1. Create a permanent record of every person who attends camp—staff as well as campers.
2. Provide information on persons to contact in the event of severe discipline problems or an emergency.
3. Provide necessary information on the persons attending camp such as their spiritual background, home church, and medical information.
4. Inform potential campers, parents, and staff of camp policies, items they will need to bring to camp, and other items of interest.
5. Obtain parental or guardian consent for the child to participate in the camping program. Some camps are expanding this consent to include a waiver of liability on the part of the church and its auxiliary organizations in the event of loss or harm incurred by the child. It should be noted, however, that these waivers, even when signed and notarized, generally do not protect the church in the event of negligence or criminal action. The camp is the custodian of the child and is serving in the place of the parent and can be held liable for mishandling that duty. (Note: the General Children's Camping office is not a legal firm and does not give legal advice. The above statements are for information purposes only, and questions should be directed to your legal counsel.)

1. Ask for a school photo. Most children have inexpensive photographs from school. Ask parents to attach a photo to the application. It would be invaluable if the child is lost or runs away.
2. Ask for a list of names of persons who are allowed to pick up the child in the event of an emergency. Inform parents that you will refuse to release the child to anyone whose name is not on the list. DonÕt let your camp be easy prey to kidnappers, who maybe family members or strangers masquerading as policemen or other officials.
3. Include a section for dietary restrictions. Many children have food allergies, or parents may wish to restrict their childÕs intake of sugar or others foods. Be sure this information is distributed to the kitchen crew, snack shack operators, and counselors.
4. Allow a space for parents to give specific instructions to the counselors. This gives them helpful information about their campers.
5. Include an explanation of your campÕs discipline policies on the application. Check your state regulations to ensure your policies comply with state laws.
6. Consider unifying applications for all camps and having them professionally printed. This would allow you to have the applications printed in self-duplicating sets of four copies. This provides a copy of the complete application for each of the following persons: parents, camp director, camp nurse or doctor, and the counselor. An alternative is to photocopy all applications as they are received.