October 18-20 – Amery, WI
Bello! (That’s “Hello” in Minionese!) We’re so excited that you are planning to join us at our “Minion” themed Family Camp on October 18-20! Family Camp is a fun and energetic weekend filled with games and themes. Come prepared to have a great time as you meet other incredible heart families.
To-do Before Family Camp
- Create a family “scrapbook” page that includes some fun facts about your family and a family photo. (You’ll post this on a “get-to-know-you wall” at Family Camp. No pressure to make it pretty – it’s all about sharing what makes your family unique!)
- Start packing!
- Watch your inbox for more emails from us in the coming few weeks before camp!
Packing List
- Clothing and toiletries for the whole family
- Hats, scarves, gloves – we do our best to spend lots of time outside!
- Sleeping bags & pillows (linens are NOT provided and bed sizes vary)
- Bath towels
- Shower shoes
- Flashlight
- Water bottles
- Alarm clock (there are no clocks in the rooms)
Special (optional) packing list items:
- Family scrapbook page with photo(s)
- Family Outfit/Uniform: Grab your best Minion costumes & accessories to wear on Saturday to dress up as a family of Minions!
- Pajamas (to wear to a meal!)
- Talent show props, instruments, music, or costumes
Optional packing items:
Masks, fan, white noise machine, ear plugs, nightlight, camera, book, journal, travel coffee mug, snacks, crib, and/or high chair (limited number available at camp), money for soda machines and/or Odayin merchandise (also, Venmo and credit cards accepted).
Talent Show
You are invited to participate in our Talent Show on Sunday morning – as a family or individuals. Please feel free to bring instruments, props, and/or costumes if anyone (or everyone) in your family would like to participate. There is a piano and (out of tune) guitar available to use.
Arrival at Camp on Friday, October 18th
Check-in is between 4:00 and 5:00 on Friday. Camp Odayin staff will meet your family’s car as you drive into camp. If you reach Camp Wapo before 4:00, please explore the lovely town of Amery instead of arriving early. We will be prepared to greet your family at 4:00.
You will learn your housing accommodations & get a weekend schedule (among other things). Please let us know if you anticipate getting to Family Camp after 5:00. Between 5:00 and 6:30, staff can be found in the dining hall to get you checked in. After 6:30, we will be in the Cross Fire building.
How to get to Camp Wapo
Camp Wapo is approximately an hour and fifteen minutes from Minneapolis. The address is 1204 74th Avenue, Amery, WI 54001. The sign will say “Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp” and there will be a Camp Odayin banner. (Interesting fact: We are an independent 501c3 nonprofit, unaffiliated with any hospital or parent organization. Many of our partner camps that we rent hold religious values. We do not share or incorporate any religious practices into our camp programs.)
Accommodations
There are a variety of different buildings with different housing styles. All of the rooms have bunk beds, most are twin sized, but some rooms have a queen sized bed. Some of the rooms will share bathrooms and a common space. We do not provide families with housing assignments prior to their arrival to camp, so we advise bringing sleeping bags rather than fitted sheets. No linens, towels or pillows are provided.
Please contact us if you have a request for special accommodations or have questions.
Food
Meals are provided from dinner on Friday through breakfast on Sunday. You may bring your own food to Family Camp. We understand that you may have picky eaters, snackers, and dietary concerns within your family. Please be conscious of avoiding open food and crumbs in your cabin. We have shared your dietary restrictions with Camp Wapo, but please contact us if you have questions.
Supervision of Children
Parents / guardians are responsible for the supervision of their children (of all ages) throughout the Family Camp weekend. The sole exception is during the adult education time / kid time. At this time on Saturday afternoon, children will be placed into groups according to age to enjoy fun activities under the supervision of Camp Odayin staff and volunteers.
Medical Concerns
Each family is responsible for their own storing and distribution of medication. There are shared fridges, basic first aid supplies, AEDs onsite and medical assistance is very close in Amery, WI if needed. Note that any cardiologists and nurses joining us at camp are not “on duty” to hand out medications.
Movie Nights
Each night of camp, there is a movie available to families.
Friday: Despicable Me 3
Saturday: Despicable Me 4
We suggest visiting https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews or the Parents Guide in IMDB to determine whether these movies feel appropriate for your children. These resources offer feedback directly from parents and even kids, so you can read about other viewers’ experiences.
Outdoor Fun
We will be spending time outside all weekend, traveling between buildings and enjoying gaga ball, the playground, trails, bonfires, etc. so be sure to bring plenty of warm clothing for the whole family. You can check the forecast at www.weather.com and enter zip 54001. At beautiful Camp Wapo, there’s easy access to the lake for fishing and canoes. While we will not provide fishing poles or bait, you may bring your own poles, etc for free time on Saturday. Young people 16 years old and under are not required to have a fishing license, but anyone older than 16 would need to purchase a Wisconsin fishing license prior to camp.
Travel Expense Support
We offer transportation reimbursements – up to $200 can be reimbursed for your travel costs (for example, gas purchases). Contact brooke@campodayin.org for pre-approval and more information on how to submit receipts.
Contact Us
If you have questions prior to Friday, October 18, please contact the Camp Odayin office at 651.351.9185 or email info@campodayin.org. On that Friday, we will be out of the office and will not be checking email. At that time, we can be reached by calling or texting 651.491.8673.
If your plans have changed and you can no longer attend, please let us know as it greatly impacts our planning, meals, and accommodations.
