Frequently Asked Questions

Parent & Camper Questions

Q: Are campers supervised at all times or do they have fully independent activities?

A: Campers are under the supervision of the counselors at all times. During free times, campers have the freedom to do various activities, but staff are always monitoring the areas that are free to be used.

Q: How are campers educated on the rules of camp?

A: The rules and expectations of the campers is provided in their welcome packet after they register. High-level rules and expectations are discussed during camper orientation.

Q: Can I/we visit the camp before registration and have a tour?

A: Yes! If you would like to schedule a visit (by request only), please email the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Office: office@gosirc.org. Please note that visits are not allowed during Fanari Camping sessions.

Q: What should I pack for camp? 

A: A full packing list can be found in your welcome packet.

Q: Should I pack snacks/refreshments for my camper?

A: While snacks are not necessary, they are permitted. Keep in mind, Fanari Camp is nut free so snacks cannot have nuts, nor can they be made in a facility that processes nuts. For summer camp, campers receive a water bottle, so cases of water are not necessary.

Q: Does my child have to be Greek to come to camp?

A: No. Fanari Camping Ministries are for any Orthodox Christian interested in having an experience full of faith, fellowship, and fun.

Q: What accommodations does Fanari Camp make for campers with special needs, disabilities, or other individualized need?

A: Fanari does everything it can to accommodate the needs of all campers. If Fanari Camp is unable to meet the needs of the camper, we will work with campers, parents and/or guardians to find an appropriate camp and offer financial assistance if possible.

Staffing Questions

Q: What is the ratio of campers:counselors?

A: We use the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Youth Protection Policy recommendation (12:1) as a ‘floor’ benchmark for ratios, and have a minimum of 10:1 campers to counselors.  This calculation does not account for Leadership Team staff, clergy, and medical staff, which makes this ratio even smaller.

Q: What are the roles of the staff, counselors, and clergy?

A: We have five primary types of staff at camp each session:

  • Staff: other staff include the Leadership Team which executes the camp program & staffing, and staff of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center.

  • Medical Staff: we have at least one medical staff on camp at all time to oversee medication distribution, assess and relieve any injuries, and aide sick campers and staff.

  • 5W Counselors (Summer Camp only): 5W counselors are 8 hand hired counselors that serve all 5 sessions of Summer Camp. They are required to have more training hours before Summer Camp and to have more experience in camping and youth ministries.

  • Counselors: counselors serve one session and are assigned to a specific cabin, and are the primary level mentors, leaders, and safety insurers of the campers.

  • Clergy & Lay Leaders: clergy and lay leaders are present to hear confessions (clergy only), teach Orthodox Life, and lead Bible Study with the campers.  All of them are trained MDiv graduates. Additionally, they are present to build relationships with the campers, counselors, and staff during free time and devotionals.

Q: How old are the counselors?

A: Counselors are at least 18 years old and are approximately 22 years old on average each camping session. Keep in mind that this does not include the Leadership Team, which includes older and more experienced staff.

Q: What type of training do the counselors receive?

A: All counselors are required to do two things: (1) attend a training weekend before camp, which includes many aspect of training, including youth mental health red flags, youth protection, and conflict resolution, and (2) complete a background check and online youth protection module offered by Praesidium, Inc. 5W Counselors complete everything above, plus an additional weekend of in-person staff training.

Q: How is safety insured at waterfront activities?

A: We have two waterfront activities: boating on Friendship Lake and swimming in the pool. To ensure safety, a trained lifeguard is present at both locations when in use. In the boating area, the lifeguard has his/her own motorized boat for any emergencies. Each standard boat has a counselor in it to ensure that campers are wearing life vests (required) and are behaving in a safe manner. Additionally, a staff member of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center is also present during boating use to give counselors and campers waterfront orientation and to be sure that counselors are following the proper procedures. Finally, a buddy board system is used so that an account of who is in the water is constantly available (this board is used to do accounting for randomly called ‘buddy checks’ where all campers are accounted for). Both waterfronts are locked when not in use. 

Registration & Housing Questions

Q: How old do you have to be to register for camp?

A: Eligibility is based on camper grade, and 5th-12th graders are welcome to Fanari Camp as follows: campers in 5th grade can participate Fall, Winter, and Summer Camp. For Summer Camp, campers must have completed 5th grade. Campers are welcome join us through their senior year, ending with Winter Camp. 12th grade graduates move on to Lighthouse Camp as opposed to Fanari Camp.

Q: What is the price of camp?

A: You can find the price of camp in the respective session’s home page (visit ‘About Us’ and click the session you are inquiring about).

Q: What is the refund policy for Fanari Camp?

A: At all Fanari Camps (Summer, Fall, Winter), a full refund can be requested through the participant’s CampDoc account. Provided that the request is made at least 30 days before the session begins, a full refund will be granted. If the request is less than 30 days before the session begins, a refund can only be granted if there is a potential Wait List camper that can take the cancelled camper’s reservation.

Q: Do campers still get camper shirts?

A: At all Fanari Camps (Summer, Fall, Winter) campers shirts are included with registration. As always, camp merchandise is always available at the camp store.

Q: Are financial grants available?

A: Yes. Grants are available on a needs basis, and can be accessed here on our website in the “Grants” tab under “Apply”.

Q: Can campers sign up for more than one session?

A: Yes, and if the session has space, they will be registered, assuming that all campers who have not been registered for an initial week are registered.

Q: How does the Wait List work?

A: If your preferred session is full, you will have the option to sign up for the Wait List or choose to attend another open session. We will notify you within 45 days of registering if your camper is eligible to be promoted from the Wait List. We cannot tell you where you are on the Wait List, as campers are promoted from the wait list based on spaces available for each gender and grade range. 

Q: How are campers grouped for housing? 

A: Our campers are housed in “Cabins” which has them housed in one of two settings: (1) a bunk room with 7 bunk beds or (2) a hotel style room with up to 3 bunk beds. The Cabin is the age-based group campers rotate with in our different sessions each day. You may list up to 5 roommate requests in your online registration, which we do our best to accommodate within the structure of our program.

Q: Where do I direct my questions concerning registration?

A: We’re happy to assist you with any questions about your registration at office@fanari.camp. If you are having trouble navigating around your CampDoc account, their support staff can help you with any troubleshooting at 734-636-1000 or support@campdoc.com.

Q: How do Fanari Camp payments appear on my billing statement?

A: To avoid any credit card disputes or confusion, please, make note that payments made through CampDoc.com for Fanari Camp will display on your account statement as DOCNETWORK LLC.