Parents and guardians must purchase the first week in person at The Kroc Center to complete the paperwork. Additional weeks can be purchased online by clicking here.

The Camp Kroc program provides children of all ability levels the opportunity to play and grow in a positive and safe environment. We strive to develop the whole child, mentally, physically and emotionally through structured group activities that aid in socialization, character development, and increased self–worth.

Camp Kroc is proud of our inclusive environment, one that strives to accommodate every child. No child will, on the basis of race, color, religious belief, national origin or gender, be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any Salvation Army program or activity.

In an effort to fully embrace inclusion and acceptance of all, we believe that every child can:

-make friends
-participate and get involved
-develop new skills and interests
-be successful and gain confidence
-make decisions and solve problems
-assume leadership roles

Click here to see the full Guardian Guide

Our programs strive to offer every child, regardless of ability, the opportunity to participate in recreational activities that are both fun and educational, providing campers with the chance to learn new skills, foster relationships, and build self-confidence. Our staff work to create a positive environment that is free from discrimination or other factors that may prohibit campers from having an enjoyable or safe experience at The Kroc Center. 

Every child deserves to have a positive experience at The Kroc Center, free from peer pressure, excessive negativity, and any other behavior that unfavorably affects his/her self-esteem and/or ability to fully participate in activities. We take bullying, of any kind, very seriously. Staff members are trained in utilizing constructive discipline techniques to create a positive environment that welcomes growth and learning. Our perspective on discipline is to teach not punish as we strive for the children to learn.

With each new camper that joins Camp Kroc, staff members and campers discuss the rules and expectations of the program as we believe in a proactive and preventative approach. All rules and expectations are posted in the Green Room and used to create an environment that fosters openness, respect, and fun as children thrive creatively within a structured system. 

Click here to see the Guardian Guide for Disciplinary Progression

Rules are very important because they guide the way the whole group interacts and plays together. The rules for Camp Kroc are simple for the campers to remember; however, more specific rules can be easily incorporated into our four designated rules.

1. Love Others
   John 15:12 says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” This rule sets a precedence to come at every situation or to every individual with love. It teaches that we are all deserving and worthy of giving or receiving love. Children hear the message of, “You are loved. You are good. You are enough.” This allows the children to value others with kindness, respect, honor, and compassion.
2. Be Safe
   This rule adds needed structure to the entire group to help protect campers from injuries; as well as, allow us to care for the camper in a direct way due to campers hearing the message, “You are safe. You will be taken care of.” Keeping this rule prominent in our groups, helps us establish a caring environment for our campers.
3. Stay Together
   This rule helps to keep all of the campers engaged with each other while focusing on the here and now. It also provides the important message of, “You are important and connected to this group.” Staying together helps the camper feel noticed and valued because there is talk about missing a camper that is absent or not starting an activity until every camper is ready. This allows each camper to know that they will not be forgotten or excluded.
4. Have Fun
   We want our campers to just have fun because it brings joy to their lives and allows their experiences to be more impactful. Joy gives us the opportunity to connect while building relationships, overcoming challenges, and gaining new experiences. This makes the experiences of Camp Kroc lasting and far-reaching. This also gives campers the message that their feelings and happiness are important.

Attire
Campers should be prepared for active play. Campers are required to wear socks and closed-toed shoes. Outside snaps, buttons, or ties are not recommended as they may catch during play. Skirts or dresses inhibit movement and are discouraged. Please send a child in clothing and footwear that they can put on without assistance. Campers go outside daily, please include a labeled bag, water bottle, and sunblock.

Field Trips
To attend an off-campus field trip, campers are required to wear a Camp Kroc t-shirt, socks, and closed-toe shoes every Friday. Campers without the appropriate attire will stay back at the Kroc Center in the Ledge with the Game Room Attendant. They will rejoin their small group upon return. Camp Kroc t-shirts will be distributed beginning the first week of Camp Kroc on a first-come, first-serve basis. Specific sizes may not be available. If this shirt is lost, you may wear an already owned or purchase a new Camp Kroc t-shirt from a previous year for $5 while supplies last. Contact the Coordinator and Specialist for this transaction.

Swimsuit
Campers will have the opportunity to utilize the Aquatic Center and Splash Pad Monday through Friday. Pack a labeled swim bag, swimsuit, and towel. Campers may bring their own goggles or ear plugs. Campers without the necessary items will be in the Ledge with the Game Room Attendant in lieu of swimming.

Backpack/Bag
Campers should bring a labeled backpack or bag to carry all of their belongings and to bring their projects back home. Bags will be hung on the coatrack in the Green Room Hallway next to the Worship Theater.  

Sack Lunch & Water Bottle
Bring a labeled sack lunch when the FREE Summer Lunch Program is not in session or if you prefer a meal different from what is scheduled that day. The monthly lunch menu gets pinned at the top of the Kroc Youth Development Facebook Group for easy reference. The school only offers substitutes out of medical necessity. A doctor’s note is required to receive the alternative food or drink. 

See the Guardian Guide for a list of what NOT to bring