Frequently Asked Questions

What are the registration and pickup times for camp?

Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. on the first day of camp.

Pick up your camper at 10:00 a.m. on the last day of camp.

For more information on camp start times and pickup, visit the camp’s page.

How do I register for camp?

For more instructions and guidance on registration, visit our Register page.

What is Camp Cowen’s cell phone policy?

For the protection of campers, their time, and their property, the WV Baptist Camp at Cowen holds a “no cell phone” policy for campers.  The staff at camp seek to curate an environment where campers and counselors alike can focus their time and attention on God and leave the temptations of the world outside the gate for the week.  Cell phones can act as a great temptation and distraction, hindering the campers’ ability to establish and build relationships with God, peers, and counselors.

Further, we need to eliminate the possibility of inappropriate pictures being taken, shared, or stored on devices during their time at camp by not having phones at camp.  This policy also helps protect the investment families have made by avoiding the possibility of them being stolen or damaged while at camp.

What should campers bring with them?

When packing, it is important to remember campers will be splitting their time between indoor worship sessions and outdoor games and activities. The temperature at Cowen tends to be cool in the evenings and hot in the afternoons, so pack accordingly!

Camp Cowen does not allow weapons, alcohol, tobacco products, cell phones, or unchecked medications.

For the full list of what you should and should not bring, see our full packing list.

What do I do if I need to reach my child while they’re at camp?

If there is an emergency, you can contact your child by calling the camp directly at 304-226-3522.  The staff member who answers the phone will know where your child is and be able to retrieve them so you may speak directly with them.

What if my child needs to reach me while they’re at camp?

If there is an emergency, we will contact you directly and you may speak to your child then.

What do I do if I need to pick up my child before the end of camp?

If something comes up and you need to pick up your camper unexpectedly during the camp week, please call the office to let them know what is going on and when you expect to arrive at camp to pick up your camper. 

When you arrive at camp, report to the office immediately to notify the director or registrar of your arrival.  For the safety of the campers and as a courtesy to counselors, you must report to the office before you pick up your child.  The office staff will help you through the proper process of signing your camper out and locating where they most likely will be during the scheduled camp day.

What would help with the registration process when I bring my camper to camp?

Registering before camp:
​Bring the confirmation you receive in the mail or email.  This will be a hard copy of everything you have already sent in, what your camper still owes for their stay, and if they already have their health form notarized and turned in.  If the full payment for your camper has not been paid, please have that amount ready as well as the health form (if that was not turned in along with the registration form).  Any prescriptions must be in their original bottles along with further directions written out for the camp nurse.

​Registering at camp (walk-ins):
​Call ahead to be sure there is still room in the camp.  When you plan to register at camp, you will need to come with a registration and health form filled out and the full payment for the camp.  In addition to this paperwork and the appropriate payment, please have any medications ready to be given to the camp nurse.

How does housing work?

Campers will be assigned to their cabins at the time of registration.  The general rule is to have no more than three campers per church in one cabin.  This helps cultivate new relationships between campers from different churches throughout the camp experience.

You cannot reserve a cabin before registration.

My camper has a food allergy.  What do I need to know before sending them to camp?

Food allergies are common, but please let us know prior to registration of any allergies your child has.  Though we will try, we cannot guarantee the safety of your child in regards to food allergies.  We make note of the allergies when preparing the food; however, some campers may bring snacks from home that contain allergens.  Items such as Benadryl or Epi-Pens can be left with the camp nurse so we can best handle any situation.  The more information given on the health forms, the better we can help your camper to have a positive experience at camp. 

My camper is a picky eater.  What if they don’t like the food at camp?

Meals at camp are served family-style—each table will have the main course, sides, desserts, and drinks readily available to pass around.  Aside from what is on the tables, campers have a salad bar option where items to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich are available along with different fruits (for lunch and dinner).  At breakfast, they have options for hot or cold cereal.  Beyond that, campers can put money in the camp store at the beginning of the week so they can get a snack when the store is open (generally in the afternoon or evening free times though this may vary from camp to camp).

What are Camp Cowen’s COVID-19 protocols?

For 2022, Camp Cowen has returned to normal camp attendance and cabin ratios.

We continue to stay up-to-date with state and local guidance in regard to screening, contact tracing, and other preventative measures. At present, masks and proof of vaccination are not required to attend. Our health form asks about vaccination status, but this does not affect your camper’s likelihood of getting a spot at camp.

People who are COVID-positive or showing symptoms will not be permitted to attend camp.