FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Registration & Financial Questions

Welcome! This is your starting place for everything you need to know about registering your child for Camp Wojtyla — from how the lottery works to what tuition includes and how to apply for scholarships.

  • Due to the high demand for Camp Wojtyla, we transitioned to a lottery system a few years ago to keep registration as fair and accessible as possible to both new and returning families alike.

    • Each fall, we use a lottery system to fill camper spots for the following summer. Families can enter the lottery through our website when it opens in October.

    • After the lottery window closes, spots are assigned by random drawing, and any overflow automatically starts our waitlist. Additional families may also join the waitlist online.

    • Open spots are filled from the waitlist—first from the lottery overflow, then in the order received.

      Don’t be discouraged if your child is waitlisted! Each year, many spots open up as summer plans change, and we’d love to welcome your child when a space becomes available.

    • Join the Lottery (October 12–26):
      Enter online for a chance to secure a spot. If you missed the lottery, you can join our waitlist October 27 - July 1.

    • Wait for Notification:

      • If selected through the lottery, you'll receive an email with your child's session and next steps by November 15th. If not selected, your child is placed on the priority waitlist. Don’t worry — many waitlist families are eventually offered a spot!

      • Waitlist offers will be made as soon as a spot opens up for your child. Families will be given 24-48 hours to consider our offer.

    • Camper Placement is based on birthdate AND grade. If your child is younger or older than average for their grade, just email us— we can help.

    • Complete Online Registration Process:
      Once your child is offered a spot, you’ll follow the instructions in your email to

      • Filling out basic camper information

      • Choosing full payment or setting up installments

      • Submitting Scholarship Application, if requested.

      • Completing state-required medical forms

      • Reserving airport shuttle service (if needed)

      • Renting gear (if needed)

    • Lottery Sign-Up: October 12–26

    • Online Camper Registration Form: by December 1

    • Scholarship Application: by December 5 (then the 5th of each subsequent month.

    • Medical Records Deadlines: March 15

    • Airport Shuttle Reservation: May 1

    • Rental Gear: May 15

    If your camper registers after the posted deadlines, your family will be given individualized deadlines in your Registration Instructions email.

    • Registration fees vary by program; annual fee updates are released each year by October 1st.

    • Registration fees cover about 45% of actual costs. Donations from the many generous individuals and families who faithfully support our mission cover the rest. Scholarships are also available upon request.

    • Payment options:

      • Pay in full or Monthly payment plan

      • Final balance due the month before camp begins

    • Submit Scholarship Application, Medical Forms, and Airport Shuttle Reservation by the posted deadlines

      • If your camper registers after the posted deadlines, your family will be given individualized deadlines in your Registration Instructions email.

    • Medical Forms and payments must be submitted on time to hold your child’s spot

    • Visit our online Trading Post to order Camp merchandise and reserve Rental Gear

    • Visit the Registered Family Resources through the link on your registration portal

    • To update forms, email us — online edits are not available after submission

    • Watch for ongoing communication:

      • Monthly Countdown to Camp Wojtyla email for important reminders + tips.

      • Know Before You Go email 1-2 weeks before your camper’s session for travel details, final preparation tips, and first/last day information

  • Camp fees are a subsidized price. Over 50% of all Camp Wojtyla’s expenses are covered through generous donations from families and individuals in our community.

    On average, over 30% of our campers receive additional financial aid in the form of a scholarship thanks to generous benefactors. Our goal is to make this amazing adventure as accessible as possible for all families!

    • Partial scholarships (15–55% of the registration fee) are offeredbased on family need, and the amount of funding available.

    • To apply for a scholarship, your child must first be registered for Camp Wojtyla.

      • You’ll have the option to request a Scholarship Application when registering for Camp.

      • The Online Camper Registration Form must be submitted for review with a monthly payment plan in place to secure your child’s spot. Once reviewed, our Registrar will email you the Scholarship Application.

    • To ensure funds go to committed families, we do NOT release Scholarship Applications before the Online Camper Registration Form has been submitted.

    • If the award does not meet your family’s needs, you’ll have 10 days from the award date to request a full refund of any fees paid.

      Important Deadlines:

      • To be included in our first and largest round of aid granted, Scholarship Applications are due by December 5th.

      • After the initial December 5th award period, applications will be reviewed on the 5th of each subsequent month (late applications may roll to the next month).

      Scholarships are based on both financial need and available funds.

  • If your plans change, please notify us of your child’s withdrawal by emailing registrar@camp-w.com as soon as possible.

    Refund Policy: 

    • Through April 15th, fees paid to date are partially refundable, minus the applicable administrative fee below: 

      • DEC. ($100) | JAN. ($150) | FEB. ($200) | MAR. ($300) | APR. 1–15 ($400)

    • After April 15th, all collected registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

To comply with state regulations and keep all campers safe and healthy, we require specific medical forms and documentation from each family. Below is a breakdown of what’s needed and where to find it.

Preparing for Camp

    • Do you offer gear rentals?
      Yes! Select gear can be rented through our online store. Rental options are noted on the packing list for each program.

    • Where can I find your packing lists?
      Packing lists are available in the Registered Family Resources (accessible through the Camp Wojtyla Registration Portal)

    • Camp Wojtyla is located near Jamestown, Colorado, about 40 minutes from Boulder and 90 minutes from Denver in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Once your camper is officially registered, we’ll provide detailed directions and address information to help with your travel planning.

      If your child will be flying into Denver International Airport (DIA), we offer a shuttle service to and from camp for a nominal fee. Shuttle reservations may be made after an Online Camper Registration Form has been submitted.
      Important timing guidelines:

      • Arrival flights must land before 12:30 PM MT on the first day of camp

      • Departure flights must leave after 4:00 PM MT on the last day of camp
        Our shuttles travel only between DIA and Camp Wojtyla—no additional stops or alternate routes.

    • If your child is flying alone, please check with your airline to see if they are considered an Unaccompanied Minor (UAM)—a designation that typically requires a fee and supervision by airline staff. Airline policies vary, and you can check this guide to compare UAM rules by airline. (Note: This resource is not affiliated with Camp Wojtyla.)

      We do offer UAM support on a limited basis (for an additional fee), and only to campers who are required to fly as UAMs by their airline. Camp’s Unaccompanied Minor service includes a vetted staff member who:

      • Escorts your child to and from the gate through the airport

      • Assists with airline check-in and departure

      • Provides the only instance where Camp may staff pass through TSA

      Key Takeaways:

      • UAM space is limited due to staffing requirements

      • Email registrar@camp-w.com to request a UAM spot on our shuttle before purchasing a UAM ticket

      • Approval is based on availability


        *If your camper is not officially classified as a UAM, but you're concerned about travel logistics, we recommend a trusted adult accompany them. We’ll also send clear instructions (with photos) to help your camper find our staff easily at the airport

Additional Parent Info

At Camp Wojtyla, your child’s safety and well-being are our highest priorities. Our staff are extensively trained, background checked, and certified in child protection protocols. With a strong camper-to-staff ratio and clear emergency protocols in place, you can rest assured your child is cared for in a safe, supportive, and faith-filled environment.

Communication & Safety

  • To help campers fully unplug and embrace life on the mountain, we do not allow cell phones, tablets, or other electronic devices at Camp Wojtyla. While some campers may bring a phone for travel, all electronics must be turned in at check-in or sent home with family.

    Devices will be safely stored and returned on departure day. Any electronics found after check-in will be mailed home at the family’s expense.

  • To preserve the immersive experience, we ask that families avoid phone calls or visits during Camp.

    Instead, we encourage pre-written letters, dropped off at check-in, which our staff will deliver throughout the week. Campers will also have time and supplies to write home.

    In case of an emergency, our team can reach you via a private landline. This number is reserved for Camp staff use for urgent needs only. Another emergency contact method will be provided to registered families in our Registered Family Resources,, accessible through your Registration Portal.

  • Parents are invited to our Closing Ceremony on the last day of camp to celebrate and connect with the community your child’s been part of.

  • Yes! We are licensed under Colorado’s Department of Human Services and we go above and beyond what’s required.

  • We believe that Camp Wojtyla should provide the best of everything. That most certainly includes our climbing company and white water rafting company. We partner with top-tier adventure outfitters known for safety and experience—no first-year guides here! Experience is a wise teacher and both outfitters allow us to guide the conversations and teachings within each element while they provide the safest experience possible. 

  • Camp Wojtyla staff undergo three weeks of intensive training—well above the industry norm. Many also choose to complete a 10-day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.

    Training includes risk management, high-alpine safety, conflict resolution, team communication, and teaching the faith through Scripture and the New Evangelization. Staff are also equipped to lead activities like archery, rock climbing, and map reading, and are trained to help campers find deeper meaning in their experiences.

  • Our staff study the human and environmental components of risks and learn how to mitigate these possible risks. We take them through classroom analysis studying topics like lightning, weather, high alpine terrain, wildlife, medical scenarios, group dynamics and sound leadership. In addition, field study occurs through teaching in action through long, rigorous high alpine summit attempts, rock climbing at 10,000 feet, and hours of practicing wilderness scenarios.  

Additional Parent Info

At Camp Wojtyla, our staff are more than just counselors—they’re faith-filled mentors, adventure leaders, and intentional role models. Handpicked for their character, leadership, and love for Christ, they’re here to walk alongside your camper every step of the way.

Our Team

  • We receive over 400 applications for just 38–40 positions each summer. Many applicants are referred by alumni, friends, or Catholic campus ministries like FOCUS. We intentionally seek young adults who love Christ and are ready to joyfully lead and serve.

  • We keep things intentionally small. This allows for a remarkable 2:1 camper-to-staff ratio, with 2–3 counselors for every 10 campers in small groups.

    • Middle School: Max 60 campers

    • High School: Max 80 campers

    • Staff Team: 40 passionate leaders

  • Yes! All staff complete fingerprinting and background checks at both the state and FBI level—exceeding state requirements to ensure your child’s safety.

  • Yes. Every team member completes Virtus: Protecting God’s Children training, with additional formation in emotional safety, boundaries, and proactive camper care. Physical and emotional safety of our campers is our highest priority!

Curious about who we are, what makes us different, and how we operate? You’re in the right place. These frequently asked questions cover everything from our camp’s history and elevation to how we integrate faith into outdoor adventure. If you’re wondering whether Camp Wojtyla is the right fit for your child, start here!

General Questions

    • Camp Wojtyla launched its first pilot program in 2007, and Summer 2025 marks our 19th season! We now serve 580 campers and over 40 college staff members each summer.

  • Our base camp sits at 7,800 ft, while backcountry adventures reach elevations of 8,000–13,500 ft.

    • Yes, we are joyfully and faithfully Catholic, rooted in the teachings of the Church and the Magisterium.

    • What sets us apart is how we integrate outdoor adventure with spiritual formation—we don’t separate faith talks from fun. At Wojtyla, the adventure itself becomes the lesson. Every hike, summit, and challenge is an invitation to experience the Gospel in action.

  • We use experiential learning, helping campers draw spiritual meaning from real experiences. For example, learning to trust a belayer while rock climbing becomes a metaphor for trusting God. Campers begin to see how faith is woven into everyday life—not something separate.

  • We believe males and females grow best in environments designed just for them. Likewise, age-specific programming helps us meet campers exactly where they are. That’s why we offer single-sex, age-appropriate sessions for both middle and high school students.

    • A camper is likely ready if they are:

      • Excited to grow in their Catholic faith

      • Comfortable being away from home

      • Able to thrive in a group setting

      • Physically prepared for outdoor adventures

    • Check out our Camper Readiness Page for more details on behavioral, health, and fitness expectations.

We’re here to answer your questions.

If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for below, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact Us