Frequently Asked Questions

Your Nail Camp registration includes 4 days and 3 nights of lodging, 10 meals, a SWAG bag filled with products and sponsor goodies, access to the trade show, competitions, the Incredible Improvements Workshop, keynote presentation, demo classes, educational seminars, activities, raffles, and the opportunity to connect with nail professionals from around the world. Unlike many industry events where every class requires a separate ticket, Nail Camp includes a full weekend of education and activities in your registration price. Some optional hands-on workshops offered by educators may require an additional fee and are registered for directly through the educator. These specialty workshops are completely optional and often include a class kit specific to that workshop. There will always be free educational opportunities taking place throughout the weekend, so attendees are never required to purchase additional workshops to enjoy a full Nail Camp experience.

Nail Camp 2027 registration is $949 and includes 4 days and 3 nights of lodging, 10 meals, a SWAG bag, competitions, free classes, demonstrations, activities, entertainment, and access to the trade show. Payment plans are available, and you can reserve your spot with a deposit. Visit the Registration page for current pricing and registration details.

Transportation to and from Nail Camp is not included. Additional paid workshops are also not included in the base registration cost.

There will always be free classes or activities available during workshop times, so attendees are not required to purchase additional classes in order to enjoy camp.

Reserve your spot with just a $300 deposit. Make additional payments anytime through your attendee dashboard. There is no required monthly payment schedule. You may pay as much or as little as you would like before the final balance due date of July 31, 2027.

You will receive your SWAG bag at camp, typically on the first night. Nail Camp SWAG bags are one of the things that make this event so special and are often filled with donated products, brochures, samples, and information from generous sponsors.

Please leave extra room in your suitcase for your SWAG bag items and anything you may purchase during camp or at the trade show.

Please bring comfortable clothes, warm layers, a flashlight, extension cord, table lamp or travel nail lamp, files, implements, and products needed for hands-on classes or competitions.

If you are flying and worried about traveling with monomer, limited options may be available at camp. You may also want to bring red polish or red gel polish for competition requirements.

Absolutely! Nail Camp welcomes nail techs from all over. Many attendees travel from out of state, and we have had campers and educators join us from Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.

We recommend joining the Nail Camp USA Facebook group to connect with other attendees, coordinate carpools, split rental cars, or make travel plans together.

The closest major airport is Chicago Midway (MDW), with Chicago O'Hare (ORD) also being a popular option. Cedar Lake Ministries is approximately one hour south of Chicago. We recommend joining the Nail Camp USA Facebook group to coordinate ride sharing, rental car sharing, and carpools with other attendees. Every year, campers team up to make travel easier and more affordable.

Nail Camp 2027 will be held at Cedar Lake Ministries.

Address:
Cedar Lake Ministries
13701 Lauerman Street
Cedar Lake, IN 46303

You can also visit the lodging or location page on the Nail Camp website for maps, photos, and more details.

Camp lodging does not open until Friday. If you arrive Thursday, you'll need to arrange your own hotel accommodations for that evening. Many campers will use this as a chance to explore the Chicago area, meet up with other attendees, or make travel easier before camp begins.

Please plan your Friday travel so you arrive at Nail Camp check-in on time. Check-in is expected to be late morning, with lunch and camp activities beginning shortly after.

We understand that travel schedules sometimes make this unavoidable. However, we strongly encourage arriving on time and staying for the full event. Friday includes check-in, orientation, lunch, and our signature Incredible Improvements Workshop, which many attendees consider one of the most valuable experiences of the entire weekend.

If you arrive late or leave early, the registration price does not change.

Late September in Northwest Indiana is usually mild, with daytime temperatures often in the upper 60s to low 70s and cooler evenings that may drop into the 50s.

Please bring layers, comfortable shoes, and a jacket or sweatshirt for evenings.

Comfortable! This is camp, not a formal industry event. Come ready to learn, relax, and have fun.

Bring cozy clothes, pajamas for themed activities, comfortable shoes, and layers for cooler evenings. You do not need to dress up unless you want to.

Nail Camp attendance varies by location, but we expect approximately 150 attendees for Nail Camp 2027. The event has a maximum capacity, so early registration is encouraged.

There may be snacks and drinks available on site, and there are stores nearby. If you have favorite snacks, specific drinks, or dietary needs, we recommend picking them up before arriving at camp.

At check-in, you will receive camp materials with important information such as your schedule, map, cabin or room details, educator information, sponsor details, and event itinerary.

Keep your program with you throughout the weekend. It is also a great place to take notes during classes.

Because lodging is shared with other attendees and camp activities are designed specifically for registered campers, spouses, children, and other guests are not permitted to stay in camp housing or participate in camp activities. Some attendees travel with family members who stay at nearby hotels and explore the area while camp is in session..

Absolutely. Nail Camp welcomes licensed nail professionals, beauty school students, salon owners, educators, and those who are new to the industry. Whether you're just starting your career or have decades of experience, there are classes and activities designed for all skill levels.

You won't be alone for long! Many first-time campers arrive knowing no one. Nail Camp is designed to help attendees connect through shared lodging, meals, workshops, team activities, and social events. Some of the strongest friendships in our industry have started at Nail Camp.

During registration, you will have the opportunity to list requested roommates. If there are specific campers you would like to room with, enter their names on your registration form.

Solo attendees will be paired with roommates based on the questions asked at registration. Smaller groups are typically placed in rooms for 3 campers, while larger groups may be assigned to lodging spaces that fit 4–6 campers together when available.

No. Cedar Lake Ministries is a 100% alcohol-free and smoke-free facility. Please respect the venue’s policies.

Any fines, fees, or damages caused by violating these policies will be the responsibility of the attendee involved.

Meals are usually served buffet style. A salad bar is typically available at lunch and dinner.

At check-in, you may be assigned a team color. Team seating at some meals helps attendees meet new people, build friendships, and participate in fun activities or raffle opportunities.

Please list dietary needs during registration, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or food allergies. The camp kitchen will work to accommodate common dietary restrictions whenever possible.

If you have multiple allergies, highly specific dietary needs, or a very limited list of foods you can eat, we strongly recommend bringing supplemental food. Refrigerators and microwaves are available in various lodging and meeting areas.

While every effort will be made to help, Nail Camp and Cedar Lake Ministries cannot guarantee accommodations for every dietary preference, restriction, or medical requirement.

Yes. Several grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and convenience stores are located within about 10–20 minutes of Cedar Lake Ministries, including Strack & Van Til, ALDI, Jewel-Osco, and other nearby shopping options.

No, you do not have to sleep at camp. However, the registration price is the same whether you stay on site or arrange your own lodging.

The cost of camp includes meals, products, equipment rentals, programming, and facility fees based on the total number of attendees, so we are not able to reduce the price for off-site lodging, late arrivals, or early departures.

Bedding is provided at Cedar Lake Ministries. Please bring your own towel for showers.

Most attendees will stay in Rest-A-While Lodge, which features hotel-style rooms housing 2–3 campers. Larger groups may be assigned to Cedars Lodge. Photos and detailed lodging information can be found on our Lodging page.

Room assignments are given at check-in.

Rooms have access to showers, toilets, and sinks. Please bring your own towels.

No, there are no televisions in the camp lodging. Trust us, you will not have time to miss them!

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available on site.

Both. Bring products and tools you may need for hands-on classes, practice, playing on each other, and competitions.

You will also have opportunities to purchase products during classes and at the trade show.

Nail Camp includes a variety of educators covering topics such as business, marketing, social media, licensing, sanitation, pedicuring, gel, acrylic, nail art, and more.

Check the educator page often, as it will be updated throughout the year as educators are confirmed.

Please check the class section of the Nail Camp website. You will be able to view classes by type, search for a specific educator, and see class descriptions as they are added.

Each educator determines the supplies needed for their workshop. Supply lists will be posted with class descriptions as they become available. In general, attendees should plan to bring basic nail tools, files, brushes, lamps, and products they normally use for a standard full set.

If you know another nail tech attending who is not competing, you may ask them to be your model.

The night before competition, we will also help connect competitors who need models with attendees who are willing to volunteer. We cannot guarantee a model, but we will do our best to help pair people up.

Please bring the products and tools you need to compete, including a table lamp, gel lamp if needed, towels, files, implements, and competition products.

You may also need red cream polish, depending on the competition requirements. Headphones are optional if you like to listen to music while working.

There is no fitness center on site. However, Cedar Lake Ministries has beautiful grounds that are perfect for walking and enjoying some fresh air between classes.

Yes. Nail Camp offers a payment plan option. You can reserve your spot with a deposit and make payments toward your balance over time. Additional payments may be made at any time through your registration dashboard.

Due to the nature of this event, there are no refunds after July 31, 2027.

After that date, you may transfer your spot to another attendee who has not already registered. Please contact Nail Camp if you need help with a transfer.

Please use the Contact page on the Nail Camp website to reach the organizers for help.