Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to be Catholic to participate?  We welcome people of all faith traditions as both campers and counselors.

2. How much does Camp cost?  We have an entire page dedicated to the cost of camp.

3. Do I need to send my child with money to camp beyond the tuition fee?  All lodging, meals, and snacks are included.  No money is needed throughout the week.

4. What should my child bring to Camp?  We have an entire page dedicated to what to pack for your child. 

5. Should I bring snacks and drinks to Camp?  Snacks and drinks are provided at no cost throughout the week, however we have found that having snacks and drinks in the cabin areas can attract animals and rodents. If you choose to bring snacks, we require that they are kept in a metal container with a secure lid.

6. Are cell phones and other electronics allowed at Camp?  Cell phones are not allowed for campers.  They detract from the purpose of camp, and they can easily be damaged or lost in our rustic campsite.  From a practical viewpoint, the cell phone coverage in Kings Mountain State Park is very poor. Counselors are only permitted to use phones on their breaks or in the mess hall after counselor evening meetings, but do so at their own risk.

7. How can I contact someone during the week of Camp in an emergency?  Our campsite – Camp York – does not have telephone service.  For emergencies, contact the Park Ranger at Kings Mountain State Park. The Park Ranger will deliver only emergency messages.  

8. How can I send letters and care packages to Camp?  Mail Call is one of the most exciting parts of our daily routine. We recommend sending mail no later than Wednesday so that it arrives before the end of the Camp week.

The mailing address for Camp York is:

(Insert Name)

Children of Mary Religion Camp

c/o Camp York

2229 Camp York Rd

Blacksburg, SC 29702 

9. Can my kids be in the same cabin?  We have separate boy's and girl's cabin areas, and campers are placed into individual cabins by age. On a case-by-case basis, we will consider requests for campers of the same age to be placed into the same cabin.  You can indicate another prospective camper that your camper would like to bunk with on your application form. This is not guaranteed but we will do our best to accommodate these requests where possible.

10. Do you pay counselors and staff?  All counselors and staff serve as volunteers.  Find out more information about becoming a counselor. 

11. Do you offer service hours to counselors who need them to meet school or parish requirements?  We offer credit for up to 140 service hours for counselors who actively participate throughout the week of Camp. 

12. Is Children of Mary Camp part of the Rock Hill Oratory or the Diocese of Charleston?  Children of Mary Camp is an independent charitable organization that is affiliated with the Diocese of Charleston.  It is no longer sponsored by the Rock Hill Oratory, although we graciously receive priestly support from the Oratorians.

13. How can I support Camp?  We welcome any support that you can provide.  Donations of food, cleaning supplies, office supplies, scholarship funding, and religious materials are always needed.  Gifts of time and money are also helpful.  If you shop on Amazon, check out our wish list! Of course, the most important way to support our mission is to pray that we have a safe and successful week! 

14. Are my donations tax deductible?  The Children of Mary Camp is a not-for-profit, charitable organization formed under Section 501(c)3 of the US Internal Revenue Code.  Donations to Camp are tax deductible as charitable contributions for US federal income tax purposes.  Please consult your tax adviser for specific guidance on deductibility of donations.