AS A PARENT you have a million questions that need to be answered before you allow you child out of your sight for a whole week. We are parents too and understand your concerns. Hopefully, within these few pages, we have listed all the possible questions you may have with an answer. However, if you have other questions or would prefer to speak to someone directly you may contact us at 518-872-9100 or E-mail us at info@CampPinnacle.org. 

Arrival and Check-In:

We have a simple and efficient process that will not take long at all. Registration begins at 3:00 PM in the gymnasium. Bring your final tuition balance, any medications, and camper spending money. Please leave your luggage in the car until you complete check-in.
Day Camper: Arrive between 7:30-8:30 AM Monday-Friday. Monday check-in is at the Snack shop. If you would like your child to have access to the deep end of the pool, they will need to come to camp on Sunday during registration (3 - 4:30 PM) to be tested.

Departure:

Parents are encouraged to attend the Closing Ceremony in the Gym at 6:00 PM on Friday of each session. Luggage, medications, lost & found, craft projects, and campers may depart camp following this event around 7:00 PM. Parents are welcome to attend the Friday evening dinner at 5:00 PM in the dinning hall. Meal tickets are available in the snack shop, located next to the dinning hall for $9.00. We will be serving a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Stay-Overs:

“The Gap” program has been designed to accommodate those registered for two or more consecutive sessions. If you missed this option in the registration process, please call 518-872-9100 to discuss the possibilities. “The Gap” program is $105.00 for the weekend stay. For campers staying “The Gap” laundry can be sent to a wash-and-fold service. The cost for this service is $1.00/pound. Money should be placed in the camper account for this expense. Average cost for laundry is $15 per session.

License:

Camp Pinnacle is licensed and inspected twice yearly by The Albany County Department of Health. Records are on file and available for inspection at Albany County Department of Health/ 175 Green Street/ Albany, NY 12201.

Health Requirement:

The NY State Department of Health requires each camper to have the enclosed medical release form on file at camp during their stay. Although a doctor’s physical is not required, the immunization, health information, and parent/guardian signature is MANDATORY. Remember that a week at Pinnacle involves all things our campers enjoy to the fullest, including lots of walking, playing, swimming, fast-paced games, and an overnight hike (for resident campers). Please keep this in mind as you sign the medical form and release. Return this form to Pinnacle PRIOR to your arrival.

Medicine:

Please give all medications to the Camp Nurse at check-in. We recommend that you put together a medical kit for your camper which includes any over-the-counter medicine which may be needed. Due to increasingly stringent health code regulations, we are unable to administer any medications that you do not send for your child. A kit may include Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, prescription medications, etc. The Camp Nurse can only administer medicine that you send for your child.

Spending $$:

All spending money is deposited into an individual camper account, and purchases are drawn against this account throughout the week. Campers should not carry cash as this can easily be lost. Campers may visit the Snack Shop daily for food and beverages, Camp Pinnacle merchandise, as well as stamps, postcards, and books. Contributions to the Pinnacle Mission Fund, paint ball fees and Gap laundry will also be charged to the camper account. Typically, $30-50 per week is a sufficient amount. Before camp or during the session, parents may add funds to their camper’s account online.

Summer Camp Visitation/Mail/Packages:

Because of the campers’ great love for their parents, homesickness can become an issue at camp. We encourage parents to send their children letters and e-mails while at camp. To send an e-mail, place your child’s full name in the subject line, and send it to: camper@camppinnacle.org. In the past, we have found that homesickness becomes a much greater issue with contact from the outside world. For this reason, there are no appropriate times for camper families and/or parents to visit or call campers during their stay. Such visits usually disrupt the “flow” of camp, and they also negatively affect other campers who do not receive such visits. The Food Service staff does an outstanding job of providing nourishing, well-balanced means for your child. We have found that junk food received by campers can disrupt the camping experience in a variety of ways. Send upbeat letters, e-mails, and care packages rather than food or candy.

Visitor Policy
We love to have visitors at Pinnacle! If you would like to schedule a tour for a potential retreat, just give us a call
1-800-RETREAT or 518-872-9100

While we welcome guests, we do have an obligation to restrict access in order to ensure the privacy and protection of campers and retreat groups. Pinnacle is not open to the public. All guests must check-in or display a current facility permit. Even if you were a former camper or staff member, we still need you to check-in. Please proceed to the main office to sign-in. If the office is not open, we invite you to return another day. Guests are not permitted on the property without first signing in at the office.

Thank you for your cooperation!

What to bring:

Sleeping bag/pillow
Swimsuit (modest, one piece)
Sturdy shoes/socks
Sandals/shower shoes
Laundry bag
Shorts/pants
T-shirts/sweatshirt
Towels
Underwear
Poncho/windbreaker
Backpack
Personal kit (soap, comb, shampoo, etc.)
Bug repellant (non aerosol)
Sunscreen
Camera/film
Bible
Pen/paper
Flashlight
Beach Towel

Please remember that camp can be hard on clothes; new ones may return as old ones! Be sure everything is clearly marked with the camper’s name. We encourage you to have your child pack his/her belongings for themselves -that way he/she will know exactly what was brought and why.

Problem Campers:

Occasionally there are campers who choose to significantly disrupt the Pinnacle experience for others (language, behavior, tobacco, etc.). Such unfortunate situations are not fair for those who come to have a good camp experience. This issue will be discussed with the camper and then his/her parent. If the problem is not resolved quickly, arrangements will be made for the camper to return home at the parent’s/guardian’s expense. Although camp may never be a perfect place, we seek to provide a positive environment for growth in Christian character.

Refunds:

The registration deposit, $75 per camper per session, is not refundable since it is used to cover pre-camp overhead expenses. You may switch to another week of camp if there is availability. The remaining balance is due at check-in. Refunds of tuition balance are not given in cases of voluntary withdrawal (including homesickness), dismissal, or weather. Campers withdrawing for medical illness are refunded the non-expired portion of the camp fee.

Health Insurance:

Pinnacle does not provide health insurance for campers. All claims are submitted to the parent’s or guardian’s insurance company, as per the details noted on the registration form.

Location:

Pinnacle is located 20 miles southwest of Albany. Detailed directions are available online or can be sent at your request. We do not recommend using an internet map site, as these often provide inaccurate directions to our facility. Check out the Directions Page!