Camp is open to middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Each parish group must have a Parish Group Leader and additional 21+ adult campers (chaperones) based on group make-up and size. All adults, 18+ must be Safe Environment Certified.
Per Archdiocese policy, each parish group (or combined parish group) must have one, gender specific adult per 8 students. One of these adults must be a parish staff member. So if you have 2 guys, you need a male chaperone. Space at camp is limited. We encourage smaller parish groups to combine with another nearby parish to form one combined parish group to have 1 gender specific adult per 8 teens.
We know other adults may want to join your group beyond what would be required. Please express the total amount of chaperone spots you would like (including yourself) with your parish request. Please do not promise adults they can come. If space allows, we will accommodate additional adults.
We are excited for you to bring a group to camp to encounter Christ and build parish community. Here are a few expectations for group leaders:
- Register Parish Group, make travel arrangements for you parish group., and get parish specific t-shirts or sweatshirts for your parish group (See Parish Leader Guide).
- Promote Camp (template ads available) and facilitate individual registration.
- Collect parish permission slips and certify adult campers (safe environment).
- Participate with and accompany your group, ensuring campers engaged in activities and follow all camp expectations. You are responsible for your students during overnight hours.
We have a few spots for priests to accompany your group and assist in liturgical duties at camp! Because they may have different duties during camp, you should not count them as adult leaders.
One of our big focuses at Camp is parish-based discipleship. We want campers to come and grow in their faith, as well as grow closer with their parish family. Therefore, we require all campers to come to camp with a group.
We recommend checking with other parishes in your area to see if they’re bringing a group, or just start a group yourself! If we have parents willing to lead a "Free Agent" parish group we can allow a limited number of "Free Agent" campers.
Great! We are happy to offer this for all of our groups attending camp from all corners of our diocese. Please check the "Early Arrival" option on your parish request (if you need early arrival after you fill out your request, please contact our staff).
Plan to arrive between 7 PM and 8 PM so your teens and our staff can all get a good night of sleep before the first day of camp! The early night costs $10/person and includes lodging and one additional meal (Saturday breakfast).
Phantom Ranch Bible Camp has 13 heated cabins with bunk beds and a bathroom. Each cabin accommodates between 8-14 teens, with the majority holding 10 students and 2 adults.
Saturday Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Breakfast are provided.
We understand that families may feel anxious about their teen sleeping overnight at camp. Middle School Camp is an overnight program, requiring all campers (including adults) to participate for the entire retreat and stay overnight. However, Middle School Camp will consider an accommodate for families who have a need for a “sleep at home” arrangement on a case by case basis. This must be discussed with us well in advance of camp – please contact us if this is your situation!