FAQ

We’ve tried to answer the most commonly asked general questions and questions about summer and family camp. Please call us at 303.647.2313 if you have other questions or just want to talk with a real person.

Q: How can I stay connected with my camper while they are at camp?

A: As a parent you can log in to our CampIntouch account to view photos and send emails. Additionally, we have a myriad of other options available within the parent handbook.

Q: How do I get to camp?

A: For Directions from Colorado Springs, click here.
For Directions from Denver, click here.

Q: Is there cell phone service at camp?

A: There is no cell service at camp, allowing our visitors to truly plug into nature! Camp does have land lines for emergency use. If you need to reach your camper, for other questions, or to reach one of our camp staff, please call 303.647.2313.

Q: How much does it cost to rent your facility?

A: Our pricing is based on the programming you request, meal plans you select and your lodging accommodations. We offer day and overnight retreat options. Please call our office at 303.647.2313 for more information.

Q: Do you provide programming?

A: Yes! Camp Shady Brook offers programming for your retreat, whether it’s outdoor education, leadership programming or facilitating traditional camp activities such as boating, archery, our climbing wall, hiking and more. Please call our office at 303.647.2313 to discuss the details and goals of your dream retreat, and we can help you decide what kind of programming would benefit your group or team.

Q: What dates are available to rent Camp Shady Brook for our retreat?

A: We are open year-round! We have heated facilities for up to 150 and total facilities for up to 300. Please note that we operate weeklong sessions of summer camp for ages 6—17 from June to August, so summer dates are limited. Please contact 303.647.2313 for more information on availability.

Q: I need to pick my camper up early – is that ok?

A: Absolutely. Please be sure to contact the Associate Executive Director to provide what time you would like to pick your camper up prior to your arrival.

Q: What is the food like?

A: We consistently receive rave reviews about our food service. Many campers request that we send our recipes to their school so that they can eat their favorite camp foods every day! We have fresh fruit available at breakfast, a salad bar at lunch and dinner and, of course, dessert after dinner. We are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. If you have questions about your child’s dietary restrictions, please call the camp office at 303.647.2313.

Q: How many staff are in a cabin at a time?

A: CSB provides a maximum ratio of 1:7 and follows all state and American Camp Association guidelines.

Q: My camper did not spend all of their camp store money. Do you offer refunds?

A: If your camper has less than ten dollars left in their account, you have the opportunity to spend it on checkout day, or donate it to the camper scholarship fund. No refunds under $10 will be processed.



If your camper has more than ten dollars left in their account and you would like a refund, you must submit a written request (email is fine) within two weeks of your camper’s session. After two weeks, it will be donated to the camper scholarship fund.

Q: My child has medications – how is that handled?

A: On check-in day, you will be asked to give your medications to our camp nurse. At that time, you will be able to review with the nurse the information about times/dosages/frequency/etc. Campers are not allowed to carry medication on them except for special circumstances, for example, an inhaler or an Epipen. Please remember to have all required forms completed, uploaded, and signed by a physician at least 14 days prior to the start of your camper’s session.

Q: Do you have a nurse/EMT on site?

A: Yes, our Camp Health Manager is on site and on call 24 hours a day.

Q: What if there is an emergency?

A: EMS response time is within 30 minutes, should they be required for an emergency situation. Parents will be notified by the Executive Director or Associate Executive Director in the event of any emergency that involves your camper(s).

Q: Can I contact my camper throughout the week?

A: We encourage parents to write letters to their campers, send a camper email, or utilize the Camper Mail System in an effort to promote independence throughout their experience at CSB. If you have an emergency and must reach your camper, please call 303.647.2313.

Q: What if my camper gets “homesick”?

A: It is normal for campers to experience some adjustment challenges during their time at camp. During staff orientation, our team participates in a comprehensive training tailored to this topic specifically. Families will be notified if adjustment challenges appear to be significantly affecting the camper’s experience. We welcome “camper status” inquiries at the camp office, you can check in on the status of your camper at any time by calling 303.647.2313.

Q: How do I sign up for a trail ride?

A: You can do this online when you register or later through the “additional options form” which is available in your account under the “forms and documents” section. Please note that to guarantee a spot on a trail ride during your camper’s stay, it is recommended you register in advance. We limit rides to 1 per camper per session.

Q: What activities do you offer?

A: We offer a wide variety of activities including, but not limited to: canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, archery, creative arts, music, swimming, hiking, backpacking, trail rides, drama, fishing, leadership development, tomahawks, slingshots, stream ecology, astronomy, basketball, volleyball, Ga-Ga ball, kickball, challenge course, climbing wall, rock climbing, rappelling, zip lining, and so much more. Please note that some of these activities have a minimum age requirement.

Q: What is Rest Time?

A: Rest Time is a time during the day that campers spend inside their cabin resting, writing letters home, or playing quiet games. Our camper schedule is action packed and even our most energy filled campers cherish this time and take the opportunity to recharge for evening programming.

Q: When/how can I pay the rest of my balance due?

A: Your full balance is due fourteen days prior to the start of your camper’s session date. You can pay your balance due online at any time or by calling our camp office at 303.647.2313.

Q: Where will my camper be living?

A: The lodging will vary depending on your camper’s selected program and age. As they get older, campers will typically progress from modern cabins with attached washrooms to more rustic cabins a short walk from the washrooms to the true camping experience of living in a tent platform!

Q: What do I need to bring to camp?

A: If you are a camper, please see our camper packing list. If you are a parent, please bring your photo ID and a camera.

Q: What training does Camp Shady Brook staff go through?

A: All staff go through a comprehensive two-week training which includes behavior management, peer mediation, child abuse prevention, camper adjustment strategies, waterfront safety, inclusion and diversity, and additional child developmental modules.



Additionally, all staff go through a rigorous interview process with our administrative team, a contact of three references, U.S. and state criminal background checks and fingerprinting. All staff are CPR/First Aid/AED and O2 certified to a professional rescuer level. Waterfront staff have lifeguard certifications, and all other skilled area directors have certifications and/or verified experience in their respective areas (target sports, horseback riding, ropes course, etc.).

Q: What do we need to bring?

A: Please click here to view our family camp information page, you will receive a confirmation email with lots of valuable information.

Q: What ages is Family Camp suitable for?

A: Family camp is for all ages! There are some activities, such as our high ropes course, that are restricted to ages, but we always offer a variety of activities that provide options for all.

Q: What are the arrival and departure times?

A: Opening day check-in is typically around 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., with dinner being served around 6:30 p.m. Closing day departure is usually around 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Upon registration, your family will receive a welcome letter that provides all the pertinent information.

Q: What happens while we are there?

A: Our family camp schedule is filled with many activities, such as our climbing wall, canoeing & kayaking, archery, tomahawk throwing, zip lining, campfires with s’mores, and more.

Q: Where will we stay during Family Camp?

A: Each family will be assigned a cabin and may potentially share this cabin with another family. We will do our best to ensure you are paired with a family who have children of a similar age. Families wishing to share a cabin with a specific family may indicate so during registration. Please note that not all cabins are directly attached to a bathroom, which may be a short walk away.