In order for a camper to take any medication while at camp, page 3 of the health form must be filled out entirely and signed by both a licensed provider and a parent or guardian. Medications must be brought in their original containers and must not be expired. At registration, all medications will be checked in and kept by the health center. We will bring the medications to meals and nighttime activities. If a camper needs medication at another time, it will be available at the health center.

Vitamins and supplements are considered medications at Word of Life camps. In order for a camper to take vitamins and supplements while at camp, page 3 of the health form must be filled out entirely and signed by both a licensed provider and a parent or guardian. Vitamins and supplements must be brought in their original containers and must not be expired. At registration, all vitamins and supplements will be checked in and kept by the health center. We will bring them to meals and nighttime activities. If a camper needs vitamins or supplements at another time, they will be available at the health center.

Please check with your pharmacy to see if you can refill the prescription in advance so medication for the entire length of camp can be checked in at registration. Many insurance plans will cover this if you ask for a “vacation refill.” If this is not possible, you can arrange for a medication to be filled at a local pharmacy and we will pick it up.

Campers must have all medications listed on their medication form at registration. If you forget to pack a medication, a replacement may be able to be picked up at a local pharmacy. However, this is a time-consuming extra step that delays your camper from jumping into the fun-filled camp experience, so please do everything possible to make sure all medications are packed and match those listed on the health form.

The state of Florida requires that all medications including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements be listed on a camp medication form with the signature of a provider authorized to prescribe medications. We are required to follow the instructions on the medication form.

You can note any and all food allergies on the health form. Campers with food allergies should speak with the chef upon arrival at camp so they can be aware of and avoid potential allergens. Many gluten-free items are available and fresh salads are served at all dinner meals. You can also email vickys@wol.org to request the Allergen Guide for our summer menu and food ingredients.

We recommend that campers with severe allergies bring their own food because we cannot guarantee that there will be no cross-contamination. Dedicated refrigerators are available where campers can store any food they need to bring.

Campers with diabetes will need to bring extra supplies, emergency supplies and a written plan of action. Every camper with diabetes should have an individualized Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP), sometimes referred to as a health care plan, diabetes care plan or physician’s orders. Please send a copy of this plan with the health form.

You can note bee allergies on the health form. Campers with life-threatening allergies are required to carry their epi-pen with them at all times. If a camper with a bee allergy does not know how to use the epi-pen, staff will be available to assist. In the case of an allergic reaction, health center staff and EMS will also be called to the scene.

No. While our culinary services are sensitive to common allergens, we cannot promise a nut free environment nor can we control snacks that other campers bring with them.

Word of Life is not an allergen-free facility, as we regularly serve foods containing peanuts and tree nuts, dairy products, seafood and fish, eggs, gluten, refined sugars, soy, and other common allergens. Word of Life strives to keep allergen items separate during preparation, serving, and storage for your safety but it is not guaranteed. We cannot guarantee that campers will completely avoid contact with a particular food while at our facilities, and we may not be able to accommodate those with severe allergies, who react not only to a food being ingested, but also to skin contact, close proximity, or an airborne allergen.
It is the responsibility of the parent or youth leader to communicate with the culinary staff to assess possible accommodations.

Yes. WOL can accommodate many, varied dietary needs. Applicants should notify the WOL camp chef of any dietary restrictions or allergens and the culinary staff can provide alternative meals throughout the week.

We have nurses on duty 24 hours a day. Many of our staff members are also trained in first aid, CPR and responding to emergencies.

Word of Life uses Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. It is approximately 15 minutes from The Coast property.

If a camper becomes ill or injured, every attempt will be made to contact a parent, guardian or emergency contact. If the decision is made to send a camper to a doctor, he or she will typically be taken to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, which is about 15 minutes away, via Word of Life transportation. A counselor or health center staff member will accompany the camper. Parents or guardians will need to make arrangements if payment is required at the doctor’s office or pharmacy.

Please contact the Word of Life Health Center by phone or email prior to registering for camp. We would like to discuss your camper’s needs with you so we can make a recommendation for attendance. Camp attendance is lower some weeks and we may suggest registering for one of those times.

The state of Florida requires that all medications including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements be listed on a camp medication form with the signature of a provider authorized to prescribe medications. Campers will not be allowed to take anything that is not listed on the form while at camp.

WOL seeks to place campers in the safest and most appropriate camp location. Sometimes older campers who are developmentally delayed may be placed in a younger setting, however they must still fall within the following physical age ranges:

Junior Camp is for children and pre-teens ages 6-12. Campers must be at least 6 years old at the time of attendance and must not have reached their 14th birthday.

Teen camp is for teens ages 12-18. Campers must be at least 11 years old and must not have reached their 20th birthday.

We try to keep additional charges to a minimum. Additional charges for The Coast can be found in the Camp Activities section of the information packet

Round-trip van shuttles from Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport are available. There is a $25 fee per person each way. Please call the conference center front desk at least 48 hours in advance to reserve shuttle transportation. The number for the front desk is 727-379-5000.

Campers can put spending money (for things like special activities, pizza, Snack Shack treats, camp store shopping, etc.) in the Camper Bank. The amount of spending money is up to individual family preference. Word of Life is not responsible for any money or items not deposited in the bank. Call 727-379-5000 to set up a camper bank account prior to arrival.

Every item, including clothing, should have the camper’s name on it. Lost and found articles will be returned upon claim by the parents or guardians for up to 30 days after the end of the camping week. Call 727-379-5020 to inquire about lost items.

Camper calls should be limited to emergencies only. Call 727-856-7575 or 727-379-5600 to leave a message for a camper. The camper will be informed and may then return the call. Please do not call after 10 p.m. unless it is an extreme emergency. Campers may not have cell phones at camp.

Service animals are permitted, as defined by law. This is limited to dogs and does not include emotional support animals, comfort, therapy, or companion animals, or pets. Persons with service animals are requested (but not required) to make it known to customer service or enrollment staff during the application process to facilitate accommodation. Service animals are permitted in public spaces provided they are:
a. housebroken
b. vaccinated
c. under the control (usually a leash) of their handler
d. not endangering the safety of others
e. not causing a disruption

Yes. All Word of Life Camps are approved to operate and are inspected at least twice annually by the Department of Health (NY or FL). Word of Life meets, and in most cases exceeds, all health and safety guidelines for camp operations. Full reports are available by contacting the state Department of Health.