From the Directors

 

At Camp ABK we strive to fulfill the mission statement put in place years ago, to “present the claims of Christ through the camping experience” through everything we do. Our programs, schedule, and staff are all chosen and organized to give your child a week that they will not only love, but also learn about the love that God has for them.

We want you to know that your child will be safe in our care; your trust in us is something we highly value. Most of our staff are volunteers who choose to be at camp because they care for children. Many attended camp when they were younger and want to invest in the lives of children because they know first-hand the positive influence camp can have.

My wife and I both grew up coming to camp and understand the positive impacts this place can have. We remember coming home raving about all aspects of ABK. Our goal is for your children to do the same. Please look through our frequently asked questions below and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing your child at ABK this summer!

Sincerely,

Ryan and Kathleen Lidstone

 FAQs

All of our staff are screened with references and a police check and are carefully selected. Our desire is for you to hear your child raving about ABK when they return home, and for you to see a positive change in their lives as a result of their week at camp.

Even though our counselors take great care of each child, it is inevitable that some items of clothing or equipment will be misplaced during the camp week. Proper identification will greatly assist camp staff in returning these articles to the proper camper. ark each item clearly with your child’s full name or initials, including the clothing they wear to camp. Camp will not assume responsibility for lost articles so please do not bring items of considerable monetary or sentimental value to camp. Please label each piece of luggage clearly with camper’s name and city where they will be dropped off.
The following items are recommended for camp:

– 3 Sweaters
– 6 Shirts
– 2-3 pairs of pants
– 4 pairs of shorts
– 1 set of dress clothes
– 2 pairs of pajamas
– 7 days of socks/underwear
– 2 swimsuits
– 1 large beach towel
– 1 hat
– 2 pairs of running shoes
– 1 raincoat
– 1 pair of rubber boots
– 1 set of toiletries
– sunblock
– insect repellent
– sheet and sleeping bag or blankets
– 1 pillow
– Bible
– fishing gear/musical instrument if desired

The Board of Directors at Camp Aush-Bik-Koong ha adopted the following dress code as camp policy. Thank you for taking the time to ensure that your child’s clothing conforms to these standards.

God’s Word teaches that we are to dress modestly (1 Tim. 2:9, 1Cor. 12:23). Because of this, we ask that both campers and staff dress in the following ways:

Swimming Attire:
Girls: are to wear modest bathing suits that cover the torso.  All other bathing suits must be covered by a dark shirt.
Guys: are to wear shorts-style bathing suits. Shirts must be worn when not participating in waterfront activities.

Daily Attire:
Pants/shorts/skirts that are skin-tight or too short are not permitted. Shirts must be modest and cover the torso. Shirts that refer to or advocate drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or that contain offensive words or symbols are not permitted at camp.

We reserve the right to ask a staff or camper to change if we feel his/her clothing is inappropriate.  

Electronic devices such as cell phones, ipods, portable game systems, etc.
Weapons
Snack food (campers have opportunity to buy snacks at our tuck shop each day)
Gum
Tobacco products, alcohol, illicit/illegal drugs

All prescription medication must be in the original container as dispensed by pharmacy, and must be for that camper, as per College of Nurses medical guidelines. Medication must be turned into the camp nurse immediately upon arrival. Campers are discouraged from bringing over-the-counter medication. The Camp Nurse will provide these if necessary. Please ensure your child is free-of-lice and/or other communicable ailments before coming to camp. Campers are checked for lice when they arrive at camp; parents are required to come to get their child if lice and/or nits are found. When the camper has been treated, nit-picked, and all linens/clothing etc. cleaned as per the Camp nurse’s instructions, the camper may return to be reexamined. If lice/nit free, they are welcomed back into the program. Camp ABK is responsible for First Aid only.

Camp Aush-Bik-Koong provides bussing to and from camp (except Family and Youth Camps).
Camp ABK needs to know if your child will be traveling by bus.  If busing is required, be sure to request this option during the registration process.
Camps run from Sunday to Saturday each week.  The bus to camp comes on Sunday and the bus home leaves camp each Saturday.
Please be at the pick-up and drop-off points 20 minutes prior to the scheduled times.
 LOCATION  BUS TO CAMP BUS HOME
 Bus From North Bay:
 North Bay – Bethel Gospel Chapel  12:30 p.m.  2:40 p.m.
 Sudbury – Walmart – Long Lake Rd  2:15 p.m.  12:55 p.m.
 Espanola – ESSO Service Center/Hwy 17  3:10 p.m.  11:45 a.m.
 Bus From Sault Ste. Marie:
 Sault Ste. Marie – Bethel Bible Chapel  1:00 p.m.  2:15 p.m.
 St. Joseph Island  17 E Trading Post  1:45 p.m.  1:30 p.m.
 Bruce Mines – Country Store 2:00 p.m.  1:15 p.m.
 Thessalon – Hwy 17/129 Trading Post  2:15 p.m.  1:00 p.m.
 Elliot Lake – Hwy 17/108 Car Park  3:15 p.m.  11:45 a.m.

All campers are expected to display conduct which shows respect to the Christian emphasis of Camp ABK. Smoking is not permitted at camp and there will be a zero-tolerance policy for drugs or alcoholic beverages. Campers will be expected to refrain from using profane language. Additionally, campers should not bring firecrackers, electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, portable game systems etc.) or inappropriate reading material to camp. Camp has a written discipline policy, which can culminate in the dismissal of a camper if required. However, we expect to earn and enjoy the cooperation and respect of campers, while at Camp Aush-Bik-Koong.

Each day the campers will have opportunity to spend some money in our Tuck Shop/Gift Shop. We recommend bringing $10 – $20 for this purpose, more if they wish to purchase a T-Shirt or sweatshirt. There is also a great range of items available in our Camp Gift Shop. Souvenir items ($1-$5), hats ($8-$15), shirts ($10-$25) and sweatshirts ($25-$60) can provide campers with memories from camp throughout the entire year.

If you are driving your children to camp, registration begins at 3:30pm on Sunday.  Please do not arrive before 3:30.  Pick-Up time is between 9:30-10:30 a.m. the following Saturday.

Yes, you can send your child an email at camper@campabk.com.  Be sure to put your child’s name in the subject line.  We will print these out daily and pass them out at mail time (do not attach photos as they will not be printed out).  Due to the number of campers who attend each week, we do not provide computer access to the campers to reply.


In order to guarantee your spot at camp we require a $50 non-refundable deposit. If your child can’t make it to camp for any reason we will refund the remaining balance. If your camper is sent home for disciplinary reasons or because he/she is homesick your fee will not be refunded. If your child needs to leave ABK for medical reasons they will be given a refund based on how many days they attended.