’d like to stay longer, that's okay, too. As long as we have room, you’re welcome to extend your camp time.
Airport Connections and Pick-Ups
If your camper is flying into Indianapolis International Airport, we will be glad to meet him/her and pick up their gear. Indianapolis is about an hour’s drive from camp. There is a charge for staff driving to meet airport arrivals or for us assisting your camper in getting back on a plane to fly home. The trip charge to or from the airport from the camp is $100 each way.
Other Information
Camp is a great place to work on Scouting advancements. Bring cards and books, merit badge pamphlets, and other relevant materials. Please don’t let your camper bring large knives to camp—a pocket knife with a blade no longer than the camper’s finger is OK. Also, don’t let your campers bring fireworks, slingshots, or other potentially dangerous items to camp. We also discourage the purchase of expensive radios, CD players, and other similar items. There is no electricity in the campsites.
Medications
If your son or daughter is taking any medications during camp, we require written instructions from your family doctor, as well as the medication in its original container. You can include alternate containers, but we are required to have the original as well. Please remember to bring your physical form to camp with you when you drop off your child. A recent school or sports physical will be OK. Finally, know that we are here if you should need us or have any special concerns. We want your child to have the best possible summer camp experience. If you have any questions, please call (812) 988-2689.
Allergies and Sensitivities
We recognize that some campers may have food allergies or sensitivities, and we want to ensure that these do not prevent them from having a fantastic summer camp experience. We will work with you and your camper to make sure that, in most cases, they can attend camp and experience everything Camp Palawopec has to offer. However, if their reaction to certain foods is extreme, we kindly request that you contact us before registration so we can discuss their specific situation and determine if we can safely accommodate their needs at camp.
Early Departures
While we strive to make camp a wonderful experience for every camper who attends, we acknowledge that there may be campers who are not yet ready for summer camp. This can happen to both first-time campers and returning campers. If a camper begins to feel homesick and desires to end their camp stay early, we will make every effort to keep them engaged in programming and try to distract them from thinking about going home. However, we prefer that a camper ultimately has a positive camp experience, even if it is a shorter stay than planned. When a camper’s desire to go home becomes so strong that it prevents them from enjoying themselves or begins to detract from their fellow campers' experience, we will contact their parents to arrange an early pickup. If a camper leaves camp early, we do not offer a refund. Additionally, if a camper leaves camp due to an illness or injury, we cannot provide a refund. If a camper has to leave camp to recuperate, they are welcome to return once they are feeling better.