Dietary needs and special needs — accommodations at registration
At Clearwater Forest, we welcome and embrace all kids. If your child has special dietary restrictions, we can accommodate! During the registration process, please fill in the information completely regarding what your camper can and cannot eat. We have provided for gluten/casein/soy free diets, a wide variety of allergies, and all types of vegetarian options. All medications need to be turned in to the health officer in the original container during check-in on opening day. The staff is very aware of medical needs and is in communication with the support staff and director at all times.
Over 1,016.5 acres of mostly unspoiled forest and lakeshore on Clearwater Lake in central Minnesota, located 5 miles south of Deerwood, MN.
Activities
Waterfront
Swimming
Canoeing
Kayaking
Sailing
Fishing
Snorkeling
Land Sports
Archery
Outdoor Adventure
Hiking
More activities
art / crafts
biking / mountain biking
bouldering / climbing wall
disc golf
environmental education
gaga ball
group games
high ropes course
nature activities
paddle boarding / SUP
singing / dancing
STEM
team challenge course
Clues to fit
Anti-bullying policy and community standards
At Clearwater Forest, bullying is inexcusable, and we have a firm policy against all types of bullying. Our camp philosophy is based on our mission statement which ensures that every camper has the opportunity to engage in a positive faith-building community, build meaningful relationships, and acquire valuable life skills. We work together as a team to ensure that campers gain self-confidence, make new friends, and go home with great memories.
First-timer and belonging — counselor attention and inclusion
Our compassionate and dedicated summer staff make sure every camper is given individual attention and is included in the experience at camp. Your child will be in a cabin with others of similar age, and our counselor-to-camper ratio ensures their needs will be met. Our highly-trained counselors emphasize the importance of teamwork, safety, and respect; and they build a strong culture of inclusion throughout the week. We provide a safe and encouraging place for your child to learn and grow in their spirituality and relationships with others!
Clearwater is a magical place both in presence and in spirit. It is a place where people come to sing, celebrate, worship, and play together. It is a place of acceptance that encourages people to find their commonalities and embrace their differences. It is a place where campers can try new things and learn new skills without fear of safety or judgment. It is a place where young adults guide and nurture campers into future leaders. It is over 1,000 acres of mostly unspoiled forest and lakeshore, where kayaking, canoeing and water sports are a way of life. Most of all, Clearwater Forest is a place where many feel closest to God and free to connect with their spirituality.
Parent communication — snail mail, emergency contact
Even in the digital age, we are keeping the tradition of sending mail at camp. Campers love to receive snail mail, open a letter, or read a postcard from home. Campers will receive mail before their rest hour each day after lunch, so if you want to communicate often, we'd advise you to send early! The camp office is open between 8am-4pm each day (218-678-2325). Outside of these hours, please call Erin Anderson at 218-820-8386.
High ropes course — safety, growth, qualified staff
The High Ropes Course is designed to encourage self-growth while being supported by others who are sharing similar experiences. Benefits include being individually challenged while building team support, serving groups with a wide variety of ability levels, and confronting emotional issues such as fear of falling, fear of failure, and fear of losing control. At the High Ropes Course your safety, whether physical or emotional, is our number one concern. Our staff is caring, sensitive, experienced and qualified to make your High Ropes Course experience one to remember.
Leadership development — counselors as role models, older helping younger
Leadership and Character Development is a foundational principle at camp! Leadership is seen all over camp — from the counselors serving as role models, to the older campers helping the younger ones, to the guest speakers we bring in to our retreats.
Clearwater Forest is a ministry of Christ called to provide faith-building Christian programming, nurture an active Christian community, and be a faithful steward of God's creation. At Clearwater Forest we aim to change lives in God's woods & waters.
Mission and service — quilting, meal-packing, partnerships with PDA and CWS
The M in the FLAME acronym stands for Mission and Service. Doing for others is an important part of Faith Formation and a goal of Clearwater Forest. Summer camp activities include quilting, tie blankets, packing meals or kits such as school kits. Related partnerships include Nell Herring with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and Laura Curkendall at Church World Service.
Nine summer cabins are nestled in the woods, around the Galilee Pavilion and the River Jordan Bathhouse. Each cabin sleeps 14 in rustic bunk beds and includes a changing area and screened porch. Named after the local birds making their homes on the Clearwater Forest property, the cabins are suitable for three-season use.
Please join us for our Closing Program on Friday at 2 pm! Parents are encouraged to attend! We suggest that vehicles are loaded after this program to allow the campers to participate. Campers and their families will be heading out of camp about 3 pm on Fridays.
Financial aid — tiered pricing and scholarship fund
At Clearwater, we believe every youth should get to experience summer camp, regardless of their family's financial situation. For this reason, we have Scholarships. Clearwater Forest has also instituted a voluntary three-tier fee program — you may choose the tier that is most suitable for your situation. It is a free-will system; you tell us what is affordable for you or your family. All participants receive the same Clearwater Forest experience no matter what they pay! For those who cannot afford Tier 1, additional financial assistance is available. Please check with your local Presbyterian Church first, and then apply for Clearwater's Scholarship.
Homesickness — experienced staff, resources for parents
Homesickness is completely normal… and we have lots and lots of experience in dealing with it! We even put together a blog article to help parents in dealing with a homesick camper.
