WHAT TO BRING
The following is a list of recommended items for campers to bring to camp with them. Please make sure to label all your camper’s items, including clothing, to ensure that they take home all items that belong to them. Firwood is not responsible for items that may be lost or stolen during your camper’s week at Firwood.
Essentials
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Bible (we have extra Bibles if needed!)
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Pen/Pencil
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Journal
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Sleeping bag and pillow
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Towel
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Toiletries
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Flashlight and batteries
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Water bottle
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Sunscreen and bug repellent
Camp-Appropriate Clothes
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Activewear, layers, closed-toed shoes and sandals
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Rain jacket
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Modest swimwear
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Extra shoes and long pants (if playing paintball)
Optional:
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Sheet for mattress (36” x 75”)
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Plastic tote with sealed lid for any snacks
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Semi-formal outfit for a themed “fancy” dinner (MS and HS only)
WHAT not TO BRING
In order for us to provide the best experience possible during your camper’s week, we require that campers do not bring the following items with them to camp:
❌ Electronic devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches are not allowed during camp)
❌ Illegal drugs (including marijuana), alcohol, tobacco or electronic cigarettes, vapes
❌ Weapons (including pocket knives)
❌ Fireworks
❌ Explicit paraphernalia
❌ Valuable items that you do not want lost or stolen
We encourage sending goodies and notes to your camper. However, we will NOT be able to facilitate any mail (whether via USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Amazon), nor will we be able to take in-person deliveries mid-week.
To ensure all notes and packages are distributed, we ask that any “mail” items be DROPPED OFF ON CHECK-IN DAY. There will be a “mailbox” available at registration.
Care packages can include any items that adhere to the What Not To Bring list above. Snacks (that do not include nuts) are welcome.
If you send any food items, please ensure they arrive in a sealed, hard plastic container. (This will keep them safe from squirrels and other critters.)
Please mark camper mail with:
Example: Sally Smith (Wednesday)
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First AND last name
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Desired day for distribution
CAMPER MAIL & CARE PACKAGES
CHECK IN + CHECK OUT
PRE-ARRIVAL
To speed up the check-in process on Opening Day, please log into your Registration Portal to confirm the following:
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Click on “Continue Application” and select the session that your camper is attending.
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Confirm that there is no balance due. All balances must be paid prior to the start of the week.
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Make sure that all forms have been completed. This includes the medical form, which lists all prescribed AND over-the-counter medications. Please double check that all medications including any new prescriptions are on the list.
All medications MUST be in their original packaging with the camper’s name and dosage clearly marked.
OPENING DAY CHECK-IN PROCESS
Check-in will be from 3–5 PM at Camp Firwood.
1740 Lake Whatcom Blvd, Bellingham, WA 98229
Due to the high amount of traffic on Firwood road during Opening Day, we ask that you please drive 10 mph to accommodate incoming and outgoing cars and to protect families who may be walking on the road.
Carpooling is also highly recommended.
STEP 1: WELCOME
Meet our parking attendants at the gravel parking lot. They will help you park, show you where to take your belongings for luggage shuttle, and direct you to check in at the Center House.
STEP 2: CHECK IN
From the parking lot, you will walk to the Center House for check-in. Here you will receive your cabin assignment, turn in all medications to the health aide, pay any outstanding balances, and drop off mail or care packages for the week.
If your camper is bringing medication to camp or has any other medical concerns, please check in at the Health Aid Station to review the Medical Form, check in medications, and discuss allergies. Please note, all medications MUST be in their original packaging with the camper’s name and dosage clearly marked. We are unable to accept medication in weekly pill organizers, zipper bags, or other containers. Medications will be administered per the instructions on the bottle. We cannot make any exceptions without a signed doctor’s note explaining the dosage change.
If your camper would like to participate in paintball or the Craft Shop activity class during free time, sign-ups and payment are accepted through the Registration Portal. Online paintball sign-ups are limited to two sessions per week. If space remains, registrations for both activities will also be accepted at check-in. Paintball is $35 per 2-hour session (including equipment and instruction), and the Craft Shop activity class is $20.
STEP 3: MEET YOUR COUNSELOR
After you have completed the check-in process, head through the counselor tunnel! Your camper’s counselor will greet you and help you move into your cabin.
STEP 4: EXPLORE CAMP
Enjoy the property with your camper, get a tour from a staff member, and get some camp swag from the Honey Hut.
Each camper will be set up with a Honey Hut account upon registering for a week of camp. Campers may only purchase items at the Honey Hut through the account (which funds have been pre-loaded through the Registration Portal). We suggest adding funds to your camper’s account during online registration; however, you will have an opportunity to add funds during check-in. Opening Day Camper accounts can also be updated midweek through the Registration Portal.
PLEASE NOTE:
Campers are unable to use cash throughout the week. Their account must be pre-loaded.
CLOSING DAY – CAMPER PICKUP
At the end of each session, Pick-Up for campers will be at Camp Firwood.
1740 Lake Whatcom Blvd, Bellingham, WA 98229
Pick-up will take place between 9:00–10:00 AM on your camper's final day. To make pick-up as smooth and efficient as possible, each family will receive an assigned pick-up time within that hour. Your designated time will be emailed to you a few days before dismissal. Please check the camp schedule for your camper's pick-up day and watch for your email with your assigned arrival time.
STEP 1: park
Please park in the gravel parking lot and check in with the parking attendant. Make sure you have an ID with you!
STEP 2: CHECK out
Walk to the Centerhouse to check out your camper. Please be prepared to show ID.
PLEASE NOTE: Campers will ONLY be allowed to leave with individuals listed as their “Authorized Pick-up” list. This list can be found and edited in the Camper Registration Portal.
STEP 3: pick-up
Your camper’s counselor will bring your camper to meet you outside of the Centerhouse. Here you will pick up their belongings, review “Lost and Found” items, say goodbye to their counselor, and head back home to hear about their incredible week at camp!