We are grateful for the time and energy you have invested in getting to know kids and we look forward to hosting you this summer. As you prepare for your trip, please use the links below to access necessary summer trip documents.
If you have any further questions, please call (218-325-3550) or send Lexie an email (avanmaldeghem@castaway.younglife.org). We look forward to hosting you this summer!
Summer 2025 Health and Consent Form Process
To identify who still needs to fill out a Health and Consent Form:
- In YLConnect Camp, on your arrival form, you can view the HC Form Status.
- If a registrant has an HC Form Status of “completed online,” a PDF version of the completed form has been recovered and sent to camp.
- If a registrant has a status of “Awaiting Medical Professional signature,” they either need to bring a paper copy of the signature to camp (Do not email or Fax Physician Signature forms to Lexie or Camp) or use the Summer 2025 Health and Consent form to upload a copy of the physician’s signature.
To communicate with parents and guardians who still need to utilize the Summer 2025 Health and Consent form:
- From the arrival form in YLConnect Camp, go to Send Individualized Email and select the HC Form Invite, which has now been updated to include the Summer 2025 Health and Consent Form, as well as the necessary area information needed to complete the form.
- You will then be able to select which registrants should receive the email.
- Click send!
Tracking Submissions and Preparing for Travel:
- As parents/guardians complete the form, you will receive emails from Cognito with PDFs of the completed forms. (Parents and camps will also have access to copies.)
- Please track and ensure all forms are completed. In YLConnect Camp, as forms are submitted, you should change a registrant's HC Status to “Completed in Cognito.” Please note that there is no automation between YLConnect Camp and the Cognito form. You must manually update the status to “Completed in Cognito.”
- Print the PDF forms for use during travel to and from camp.
- If a camper arrives without a completed health and consent form, the trip leader and camp team will work together to have parents/guardians complete a form as soon as possible.
Summer 2025 Information
Linens/Bedding will not be provided. Due to the low numbers of volunteers. Castaway will only supply: Pillow, Pillow case, blanket & mattress pad. Plan to pack twin size sheets or sleeping bag and your own towels. If this is a hardship for your area contact Lexie at avanmaldeghem@castaway.younglife.org
Food Allergies. If parents are concerned about their child's health pertaining to a food allergy, they can email our Food Service Manager, Christine Miller, at cmiller1@castaway.younglife.org or use this form: Special Diet Request Form
Camp Activities Campers can enjoy a variety of activities, including the Climbing Wall, Giant Swing, Tubing, Banana boat, Swimming, Sailing, Kayaking, Game Room, Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Octa Ball, 9 Square in the Air, Soccer, Whiffle Ball, and Frisbee Golf. Other free time options include visiting the Camp Store, Coffee Shop, Snack Shop & Craft Cabana.
NOTE on Camp Attire: As you are helping your campers and leaders prepare for the trip, please consider sharing a word of modesty regarding beach attire.
- Catholic Mass We understand that Mass is important and that while every Catholic kid/leader may not respond, we extend an invitation to celebrate Mass while they are here. St. Mary of the Lakes is the closest Catholic church. Please contact the Castaway office if you would like to make arrangements for someone from your group to attend Mass.
Arrival and Departure Times Arrival Time on Day One will be 2-4 pm Central Time. Departure Time on Senior High last day at Castaway will be 2 pm Central time. On departure day the front gate will not be open for busses until 1 pm. Departure Time on WyldLife last day at Castaway will be 1 pm Central time. On departure day the front gate will not be open for busses until 12noon. Please communicate with your bus company of these times.
Want to see other camp trips in your Week? On your camp trip in YLCC, click the dropdown arrow in the top right and select Camp Trips by Week. This will show you every trip at the camp you are attending organized by week. This is also where you can see if an area has Requested to Add/Drop spots.
If you want to Request to Add/Drop spots : First check YLCC Camp Trips By Week report to see if anyone wants to drop spots that you can pick up (or visa versa). Then, email Lexie (avanmaldeghem@castaway.younglife.org) details, be sure to include your area number, week at camp, and number of spots. I will note it in YLCC, so others can see. The process is the same if you see someone wants to drop spots that you'd like to take, or pick-up from them. Email Lexie & the other Area Trip Leader the details. Be sure to include your area number, week at camp and number of spots. Trading of camp spots MUST happen before your arrival day.
Viewing Other Camp Trips (YLCC) You can now view all camp trips and available beds using the Nationally Managed Camp Reservation Report Available in YLCC.
Belonging at Camp Area Camp Trip Survey As we continue to define and create spaces of belonging at camp, assigned teams and camp staff are increasingly encouraged to know more about the campers and leaders on their session before they arrive. Being aware of the nuanced differences specific to the areas coming per week and session will better quip assigned teams and camp staff to create and plan in alignment with the posture of Jesus, who emptied himself with humble compassion (Philippians 2:1-11). In an effort to support this work, the Belonging at Camp Task Force create an AREA CAMP TRIP SURVEY.
Please complete this survey in a timely manner. Here is the link to the AREA CAMP TRIP SURVEY
Summer Interns play a vital role in our summer camping ministry. Our interns are committed to Christ first and foremost. They also have the ability to lead others, serve with excellence and have a desire to be challenged and grow in their relationship with Christ. Summer Interns will strive to serve Christ, kids and each other. They will also have the opportunity to grow as leaders in ministry, develop Christ-like relationships and enjoy the fun and beauty of camp.
Required Documents
- YL Connect Camp is required for summer 2025. The YLCC Arrival Form replaces the registration packet/A form excel document. Training materials on YL Connect Camp are available through Learning Guides as well as a Quick Guide with videos. The Arrival Form specific information can be found here.
- If you are coming to Castaway from another country contact Lexie at avanmaldeghem@castaway.younglife.org for instructions.
- **See info above for the 2025 Summer Health & Consent form
- Event Medical Screening Form
- Leader Screenings
- Summer Camp Leader Orientation -UPDATED 2024
- 10-Day Call In Form Link
- Medication Collect Form (and instructions)
Additional Resources
- Charter Bus Agreement (recommended)
- Transportation Tips
- Camping Handbook
- Camp Reservation System
- Cabin Time Resource
- Gospel Proclamation Tool Kits - These will be available in your cabin, for you to use to help students engage more fully in the gospel during camp.
- Permission to leave camp early Parents complete this form if anyone under 18 yo needs to leave camp early or they are traveling home by a method different form the way they arrived at camp.
- Electronics at Camp Policy
- Social Media Policy
Due Date Timeline Summer 2025
2025 Camp Dates
10-Day Information Due Date
YLCC Up-To-Date w/ Housing Due Date
GroupMe text Arrival Time
Week 1: June 15 - 20
06/05/2025
06/13/2025
06/15/2025
Week 2: June 21 - 26
06/11/2025
06/19/2025
06/21/2025
Week 3: June 27 - July 2
06/17/2025
06/25/2025
06/27/2025
Week 4: July 6 - 11
06/26/2025
07/04/2025
07/06/2025
Week 5: July 12 - 17
07/02/2025
07/10/2025
07/12/2025
Week 6: July 18 - 23
07/08/2025
07/16/2025
07/18/2025
Week 7: (WL) July 25 - 29
07/15/2025
07/23/2025
07/25/2025
Week 8: (WL) July 30 - Aug 3
07/20/2025
07/28/2025
07/30/2025
Week 9: (WL) Aug 4 - 8
07/25/2025
08/02/2025
08/04/2025
Week 10: (WL) Aug 9 - 13
07/30/2025
08/07/2025
08/09/2025
