What do they pack?
Our packing list covers everything. Three things parents miss most: trunks can be no taller than 15 inches, shower shoes are required, and tennis shoes are recommended for all non-water activities.
New to Brookhill
First-Time Family Guide
Sending your kid to camp for the first time comes with a lot of questions. Here are straight answers to the ones we hear most, in the order you'll need them.
Want the whole picture in one place?
Download the 2027 Brookhill Guide (PDF)The big four
Can they call home?
Campers don't have phones, iPads or tablets, smart watches, or cameras at camp, and that's part of what makes Brookhill unique. If this is your camper's first time, you can sign up for a Camp Mom check-up. They look after every camper and assist with first time and homesick campers, forgotten items and gift cards. They make complimentary video messages that are sent to the guardians of first time campers, who sign up for a first time over night camper checkup. This service cannot be facilitated for campers who have already attended. Sign up for your camper check-up here. For emergencies, call the office at (501) 623-5983 and we'll get a message to your camper.
What if they get homesick?
That's exactly what our Camp Moms are for. They're all-summer Red T-Shirts whose whole job is looking after first-time campers, homesick campers, and forgotten items. You can meet them in the Hangout area at Monday check-in.
Who's looking after them?
Every Red T-Shirt member is a former Brookhill camper who understands the heart behind our mission. All Red T-Shirts pass state and federal background checks. Our all-summer Red T-Shirts also complete an extensive interview process, Child Protection Plan training, and an intensive training and must abide by the Red T-Shirt Handbook. Every camp session has a designated medical professional that assists our first aid team and stays on campus to be available 24 hours a day while camp is in session.
Before camp
Watch for your pre-camp email.
It arrives about three weeks before your session and includes the link to sign up for a Camp Mom phone call and the link to set who is authorized to pick up your camper.
Cabins are family style.
We do cabins family style, meaning siblings of different ages stay together and there's no separation by grade. Every camper gets the chance to walk in leadership in their own cabin. We lead, we don't compete.
Coming with friends? Set up a Friend Group.
Friend Groups are how we place friends in the same cabin. One parent creates the group in their iCamp account under the Friend Groups tab and invites the others, who each accept the invite. A group holds up to six campers. For a bigger group, make smaller groups and email info@brookhillranch.com asking us to combine them. Friend Groups affect cabins only, not activities.
Spending money.
We recommend $70 to $100 per camper for a one-week session. Concessions are open at lunch, canteen, and dinner, and merch is sold during canteen. The easiest way to pay is a Brookhill gift card. It never expires, can be reloaded anytime from anywhere, and is handed to you by our Camp Moms at Monday check-in.
Check-in day
One-week sessions check in on Monday. You'll find out your camper's cabin when you arrive. Families with campers in different check-in groups who ride together can check in together. You'll receive a QR code for viewing your camper's photos during the week. We aren't able to offer early drop-off, since our team is getting camp ready.
During the week
Cabins and shower houses.
Cabins are rustic, with wooden bunk beds, and every cabin is air conditioned. Shower houses are separate from the cabins, with private showers and toilets, which is why shower shoes are required.
Meals.
Three meals a day with two options at each, plus a gluten- and dairy-free alternative. We are unable to accommodate a full gluten allergy (ex: celiac disease), and can't guarantee zero cross-contamination. Please email firstaid@brookhillranch.com to coordinate food drop-off for campers with food allergies.
Photos.
We post photos throughout the week on SmugMug, where you can view and purchase them.
https://brookhill.smugmug.com/Mail.
Letters and packages are welcome. Address them to: [Camper Name], 431 Brooks Lane, Hot Springs, AR 71909.
Laundry.
There are no washing machines for campers, so pack enough for the full session. If clothes or bedding need special attention, our staff handle it carefully and discreetly.
If your camper gets sick.
Every camp session has a designated medical professional that assists our first aid team and stays on campus to be available 24 hours a day while camp is in session. If your camper needs advanced medical care, we'll call the guardians and emergency contact on your camper's form, in order, until we reach someone.
Pick-up day
One-week sessions end Saturday. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. for ID check. Only vehicles with an authorized pick-up person are allowed through the gate. Authorized pick up persons can be listed in the camper's "overnight camper information" form on Icamp. Changes can only be made by updating that form. Guardians needing assistance can call the office at (501) 623-5983. If you need to pick up earlier in the week, call or email the office and we'll coordinate it.