Frequently Asked Questions

The following relates to our overnight camp.

1. Does my child need to bring their own horse:

The following events require a horse (that is controllable by the child) to be brought:

– Team Roping

– Barrel Racing

– Breakaway Roping

– Goat Tying

For all other events, horses are not needed or will be provided.

2. Can I, as a parent, stay at camp with my child?

No, for the safety of your child, this is a closed camp.  The only adults allowed at camp are approved staff members.  You may stay at a local hotel (information for local hotels will be provided in the registration confirmation packet) or return home during the camp. However, you are invited and encouraged to attend Saturday morning!

3. What denomination is this camp?

This is a non-denominational camp, but it is run by evangelical Christians from a mostly Baptist, E-free and Assemblies of God background.

4. Does my child need to know how to ride in order to come to the camp?

No, your child does not need to know how to ride a horse.  However, we strongly recommend, and may require, that your child sign-up for the Horsemanship class before attempting the Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Trick Riding, Breakaway Roping or Goat Tying classes, unless they have prior riding experience.  The beginning Horsemanship class is designed for kids that have no prior riding experience.  The Chute Dogging class requires no prior riding experience.

5. What time should we arrive on Thursday?

Registration starts at 7:30 Thursday morning, so please do not arrive earlier than 7:30 am. Registration ends at 9:00 am, so please arrive no later than 8:30 am to ensure your child can get checked in and settled prior to camper orientation at 9:30 am.

6. I am 17 years old. Can I come to camp?

YES!  We changed the ages recently so 17-year-olds can register as campers!  However, if you are EIGHTEEN, you are NOT eligible to come to camp as a camper.

7. I am 9 years old. Can I come to camp?

The lower age limit of camp is 10 years old.  If you will be 10 years old before August 31st, you are eligible to come to Rodeo Bible Camp.   Even if you have extensive horse experience, if you are not 10 years old by August 31st, you may not come to Rodeo Bible Camp.  We’ll look forward to seeing you in future years though! 

8. I am interested in volunteering at camp. How do I go about doing this?

First, you need to contact Sara Sevits, Camp Director, at s755s@aol.com or 660-341-5774 PRIOR TO MAY 1st (but please, no earlier than February), to find out if there are any openings.  We do sometimes have need for new helpers – above the age of 18 – though space is limited and not all willing helpers will be needed.  Typically, we prefer helpers with horse/rodeo experience, though for some positions that is not a stringent requirement.  It IS a requirement for all positions that you be a Christian, professing a relationship with Jesus Christ, and provide references including church-related references.  All helpers will be put through background testing and have references checked thoroughly.  All helpers come on a volunteer basis.

9. Are Coggins papers required for my horse?

Iowa state laws do not require that we check your Coggins papers, but please be aware of your state requirements before hauling.

10. What else can I do to help with camp?

First and foremost, you can pray for our camp.  This camp is a big undertaking, and we would appreciate any and all prayers for our campers, staff, instructors, and livestock.  We’d be happy to accept donations of purchasing camp items or monetary donations to help us offset the costs.