Welcome to Lost Canyon!
Thank you so much for agreeing to serve this summer as a part of the Lost Canyon Summer Medical Program. We expect to have over 4000 high school, middle school, YoungLives moms, and Capernaum friends come visit us this summer over 9 weeks. Having medical professionals on property during the summer is integral to our mission and helping campers have the best and safest weeks of their lives. Your expertise and knowledge gives an added security to our camp and we are greatly appreciative.
Our hope is that your time would be full of joy, laughter, and an amazing experience of service you and your families. Here at Lost Canyon, we have a deep love and passion for seeing the Gospel proclaimed in all areas of camp and you are crucial to that effort.
Christ’s love compels us to create a culture of Diversity, Equity and Belonging at Lost Canyon, so that we reflect the full breadth of the Kingdom of God and those we serve. A culture of belonging is a core value to ensure that Lost Canyon is a place where every person is welcomed, known, heard, respected and celebrated for the ways they uniquely reflect the image of God. This will be achieved through a posture of listening, learning, relationship, personal sacrifice and action.
We are committed to this in every effort from the planning of trips, the events at camp, the recruitment and training of our staff and volunteers, and how we serve one another. We are so excited to serve alongside you and can't wait to spend the week(s)with you! We are thankful for your expertise, care and partnership as we lead folks this summer to advance this culture of belonging!
Medical services at Lost Canyon will be provided by one all–summer EMT, as well as one short-term Medical Professional who will serve for one or two camp week(s). The EMT and Medical Professional decide the course of action in emergency situations and determine which patients need transfer to the local medical facility for further care.
Medial Team members and their spouses are invited to participate fully in the Adult Guest Program during their week at Lost Canyon. It is a great opportunity to get to know other adults and take a closer look at the Young Life ministry in action.
Our hope is that this page would give you a great glimpse into what serving on the Medical Team looks like at Lost Canyon. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to either our Administrator, Sarah Strong at (sstrong@lc.younglife.org) or our Guest Service Medical Director, Iris Reyes-McGraw (ireyes@lc.younglife.org).
PAPERWORK
By now you should have received an email from Sarah Strong directing you towards various paperwork that needs to be completed before your arrival. You can find those links again below. There are specific requirements if you are serving in AZ from another state (Oregon, California, etc.). If you have any questions about the paperwork or forms, please reach out to Sarah Strong at sstrong@lc.younglife.org.
YOung Life Specific Requirements
We need the following to be completed before you can be officially accepted as a part of our Summer Medical Team.
- Online Screening (Criminal Background Check) - If you are not currently a Young Life leader, you should have received an email from YL Volunteers with instructions for registering on the Young Life Staff Resources website and for completing the screening. Please complete all fields on the registration screen, including address. Kindly complete the screening as soon as you receive the email. If you are currently a Young Life leader, you should have already completed the screening process. Please go to Young Life Staff Resources and sign into your account to confirm your Criminal Background Check is up to date. If it is not up to date you will be prompted to complete it.
- Online Health Form - You must have a completed health form on file to come as a Volunteer. Please see detailed instructions/help in the section below.
online health forms
We will need a completed online health for you and each member of your family that you are bringing with you for your medical assignment.
- Your online health form account is DIFFERENT from your Staff Resources account that you used to do your Criminal Background Check.
- If you have an existing online health form account (from a previous camp trip, work crew assignment, or summer staff assignment) with Young Life, please log in and copy your health form to "Lost Canyon Week ____ (which ever week you are coming) " ).
- IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A HEALTH FORM ACCCOUNT - then you can create a new account and fill out a health form.
- When you are doing your health form, you will get to a point that asks for a registrant ID or access code, JUST HIT "I don't have a Registrant ID" (blue button).
- Once you complete your health form, you can go back in a MAKE A COPY for each of your family members, changing out the relevant information as needed.
Forms
For any returning Medical Team members who have served either at Lost Canyon or another YL Camp in the last 6 years, please fill out the short form below. If you haven't served in the last 6 years, National YL is requiring that you fill out the more robust National Camp Physician Application.
If you are uncertain which form you should fill out, please reach out to Sarah Strong at sstrong@lc.younglife.org.
out of state medical professionals
If you are coming from out of state to serve at Lost Canyon this summer, there are a few steps you must take in order to comply with the Arizona state guidelines. Please see the specific areas below. ***If you served last year, you will potentially only need to make sure these steps are up to date.
Doctors and Physician Assistants
Any MD or PA wishing to serve at Lost Canyon this summer that is coming from a different state then Arizona must submit for a Pro Bono License. Pro Bono Registration allows a doctor to provide medical services without accepting a fee or salary; or allows a doctor to perform only initial or follow-up examinations at no cost to the patient or the patient's family through a charitable organization. Pro Bono registration is valid for a maximum of 60 days in a calendar year.
Please note: An Active and Unrestricted license in a state, territory or possession of the United States or an Inactive license in the state of Arizona is required for this license type.
Please download and fill out the following forms and email them to licensingreport@azmd.gov (please cc sstrong@lc.younglife.org). If you have any questions, you can find more information on the Arizona Medical Board Website Licensing Page (under Licensing).
Nurses
If you are a nurse from out of state, Arizona requires that you have an active license and have passed your NCLEX. From there, you will be applying for Volunteer License. Please see the direcitons below:
Steps for Application for an Arizona State Volunteer RN License
- Go to Arizona State Board of Registered Nursing
- Create LOGIN/PW
- Start at the Dashboard and click "Apply for License" -
- Select VOL-RN This is the LAST selection at the bottom of the list. (if you have done this in the past a small icon will appear on the dashboard next to your last date of volunteering prompting you to "Reapply for License")
- You be prompted to enter demographics, current licensure information, education, and other attestation questions regarding your current legal standing with your local BRN. Be prepared to upload a picture of your driver's license.
- SUBMIT and wait for approval.
EMT's & Paramedics
Our EMTs and Paramedics MUST have a current and valid National Registry certification, which allows you to apply for Arizona certification. You need to create an EMCT account by going to the website linked below and they will activate the account so you are able to login, create and submit your initial application. You will need to use our Lost Canyon address (listed below); they will not accept an out of state address, the application will be withdrawn. For the eligibility document, you can upload a copy of your passport or birth certificate. You will most likely need your National Certification Number as well. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Strong at sstrong@lc.younglife.org.
Role of the Medical Team
- The Medical team will be responsible to evaluate any injuries and illnesses that occur during camp. They will decide if further medical treatment is needed for the camper to be transported to North Country Clinic or Flagstaff hospital.
- Occasionally lacerations will need to be treated at camp. To avoid sending the camper and their leader to town for this service, Lost Canyon will have supplies available for this procedure to be done in Doc Holliday’s. Any camper that requires more than a few stitches would be taken to North Country Clinic in Williams or Flagstaff Medical Center.
- Because of the unpredictability of emergencies and the 24-hour nature of the program, we ask the Medical Team and their family stay on camp for the week that they are serving. If you would like to leave the property, please let the EMT and Summer Office staff know what time you will be leaving and when you will be returning.
- Assist with medical distribution and Doc Holiday Hours. This is 30 minutes before and after every meal where we ask our doctors to assist seeing patients and distribute medication.
- To assist and serve our EMT, we ask the Medical Team to cover one night as primary medic, to allow a 12-hour period of uninterrupted sleep. We also ask for two hours of coverage one evening during the week, to allow our EMT to attend an intern discipleship meeting. These times of coverage will be arranged Day 1 of camp.
Medical Program Guidelines and Information
In this section, we will cover a myriad of topics related to your time at Lost Canyon this summer. Again if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to Sarah Strong or Taylor Cowan (email addresses linked above).
Lost Canyon Visitors
We are permitting drop in guests this summer but they must have prior approval through our Camp Manager and Camp Director. Additionally, we are limited in our housing on camp so most likely they would need to stay in town or in your room potentially. There will be a cost for any meals for any drop in guests that visit you while you are at camp. If you are thinking of having a guest while you are serving, please check in with Jessi Oury.
PHYSICIAN TEAM BRIEFING
Arrival at Lost Canyon:
Please arrive between noon and 2 PM on your scheduled arrival day. We will connect you with our Medical Program Director and EMT, who will help you settle into your accommodations for the week and give you a tour of Doc Holliday’s, the camp infirmary. Camper arrival will be from 2-4pm.
Doc Holiday's Hours
Doc Holliday’s Infirmary hours will be given to you as part of your orientation upon arrival at Lost Canyon. Generally, they begin 30 minutes before every meal and last for 30 minutes after. We ask that all members of the Physician team be present at these times. During these times, medication will also be dispensed to campers and work crew.
Availability
The Medical team members should notify the Summer Office staff when planning to be away from the main camp or in a hard-to-find spot. We ask that you be present at all camp events such as the Rodeo, Cabin Games, Carnival, etc. You will be asked to carry a radio during part of each day so that you may be reached to provide medical coverage if needed.
Use of Off-Site Medical Treatment Facilities
All injuries or illnesses needing further attention should be referred to North Country Health Care Clinic in Williams. They are approximately 2 miles away from camp and are open 8AM – 8PM every day. For needs after 8PM, Flagstaff Medical Center is the closest hospital/back-up medical facility. They are located about 35 miles away and are open 24/7.
Lost Canyon has established a good working relationship with the clinic and the hospital. Out of courtesy to them, whenever possible, we call ahead when sending in an emergency.
All trauma injuries or major illnesses occurring any time, day or night, will be referred to the Flagstaff Medical Center.
TRANSPORT OF PATIENTS
A Lost Canyon vehicle can comfortably transport campers in a sitting position and should be used whenever needed. However, if the situation requires that the patient be transported in a supine position or if the situation is life- threatening, Lifeline EMS should be contacted for transport. A leader is always asked to accompany their camper when transported for medical treatment off the camp property. (Female leader for female camper, male leader for male camper.)
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Doc Holliday’s Infirmary will maintain an inventory of prescribed medications, mainly antibiotics, and some pain medications. This will allow the Physician team to start prompt treatment for ill or injured campers during times when the pharmacy is closed. A prescription can be called in if needed to the pharmacy. Prescriptions must be paid for by the camper, unless it is an injury from a camp-related accident. The patient’s parent/guardian must be notified to ensure the prescriptions called in are filed under the patient’s insurance. There is one pharmacy in Williams, located in the Safeway Grocery Store. For this reason, physicians need to provide the camp with a copy of their DEA registration card.
CAMPER INSURANCE
Young Life insurance coverage for campers is limited to accidents occurring at camp. We carry no camper illness insurance. Injuries occurring prior to camp are not covered. The EMT will have all necessary insurance forms and logs for your use.
General Information
General questions
Any questions you may have about life at camp can be directed to the Lost Canyon Offices. Main Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Summer Office hours are 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM.
Packing List
Bring what you feel most comfortable in. Be prepared for hot days (70-90F) and cool nights (45-60F). It is cooler in June and wetter into July. Some suggestions are:
- Warm jacket, sweater, raincoat or poncho.
- Casual clothes: jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.
- Swimsuit, beach towel and cover-up for the pool.
- Themed Outfits for Program nights (see info at the bottom of this section). Kids can dress up also and expect to have a night of fun!
- Personal items, along with a Bible and notebook.
- Camera.
- Shoes - tennis shoes, sandals, flip flops
Themed Outfits:
Sometimes, the program team will put on a dinner or event that has a theme and it's fun to dress the part. Below is a link to the themed meals/events this summer. THESE ARE SECRETS TO THE CAMPERS SO DON'T TALK ABOUT IT AROUND CAMP. Please play close attention to the Session and Dates to ensure you are packing correctly!
Camper Fees
All camp fees are waived: During the week that the Medical Professional is serving at Lost Canyon, if you have children that are of camper age (finished freshman year through graduated senior year of high school) and they would prefer to participate as a camper (providing that the Young Life area that you participate in is here), we can accommodate that if we know ahead of time. If this is something you would like to do, please reach out to Sarah Strong at sstrong@lc.younglife.org.
Transportation
Flying to Lost Canyon:
- From the Phoenix Airport, plan on a 3-hour drive to Lost Canyon. There is no car rental drop-off in Williams, so please plan on keeping your car for your entire stay.
- To the Flagstaff Airport, plan on a 45-minute drive to Lost Canyon. Here again, please plan on keeping your rental car for your entire stay.
- We are unable to provide pick-up services from either airport. We do not have available manpower to be away from camp for the length of time needed to make pickups.
If you are driving, please refer to the driving directions linked below.
LOST CANYON INFIRMARY WISH LIST
We frequently are asked if medical volunteers are able to donate medical supplies. If you are able, we accept and very much appreciate medical supply donations.
Pediatric Supplies: There are always several small children at Lost Canyon and any pediatric supplies would be helpful. And as always, we need: Band-Aids, throat lozenges and other consumables.
Items can be sent to: Lost Canyon / Doc Holliday’s 1450 S Perkinsville Rd Williams, AZ 86046
Life at camp
Accommodations
Our Medical Team and their family(s) will reside in our Pullman Suites which are located upstairs above our Camp Store. There are 2-3 Suites available depending on the size of your family and the LC Team will do housing and work with you on any additional needs you may have. Each Pullman Suite contains:
- Queen bed with en-suite bathroom
- Mini-Fridge, microwave, and WiFi
- Bunk beds, roll-aways, and Pack-N-Plays available upon request.
Meals
Please enter the dining hall with the leaders at the 5-minute bell. You will have an assigned table in the dining hall which will be located to the right of the stage. It is best to enter the dining hall using the side door near the Stone House Coffee Shop.
Nightly Young Life Club
Plan on arriving to the Iron Horse Club Room 10 minutes before club starts. There are chairs in the rear of the club room for your use. Medical Teams with young children are asked to be sensitive and remove noisy or crying children during Club.
Summer Office
The Summer Office is located on Main Street. This is where guests can mail letters, get phone messages, and pick up packages.
Housekeeping
Housekeepers will visit in your Pullman Suite daily to empty trash, clean bathrooms, replace towels, remake beds, clean kitchen areas, etc., depending on your needs.
Special Times
Special times are scheduled for you to ride bikes, play archery tag, etc. The adult guest host will communicate these times to you. If you cannot participate, please let the host know this in advance.
Smoking is prohibited
There is one designated smoking area in camp. This is in an effort to minimize fire hazard – a significant concern during our extremely dry months. Use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Additionally, we are not able to accommodate any pets.
Leaders Meeting
On the first day of the camp week, there will be a leader’s reception and meeting in the Leaders Lounge around 5:30 PM. We would like you to attend so that we can introduce you and leaders can associate a face with a name. The daily leaders’ meetings will give you insight into a leader’s role at camp and how impactful it is. Important information about the next 24 hours is also presented at each day’s meeting.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
Lost Canyon mail typically goes out every day, except Sunday, by 10 AM. Mail is usually arrives at Lost Canyon and is sorted by 3 PM, Monday thru Saturday.
Scan, Print
A scanner is located in the Main Office. Guests are welcome to print boarding passes there as well.
Phones and Internet
All incoming phone calls are answered by the Summer Office from 8 AM to 8 PM. Messages will be put in Doc Holliday’s for you. If you receive an emergency message, we will make sure that you get that message promptly. There is WiFi available in your housing and other areas around camp.
Cell Phone Service
If you are a Verizon user, your signal should be strong at Lost Canyon. Other carriers’ service is spotty. We ask that cell phones be used only in your Pullman Suite housing or outside of camp as our campers are not allowed to use their cell phones during their stay and we do not want to send a mixed message.
Activities & Helpful Hints
There are some scheduled and some free time activities that you, your spouse and children (depending on ages) will be able to participate in.
THREE PERSON SWING
The giant swing is open during free time most days of the week and is available to ride as often as you are willing to wait in line.
HEIST (climbing tower)
The Heist is located right next to the giant swing and is available for climbing as well as repelling most days of the week.
MOUNTAIN BIKES
Our mountain bikes are a sign-up type ride that is available most days of the week. If you are interested in riding mountain bikes with your family, you can sign up for a time slot upon your arrival.
ARROW TAG
Our Arrow Tag activity is a sign-up type ride that is available most days of the week. If you are interested in playing Arrow Tag with your family, you can sign up for a time slot upon your arrival.
HIKING
Our hiking trails are a sign-up type ride that is available most days of the week. If you are interested in hiking with your family, you can sign up for a time slot upon your arrival, or hike the trails when camper rides are not happening. Trail Maps are available at the Summer Office.
WATER FRONT
Our water activities include a pool with two water slides and a lake with a blow-up climbing structure. You and your family may use this at any time during free time openings. Please accompany any small children when at water activities.
high altitude
The elevation at Lost Canyon is approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. The air at this elevation contains less oxygen and is thinner than lower elevations. To better adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Always use sunscreen and wear sunglasses
- Eat a high carbohydrate diet
- Get extra rest for the first few days
- Avoid sleeping pills and narcotic pain medication during the first few days
Mild altitude sickness affects 30-40% of visitors to the Northern Arizona. Symptoms are similar to flu – headache, nausea, vomiting and trouble sleeping. These symptoms will usually occur within the first 72 hours. If the flu-like symptoms get progressively severe, prolonged, or if you develop shortness of breath, lung congestion or difficulty with your thought processes, you may have altitude sickness. We encourage you to read the information on the link below to be prepared for your week at Lost Canyon.
Evaluations
We greatly appreciate your participation in this program and would love to hear your comments regarding our Physicians Program. At the end of your week at Lost Canyon, an evaluation form will be e-mailed to you. Please take a few minutes to fill out this form. Your suggestions are appreciated.
HISTORY OF LOST CANYON
When Denny Rydberg was the new President of Young Life, he wrote a letter to all of the Regional Directors asking what would help them reach more kids for Christ. Marty Caldwell, Regional Director in Arizona at the time, wrote a three-page response about the need for a Young Life camp in Arizona. The desire to take more kids to camp was clear, but it was the readiness to grow, hope to reduce transportation costs, and overall support of the Region that made National ready to leap into this idea. The best part was Denny’s immediate response “Well, go ahead, and get going.” At that time, the Region was growing at an exponential rate and Denny’s blessing allowed them to begin pursuing the dream of Lost Canyon. They had no money, no expertise, and no land, but a lot of room for God to work.
Marty, Stu Graff, Dan Haworth, and others launched into the project in 1997. They started gathering criteria from YL National and field staff of what a YL camp in Arizona would need to be and look like. They then sent their realtor, Mel Green, to the qualifying resorts, dude ranches, and hunks of land they felt would best suit the need.
Mel took four-wheel drives with Stu, Dan, and random courageous friends all over northern Arizona kicking rocks, looking under trees, and asking questions. They were headed south out of Williams on Perkinsville Road, on their third trip to look at another piece of property near Dog Town Lake when they saw a real estate sign up on a dirt road that led into what is now Lost Canyon. Dan asked Mel about that particular property, which Mel didn’t know about. Fortunately, Dan and Stu persisted. They went over barbed wire fences to sneak into a beautiful meadow. There were flowers, green prairie grass, a white chapel building, eight very small dorms, and “The Stone House” which has been preserved for Lost Canyon’s history. Days later, Dan and Stu went back to Marty saying they really needed to go up and look at this piece of property. Meanwhile, Mel found out that the property had only been on the market for one day when they stumbled upon it. As always, they felt the hand of the Lord in all of this.