Registered Family Resources

• 2026 Parent Handbook

• Where in the world is Camp Wojtyla?

  • Camp Wojtyla is located near Jamestown, CO, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, about a 40 minute drive from Boulder, and 90 minutes from Denver.

    2282 County Road 87, Jamestown, CO 80455

• Lodging & Driving Directions

• The Registration Process

Our Basecamp is equipped with an emergency landline for use by our administrative team in emergency situations, or if we need to contact you regarding an urgent matter involving your camper.

This number is not made public. Due to the nature of our program and our staffing needs, we are unable to monitor the phone line for routine calls. Campers do not have access to this line.

• • A parent EMERGENCY line, posted here when Camp begins, will be monitored by our on call, down-the-mountain staff while Camp is in session. It will not be a direct connection to any of our on-the-mountain staff..

  • The line will be screened for text messages and voice mail regarding URGENT MATTERS ONLY, such as situations involving emergency-related early departures or late drop-offs and pick-ups, while your child’s session is in progress.

  • Staff at this number will be unable to address routine issues.

  • Non-urgent questions and concerns should be addressed to our camp registrar at registrar@camp-w.com. This inbox is checked regularly throughout the day while Camp is in session.

  • Can I drive up to Camp during my child’s session?

    • Below is the physical address for Basecamp. Please note that outside of check-in and check-out days, our Basecamp will not be accessible to the public (for safety reasons).

      If an urgent situation necessitates a brief visit while Camp is in session, our counselor staff will be available to escort you once arrangements have been made. To make arrangements, please text or leave a message at the parent emergency line above or contact us at registrar@camp-w.com.

      Cal-Wood Education Center

      2282 County Rd. 87
      Jamestown, CO 80027

Times are subject to change as needed. Any schedule updates will be posted in the “Things to Know Before You Go” email we’ll send out about a week before your child’s check-in day.

• Check-In Day

• Check-Out Day

ALL gear, especially sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, and backpacks, must be labeled with your child’s name.

GENERAL PACKING GUIDELINES

The tips below may ease the packing process for all programs and ensure all personal gear makes it to Camp and home again safely:

• When possible, plan to bring older but durable clothes; non-cotton clothing options are always preferred. You will need between 6-10 changes of clothes with extra socks and a couple of towels.

• Durable footwear that fits is absolutely necessary and required. If you are buying new boots, break them in by wearing them a few hours a day in the weeks prior to camp to help prevent blisters and twisted ankles.

• Make sure to initial/label all of your gear, especially the most valuable, important items. Camp Wojtyla is not responsible for any lost, left behind, or damaged items.

• Include your child in the packing process to make it easier when packing everything up for the return home trip. Perhaps include a list of what NOT to forget when packing up to go home.

• Consider packing gear in a large duffel bag rather than a trunk or suitcase. Most campers find that duffle bags are easiest to carry and store. Teepees and tents are usually tight on space!

• Rent when you can! Some items on our packing lists are available to rent through our online Trading Post. Items rented online will be waiting for your camper on check-in day!

CLOTHING SELECTION: MODESTY AND DRESS CODE

Our Modesty Philosophy: At Camp Wojtyla, your camper will be participating in a variety of high adventure outdoor activities. Clothing that is comfortable and appropriate to these activities is vital to maximizing your camper’s experience. Your camper will be using harnesses on high ropes systems, hiking and moving in outdoor terrain, rafting, and going to daily Mass in-between! In addition, we believe that clothing should be reflective of the dignity we possess as men and women of Christ. Below we’ve proved a guideline to help you as you pack for your adventure at Camp Wojtyla!

FOR GIRLS:

1. Shorts should be roomy and at least mid-thigh. This helps maintain modesty when hooking in to a hardness, and range of motion when hiking. A helpful way to tell: Shorts should be roughly a palm length on the leg when sitting, and loose enough in the leg that at least an inch of material on either side can be pinched while standing.

2. Tops should be comfortable and loosely fitted. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable and great for the summer heat; however, shirts with thin or loose straps, that expose the bra straps, that are low or may gape during activity, or show the midriff are not camp-appropriate. This will also protect you from the sun’s strong rays at altitude. A helpful way to tell: Straps should be at least 2 finger-width’s wide.

3. Many girls like to bring a casual skirt for mass (long or short), please feel free to do this if you wish. Since the Mass is outside in a variety of terrain, be sure skirts are no more than slightly above knee length.

4. Leggings are great to wear under shorts or pants as an extra warm layer, but we ask you not to wear leggings without additional coverage while at Camp Wojtyla.

FOR GUYS:

1. Shorts should be roomy and fall no higher than just above the knee. Sturdy shorts or pants for rock climbing and high ropes are essential for both comfort and function.

2. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable, but should not be cut down in the armpits revealing the chest.

Program-specific packing lists can be found in our parent handbook or by clicking below:

• BASECAMP PROGRAMS‍ ‍

• BACKPACKING PROGRAM

Feel free to contact us with general packing questions or clarifications.

Packing for a Backcountry trip?

Due to the remote nature of your program, there is not much room for error and extras when it comes to clothing and gear— more advice on this in our Backpacking packing list.

If, after reviewing our packing list, you and your backpacker are confused about what is required, don’t hesitate to gather the sweaters, fleece jackets, pants, and other layers you think might work and email us with your questions.

We are committed to making Camp Wojtyla a comfortable experience for all. It’s our shared desire that all campers feel their clothing can serve them well at camp as well as reflect their dignity as a son or daughter of God. We hope you’ll find our guidelines and packing lists helpful and thank you for considering them while packing.

At Camp Wojtyla, your child’s health and safety are our top priorities.

As a licensed residential camp, we operate under the guidelines of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Child Care Licensing, and we undergo annual inspections to ensure compliance.

We strictly follow all regulations set forth by these state agencies—and in many cases, our health and safety protocols go above and beyond what is required.

HEALTH & MEDICAL NEEDS

The Camp Wojtyla medical team is overseen by a licensed physician. The team will review any camper health concerns with parents before camp begins as necessary.

Each summer session will have a medical tent with a licensed nurse and aide on duty to manage medications, special health needs, and any unexpected illnesses or injuries. In addition, counselor staff are trained in wilderness first aid, and we have full-time licensed physical therapists on site.

Special Considerations Regarding Communicable Diseases

As a state licensed summer camp, we comply with the guidelines of Boulder County Public Health when addressing communicable illness contracted before or during camp. Children may not attend or remain at Camp if showing signs or symptoms of a communicable disease. When registering, parents will be provided with a complete communicable disease policy to review and sign off on.

MEDICATIONS

To protect children from reactions to unknown allergies and prevent overdoses, the State of Colorado has very strict medication administration guidelines. Medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, may ONLY be administered at camp according to those guidelines.

This means any medication sent to camp MUST be accompanied by a fully completed Camp Wojtyla Medication/Treatment Authorization form.

• This includes any over-the-counter vitamins or supplements and all prescription medications such as pills, topicals, EpiPens, and inhalers.

• The form must be signed by both a parent and the camper’s medical provider. We are not allowed to administer ANY medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, without both required signatures.

• If a child begins taking a new medication after the form has already been submitted to the registrar, the original form must be updated, initialed, and dated, or a new form can be completed in full, then submitted by email to medicalforms@camp-w.com.

All medications brought to camp must be turned in to the Camp Nurse at check-in and must meet specific guidelines that will be provided in our Medical Forms packet after registration.

Medications you do not need to send:

Unless required for daily use, there’s no need to send pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Tylenol), antihistamines (Benadryl, Zyrtec), gastrointestinal relief, sunburn relief, antibiotic ointments, hydrocortisone cream, fiber, cough drops. Camp stocks these over-the-counter medications listed for “as-needed” administration.

• These medications are listed on our Medication/Treatment Authorization form for your child’s healthcare provider to select and sign off on. The medications will NOT be given if permission to do so has not been indicated on the form. ‍ ‍

MEDICAL RECORDS

Per the guidelines set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Child Care Licensing, two physician-signed Camp-specific medical forms are required for every camper by March 15. These forms include:

• Camp Wojtyla Participant Medical Release

• Camp Wojtyla Medication/Treatment Authorization

Due to state regulations, we are unable to accept substitute forms.

Additionally, we must receive either a State of Colorado Certificate of Immunization or a Colorado Certificate of Nonmedical/Medical Exemption, as appropriate, by the same deadline. The CDPHE permits only specific alternate immunization forms which are included in the Camp Wojtyla Medical Forms packet.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Our administrative team and summer staff study the human and environmental components of risks and learn how to mitigate possible risks through compliance with policy, proper planning, and sound decision making.  We take them through classroom analysis of safety related topics such as lightning, severe weather, high alpine terrain, wildlife, medical scenarios, group dynamics and sound leadership as well as in action through long, rigorous high alpine summits, rock climbing at 10,000 feet for upwards of ten hours and hours of practicing wilderness scenarios. Staff are trained in wilderness first aid and Camp safety protocols that have been developed in collaboration with local authorities.

Medical Forms Packet Due March 15th

A fee of $25 will be assessed for missing or inaccurate forms on the dates below:

April 1 | May 1 | May 15 | June 1

To submit completed forms, follow the instructions for uploading in the Medical Forms Registration on your Registration Portal.

To add a new medication after the Medication/Treatment Authorization form has been submitted:

• Update the original form with new medications, the initial & date the changes.

• OR, complete all sections of a new form, including physician & parent signatures.

• Email us updates

Campers flying to and/or from Colorado should use Denver International Airport (DIA). Camp Wojtyla provides an airport shuttle to and from DIA only for families who request it during camper registration.

Requesting the Shuttle

Families may request shuttle service when completing the online camper registration. After our registrars have reviewed and accepted your camper’s registration, you will receive a link to complete the Airport Shuttle Reservation.

If you did not request the shuttle during registration but would like to add it later, please email us!

Fees & Deadlines

• Round-trip shuttle fee: $100 per camper

• One-way discounts are available on the payment page

• Shuttle reservations due:May 1

• Late reservations: A $50 late fee applies to reservations submitted after May 1

• All flight and travel details must be entered within the shuttle reservation (not by email)

• Reservations not completed by May 15 will become inaccessible

• Only campers with completed and paid shuttle reservations will be placed on the airport transportation list

More detailed guidelines are available in the Parent Handbook, and additional information—including your child’s assigned airport counselors—will be emailed 1–2 weeks before their session.

General Guidelines for Air Travel In/Out of DIA

1. Unaccompanied Minors (UAM)

Before purchasing airline tickets, determine whether your airline requires your child to fly as an Unaccompanied Minor (UAM).

If they do:

1. Email us first 

2. Our ability to provide UAM escort service is very limited and offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

3. If approved, a $150 UAM surcharge will be applied in addition to the standard shuttle fee.

4. UAM approval will be clearly noted in your shuttle reservation.

If your child is not approved for UAM service, we cannot guarantee gate pick-up and you will need to arrange other accommodations.

When possible, we recommend airlines with more flexible UAM policies, such as Southwest Airlines.

If Camp cannot accommodate UAM service, we suggest having an older friend or family member accompany your child.

2. Flight Scheduling Requirements

Please schedule your camper’s flights within these windows:

• Arrival: Land at DIA no later than 12:30 PM MT on the first day of the program

• Departure: Depart at 4:00 PM MT or later on the last day of the program

Flights outside these times may make your child ineligible for shuttle service. These windows ensure adequate staff availability, travel time, and that campers do not miss essential camp activities (opening day events and closing ceremonies).

If you’re having difficulty finding compatible flights, contact us at registrar@camp-w.com, and we will help troubleshoot.

3. Arrival Procedures

Campers flying independently will take the airport tram to baggage claim. A Camp Wojtyla staff member will meet them at the top of the baggage claim escalators, just after exiting airport security. Additional details are available in the parent handbook.

4. Gear, Baggage & Rentals

Please review airline guidelines when packing your camper’s gear. Items such as sleeping bags and backpacks may incur additional checked-bag fees. To reduce costs and simplify travel, families may rent gear through our online store.
Rental gear deadline: May 15

SAFETY

Our staff are highly trained—among the highest trained in the camp industry in fact! After a careful selection process (over 100 apply, and 30 are accepted) we bring them in for 3 weeks of extensive training. They spend rigorous days with child development experts and professional mountain guides learning the ins and outs of outdoor leadership, safety, and mentorship. We have extremely thorough risk management practices and believe the best way to treat an injury is to prevent it from happening. Each of our staff is certified in Wilderness First Aid and many of our staff are Wilderness First Responder certified. Staff are also VIRTUS certified and fully background checked through the state. We strive to follow and exceed state and industry standards!

FAITHFULNESS

Our staff come from all over the country and the globe. Many of our staff are involved in FOCUS , attend daily Mass, lead bible studies and are living faithful extraordinary lives on their college campus! Our staff are amazing role models and striving for excellence in every area of their lives. At Camp Wojtyla, every single staff member is fully devoted to the Magisterium and teachings of the Catholic Church. Our program is designed to help teens better understand the full richness of our Catholic Faith.

The excitement leading up to Camp is REAL! For this reason, we make our cool, Camp merchandise available from our online store through May 1st. Purchases made by this date will be shipped to your home before summer begins!

Rental Gear is also available through our online store! The gear rental store closes after May 15th to ensure all orders are placed prior to our store coordinators going “up mountain” for the summer. Please check out the items marked with an * on our packing lists for items available to rent.

Most nights at Camp Wojtyla, we open our famed mountain “Trading Post” (TP) and sell a variety of snacks and Camp merchandise.

• For campers attending a Basecamp program (Wilderness, Outpost, Alpine), the Trading Post is open on the first and last days of each camp session and most days in-between!

• Those participating in a Backpacking program will have access to the Trading Post on the first and last days of Camp only.

Trading Post Funds

We will accept cash or check on the first and last days of Camp, and credit card payment will be available when our mountain Wi-Fi is cooperating. While Camp is in full swing, campers may shop at the Trading Post using previously deposited Trading Post “TP” funds only.

All families are given the opportunity to fund each camper’s TP account when completing the payment page of the online camper registration. If you choose not to make a TP fund deposit during registration, you will have another opportunity to do so on the first day of Camp. Be prepared to pay via cash or check on the mountain. Credit and debit card payments may also be possible, but will depend on the availability of our sometimes fickle mountain Wi-Fi.

Trading Post Tips

• We recommend depositing between $15-$60, depending on the shopping freedom you’d like your camper to have.

• Trading Post deposits are non-refundable, so please ensure your child knows to spend all unused funds on the last day of Camp.

• Backpacker Alert: When deciding on funding amounts, keep in mind that backpackers will only have access to our Trading Post on check-in and departure days.

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