Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about Brothers' Keeper? Find answers here!
Wait! A one piece swimsuit? Seriously?
We know that it is getting more and more difficult to find "appropriate" swimsuits for females as well as males. If the swimsuit does not meet our guidelines (whether one piece or not), we ask that a t shirt be worn over the swimsuit. And guess what? Guys are required to wear t shirts as well. This alleviates issues with different groups abiding by different policies and keeps us on mission and focued, together. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.
What is the Meaning Behind the Name Brothers' Keeper?
We are servants of God. All we do is focused on serving others just as Jesus is quoted as saying in Matthew 25:40 ~ “…..I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Who May Participate in Brothers' Keeper?
Junior High and Senior High Youth aged 12 OR entering 7th grade at the end of that year's BK summer.
What is the Required Counselor to Youth Ratio?
For the safety of our campers, we must maintain the proper youth to adult ratio by gender. Each group is required to have at least one adult for every nine or fewer youth of same gender (1:9). A group of four youth males and four youth females requires one male and one female adult. A group of ten youth males and one youth female requires two male adults and one female adult.
What is the Waiting List?
If camp has reached capacity, you will be contacted to let you know you are on the Waiting List. Group Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Contact your Group Leader to make sure all forms are turned in on time!
What are the Required Forms and Information?
Required forms may be found on our website for download. Required forms and information: Group Registration, Participant Registration, Brothers' Keeper Health Form, insurance card and date of last tetanus shot.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
To cancel a group or reduce the number of participants contact Parchment Valley to adjust your account before the deadline listed in the Brothers' Keeper Group Guidelines. When canceling, a $75 per person cancelation fee will be charged. The entire camp fee will be forfeited for cancellations received after the deadline.
Must I Stay the Entire Week?
All campers (youth and adults) must be in attendance from start to finish. Arriving late or leaving early creates complications for those we serve. Please plan to arrive for registration no earlier than 3 PM on Sunday and stay through checkout on Friday at 10 AM. Please do not attend if you are unable to meet this requirement.
What Does the Camp Registration Fee Pay For?
What Does the Camp Fee Cover? Lodging, All Meals, Four Work T-Shirts, One Keepsake Theme Tee Shirt.
How Do We Get To and From the Project Team Worksites?
Every person in your group must have transportation to and from Parchment Valley. The same number of seats and seatbelts must be available for transportation during the week to and from our Project Team worksites. Drivers during the week must be 21 years old or older. Please make sure enough transportation is available for every member of your group!
Who Do We Stay With and Where Do We Stay?
Parchment Valley has a variety of dorms and cabins for our summer missionaries. Church groups room with their own group together by gender. Adults attending with youth are Cabin Counselors with responsibility and authority in that setting. Failure to follow Cabin Counselor instructions may result in a camper being sent home. Dorms are air conditioned.
What Clothes Should I Bring?
As we serve, our actions and appearance speak loudly and have the potential to influence the community’s perception of Brothers’ Keeper and most importantly our witness for Christ. Choosing modest clothing helps to avoid distractions and misunderstandings both on the project site and in camp. We ask that you choose apparel consistent with certain guidelines.
What Personal Items Should I Bring?
Make sure to bring all of the things you might typically bring on a camping trip. However, we provide the lodging so you don't need a tent!
What If I Lose My Stuff?
Parchment Valley and Brothers’ Keeper will not be held responsible for missing items. If you think you may lose it, don’t bring it!
Are mobile phones permitted?
Students are allowed to bring and use their mobile phones. Mobile phone usage is not permitted during the workday at the project team sites. Students will be able to use their phones at lunch and during free time hours. Not every network is available to all of our project teams so having students with mobile phones from different providers can sometimes make a huge difference in the ability to communicate.
What Are We Not Allowed to Bring?
Don’t Bring: Jewelry, Tobacco of Any Kind, E-Cigarettes, Vaping Products, Skateboards, Inline Skates, Weapons.
What Should My Group Bring?
Groups may collect and donate items but we need to know which items will be donated by June 1. Items will not be returned.
Items needed to be donated include: Ladders. Paint Brushes, Paint Rollers, Cleaning Supplies, Paint Extension Rods, Drop Cloths, Masking Tape, Cleaning Buckets, Cleaning Rags.
Crews Leaders may also bring (for their own use and to take home after BK): Tape Measure, Screwdriver Set, Rake, Cordless Drill & Bits, Circular Saw, Power Cord/Extension Cords, Shovel, Pruning Shears, Brooms, Ladders, Stepladders, Stools, Saw Horses, Hatchets, Drywall Tools, T Squares, etc.
What is a Typical BK Day?
A typical "BK" day involves serving others, worship, “porch time” and fun activities. The day is scheduled undergird the Believer and Seeker (of which we always have more than a few) through service, discipleship, fellowship, worship and evangelism.
What is a Project Team?
One of the most amazing parts of the Brothers’ Keeper experience is the friendships that develop between individuals and youth groups. We help break the ice with the way project teams are organized.
A Project Team includes youth and leaders from different groups. The members are mixed and many times there will be no one from your home youth group on your work team. Don’t let it scare you! It is one of the greatest parts of BK. Just ask one of our BK veterans! No one may switch to another Project Team once assigned.
Adult Counselors will assist at worksites building morale and work cooperation.
May I Switch to Another Project Team?
Project Teams are carefully assessed and assigned a mix of adults and youth from all camp participants to properly complete each project. No individuals (youth and/or adults) may switch assigned project teams.
What is the difference between a Crew Chief and a Crew Leader?
A Crew Chief is typically involved in the work process in advance of camp and handles the blueprints, site preparations and oversight of the project.
A Crew Leader is recruited for each project site and supervises behavior, morale and worksite cooperation. Crew Leaders may be recruited from our Adult Counselors.
