FAQ

We know that choosing a camp can be a long and intense process filled with questions from both parents and prospective campers. Below, you will find some of the answers to our most commonly asked questions. Take a look and see if these answer some of yours! Remember, we are more than happy to answer your questions via phone at 1-800-242-1909 or via email at home@lincoln-lakehubert.com .

• Where are Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert?
• What is the weather like in Minnesota during the summertime?
• How far apart are the camps from one another?
• Who owns the camp?  Is your camp affiliated with any organization?
• What is the best age to come to camp?
• With so many activities available, how do campers choose what to experience?
• Does the camp have any religious affiliation?
• What kind of housing does the camp have?
• How is the food at camp?
• How are counselors selected and what qualifications do they have?
• What if my child requires medical attention?
• Do you have any space left in your sessions?
• How do I register my child for camp?
• We have a family who may be interested in coming to camp with our child. Can you send them a packet?
• We have registered for camp and received the forms that you need us to fill out. However, we have lost our forms! Can you send us new ones?
• I need to cancel my camper from camp. What do I need to do? Will I get a refund?
• I received my billing statement. What is the charge for Miscellaneous Expenditures?
• If we are traveling from out of state, how do we get there? Where do we fly into? Do you use a travel agent? 
• Do you meet campers at the gate?
• Do campers get their own luggage at the airport?
• Can we tour the camps?
• Do you accommodate vegetarian campers at camp?
• What type of communication do we have with our son/daughter during the camp session?
• Do you honor cabin mate requests as my son/daughter is coming to camp knowing friends or family?
• What is the Electronics Policy at Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert?
• What is your Camper Package Policy?
• What type of correspondence/communications can I expect from the camp staff during my child’s session?
• Do you provide laundry service for campers?
• How often do you update photos on your website?

Q: Where are Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert ?

A: Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert are located in Minnesota’s legendary Northwoods and lake country, about 140 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul and about 10 miles north of Brainerd. The camps are on spring-fed Lake Hubert, across the lake from each other. Click here for a map!

Q: What is the weather like in Minnesota during the summertime?

A: Throughout the summer, Northern Minnesota enjoys moderate temperatures with averages ranging from the mid-70s to the mid 80s. Occasional rain showers ensure lush green forests and athletic fields while the regular warm sun-filled skies provide the perfect setting for a dip in the lake. Even the early summer month of June provides plenty of bright sunny days for activities of all sorts, whether on the athletic field and or at the waterfront.

Q: How far apart are the camps from one another?

A: Camp Lincoln & Camp Lake Hubert are across the lake from each other, about a mile by boat and 1.5 miles by road. They both sit on spring-fed Lake Hubert. On a sunny day, you can see both camps sailing at the same time out on the lake!

Q: Who owns your camp?  Is your camp affiliated with any organization?

A: The camps are owned by the Cote Family. Brownie Cote purchased the camps in 1923 and they have been in the Cote Family ever since. Sam Cote, Brownie’s son, joined the camps in the late 1960s. His son, Ruggs, began full time in 1997 and now serves as the Executive Director. We are a privately owned, independent camp, accredited by the American Camp Association.

Q: What is the best age to come to camp?

A: The best age for a child to begin camping is when one is “ready.” Some are ready at age seven, while others are ready a little later in childhood. We have new campers in all age ranges, so it is never too late to experience a great camping experience.

Q: With so many activities available, how do campers choose what to experience?

A: Activities are chosen individually. Campers choose up to four activities a day and participate in those activities for three days, then choose again for the next three days, etc. An evening activity either is done by the cabin group or as the entire community.

Q: Does the camp have any religious affiliation?

A: We have campers of many different faiths and beliefs.  In keeping with the traditions that were set in place back in 1909, it is important to note that at camp we do sing grace before all of our meals, and every Sunday we do have a Camp Chapel Service.  The services are non-sectarian and focus on camp values and a common spirituality. Catholics may attend mass at a local parish. We ask parents to discuss the camp philosophy on spirituality before they come to camp.

Q: What kind of housing does the camp have?

A: Campers live in unique, log-style cabins. There are three or four bedrooms (called “chalets”) in each cabin, a large central gathering room with fireplace and a bathroom right in the cabin. Six to eight campers live in a bedroom and up to five staff live in the cabin and provide the care and attention for each cabin group.

Q: How is the food at camp?

A: We are well aware of the stereotypical “camp food” portrayed in movies and that is why we do everything we can to make sure that meals at camp not only taste great, but are nutritious too! All meals are prepared by our food service staff and are served family style in the dining hall where campers sit at tables with their respective cabins. Along with lots of food variety, we offer a salad bar for the noon and evening meal, as well as a limited vegetarian option, if requested.

Q: How are counselors selected and what qualifications do they have?

A: Our tradition of excellence largely lies in the hands of our dedicated seasonal staff. We are extremely intentional in our hiring process, offering positions to only those truly committed to the being a teacher, counselor, mentor, protector and friend to our campers. To that end, our prospective staff members go through extensive interviews, background checks and an intense ten-day training session before joining our team. All staff members are CPR and First Aid Certified. Our counselors and directors are college graduates or, at minimum, are attending a college or university. Many of our staff were once campers themselves and come back to share their skills and experiences with new generations of campers.

Q: What if my child requires medical attention?

A: Each camp has a complete health center, with two health staff who handle the day to day services and needs. A doctor (MD) is in residence at camp and serves both camps, and a major hospital is just 12 miles away, if needed.

Q: Do you have any space left in your sessions?

A: You can certainly check out our space availability online by, clicking here ! Before calling our office it is best to have the following information available: 1. The gender of your child; 2. What grade they are currently enrolled in school; 3. How long you would like to have them go to camp. This information is helpful for us to provide you fast service in locating the best session for you.

Q: How do I register my child for camp?

A: Our registration process is simple and fast. You can apply by doing one of the following:

1.  Register online by clicking here.

2.  Download our application (click here for the current camp application), fill it out and mail it into our office with your deposit information

3.  Download our application (see link for application above), fill it out and fax it with your deposit information to 952-922-7149.

4.  Call our office and we can take care of your enrollment over the phone at 800-242-1909. By enrolling over the phone, a credit card is needed to secure the space.

Q: We know a family who may be interested in learning more about Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert. Can you send them a packet?

A: Absolutely! Click here to send us an e-mail with their name, address, phone number and the names and ages of your children. We will send out a packet which includes all of our current information. Thank you.

Q: We have registered for camp and received the forms that you need us to fill out. However, we have lost our forms! Can you send us new ones?

A: Yes, but you can also download them from our website. Click here to view our current camp forms and download them. Please note: these forms are to be filled out by families who have received confirmation that their enrollment has been processed. Families on the waiting list or simply inquiring about camp do not have to complete these forms.

Q: I need to cancel my camper from camp. What do I need to do? Will I get a refund?

A: Though we would love to have your child with us this summer, we understand that sometimes plans do change.   If this should be the case, please contact our office right away. Refunds are based on many factors including the date of registration as well as the date that you cancel. Our cancellation policy states that applications may be cancelled with a full refund of deposit within two weeks from the date of enrollment. After that date and prior to February 1st, a $250 cancellation fee will be retained. From February 1st and prior to May 1st a $500 cancellation fee will be retained. Applications cancelled from May 1st and 30 days prior to the session starting will forfeit 50% of the camp tuition fee. Cancellations within 30 days of the start of the selected session will forfeit 100% of the camp tuition fee. No reduction of fee is made for late arrival, early departure or dismissal.

Q: I received my billing statement. What is the charge for Miscellaneous Expenditures?

A: Camp charges an extra fee for Miscellaneous Camp Expenditures. This fee ($150 to $300 depending on the length of stay at camp) is required and should be looked at like a “Camp Bank Account” for your camper when they are with us. Items charged against this account, when applicable, include: camp store purchases, trips (local & special), charter bus to and from Minneapolis, laundry, yearbook, bedding, prescriptions, etc. Only those items actually used or items purchased will be charged and any balance remaining will be refunded or billed in September. You will receive a detailed statement outlining the charges to your child’s expenditure account.

Q: If we are traveling from out of state, how do we get there?   Where do we fly into? Do you use a travel agent?

A: Transportation to camp is easy and convenient.

When flying to camp, we suggest using the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. This airport allows for the most flexibility of flight options. Delta Airlines has a major hub in Minneapolis and we have a wonderful working relationship with them. Some of our sessions (such as the tennis, golf and family sessions) may require one to fly into the Brainerd Regional Airport, where Masaba Airlines (a subsidiary of Delta Airlines) flies into a few times a day. To make flight arrangements, please contact our travel agent, Travel One at 800-245-1111 and ask to speak to Cyndie or Donna. They will be more than happy to help you with your travel arrangements.

Do you meet campers at the gate?

On Arrival Day at least one member of our staff will meet all campers at their flight’s arrival gate. Once they are all accounted for, we escort them to our waiting area where they are then placed on a chaperoned charter bus that takes them to camp.

Do campers pick up their own luggage at the airport?

No need to have your camper worry about their luggage! We will pick that up for them! Please use the blue luggage tags (sent to registered camp families starting in late February) so that we can collect them quickly. At the end of each session, we once again provide chaperoned bus service to the airport where our staff escort the campers to their departure gate and remain with them until they are escorted on the plane.

Q: Can we tour the camps?

A: Absolutely! During the summer months, we are more than happy to offer camp tours to prospective camp families. In fact, it provides a perfect opportunity for you and your child to get a firsthand look at the camps in operation. You can schedule a tour by contacting our summer office at 800-242-1909. Tour Times are from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and from 2:30-3:30 p.m. most days of the week during our summer months.

Q: Do you accommodate vegetarian campers at camp?

A: Yes, we do offer a vegetarian option at each meal depending on the campers’ specific requirements. Special medical food needs or concerns including food allergies (e.g. gluten or lactose intolerant or nuts) & preferences (e.g. vegetarian) should, however, be brought to our attention prior to the summer, enabling us to plan for your campers’ dietary needs before they arrive.

Q: What type of communication do we have with our son/daughter during the camp session?

A: Phone Calls – Once your child has arrived at camp, they will place a phone call home to tell you that they have arrived safely and where they will be living while they are at camp. If you are not available, they will leave a message. Other than to call you when they arrive at camp, we do not allow campers to use the telephone or to call home except in case of emergency.

Should you wish first hand information about your child, we encourage you to call the camp office and we will be happy to take a message and have your camper’s staff return the call usually after the next meal. If your camper’s staff member is unavailable, a member of the leadership team will contact you.

“Snail-Mail” – Letters are very important! Please send cheerful letters with a focus on camp, not on what they are missing at home. So that they will have mail waiting for them when they arrive, please write a letter to your child before they leave home at the address below minus the cabin name, which will be known after arrival. Please write your child at least two or three times a week!

Faxes – Faxes are delivered with the regular mail usually the next day. Please remember to put your camper’s first & last name as well as their cabin on each page.

One-Way E-mails – It is easy and best to send campers emails via our online service. Please visit our web site and click “Camper Photos and Email”. Follow the link to the appropriate camp and make sure you have registered. Registration is free and once completed, you will be able to view photos of camp and send “Bunk Notes” (emails) to your camper by following the appropriate link! Bunk Notes are delivered with mail (with the exception of Sunday). Campers will NOT be able to send an email while at camp.

Q: Do you honor cabin mate requests as my son/daughter is coming to camp knowing friends or family?

A: One cabinmate request can be made on the enclosed Contact Form. We will do our best to honor one cabinmate choice, if on a mutual basis (both children request each other). Cabin placements are finalized just prior to your child’s arrival to camp and will not be announced until arrival at camp.

We recognize that one important part of camp is making new friends. With this in mind, we suggest friends from home (who want to be together) be in the same cabin, but in different chalets (sleeping rooms).

We will make every effort to honor all mutual requests if received at least 2 weeks prior to the beginning of your child’s camp session. Please help us honor your request by getting requests to us on time and early. Occasionally requests are made which, when considered in light of the circumstances, are not in the best interest of the camper or camp. If this should occur, we may contact you to discuss alternatives.

Q: What is your electronics policy at Camp Lincoln and Lake Hubert?

A: In a continued effort to maintain a more “unplugged” atmosphere, camp is a place to play outdoors and connect with fellow campers and staff. Therefore, we don’t recommend that electronic devices be brought to camp. They tend to be expensive and fragile and bringing valuable items is done at your own risk. Camp is not responsible if they become lost, stolen or damaged. Certain electronic devices are prohibited. Electronic games and devices capable of the following are prohibited:

• viewing or storing videos
• communicating via the internet
• operating as a cell phone, or connecting to cell towers

These devices can be brought to camp for use during travel, but will be placed in the camper’s valuable envelope while they are at camp.

Please Note: E-readers are included in the prohibited electronics category, and will be collected and stored along with other electronics upon arrival. CD/MP3 Players/iPods (non-video models), if brought to camp, are restricted to cabin use only.

Q: What is your Camper Package Policy?

A: In an effort to continue to build a strong cabin community, we ask that you not send care packages of any kind. Letters, faxes and e-mails are the best way to let your campers know that you are thinking of them while they are at camp. Please discuss this policy with your child as well as their friends and other relatives prior to camp. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Q: What type of correspondence/ communications can I expect from the camp staff during my child’s session?

A: Your child will be encouraged to write home at least twice a week. Parents of our two, three & four week campers will receive a “How’s Your Camper Adjusting” E-mail several days after your camper arrives, and a final letter after the end of camp. Parents of three & four week campers will also receive a mid-session “update” letter. If you feel it necessary to call camp, a message will be taken and a staff member will call you back after the next meal.

Q: Do you provide laundry service for campers?

A: Laundry is done once for Three Week Campers and two times for Four Week Campers. Laundry is not provided for the Intro, Two Week or Coed Campers except in an emergency. Please pack accordingly for the time that your camper is with us.

Please mark your child’s name (not their initials) on each piece of clothing as well as on each laundry bag. A local service does our camper laundry and the fee for this service is charged to the camper’s account each time laundry is done.

Q: How often do you update photos on your website

A: We have partnered with Bunk1′s secure, easy to use, summer website service to help you experience all the fun of camp by browsing through camp photos which are uploaded daily from Monday – Friday. The goal of posting photos online is to enable you to see the weekly events that take place, but due to the large number of children that do attend camp, you should not expect to see pictures of every child at camp, but rather of every activity throughout the summer.