Daily Camp Life

Morning Walks:

• This is an optional morning activity for youth to center themselves to prepare for the day by walking the camp’s nature trail. Youth may opt to walk separately or with the group led by a camp staff member. Youth should sign up by the evening prior so staff can anticipate them in the morning. 

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Dining: Imagine Theatre & Camp Spotlight is committed to healthy & nutritious options for all youth. Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, & Vegan options available. Food accommodation requests should be noted in the Pre-Camp Info Form. A final meal plan will be sent out in the One-Month Until Camp - if you have accommodations and have questions after seeing the meal plan, please reach out.  Camp may be a no-nut facility if that is needed by a camper/staff member. This info will be included in the One-Month Until Camp email in July.

• Breakfast: The dining hall is open from 7:45-8:45am, with breakfast served from 7:45am-8:30am. Meals may include: Eggs, Fruit, waffles/pancakes, sausage, hash browns, breakfast burritos, cereal bar, milk (and milk alternatives), juice, water, etc. 

• Lunch: The dining hall is open for lunch from 12:20-1 pm, with lunch served until 12:45 pm. Meals may include: fruit, veggies, a sandwich bar, wraps, chips, granola, water, milk (and milk alternatives), juice, etc. 

• Dinner: The dining hall is open for dinner from 5:30-6:15pm with the meal served from 5:30-6pm. Meals may include: hamburgers, hot dogs, spaghetti, mac & cheese, assorted sides, water, juice, etc. 

• Treats: There may be camp-provided treats/desserts at some meals on some days. These may include popsicles, s'mores, crisps (berry, apple, etc.), Rice Krispies treats, etc.

• Snacks: The dining hall will offer snacks throughout the day. Snacks may include: to-go fruit (bananas, apples, etc.), to-go veggies (carrots, celery, etc.), granola bars, etc.

• Water: Water bottles and a water-bottle filling station will be available at all times. 

• Camper-brought foods: Campers may bring snacks, but should note that unsealed food is not allowed in the dorms due to the mess it can cause, potential ant infestations, and allergies. Any food taken out in the dorms may be confiscated. Campers may not bring: sodas/pops, energy/caffeinated drinks, THC-infused consumables, etc. Campers should not share any food with other campers.

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Gathering Times & Games:

• All Students & Staff will gather each morning to set the daily rhythms, remind youth of expectations, give any necessary announcements, etc. Students & Staff will also gather each evening to prepare for the night, reflect on the day, sing songs, roast smores, and more! 

• In the late morning, campers will participate in games led by our Camp Interns. Games may include water-based games, relay games, team games, obstacle courses, etc.

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Skill-Based Ensembles:

• On the first day of camp, youth will learn a dance-combo all together. Artistic Staff will observe youth during this time to assign students into 3-4 skill-based ensembles. These ensembles will learn 1-2 well-known Musical Theatre Ensemble Numbers. These ensembles will have 8-14 youth each, and will be taught by high-skilled choreographers with the goal of further developing the youth’s skills as a group. Youth will also spend time with CampSpotlight’s Music Director to learn and rehearse the vocals of their song. 

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Afternoon Electives:

• On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, youth will choose an elective based on their interests. The goal of this opportunity is to not only allow youth to dive into topics of their choice but also allow them to foster relationships with other youth who have common interests. 

  • As shared above…

  • Youth will select their elective preferences using rank-choice. Electives will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Elective determinations will be emailed out July 1st, 2026 in our One-Month Until Camp Email. 

  • Elective options may include: Costuming, Shakespeare, Stage Combat, Dance Conditioning, Jazz Dance, Improv, Physical Comedy, Acapella Signing, etc. 

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Breaks & Student Choice Time: Camp is jam packed with tons of fun and physical activities, which makes rest time very important! Of course throughout the day there wil be bathroom & shorter rest breaks, but during the middle of the day youth have a dedicated 2.5hrs to relax and participate in activities of their choice with a little less structure. During this time, youth can:

• Get Their Mail: See more about mail below. 

• Swim: The Mollala retreat center has a designated, roped-off swimming area along the Mollala River. Camp Spotlight will hire professional lifeguards to supervise youth in the water. 1-2 Camp Staff will also be within the vicinity to supervise the youth and provide support. To ensure safety, only 25 swimmers will be allowed in the water per lifeguard. Depending on the total number of campers, Campspotlight will have 1-2 Lifeguards.  Swimming will only be an option on Tuesday and Thursday. Due to the range of ages and personal values, we ask that bathingsuits be family-friendly. (No Speedos or bikinis.) 

• Rest: Youth may use this time to relax in their dorm, in the lounge(s), outside, etc. 

• Nature: Camp has a variety of ways youth can connect with nature, including trails, gardens, the waterfront, etc. 

• Games: Camp has a covered sports court (gaga ball, basketball, tennis, pickleball, etc.) and a games room (pool, hoop shoot, air hockey, etc.)

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Wind-Down: After a long day, dedicated time and space to prepare for the night is very much needed! This is a great time for youth to take a shower, drink some tea, and if desired, call-home.

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Electronics & Communications: 

Camp is a no-electronics zone for youth.  No tablets or gaming devices are allowed. Phones & Smart Watches may be permissible in limited circumstances - read more below. 

Note: Most cell-providers do not have coverage where the camp is located, or coverage is inconsistent, meaning the use of cell phones as the primary means of communication is unrealistic. Staff & Interns will primarily use walkie-talkies to communicate while on camp, but may use their phones to play music, take pictures to share later, or make an emergency phone call. Otherwise, they are also expected to keep their electronics away. 

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• Phones (Non-Medical): We know that for some youth and families, not having access to a phone may cause anxiety, especially if this is the first sleep-away experience. To help mitigate anxiety, youth may bring their phones to camp and turn them in at check-in. Each day, except Friday, there will be one 15-minute period during the evening wind-down when youth may check out their phones solely to call guardians and check in. During phone calls, youth must remain in the adult's sight and should not be playing games, recording videos, etc. Keep in mind that coverage is spotty, but youth may still connect to the camp's Wi-Fi. Students may also choose to leave their phones at home and use the camp's landline to call guardians.

• Phones (Medical) - Youth who use their phone for medical purposes (e.g., glucose tracking) will be permitted to keep their phone on their person, but must NOT use it for any other purpose except calling during the permitted times. Use of the phone in any other way may result in the camper being removed from camp. 

• Smartwatches: Cell-enabled, phone-connected, or camera-equipped smartwatches are not allowed. Smartwatches may be used (with phones disconnected/wifi off) for time-keeping, personal alarms, and health tracking. If a camper is using a smartwatch in a non-permitted way (checking texts, emails, taking pictures, calling, etc.) the watch will be confiscated, or the camper may be removed from camp.