General Policies
Sabbath – Big Lake is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. Our staff and many of our groups are also Adventists and observe a Sabbath, or day of rest, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. While some groups recharge and retreat through quiet time spent with friends and family, and others love exuberant outdoor activity, all groups coming to Big Lake are asked to take into consideration the other groups on campus during their stay.
Background checks – When a user group contains minors unaccompanied by said minor’s parent or legal guardian, said user groups must screen supervisors and volunteers via a background check. All supervisors must be over the age of 18.
Suggested supervision ratios:
5 and Under: 1 adult to 5 minors
6 to 8 y/o: 1 adult to 6 minors
9 to 14 y/o: 1 adult to 8 minors
Consent Forms – User groups are responsible for requiring unaccompanied minors to obtain a permission for supervision and medial consent waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Environment – Working in conjunction with the Forest Service, Big Lake prohibits the removal of historical artifacts, rocks, sand, trees, wood, and other natural materials or any action that may result in the damage of our natural environment.
Curfew – Big Lake guests are expected to observe the 10 pm noise curfew placed on the forest by the McKenzie River Ranger District
Departure – Group departure times will be scheduled by one of the camp rangers after arrival on campus. Groups are expected to have to flexible departure times. There are no confirmed departure times. Specific departure times can not be guaranteed.
Prohibited Items - The use and/or possession of alcohol, tobacco of any kind, illicit drugs, and firearms are prohibited while on campus.
Automobiles (vehicles) – When it is possible to drive into camp, vehicles are expected to abide by posted speed limits both on forest and camp roads. Vehicles are not to drive through the villages at any time nor are they to be parked next to any other building, unless present for supervised loading and unloading
Snowmobiles and ATV’s (vehicles) – Snowmobiles and ATV’s are expected to abide by posted speed limits both on forest and camp roads. They are not to drive through the villages at any time, and are to be parked in designated winter parking. Please clarify parking areas with a camp ranger.
Fires – Fires of any kind on campus whether in or outdoors, including candles, are prohibited except in designated wood burning stoves in the Lodge and HQ, or by special permission by one of the camp rangers. The camp will provide firewood. Groups should not cut down trees for firewood.
Pets – Pets are prohibited at Big Lake Youth Camp. User groups arriving with pets are expected to arrange boarding before they will be transported onto campus. ‘Central Bark, 367 Sisters Park Dr., Sisters, OR 97759, 541.549.2275’ is the closest local boarder (approx. 23 miles) and is able to accept late night arrivals when prior arrangements are made.
Fall (Lake Safety) – During the fall, the lake and docks on our property is closed to use, except when groups have made prior arrangements to provide their own licensed lifeguards with both a current Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate or it’s equivalent and a current CPR card. Lifeguards must provide a camp ranger with originals of current credentials to be copied and put on file prior to use of any waterfront facility.
Winter (Lake Safety) – During the winter months, guest must evaluate their own risk when concerning the lake. Though the lake may appear frozen, it is NEVER safe, and Big Lake and it’s employees will always advise you at such. At no time does Big Lake condone walking, riding, tubing, or venturing on the lake. Do so at your own risk. Actions of employees concerning the lake, including but not limited to walking, riding, tubing, or venturing on the lake whether for personal or work reasons do not reflect permission, advice, or perceived safety by said employee or Big Lake Youth Camp.
Medical Needs – All first aid for a group must be taken care of by the user group. You are responsible for your own medical staff (i.e. nurses, physicians, EMT’s) and your own first aid kit and any other medical supplies. The camp does not provide any first aid equipment or supplies. In case of an emergency, you are responsible for dialing 911. The camp ranger may be consulted for advice.
Requests – Special requests, including but limited to transportation changes, maintenance issues, and other building requests should be made through your group leader. You should not individually call the personal cell phones of the camp’s staff to make these requests.
Supervision – Children must be supervised when participating in outdoor activities, including but not limited to tubing, sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.
6 to 8 y/o: 1 adult to 6 minors
9 to 14 y/o: 1 adult to 8 minors
15 to 18 y/o: 1 adult to 10 minors
Consent Forms – User groups are responsible for requiring unaccompanied minors to obtain a permission for supervision and medial consent waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Environment – Working in conjunction with the Forest Service, Big Lake prohibits the removal of historical artifacts, rocks, sand, trees, wood, and other natural materials or any action that may result in the damage of our natural environment.
Curfew – Big Lake guests are expected to observe the 10 pm noise curfew placed on the forest by the McKenzie River Ranger District
Departure – Group departure times will be scheduled by one of the camp rangers after arrival on campus. Groups are expected to have to flexible departure times. There are no confirmed departure times. Specific departure times can not be guaranteed.
Prohibited Items - The use and/or possession of alcohol, tobacco of any kind, illicit drugs, and firearms are prohibited while on campus.
Automobiles (vehicles) – When it is possible to drive into camp, vehicles are expected to abide by posted speed limits both on forest and camp roads. Vehicles are not to drive through the villages at any time nor are they to be parked next to any other building, unless present for supervised loading and unloading
Snowmobiles and ATV’s (vehicles) – Snowmobiles and ATV’s are expected to abide by posted speed limits both on forest and camp roads. They are not to drive through the villages at any time, and are to be parked in designated winter parking. Please clarify parking areas with a camp ranger.
Fires – Fires of any kind on campus whether in or outdoors, including candles, are prohibited except in designated wood burning stoves in the Lodge and HQ, or by special permission by one of the camp rangers. The camp will provide firewood. Groups should not cut down trees for firewood.
Pets – Pets are prohibited at Big Lake Youth Camp. User groups arriving with pets are expected to arrange boarding before they will be transported onto campus. ‘Central Bark, 367 Sisters Park Dr., Sisters, OR 97759, 541.549.2275’ is the closest local boarder (approx. 23 miles) and is able to accept late night arrivals when prior arrangements are made.
Fall (Lake Safety) – During the fall, the lake and docks on our property is closed to use, except when groups have made prior arrangements to provide their own licensed lifeguards with both a current Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate or it’s equivalent and a current CPR card. Lifeguards must provide a camp ranger with originals of current credentials to be copied and put on file prior to use of any waterfront facility.
Winter (Lake Safety) – During the winter months, guest must evaluate their own risk when concerning the lake. Though the lake may appear frozen, it is NEVER safe, and Big Lake and it’s employees will always advise you at such. At no time does Big Lake condone walking, riding, tubing, or venturing on the lake. Do so at your own risk. Actions of employees concerning the lake, including but not limited to walking, riding, tubing, or venturing on the lake whether for personal or work reasons do not reflect permission, advice, or perceived safety by said employee or Big Lake Youth Camp.
Medical Needs – All first aid for a group must be taken care of by the user group. You are responsible for your own medical staff (i.e. nurses, physicians, EMT’s) and your own first aid kit and any other medical supplies. The camp does not provide any first aid equipment or supplies. In case of an emergency, you are responsible for dialing 911. The camp ranger may be consulted for advice.
Requests – Special requests, including but limited to transportation changes, maintenance issues, and other building requests should be made through your group leader. You should not individually call the personal cell phones of the camp’s staff to make these requests.
Supervision – Children must be supervised when participating in outdoor activities, including but not limited to tubing, sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.
Equipment - Each group must bring most of their own recreational equipment. A few other things such as life jackets, paddles, volleyballs, and horseshoes may be checked out from a camp staff member. Cleaning supplies and equipment will be provided by one of the camp staff. The group will be charged for any damaged or unreturned equipment. Camp sailboats, jet skis, and snowmobiles are reserved for camp use only. Personal equipment shall remain the responsibility of the owners. Camp cannot assume responsibility for personal equipment.
Disclaimer - Big Lake Youth Camp management is not responsible for personal injuries that may occur during a visit to camp. This includes injuries as a result of the inherent risk of a visit/activity or injuries sustained as a result of carelessness. Further, Big Lake Youth Camp management shall not be held liable for loss or damage sustained to personal property during your stay.
Transportation
Scheduled cat times are departure times. The cat arrives approximately 20 minutes prior to departure to load passengers and luggage. It is recommended that you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your departure to change into weather appropriate clothing, unload your luggage, and to lock your car. The Sno-cat will leave promptly at it’s scheduled departure time, whether or not you are prepared to leave.
Sno-cat runs have a minimum rider number of 20 persons. You may book a cat run for less than 20, but fees charged will reflect 20 persons.
Sno-cat group transportation is limited to 50 persons, though there is no charge for children under 3, they do count in the rider limit. Occasionally exceptions are made, however, riders above 50 are then charged the premium rate of $5/person: 1-way.
Those who miss their scheduled cat run, may wait to see if there is space on the next cat run, if one is scheduled, or may schedule an additional cat run or snowmobile pick up through their group leader. Charges, including exceeding the Sno-cat 50 person limit, will apply.
Tardiness due to car trouble or accident will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please inform your group leader and/or the Guest Services Director. Charges, including $20/hr for staff overtime, may apply. There are no pick up times scheduled after 9pm, and transportation after 9pm is not guaranteed.
Policy Violations
Big Lake Youth Camp reserves the right refuse service or to ask any person or persons to vacate the premises due to policy violations or jeopardizing their safety or the safety of others.
Group Leaders are responsible for disseminating information to all individuals in their group, and by singing up to be a group leader, are undertaking that responsibility as well as the responsibility for any financial penalties or incurrences imposed by the camp due to actions of their own or any other person in their group.
Housing
A deposit in the amount of one night’s stay for each building requested, including cabins, is due at time of reservation confirmation. Full refunds are granted for cancellations made at least 90-days in advance. Half refunds are granted for cancellations made at least 30-days in advance, and no refunds are made for cancellations made within 30-days of your reservation. Big Lake is not responsible for cancellations due to weather, with the exception of the Forestry closing of Ray Benson Snow Park.
Failure to use any or all cabins requested will result in loss of registration deposits made on said cabins. These lost funds will not be applicable to be deducted from your total bill.
Occupancy limits are dictated by the State Fire Marshall and will be observed as such. An exception is made for children 12 and under when sleeping in the same room as their parents, up to 2 people per building NOT per room. Additional buildings must be booked to house overages.
Cleaning fees – Failure to clean your assigned buildings sufficiently may result in additional cleaning fees. The full cleaning fee is equal to half of one night’s rate for said building., and all or part of said fee may or may not be added to your group fee dependant on the completion of your group’s cleaning assignments. Cleaning checklists will be provided to your group leader.
Building damage will be charged at the retail cost of materials and the shop rate of $50/hour to repair.
Payment with a check or credit card must be made in full prior to departure. You may choose to use the credit card on file. Insufficient credit card funds, a returned check due to insufficient funds, or failure to make payment is subject to an additional $150 administrative fee.
Disclaimer - Big Lake Youth Camp management is not responsible for personal injuries that may occur during a visit to camp. This includes injuries as a result of the inherent risk of a visit/activity or injuries sustained as a result of carelessness. Further, Big Lake Youth Camp management shall not be held liable for loss or damage sustained to personal property during your stay.
Terms and Conditions
Transportation
Scheduled cat times are departure times. The cat arrives approximately 20 minutes prior to departure to load passengers and luggage. It is recommended that you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your departure to change into weather appropriate clothing, unload your luggage, and to lock your car. The Sno-cat will leave promptly at it’s scheduled departure time, whether or not you are prepared to leave.
Sno-cat runs have a minimum rider number of 20 persons. You may book a cat run for less than 20, but fees charged will reflect 20 persons.
Sno-cat group transportation is limited to 50 persons, though there is no charge for children under 3, they do count in the rider limit. Occasionally exceptions are made, however, riders above 50 are then charged the premium rate of $5/person: 1-way.
Those who miss their scheduled cat run, may wait to see if there is space on the next cat run, if one is scheduled, or may schedule an additional cat run or snowmobile pick up through their group leader. Charges, including exceeding the Sno-cat 50 person limit, will apply.
Tardiness due to car trouble or accident will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please inform your group leader and/or the Guest Services Director. Charges, including $20/hr for staff overtime, may apply. There are no pick up times scheduled after 9pm, and transportation after 9pm is not guaranteed.
Policy Violations
Big Lake Youth Camp reserves the right refuse service or to ask any person or persons to vacate the premises due to policy violations or jeopardizing their safety or the safety of others.
Group Leaders are responsible for disseminating information to all individuals in their group, and by singing up to be a group leader, are undertaking that responsibility as well as the responsibility for any financial penalties or incurrences imposed by the camp due to actions of their own or any other person in their group.
Housing
A deposit in the amount of one night’s stay for each building requested, including cabins, is due at time of reservation confirmation. Full refunds are granted for cancellations made at least 90-days in advance. Half refunds are granted for cancellations made at least 30-days in advance, and no refunds are made for cancellations made within 30-days of your reservation. Big Lake is not responsible for cancellations due to weather, with the exception of the Forestry closing of Ray Benson Snow Park.
Failure to use any or all cabins requested will result in loss of registration deposits made on said cabins. These lost funds will not be applicable to be deducted from your total bill.
Occupancy limits are dictated by the State Fire Marshall and will be observed as such. An exception is made for children 12 and under when sleeping in the same room as their parents, up to 2 people per building NOT per room. Additional buildings must be booked to house overages.
Cleaning fees – Failure to clean your assigned buildings sufficiently may result in additional cleaning fees. The full cleaning fee is equal to half of one night’s rate for said building., and all or part of said fee may or may not be added to your group fee dependant on the completion of your group’s cleaning assignments. Cleaning checklists will be provided to your group leader.
Building damage will be charged at the retail cost of materials and the shop rate of $50/hour to repair.
Payment with a check or credit card must be made in full prior to departure. You may choose to use the credit card on file. Insufficient credit card funds, a returned check due to insufficient funds, or failure to make payment is subject to an additional $150 administrative fee.
News and Events
Help Support Big Lake
Registration Opens
March 13 at 6:00 am
50th Staff Alumni Weekend
August 23-26
Contact Desiree Rinza:
desiree@biglake.org