Have a question about Elks Camp Grassick?
We are happy to help with any question you might have!
If you can't find the answer here, please reach us at
campgrassick@gmail.com or 701-327-4251.
Applications for all sessions can be found on our Apply Now page. Two different versions of the applications are available. Printable versions can be printed and filled out by hand. Those applications can be mailed to Elks Camp Grassick, PO Box F, Dawson, ND 58428. They can also be scanned and emailed to campgrassick@gmail.com.
There is also a virtual version of each application that can be filled out online and submitted directly to Camp Grassick.
Please note that there are different sections of applications to be filled out by parents/guardians, teachers, therapists, etc. Please consult the checklist for each session to make sure you are submitting everything you need!
No child is ever denied admittance to Camp Grassick based on financial status. Parents are asked to pay whatever portion of the camp fee they are able. Payments can also be made on the fee. Thanks to generous donors, sponsorships are available to cover part or all of a camper's fee.
Sometimes community organizations or special education units will help to cover the cost of the camp fee. Please consider reaching out to organizations in your community to sponsor a camper. A sample letter to organizations can be found here. This is just an example. Please personalize the letter and rewrite or change it as necessary. There is no need to send this letter to Camp Grassick, simply fill out the Fee Agreement found within the application.
Anyone can refer a camper to Elks Camp Grassick. Many times a teacher or therapist may refer a child. Campers may also be referred by a doctor, another medical professional or even a friend who is familiar with Camp Grassick. A parent may also apply to camp for their child and a referral from a professional is not necessary.
When applying to Camp Grassick, a medical form/health history form must be completed by each applicant. This is to be completed by the parent/guardian and submitted with the application. A health physical, completed by a doctor, is also required for each camper. The physical may be done and submitted with the application. However, campers/families may also choose to wait to get the physical until after the camper is accepted to Camp Grassick. This is fine. Forms completed by the doctor at the physical can be sent to camp later or brought with at check in.
3 Week Therapy Camps: ages 7- 18 (or high school graduation)
2 Week Camp: ages 7 - 18
Companion Camp: ages 7-16
Anne Carlsen Techno Camp ages: 14-21
Adult Camp ages: 21+
*The age requirements are somewhat negotiable depending on circumstances. Don't hesitate to reach out to us and ask any specific questions about age!*
It is perfectly normal to feel worried and anxious about going to camp, even if you have been to camp before! On the first night or two you can expect a little bit of homesickness. Campers will be welcomed right away and will learn the schedule quickly. They will be so busy, that it will be hard to do anything but have fun.
However, if campers don't feel okay, they can always talk to their counselors at any time, go to an older camper to get some advice, or discuss it with any staff member or the camp director, and call home for some extra love. Everyone will be there to support and take care of them. We sometimes discourage phone calls in the first couple of days because it makes some campers' homesickness worse, but don't worry, your camper can always call home if they need to.
Campers do not use the phone or send e-mails via computer during the day. Correspondence with parents at camp is done in the office during appropriate free
times. Campers are also encouraged to send "snail mail" to family members. During "rest hour", our campers are encouraged to get some shut eye, but if they're not able
to, this can also be an appropriate time for tech-time, according to their cabin rules.
All phones brought to camp will need to be left in the office at check in and can be used to call home throughout the week. This is for everyone's safety and security. If you feel better keeping electronic devices at home, campers can call home from the office phone. (*Camp Grassick is not responsible for lost or damaged electronics or other items)
Laundry will be done during the 2 and 3 week camps, once a week, so pack accordingly.
-Enough clothing for changing weather conditions - pants, sweatshirts, shorts, etc.
-Clothes should be comfortable "play clothes". Campers may want to bring a couple dressy outfits for dances and the final banquet.
-Tennis shoes for recreation
-Flip flops or sandals for waterfront
-A light jacket or rain jacket
-Swimsuit(s) or swim trunks
-Shower and hygiene products - shampoo, soap, toothbrush/paste, comb, hair products, deodorant, etc.
-Camp provides sheets, blankets and towels - if campers bring their own towels, make sure they are well marked.
-A special blanket or pillow if it helps with sleep (all bedding and pillows are provided)
-Sunscreen and bug spray
-An act for the talent show (for example, bring an instrument if you play one)
-Camera (disposable work well)
-Stamps or pre-addressed letters for writing home
*NOTE: Cell phones will be kept in the camp office and can be used at appropriate times. Campers will not be allowed to keep phones in their cabins.
Groups of volunteers (scouts, church groups, business groups) are welcome in the spring to assist preparing the campgrounds for the summer sessions, and in the fall helping with building repairs, etc., but any volunteer labor needs to be coordinated well in advance through the Camp Director.
We do not usually use volunteers during the camping sessions. Camp staff undergo several days of orientation and training before campers arrive. Resources are not available to provide volunteers with similar preparation.
Camp staff must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants need to be in good health (must be able to handle the physical, mental and emotional demands of working with children and adults of all ages and abilities) and able to lift at least 50 pounds. Applicants must be mature, responsible and dependable. Camp staff MUST be available for the entire summer and be able to work all sessions including staff orientation. (Typically, camp sessions run from just after Memorial Day in late May until mid-August) Most staff members are also required to live on camp throughout their employment.