Summer Camp FAQs

Yes, all classes and whole camp activities are co-ed. 

85% of the campers who attend CCL are from Alachua County. Our remaining campers come from all over Florida, the United States as well as international locations. 

The first night, campers are given the opportunity to learn about the wide variety of exciting classes offered at CCL. Campers are able to select five classes to create their individual schedule.

The camper’s individual schedule and the camp-wide daily schedule will be posted for them in their cabin. Campers participate in their selected courses throughout the week in order to develop skills and knowledge in their chosen program areas.

For two week sessions, campers have the opportunity to build their class schedule at the beginning of each week. Campers have the ability to have a different class schedule for each week they attend CCL.

Yes, all campers eat at the same time. Breakfast and dinner are served family-style, while lunch is served buffet-style.

Note: If you will require special dietary accommodations while attending CCL, please contact our office prior to attending camp.

Our wake-up bell rings at 7:30 AM and lights out for all campers is at 10:15 PM. Campers are monitored 24 hours a day as to ensure a safe and fun environment for all campers. 

Camp Crystal Lake welcomes 164 residential campers each session. Campers are divided into boys’ and girls’ cabins by grade. Each cabin houses 16-18 campers and at least three counselors. 

No. The dress code is very casual, but as a School Board facility we support a modest dress code. Check out the packing list for more ideas about what to bring to camp.

While there is no air-conditioning in the cabins, each cabin is equipped with electricity and fans. There are also outlets available so that campers may bring fans for individual use. 

Our carefully chosen staff  is comprised mostly of college-aged men and women as well as teachers, many of whom were campers themselves. As school board employees, all staff undergo fingerprinting and background checks.

In addition, all counselors are lifeguard, first aid and CPR certified and are required to participate in training before the campers arrive.

Camp Crystal has a minimum of one experienced certified nurse at camp for all sessions. Our nurse is available 24 hours a day and is responsible for the distribution of medications as well as other camper medical needs. A medical doctor is also on call. 

Many campers arrive without knowing anyone, and cabin counselors engage all campers in a comfortable and friendly cabin environment. Upon arrival, campers meet their cabin counselors and fellow campers, and Sunday evening campers participate in “Cabin Night” where they get to bond as a cabin. Counselors encourage active participation from all campers and establish an environment of inclusiveness. Each day is action-packed and campers soon forget they didn’t come with a friend from home. Participating in new and challenging activities helps to form meaningful friendships.

When applying online, you may request a cabin buddy for your camper. We make every effort to honor these requests, but cannot guarantee them. 

Camp Crystal is a tech-free zone for campers. Cell phones, smartwatches, and other smart devices are not permitted at camp in order to protect the privacy of all campers and to provide a rare opportunity to disconnect and enjoy spending time in nature, embracing the present moment and making new friends at camp.

The Campanion App is no longer available. Families will be able to communicate with campers by sending emails through their CampMinder account. Families will also be able to access photos of your camper(s) through your CampMinder account. Camp will communicate with families through the email address that was provided on their CampMinder account and social media.

No. There is no opportunity for your child to purchase anything at camp. Please do not send money.  Canteen is provided to campers daily free of charge. Canteen is a sweet snack in between lunch and dinner.

Camp is a great place for campers to gain confidence and independence in a safe environment, and homesickness is sometimes a part of this growing process. Our staff are trained in dealing with homesickness and work to keep every camper excited and involved.

Several resources for parents on preventing on coping with homesickness can be found on the American Camp Association website.

While there is no visitor’s day, we encourage communication through eLetters.

On opening day campers take a swim test, which enables our lifeguards to get an idea of each camper’s abilities in the water. During this test they must swim a short distance with their head above water and then tread water for 1 minute.

If your camper prefers not to take the swim test, they will be designated as a “shallow swimmer” for their water activities and will be required to stay in the shallow end and wear a life jacket if they attend free swim during their IC period. There are a wide variety of land activities offered at camp, so please do not let this discourage your camper.

We can accommodate many food allergies and dietary restrictions at CCL. Please call camp at (855) 651-2267 or email crystal@gm.sbac.edu prior to your child attending CCL to discuss any concerns.