Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: This FAQ is subject to change on a yearly basis

What is your program philosophy?

Our mission is to provide all Korean-American children the opportunity to explore their Korean-American identities, learn about their Korean heritage, and make friendships to last a lifetime. Our camp also provides an opportunity for campers to share their experiences with other campers and counselors who are able to encourage, support, and most importantly, empathize. This does not imply that we attempt to define or shape your child’s identity. Nor do we pretend to have the answers to all of their questions. We acknowledge each child as an individual who possesses unique and very personal life experiences as a Korean-American and/or adoptee. Each camper will be challenged to grow and encouraged to share, all while having fun.

What is the minimum age for a camper?

Minimum Age: 7 years old and/or entering 2nd grade.

How is the health of my child cared for?

We require detailed medical information for every camper, including physical health history, immunization records, and insurance information for every camper (please see registration info for details). A health screening is completed upon arrival at camp. A physical exam by licensed medical personnel is required within 24 months prior to camp attendance. A certified Health Director is on staff and Camp Westminster has a well-equipped health center that includes a dispensary and sick bay. Arrangements have also been made with physicians at the Northpoint Clinic in Roscommon, and Mercy Hospital in Grayling for consultation and emergency service. The State of Michigan requires camps to have the signed green form on file for each camper in camp. Any time a camper is referred for medical attention outside camp or is restricted from normal program participation for more than 24 hours, parents will be contacted and advised. Parents will be responsible for all costs incurred on behalf of the child for medical treatment and/or hospitalization, if any, resulting from any illness or for the deductible cost of an accident occurring while the child is attending Sae Jong Camp or traveling to and from camp. Accident insurance is carried by the camp for all campers and staff. Medications of any kind must be turned in when checking in at camp.

How are my child’s special needs handled?

If your child has special requirements, ask about provisions and facilities. We frequently work with campers with diabetes, ADD, epilepsy, and other needs or limiting conditions. We will work with you to determine the appropriateness of ways to enhance your child’s participation. The Parents’ Confidential Information Sheet (Form A) provides an opportunity for your child’s counselor to work most effectively with your youngster. Please share requested information and be assured that it is handled in strictest confidence and kept with your child’s records in the Director’s office.

How will my child get to camp?

Transportation is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian(s) of the camper(s).

Unfortunately we can no longer offer bus service to/from SJC. Ridership has declined over the past several years to the point that it is no longer cost-effective for us to charter a bus. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you are interested in car-pooling to/from camp, please contact us and we’ll try to help.

When should I plan to drop-off and pick-up my child?

Camper drop-off date & time:
Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Check-in between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM

Camper pick-up date & time:
Saturday, August 10, 2024.
Depart from camp by 1:00 PM

What should my child bring to camp?

The Camper Inventory of Personal Belongings list provides a guideline for clothing and equipment needed at camp. Do not bring expensive items to camp; this is a good place for older clothes. There is no electricity in the cabins, so do not bring blow dryers, curling irons, etc. Use the inventory list by sending it with the camper or packing it in with camper’s luggage to be used when packing to return home. No candy or food should be sent with campers. Healthful, nutritious meals are served three times a day. A limited amount of candy may be purchased each day at the store. All luggage will accompany the campers and must be brought at the time the camper comes to take the bus.  Label all belongings clearly!  If your child returns home missing items, please contact the Camp Director immediately. Lost and found items that are clearly labeled will be returned to Sae Jong Society for you to pick up.

Does my child need spending money?

Campers may spend up to $10.00 at the camp store (included in the camp fee). Each day after lunch, campers may purchase juice, candy, stamps, T-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. from the camp store. Unused store credit is not returned. Additionally, certain afternoon electives may have a small fee associated with them to cover the cost of camp crafts, model rockets, T-shirt design, etc. Therefore, you may authorize additional store credit with your payment if camper plans to spend more than $10.00 for any of the above items. We will bill you after camp for any additional store credit used.

What are your discipline/behavior policies?

Camp rules on proper behavior are reviewed with campers when they arrive at camp. Campers are not allowed to leave camp without the Camp Director’s permission and without proper staff supervision. Campers are expected to remain in their assigned groups, follow directions of supervising staff, and obey rules. Sae Jong Camp Staff are carefully trained to work with children in a trusting environment. It is assumed that campers who come to Sae Jong Camp are amenable to discipline and will conform to the ideals and regulations of our camping programs. Corporal punishment, denial of food at meals, isolation without supervision, ridicule by staff or campers, excessive exercise, or deprivation of sleep are each expressly prohibited as means of discipline in our camp. The Sae Jong Camp Committee however does reserve the right to dismiss any camper whose behavior or health might jeopardize self or others in the camp community. Any camper found in possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia, cigarettes, weapons, or pornographic materials may be dismissed from camp. Any camper dismissed from camp for disciplinary reasons will forfeit any refund of fees. During registration we require that parent and camper attest and agree to our camp’s code of conduct.

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common and natural when a person is separated from familiar environment. Our staff are taught how to help a child who gets homesick. Most affected campers get over their homesickness quickly. We do not allow campers to call home. However, in cases which are not quickly resolved, the Camp Director will be in touch with parents. Learning how to deal with their homesickness may very well be one of the most important experiences a child has while at camp. Parents can help by writing friendly and encouraging letters and not promising their camper that he/she can come home if they get homesick. In some situations, a parent may receive a letter that is upsetting. Please always feel free to call and speak with the Camp Director.

May I visit my child during camp?

Experience has shown that visits during camp can detract from the child’s experience and often will trigger homesickness in other campers. We ask that parents and friends not plan on visiting during camp.

We invite family and friends to visit on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Lunch will be provided for those families who have made reservations ($10 per person) during registration.

Visitors should plan to arrive after 9:30 AM and leave at 1:00 PM. We ask visitors not to bring pets. Directions and lodging information are at the end of this guide.

Should I send mail?

Yes. Please do send mail, including messages of support and encouragement. Because camp is short, you might want to send a letter a few days prior to your child’s departure to camp. These can then be delivered early in the week. Address mail:

Camper Name c/o Sae Jong Camp 116 Westminster Dr. Roscommon, MI 48653

May my child phone home?

Telephones are not available for camper use except in staff supervised business or emergency situations. If parents have important and urgent messages that require a telephone call, please phone us at (313) 725-4113
(please leave voice message if necessary) and your message will be given to your child at the next meal time. Please do not ask to speak to your child – a more lenient telephone policy can create an impossible situation for camp. In case of emergency, do not hesitate to call the Camp Director at any time at (313) 725-4113 or alternatively call Camp Westminster at (989) 821-9474.

What will my camper’s day be like?

Each morning, campers are group with their peers and rotate among Korean language, Korean Culture, and Korean-American/Adoptee Identity. Each afternoon, campers choose from an array of afternoon electives. These include activities such as archery, canoeing, camp crafts, ecology, fitness, model rocketry, sports, swimming, Tae Kwon Do, tennis, volleyball, and others.

The basic day is as follows:

• 7:15 AM Wake Up Bell
• 7:50 Waiter’s Bell
• 8:00 Breakfast
• 8:45 Capers
• 9:05 Morning Program 1
• 10:30 Morning Program 2
• 11:50 Music
• 12:30 PM Lunch/Store
• 2:00 PM Rest Hour
• 3:00 Afternoon Activity 1
• 4:00 Afternoon Activity 2
• 5:00 Free Swim/Free Time
• 5:50 Waiter’s Bell
• 6:00 Dinner
• 7:00 Evening Program
• 9:00 Junior Curfew
• 9:30 Intermediate Curfew
• 10:00 Senior Curfew

How are staff selected and supervised?

The Sae Jong Camp staff is a thoughtfully assembled group of Korean-American young adults. Many of the staff are former campers and all are dedicated to passing on the camp tradition that has been handed down by those that came before them. Each counselor is committed to providing a safe, valuable, and enjoyable camp experience for all campers. All Counselors and CITs have completed high school and are at least 18 years old.

All prospects complete a written application and are interviewed by the Camp Directors, when appropriate. A background check is done, including a police clearance.

The Camp Director is at camp during all camp sessions. Staff are observed and debriefed daily. Program and Activity Directors offer additional supervision and support. Parents are encouraged to report on their child’s camp experience.

What is the staff to camper ratio?

Staff to camper ratios are established according to each activity, however the overall camper to staff ratio is 5 to 1. Counselors are taught to keep campers within sight or sound at all times. Counselors regularly check on each camper’s health and happiness and respond as needed.

Where can I find accommodations nearby Camp Westminster?