CAMPER AND PEER MODEL CAMPER FORMS & INFO
How thrilled we are to have you join our mission and journey! We are VERY much looking forward to each camp session and are delighted that your camper will be joining us! Here, you'll find informative details as well as documents which need to be returned. It is our hope that you find this page helpful while also getting you and your camper excited for Camp Encourage.
In advance, we thank you for returning all required documents by the listed due dates. We look forward to a meaningful, memorable experience! Tell your camper to be prepared to feel accepted, welcomed, and celebrated!
STEP ONE:
CONFIRM ACCEPTANCE OF SLOT
When you received notification that a slot is (or slots are) being held for your camper, you were asked to officially confirm acceptance. Please do this ASAP using the below link.
STEP TWO:
INFORMATIONAL PACKET
Please download and read through this packet in its entirety in advance to prepare you and your camper, as well as those that will be supporting him or her. Read this entire packet as details are crucial.
STEP THREE:
UPLOAD CAMPER PHOTO AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
If you have not already, please be sure to upload a recent photo of your camper within the online registration system. We ask that you update the photo with a new one every two years. Our medical staff uses these photos to verify identity when administering medications, so it’s crucial the photo be recent. Also, please be sure to upload a copy of your camper’s IEP or BIP (if they have one) in this section as well.
STEP FOUR:
CAMPGROUNDS FORM
The two campgrounds which we rent require that a current Release of Liability & Health form be submitted for each camper to participate in activities they facilitate. Please have this form completed PRIOR to your arrival at camp. If your camper is attending a session at both Heartland and Tall Oaks, please be sure to complete both forms.
IMPORTANT DUE DATES
To ensure your camper’s slot is held, please fill out and submit all forms, upload all photos and documents, and pay tuition (unless payment arrangements have been made) three weeks prior to the camp session your camper is attending. Below are the submission deadlines for each camp session.
OVERNIGHT SESSION 1
February 28, 2026
SUMMER SESSION 1
May 21, 2026
SUMMER SESSION 2
June 8, 2026
SUMMER SESSION 3
July 4, 2026
ALUMNI SESSION
August 8, 2026
OVERNIGHT SESSION 2
September 19 , 2026
CONNECT THROUGH AVA CAMP CONNECT
For security, privacy, and efficiency, we will use a communication platform as our primary method of communicating information to parents during camp. It will be essential that you set up an account. The platform will enable you to access photos and receive communication from Camp Encourage. Should you not download the app, you may miss updates and will not have access to photos.
When setting up your account, your user name will be "encourage_firstinitial + full last name." For example, Jane Doe would enter "encourage_jdoe."
ANDROID IOSSTAY CONNECTED
In addition to watching your email inbox for updates and utilizing AVA CAMP CONNECT, be sure to check out upcoming free Camp Family Events and follow us on social media — we are @campencourage on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS
Below you will find the menu, schedule, and camp preparation story for the upcoming camp session. The camp preparation story is a slideshow for both new and returning campers that gives information and photos that describe what they can expect from their camp experience.
TOUR THE CAMPGROUNDS
We hope that this opportunity will be a helpful resource for each first-time and returning camper to peek at their cabin, get a glimpse into where the magic will take place, receive answers to questions, and decrease worries and uncertainties about the new experience. Our staff will facilitate a tour of the campgrounds. Campers will have the opportunity to peek in a few cabins and check out the dining hall, swimming pool, and other activities on the grounds. Each tour will include a lot of walking.
A virtual tour of Tall Oaks is available HERE. For helpful photos, visit their website. An in-person tour of Tall Oaks will not be available in 2026.
Heartland Tours are scheduled on the following days: 2/28, 4/4, 5/31, 7/19, and 9/20. Click the below form for specific times, helpful details, and to register.
Can't make an in-person tour of Heartland? Click HERE to for a virtual tour or visit Heartland Center's website to browse photos of the retreat center's facilities and grounds.
PAY TUITION
Payments can be safely processed online through our online registration system, CampBrain. If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Camp Encourage and mail it to Camp Encourage, 4025 Central Street, Kansas City, MO 64111.
Tuition is due exactly three weeks prior to the camp session your child is attending, unless special payment arrangements have been made. If your family has been awarded a scholarship, that amount will be shown. Need help? Read these instructions on how to process an online payment.