FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are listed below. If you do not find the answer to your question, please email our summer camp registrar at registrar@gdi.org or call us at 888-366-4917.

Yes. However, applications for financial aid must be received prior to March 1 for that year’s summer program. Please contact the Camp CHOP Registrar for an application and more information.

All cabin counselors are current university students with a background working with children. Applicants go through a rigorous hiring process including multiple interviews, a background check, and drug testing. Many cabin counselors were even campers themselves!

Counselors go through an intensive 8-day training program prior to any campers arriving at camp. They are trained in team-building, group-leading, child development, safety, and being sensitive to individual camper’s needs and life experiences. Counselors complete training with the tools and knowledge to support campers through common camp challenges such as homesickness, trying new things, and friendship building.

Camp Chop instructors have experience in food services, are the highest quality individuals, and are carefully chosen.

Our instructors come to Camp CHOP from all over the United States and occasionally from overseas. Safety is one of our primary goals therefore all instructors are required to have 1st aid, CPR-PR, and Waterfront Lifeguard certifications as well as comprehensive on-site training.

Camp CHOP Counselors will meet your camper at their gate, help them to get their luggage and accompany them on a bus to Camp CHOP where they will meet their cabin counselor.

Approximately 40% of our campers fly in each summer. There is an additional charge for airport shuttle service. Please see the Parent Guide under “Campers & Families” tab for more information.

Your camper can write to you from camp. Stamps, postcards and stationery are available in the camp store. It’s always a good idea to send stamps, envelopes, and paper with your camper.

You can e-mail your camper by using our email system. Please see the Parent Guide under “Campers & Families” tab for more instructions.

You can always write your camper (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) at:

Camper’s Name
Team Number
c/o Camp CHOP
8144 Mount Laurel Road
Clover, Virginia, 24534

Please DO NOT send care packages, as they will be returned. If your camper needs something (e.g. toothbrush, pillow, shoes, etc), please contact camp directly.

We request that you call your child only in the case of an emergency at 434.454.4059. We strongly believe in the benefits of campers and parents disconnecting from each other, other than letters. Incoming parent phone calls can be a challenge because campers are busy in program from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Campers are only allowed to call home with the knowledge and consent of the Summer Camp Director.

Due to the remote location of our facility, and for the safety of all our campers, we do not allow parental visits during camp.

In case of an emergency or any essential communication, we are happy to arrange a time for your camper to be near a phone, as appropriate. Our Camp Secretary is on duty from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The office number is 434.454.4059.

Additionally, the Summer Camp Director has an Emergency Phone with him 24 hours a day. This number is 434.579.7425.

We will make every effort to accommodate any special requirements your camper may have. Please contact the Summer Camp Director, John Swanwick, as soon as possible and he will discuss any needs and issues with you.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Camp CHOP Registrar or Summer Camp Director at the business office: 888.366.4917 or 434.454.4059.

The days can often be hot and humid (mid to upper 90s with 90% humidity) but the nights can be mild and very pleasant.

Please review the packing list to pack appropriately.

We provide a vegetarian option at every meal. We also have a salad bar at both lunch and dinner. If you have any other dietary restrictions, please provide information in your camper registration so that we can make special accommodations.

We deal with food allergies every day. We have provided a letter from our Kitchen Director that explains the accommodations we can make for children with food allergies, as well as a basic menu of the meals at Camp CHOP. The best course of action is to read the letter, then contact our Kitchen Director if you have any further questions.

The earlier we know about your severe food allergies, the better we can serve your specific needs.

The pool averages 84 degrees throughout the year.

We do have a medical professional on the premises for our summer programs. The Health Center is where all prescription and over-the-counter medications are stored and dispensed by our camp nurse. Additionally, our staff holds certifications in first aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Lifeguarding.

For more serious issues we can contact the local paramedics who will arrange transport to the local clinic or hospital. The typical EMS response time to our facility is 10-16 minutes.

Campers with asthma participate in our program all the time. It is critical for campers with asthma to bring their inhaler with them to every program, including programs such as neutral buoyancy and the giant swing.

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