Camper FAQs

You’ll live in a cabin with a group of campers your own age and two or three awesome counselors. Our cabins are classic, rustic, and designed for community. Think of it as a giant, multi-week sleepover where the focus is on “Flashlight Time” and great conversations instead of screens.

Our counselors are the heart of Santa Maria! They are college students and young professionals who chose to spend their summer at Camp Santa Maria because they love the outdoors and they love helping kids have the best summer ever. They are your coaches, your supporters, and your biggest cheerleaders.

YES. One of the best things about Camp Santa Maria is that everyone is here to connect. On the very first day, we play games and do activities specifically designed to help you get to know your cabin-mates. Because we are a mission-driven camp, we pride ourselves on being a place where everyone belongs. You’ll leave with lifelong “Camp Friends”—the kind of friends who know the real you.

Not at all! Camp is a place to try things for the first time. Whether you’ve never touched a bow and arrow or you’re a pro climber, our skill progression model means you’ll learn at your own pace. At Camp Santa Maria, we celebrate learning and effort more than we celebrate winning.

Get ready for “Camp Style” dining! We eat together in the Dining Hall, and the food is delicious (and there’s plenty of it). We’ve got everything from taco nights to morning pancakes. Have a food allergy? No worries—our kitchen staff are pros at making sure everyone has a safe and tasty meal.

Actually, Camp Santa Maria is a tech-free zone. We believe that the best “social media” happens face-to-face around a campfire. You’ll leave your phone with your parents, which gives you a chance to totally “unplug” and enjoy the mountains. (Trust us, you won’t even miss it after the first day!)

That’s the Christ of the Rockies! It’s one of the coolest parts of our camp setting. We may hike up there for sunrise or quiet reflection. It’s a symbol of the peace and kindness we want everyone to feel while they’re here at Camp Santa Maria.

Missing home just means you have a home worth missing! It’s a very normal feeling, especially in the first few days. Your counselors are experts at helping you through it. Usually, once you start your first activity or head to the Dining Hall for a cheer, the homesickness starts to fade. In fact, it’s common that you’ll miss camp after you leave!

Think layers! The weather can be hot during the day and chilly at night. You’ll need sturdy shoes, a warm sleeping bag, a raincoat, and plenty of “play clothes” that you don’t mind getting a little trail dust on. We have a full list of essentials available at our What to Pack page.

At Camp Santa Maria, we are not just a camp - we are a community of people trying to make each other better through caring about each other and the world around us.