Communication Today’s campers have grown up in a world connected by cell phones and technology more than ever before. An important hallmark of camp is to balance this reality with a high-quality outdoor experience aimed at inspiring respect for the natural world. To provide this important experience, we require campers to leave all electronics at home. Any cell phones, iPods, hand-held game devices, e-readers, iPads, tablets, smart watches or other technology objects brought to camp by campers will be collected and stored in the Camp Director’s office until the camper is picked up. We also highly discourage campers from bringing hair dryers or curling irons. We appreciate your family’s efforts to support this important requirement! We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged phones and other items.
Tips for Camper Communication
Photos
Things to tell her: • You know she’s having a good time. • You can’t wait to hear all about her new friends, and the fun activities she’s doing. • That you hope she’s writing down songs, names of new friends, and taking lots of pictures. • Use positive words like love and proud. Things to avoid telling her: • Trips or fun things she’s missing out on. • That her sibling cried all night because she’s gone. • How much you miss her. • That she can call you anytime and you will pick her up if she is homesick. • About an ill relative or hurt animal.
While we do our best to get action photos, our top priority is making sure your camper is having the best summer camp experience possible. Please note that some families do not want their camper’s photo to be taken or posted online—we must respect their request. Here are a few things to keep in mind: • We will NOT take or post any pictures of campers that don’t have a photo release on file, including group photos. This permission will be part of your confirmation packet. • Campers are welcome to bring cameras to camp, in fact we encourage it to capture the fun from their point of view. Keep in mind that only cameras are allowed. Other devices that can take pictures (such as cell phones, tablets, and gaming systems) are not allowed.
Letters are the best form of communication with your camper during camp. To ensure that your camper receives a letter each day, bring letters to check-in. Include pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for your camper to write back! The Resident Camp addresses will be included in confirmation packet.
When Parents will be Called You will not be contacted for minor cuts, bug bites, headaches, upset tummies, or “normal” homesickness. If the Health Supervisor and/or Camp Director feel it is necessary, they will contact you about any out-ofthe–ordinary situations. Campers are not permitted to use the telephone. All telephone calls will be from the Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, or Health Supervisor. • Illness or Injury—Your camper requires attention that cannot be given in our infirmary. • Fever—Your camper runs a fever higher than 102 degrees or has a fever longer than 12 hours. • Vomiting and/or Diarrhea—Your camper has vomiting and/or diarrhea that continues for 12 hours. • Breathing Difficulty—Your camper has breathing difficulty with no
problems in her health history, or your camper has breathing difficulty and does not respond to her medication.
• Behavior—Your camper commits a serious infraction of camp rules or has an extreme episode that results in self-harm. • Homesickness- Your campers is so homesick that she is unable to interact positively with her fellow campers and appears in danger of making herself ill.
• Insect Bites/Stings—Your camper has an excessive allergic reaction or swelling from an insect bite. • Poison Ivy—Your camper has an excessive reaction with poison ivy or the contact is in or near the eyes. Summer Camp Family Handbook 2022
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