Dear Parents, Guardians, and Troop Leaders, Thank you for choosing Girl Scout Camp! At Camp Birch Trails, campers will explore nature, learn new skills, gain independence, and have fun in a safe, girl-led environment. Camp Birch Trails has so much to offer—woods, adventure, and everything in-between. Be sure campers are ready (and you are, too) by reading this confirmation packet. See you at camp! Lisa “Puck” Freeman Camp Director, Camp Birch Trails
Quick Facts Check-in: • • • •
Lodge 2:00 PM Leafy & Maple 2:30 PM Yurts 3:00 PM Outlook 3:30 PM
Check-out:
• Lodge, Leafy & Outlook 1:30 PM • Maple & Yurts 2:15 PM
Customer Care 888.747.6945 info@gsnwgl.org
Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Camp Birch Trails (emergency only) 715.536.6888 Director: “Puck” Lisa Freeman Office: 920.955.3389 lfreeman@gsnwgl.org
Reference Parent Checklist & Arriving at Camp……………………….…... 2 Check-in & Departure …………….…………………………………... 3 Health & Wellness: CampDocs Profile, Medical Info, COVID-19 Screening, Testing, and Vaccinations .………. 4-5 Behavior & Homesickness …………………………….………….…. 6 Life at Camp, Trading Post, and Refunds …………………. 7-9 Mail & Bunk Notes ……………………………………………….…. 9-10 Packing List ……………………………………………….….………. 11-12 Finding Camp ………………………………………………………..….. 13 Visit gsnwgl.org/camp for more information. Camp Birch Trails Attn: Camper’s Name + Program Name W5860 Olivotti Lake Rd. Irma, WI 54442
Campers Love getting “REAL” mail! -1-
Parent Checklist □ □
□ □ □ □ □
The final payment is due one week before the camp session begins. Please mail to: GSNWGL—4693 N Lynndale Drive, Appleton, WI 54913 or call Customer Care at 888.747.6945. CampDoc.com—this summer, GSNWGL is again partnering with CampDoc.com to better serve our campers and staff. CampDoc.com is our electronic health record system and takes the place of our Camper Confidentiality Form and Camper Release Form. Campers will not be able to attend without their CampDocs profile fully completed. These documents are called your campers' Health Profile from here forward. Provide all necessary items on the packing list. Label all medications and pack them in original containers (your camper must give these to the troop leader or adult in charge upon arrival at camp). Please add Trading Post funds to your camper's account at registration, call Customer Care to add funds (at least two weeks prior), or bring it to check-in with the camper's name and trading post amount. Bring mail to check-in. It can be delivered to campers while at camp. Do not send packages with food items. Campers should arrive in their swimsuit, with a towel on their luggage for easy access. Swim checks will take place once all campers have arrived for their program.
Camper Program Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Start Date: __________________________ Time: ___________________________ Location: _____________________________
Arriving at Camp A camper's parent or guardian provides arrival and departure from camp. Arrival times are staggered and assigned by the living area. Please follow the timetable below for your camper's arrival time. Smoking and pets are not allowed on camp property. Staff will not assume responsibility for campers before 2:00 p.m. The gate will be closed until this time. Siblings may arrive together at a time that is convenient for your family. Arrival times for all programs/sessions: • Graebel Lodge: 2:00 p.m. o
•
Leafy Tents: 2:30 p.m. (Level Four & Five Trip Programs see below for separate arrival day/time) o o
•
Upper WI Canoe, Island Explorer, Ice Age Trail Backpack, S'more CBT, Trip Leader in Training, Dakota's Adventure, Counselor in Training I, North Country Trail Backpack, Namekagon Kayak
Yurts: 3:00 p.m. o
•
Pictured Rocks Backpack, Chippewa Kayak, Michigamme Canoe, Manitowish Kayak, Manitowish Canoe Saturday Arrival at 6:00 p.m. for Quetico Canoe, Boundary Waters Canoe, Superior Hiking Trail Backpack, Apostle Islands Kayak
Maple Cabins: 2:30 p.m. o
•
Art-o-Rama, Summer Explorers, Beach Bummers, Slime Balls, Sneak a Peek, Get Wild (Get Wild July 6-8 is staying in the Outlook cabins. All other Get Wild sessions are in the Lodge)
Urban Adventure, Counselor in Training II, Abra-Ca-Doodle, Northwoods Adventure, Super Survivalist, Night Ninjas, Wizarding University, What-Chu-Wanna-Du, Wanderers, Bullseye, Apprentice Counselor in Training
Outlook Cabins: 3:30 p.m. o
Inner Goddess, You Can't Do That at Camp, Horsin' Around, Stable Stompers, Cowgirl Round-Up
To help camp stay on our schedule, please limit the drop-off at the living unit to 10 minutes. Parents will not be allowed to make beds or set up the space for their camper. That's part of the camp experience!
-2-
Check-in Please always stay in line and inside your vehicle during the check-in process. Front Gate: Check your camper in by giving their name, showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test based on their vaccination status, receiving a camp map, and confirming photo release and Camper Code of Conduct. 2. Stop Sign: Trading Post | Trading post funds (cash, checks, or credit card), Cookie Dough, or Fall Bucks must be given to admin staff to be put on account for your camper to use throughout the week. Please have cash or checks in an envelope with your camper's name and amount written on the outside. • Confirm approved parent release names and the correct time of pick-up. • If you would like to purchase items from the Trading Post, please park in the parking lot away from the check-in stops, just after the medication drop-off sign. 3. Parking Lot: Dining Hall Menu | Our head cook will discuss the menu for the week. Any campers with food allergies/intolerances can discuss options during this time. • If your camper has any allergies/intolerances other than vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free, please contact camp staff one week before arrival to discuss food options. 4. Parking Lot: Medication | All medications are collected at this time (prescription, over-the-counter, homeopathic, ointments, and vitamins). Each medication must be in its original container and placed in a Ziplock with your camper's name. CBT does provide essential over-the-counter medications for all campers. • Emergency Inhalers and Epi-Pens need to be checked in at this time. These are placed in a red bum bag and attached to your camper or their backpack for immediate use. • Medications not entered in CampDocs, and not confirmed with a call from our health & safety director, will not be accepted at camp. 5. Corner of Parking Lot: Health Check-in | Campers will complete a health check-in at the tent. They will have their temperature taken, heads checked for lice, and our COVID-19 screening questions will be asked. Thanks to a generous donation from Delta Dental, campers will also receive a toothbrush. 6. After your camper has completed each station, you may proceed to their living unit. Counselors will be in the units to help guide parents and campers to the correct area. Speaking with your camper's counselor is another excellent time to let them know any allergies/intolerances, things they are looking forward to, and any issues or concerns to be aware of for the week. Please leave all camper items on their bed. The counselor will help get everything set up. Parents can expect to spend less than 10 minutes at the unit before departing. 1.
Have your camper arrive in their swimsuit, with a towel on their luggage. Swim checks start shortly after parent departure. Campers living in Outlook for their programs do NOT need to arrive in their swimsuits. Their swim tests will happen the following day.
Departure Departure times for all programs/sessions • Lodge: 1:30 p.m. • Leafy Tents: 1:30 p.m. • Outlook: 1:30 p.m. • Maple Cabins: 2:15 p.m. • Yurts: 2:15 p.m. A staff member will meet parents/guardians at the stop sign to enter Camp Birch Trails. Be prepared to show a picture ID to pick up your camper. Any person picking up must be listed on the Camper Release form and will be required to sign the camper out. You will receive any leftover trading post funds and medications at this time. Once a signature is received, parents/guardians will head to the living unit of their camper to pick them up. Please follow the speed limit signs on our roads—there are children around the camp. If campers would like to shop in the Trading Post before leaving camp, please park in the parking lot and head inside.
-3-
Health & Wellness While we take every precaution at camp, illnesses and injuries can occur. All staff members are trained, at a minimum, in basic First Aid/CPR, but many staff also have higher-level certification and lifeguard certification. All trip leaders are certified in all mentioned, plus Wilderness First Aid. Our health director is responsible for the well-being of everyone at camp. All visits to the health supervisor are documented—parents and guardians will be notified of incidents beyond basic cuts and scrapes.
CampDoc | Health Profile
Parents and guardians can now complete their camper's health profile and submit information electronically. Please submit all camp forms through CampDoc.com. Paper forms are no longer accepted. The security and privacy of health information is important to us. The CampDoc.com site is secure, encrypted, and password protected. Only GSNWGL camp health staff and directors have access to camper health information. • After signing up for camp, you will receive an invitation email from CampDoc.com. • Click on the green "accept invite" link within the email to • create your CampDoc.com account. • Enter your full email address and click continue to set your password. • Log in and select your camper's name, then click the health profile link to complete the information. • Required questions will be marked with an * and outlined in red. • Upload any required documents to your CampDoc.com account. o If you're on a mobile device, you can take a picture to upload the document. • Return to CampDoc.com any time to change or update the camper's health information before camp begins. CampDoc.com sends out reminder emails for incomplete health information. These notifications will come from CampDoc.com. Add this to your safe sender list to avoid vital information going to your spam folder. Please note that CampDoc.com supports the current and previous releases of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari, which provide improved security and performance for sensitive information. Good news—your camper's information will save from year-to-year, so once you complete it on CampDoc.com, you won't have to start from scratch next year. It should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete the forms online. You will be able to input immunization records and insurance cards into your camper's health profile. The CampDocs lockout date is June 1, 2022. Parents must complete CampDocs Health Profiles for campers to participate in camp. Failure to do so entirely will cancel your camp registration, and you will forfeit all camp fees. Report everything that may affect your camper at camp: recent illnesses, injuries, allergies, etc. Omitting items will keep us from giving the best care while at camp. If your child has special health needs, please contact the camp director at least two weeks before their camp program. This will help us ensure your camper has a great experience and allow us to serve your child better. Wilderness Trip participants must have a licensed medical professional sign the Physical Exam Form within 24 months of their stay at camp. This can be uploaded to their Health Profile. Please make a copy of the form for your records once it is complete. A copy of the form dated within 12 months of the date of attendance is acceptable.
Medication
By law, all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, homeopathic, topical ointments, and vitamins) must be collected upon check-in by the adult in charge of your group. The health supervisor may only dispense medications listed on the health profile, so please note all medications that your camper brings to camp. • Keep medications in the original containers—this includes inhalers, epi-pens, vitamins, etc., which identify them as your camper's medication, the instructions for dispensing, etc. Put all medications in a zip-lock bag with your camper's name. Medications that are not in their original containers will NOT be dispensed. • Medication labels must match health profiles and must be current. Expired medications will not be accepted. • Campers may not keep medications in their possession. The health supervisor will keep medications, vitamins, ointments, etc., in the health center. These will be sent with counselors if your camper is on a trip. • Inhalers, bee sting kits, and other necessary items will be kept with campers/staff as determined by the health supervisor and as noted on the health profile. • If your child has specific health needs (injections, specialized equipment, dietary concerns), please contact the camp director before your camper's session so our staff can prepare to meet their needs. The health supervisor will ensure that your camper receives their medication. Emergency medications, like those required for allergies, are kept close at hand by the counselors if needed. NOTE: Even if your camper is not taking prescribed medication at camp, you MUST inform staff of their condition.
-4-
Illness, Communicable Disease, Lice
Do not send your child to camp if they have been exposed to a communicable disease or if they are ill. Parents must check their children for lice and COVID-19 before they come to camp. Camp Birch Trails has a no-nit policy. We will not allow anyone with lice or nits to remain at camp. Everyone is screened upon arrival; any child with lice or any communicable disease will need to leave camp. If head lice have been detected, the camper will be sent home, and they cannot return until 24 hours after treatment is complete. We will expect the parent/guardian to pick up the camper as soon as possible.
Emergency Contacts
Ensure that you or your camper's emergency contacts will be available while your child is at camp. Reasons camp staff would contact you include but are not limited to the following: • Homesickness that is getting worse or not better. • Conduct by your child that is inappropriate at Girl Scout camp. • Your child's illness or injury requires a stay in the health center for an extended period, requires medical attention outside of the camp health services, or requires your child to leave camp. • Changes in transportation times or locations
Vaccinations
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes requires campers to comply with the recommended childhood immunization schedule published annually by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Family Physicians before attending their camp session. GSNWGL supports medical exemptions to specific immunizations for each camper (e.g., congenital conditions, compromised immune systems, or taking specific medications) when accompanied by a physician's note. Nonmedical exemptions to required immunizations are not accepted. Girl Scout health and safety are always first and foremost. Immunization requirements for participation provide a safe environment for all.
Camp & COVID We continue to follow the guidance of the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Camp Association, and local health experts in managing Girl Scout Camp most safely. Please help us provide a safe and healthy experience for campers, staff, and families by mitigating risk before arriving at camp, limiting the chance of exposure to COVID-19 whenever possible. Review our Screening and Illness guide before arriving at camp.
Pre-Screening | 72 hours before arrival at camp, you will need to log into your camper's Health Profile in
CampDocs to complete the COVID-19/Illness pre-screening. Failure to do so will cancel your camp registration, and you will forfeit all camp fees.
Fully Vaccinated Campers | Please complete either an Antigen Rapid Self-Test at home or a PCR Test at a local testing facility 72 hours (approximately 3 to 4 days) before arrival at camp. Proof of vaccination and negative test, via photo or email, must be provided at camper drop-off for either test. Please see the CDC website for what fully vaccinated means for your camper. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/getting-child-teen-vaccinated.html
• •
Does my camper need a Covid-19 Vaccine Booster? Your camper should complete the COVID-19 vaccination series as they are eligible: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-dose.htm Options to get free rapid tests at no cost: https://www.covid.gov/
Unvaccinated Campers | Please complete a PCR test 72 hours (approximately 3 to 4 days) before arrival at
camp and isolate afterward. Proof of negative PCR test, via photo or email, must be provided at camper drop-off. • Where to get PCR test: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community-testing.htm
Daily Screening at Camp | We will continue to screen all campers and staff members for COVID-19 each day. Participants with any signs or symptoms will need to go home. After Camp | Campers should be monitored for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 after they return home from
camp. If a camper tests positive for COVID-19 within eight days of returning home, please contact GSNWGL immediately so we can take appropriate measures to contract trace and inform other camp families as necessary. *Report a POSITIVE Covid test to info@gsnwgl.org.
-5-
Behavior Camp staff will help campers adjust to camp life. Campers are expected to follow the Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law while at camp. Council policy states that campers and adults may not use weapons, alcohol, unprescribed drugs, or tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaporizers, etc., at Girl Scout functions or on Girl Scout property. If a situation arises, every effort will be made to correct the issue and ensure a positive camping experience for all. Camp Birch Trails reserves the right to send home anyone who consistently exhibits inappropriate behavior, endangers the camp community, or acts unacceptably towards others. This is at the expense of the parent/guardian; we will not grant a refund of session fees. Occasionally at camp, campers may share private, salacious, or sensitive information with their peers that may be potentially upsetting to other campers. We encourage you to speak with your camper before they arrive about conversations and interactions with peers and what is appropriate or inappropriate to share with others while at camp. Please encourage your camper to report any upsetting conversations or topics to their counselor or other staff members, while they are at camp. Counselors will work with campers to understand appropriate boundaries and coach campers to resolve these issues.
The following are the expectations of all campers: •
Respect and cooperate with campers and counselors in your unit and throughout camp. Try to get to know campers in your unit and find ways to include everyone. Tell a counselor about any problems at camp. It's okay to tell if you (or someone you care about) are having trouble getting along with another camper, are frightened, don't feel well, or miss your family. Disagreements at camp will be settled by talking through the problem. Adults at camp will help campers discuss their differences and find solutions. Offensive or abusive language is not permitted. Harassment and teasing will not be tolerated. Pets and animals are not allowed to be brought onto camp property. Theft, physical threats, physical violence, aggressive behavior, destructive behavior, or threats of destructive behavior will be taken seriously and not tolerated—at camp, on field trips, and outside of camp. Self-destructive or abusive threats or actions will be taken seriously. Campers are not allowed to drive a vehicle to camp. Campers will sign a Camper Code of Conduct Agreement upon arrival to camp to ensure the safety and well-being of every camper is at the forefront of their experience.
• • • • • • • •
Homesickness It is natural for children to experience homesickness while away from home and their routine. Talk to your camper about some of the things that will be different. Prepare campers to expect to compromise with other campers, help with clean-up, and share the counselor's attention. Talk about all the great things that will happen at camp: making new friends, learning new skills, and having fun. Do not make promises that they can go home whenever they want. DO NOT send along a personal cell phone or smartwatch. Please encourage your camper to have the confidence to enjoy the experiences at camp and have the courage to be open to new friends and activities. Most importantly, talk to them about how excited you are for them to go to Girl Scout camp and all the fun they will have. Do not tell them how sad you will be without them and how much you will miss them. While this is okay to do in a small amount, it only makes them think about how sad you are without them and that they might be missing out on something at home, making them more homesick.
The following are researched suggestions from camping professionals at the American Camp Association: Before Camp: • • • • • • • •
Kids are more likely to have a positive experience if you prepare for camp together. Pack their favorite stuffed animal. Practice nights away from home before coming to camp. Do not tell your child that you will 'rescue' them from camp. Don't bribe—the reward will be self-confidence and independence. Don't tell your camper they can call you or that you will call them. These promises only increase homesickness since that becomes all a homesick child can think about. Acknowledge you will miss them but reinforce that you know they will have fun and be safe at camp. Ask your child if they think they will get homesick. Acknowledge their feelings regarding camp before they leave. Let them know things at home will be taken care of—pets will be fed, etc. It's tough for kids to feel worried or guilty for being away from home.
During camp: • • •
Avoid the temptation to pick up your child early. Don't feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. Trust your instincts; most homesick incidents will pass.
-6-
Life at Camp Every camper who channels their wild side at Camp Birch Trails will get to swim, shoot archery, go boating, learn team-building skills, play field games, learn about nature, make art, and cook over the fire—how they do each is up to them and their fellow campers! Campers have an opportunity to swim each day. There is one shower house at camp. Campers will shower at least twice per week. We have an all-camp campfire for introduction, skits, and songs on the opening and closing nights of camp. Thursday night, each group is invited to the stage to give us a quote from their week, put their wish boat into the lake, and sing a song with everyone at camp. All programs do two cookouts planned by campers. Other evenings may be spent camping out overnight, cooking out, and doing other activities. Campers will be active most of the day. A one-hour rest time is scheduled after lunch for campers to rest and relax, write letters, read a book, or take a nap.
Girl-led Camping
When kids come to camp, no matter what program they signed up for, they will work with their counselor to help plan and decide what they will do during their stay. Girl Scouts develop their courage, confidence, and character by speaking up for what they want to experience at camp each summer. Campers work as a team to plan out their week of activities. Some activities have been planned out as part of the camp session campers signed up for. But the group will decide on all general activities. Encourage your camper to have ideas about what they would like to do or try while at camp. Each camper will get at least one of their choices of activities while helping to plan their group's week at camp. And therefore, we can't tell you what they will do before the campers get to camp.
Camp Staff
Camp Birch Trails is proud to have staff from Wisconsin and Michigan and from around the world! Bringing together people of different backgrounds allows our staff and campers to learn and experience new things. The staff goes through thorough training to learn how to work with our campers. They learn games and songs, team building activities, conflict management, age-level development, how to help with homesickness, and much more.
Food
Counselors and campers will sit together at assigned tables, and most meals will be eaten outside as a group. Meals are served family-style in the dining hall three times per day. Campers are encouraged to try all foods—trying new foods promotes healthy eating habits, and campers may find something new they like. Campers get a "no thank you" helping of each food. If they don't like the breakfast option, cereal is offered. If they don't like the lunch or dinner option, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are offered. A salad bar is available once per day, usually at lunch. Juice, milk, water, and GORP (Kool-Aid) are provided each day. Meals may include pancakes, eggs, French toast, oatmeal, tacos, pizza, burgers, tater tot casserole, grilled cheese and tomato soup, sandwiches, spaghetti, meatloaf, lasagna, mac and cheese, sloppy joes, and baked chicken. Menus vary and may change based on food orders and group size. Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free food will be provided as necessary for campers. Campers needing an alternative option for food will get it from the kitchen. Should your camper have other food needs besides glutenfree, dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan, please email the camp director at lfreeman@gsnwgl.org to notify them of any other dietary needs. Particular dietary needs must be discussed before your camper arrives at camp. Parents and caregivers are welcome to provide their child's food for the week if needed for special dietary restrictions.
Daily Schedule Wake-up Bell Breakfast Unit/All Camp Kapers* Morning Activities Lunch Rest Hour Afternoon Activities Dinner Evening Activities Lights-out
7:15 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. 2:45 to 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. 9:30 or 10:00 p.m.
-7-
*Kapers are camp jobs like cleaning, organizing, and helping around camp. *Bedtimes vary by age level – with the youngest campers going to bed between 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Traditional Thursdays at Camp
Thursday night dinner takes a little longer and is our heartiest meal of the week – think of it as Thanksgiving Dinner, camp style. Camp staff will dress up a bit and sing a traditional grace to the campers before the meal. The meal includes turkey or pork, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green bean casserole, cornbread, stuffing, and a dessert cooked by our kitchen staff. Campers are encouraged to dress up if they want to, nothing too fancy—we are at camp. A sundress or nice shirt or a fancy hair clip is appropriate. After dinner, we have a closing campfire at the waterfront fire scar. Campers bring their quotes and wish boats. After the campfire, we will watch a slideshow of pictures from the week and listen to the bracelet story. See if your camper can tell you what happens during the bracelet story and what they receive.
Trading Post
Want to take your camp love home with you? Our trading posts are filled with toys, cuddly buddies, cozy shirts, tie-dye swags, jewelry, goodies, and more! Don't forget to get a limited-edition camp t-shirt, sweatshirt, or patch to remember your time at camp! The trading post is stocked with the latest in summer fun, so send your camper with a few extra dollars in their pocket to spend at the trading post. Souvenirs range from $2-$60, with apparel ranging from $20-$40. Most campers bring $20-$50. You can purchase trading post funds online on MyGS, or your camper may bring cash to turn in at check-in. After your camper's time at camp, unused trading post balances over $5.00 will be refunded in cash and sent home with your camper. Any unused trading post funds in an amount under $5.00 will be donated to the GSNWGL Camp Financial Assistance Fund. Fall Bucks and Cookie Dough can also be used at the trading post—campers must come with their Cookie Dough and Fall Bucks information to redeem it.
Field Trips
Some programs include an off-site field trip. If you're unsure if your camper will be going on a field trip, call Camp Birch Trails the week before your program to verify. Staff will provide supervision and transportation for field trips. Transportation is provided in 15 passenger vans or a school bus. If your camper requires a booster seat, you must send one to camp with them. If a camper needs a booster seat and does not bring one to camp, they will not be able to attend the field trip. Please let the camp staff know if your camper requires a booster seat for riding in a van.
Sleeping Arrangements
Campers sleep on mattresses, cots, and bunk beds in yurts, lodges, or tent cabs. Each unit has a pit toilet or bathroom nearby with a light to light the way. Camp is a safe environment for campers to learn independence; therefore, staff does not sleep in the same room as campers. Counselors sleep in a separate space within earshot of campers. Counselors are always on duty, occasionally checking each sleeping area. The Lodge, for younger campers, has flush toilets and showers. Counselors sleep in the next room and can help throughout the night. Campers should always be willing to ask a counselor for help at night if needed.
Laundry Facilities
We do not have laundry facilities available for camper use. Please indicate if your camper is a bed-wetter (which is not unusual and nothing to be worried about) on your camper's health profile. Your camper should talk with their counselor or another staff person with whom they feel comfortable if they have an accident. Staff will take care of laundering bedding and clothing and put them back as discreetly as possible.
Telephone
Camp Birch Trails has only one phone line for business purposes only. Campers are not allowed to make or receive phone calls while at camp. Please do not send a cell phone or smartwatch with call/text capabilities to camp, as we want to focus on creating a healthy team environment. Cell phones distract from this process and create homesickness problems for the entire group. We will hold personal phones in the office until the end of camp.
-8-
Refunds
A full refund, including the deposit, will be made if a participant cannot be put in a session of their choice. Cancellations made three or more weeks before camp sessions will have payment refunded minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than three weeks before camp sessions will not be refunded. Cancellations made due to emergencies, medical reasons, or based on our Screening and Illness Guide can be made at any time, and full payment, including deposit, will be refunded. Refunds will not be made if a participant is sent home due to homesickness, misconduct, or parent request. If a participant is sent home, transportation is to be arranged and paid for by a parent or guardian.
Lost or Damaged Items
Camp Winnecomac, Camp Birch Trails, and Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes are not responsible for the loss or damage to a camper's personal belongings. Campers should not bring personal equipment to camp without the prior approval of the camp director. Campers cannot bring curling irons, straighteners, hairdryers, radios, portable DVD players, iPods, iPads, tablets, cell phones, video games, animals or pets, weapons, or vehicles. Label all items brought to camp with the camper's first and last name. Lost and found items will be donated to charity at the end of the camp season. Lost and found is in the dining hall and will be brought to admin during check-out for parents to retrieve lost items. Please be sure to check there before you leave camp.
Mail & Bunk Notes Everyone loves to get mail at camp! Some campers send letters home often, and others not at all. However, your camper would LOVE to hear from you! Sometimes, the cure for homesickness is mail from family and friends. We suggest you bring mail and packages (no food or snacks) on check-in day or mail the first letter a day or two before the session begins. Should you choose to send or bring a package to camp for your campers, please make sure their name and the date that the mail should be delivered to them are clearly written. Be aware that you might receive a letter after their arrival back home. Mail delivery can be slow! Late mail will be returned to the sender. Bunk Notes and letters sent while a camper is on a Wilderness Trip or field trip will be given when they return to camp.
To help us ensure your camper can send letters home, send self-addressed stamped envelopes along to camp.
Mail should be addressed as follows: Camper’s Name + Program Name Camp Birch Trails W5860 Olivotti Lake Rd Irma, WI 54442 Sending packages to camp:
Sending letters to camp:
• We highly recommend that if you would leave care packages for your camper, you include enough items for the entire cabin. This is not required, just encouraged. o Care packages are great ways to send activities or games that a cabin can do together. Card games, books, puzzles, etc. are all great items to include. • We have many campers and staff with allergies to certain ingredients, and snacks can attract unwanted critters into cabins. Do not send food or candy to camp. o Please remember that if campers are hungry outside of mealtime, they can ask their counselor for a snack or purchase snacks when they are at the trading post.
• Be positive and encouraging • DO tell them how much you love them. • DO tell them you hope they are having fun and that you can’t wait to see them! • DO ask questions about their campmates, swimming, favorite counselors, etc. • DO send along favorite comic strips, pictures, or fun news. • DO tell about your favorite memory from camp as a child. • DON’T tell bad news (family illness or the death of a pet).
-9-
With Bunk1.com, parents have an easy and secure one-way email service to keep in touch with campers. If you created an account in the past, use the same login. There is a small fee for the Bunk Notes service. Please note: We may not be able to print Bunk Notes every day, but we will make every effort to give camper letters as soon as possible. If you want your camper to receive an email on Friday, it must be submitted by Thursday.
To set up a new account:
1. Visit www.Bunk1.com 2. Click "Need an Account or Have an Invitation Code" 3. Enter invitation code: BTRAILS22 (for camper's safety, please do not share this code with others) 4. Fill out all required information 5. Purchase Bunk Note credits (you will need a credit card) 6. Send an email to your camper!
Bunk1 FAQ
How do I send my camper a Bunk Note (one-way email)?
After registering, sign in and click on the Bunk Notes button. Enter your camper's name, select the correct cabin, type your message, and hit send.
How much does it cost to send a Bunk Note?
Bunk Note credits cost just $1 each. Bunk Notes can be purchased in packs of various sizes.
Why do I have to pay to send Bunk Notes?
Each morning, the Bunk Notes system bundles and sorts the messages for us to print out and distribute to campers. It also provides a secure system that allows us to manage these messages for campers. Your payment helps us cover the cost of the system, ink, and paper, and more importantly, it frees us up to do what we do best—spend time with our campers!
Can other relatives use this service?
Absolutely! As soon as you log in, you will notice a button under the heading "Quick Links" to "Invite Family Members." Click that button, enter their details, and they will be sent an email. PLEASE NOTE: this will prompt them to set up their account. It does not provide access to your account OR your Bunk Note Credits.
What if I lost my username and password?
Your username is your email address. If you forgot your password, visit www.bunk1rollcall.com and click the Sign In tab. A screen will appear, and you can select "Forgot Your Password?" You will then be able to reset your password.
When will the Bunk Notes get delivered?
All emails sent by 10 a.m. will be delivered on the same day. Emails sent after 10 a.m. will be delivered the following day. Additional questions or problems? Call Bunk1 at 800.216.9472 or email support@bunk1.com.
- 10 -
Packing List Please label all items with your camper's first and last name. Pack clothing/equipment into one duffel bag, tote, backpack, or bag your camper can carry. Campers should help pack their gear to know what they bring to camp. Put camper's name on all their clothing and equipment. Use nametags or a laundry marker. If you bring a laundry bag for their dirty clothes, please label that bag with their name. The packing checklist is for your convenience. Avoid unnecessary purchases. If you can substitute something on the list with an item you already have, feel free to do so. Remember, they will be outdoors most of the time and, therefore, need clothing suitable for warm days and cool mornings/evenings and rain. We suggest they bring enough clothes to have a complete change every day. Leave anything of value at home. We cannot be responsible for missing articles or items ruined while at camp. Council policy states that campers and adults may not use weapons, alcoholic beverages, non-prescribed drugs, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, etc., at Girl Scout functions or on Girl Scout property.
Camp Packing List Canoeing/Kayaking Wilderness Trip Packing List Backpacking Wilderness Trip Packing List Frequently Asked Packing Questions Why two swimsuits? And why one-piece or tankini swimsuits? Campers swim every day (weather permitting) and sometimes multiple times in one day. It's nice to have a dry swimsuit to put on. Campers will be very active when in the water. We prefer swimsuits that allow for this type of activity. We ask for a one-piece or tankini swimsuit for campers so we can help to prevent sunburn and make sure the campers stay covered.
Why do I need to pack a fitted sheet if I'm packing a sleeping bag? And a rug? Most campers find it more
comfortable to have a sheet lining the vinyl mattress and use their sleeping bag as a comforter. A fitted sheet is not required but comforts campers. Some campers like to pack a small rug (3ft x 2ft or smaller) to stand on when they get out of their bed or sit on the floor while in their living area.
Do I need to pack two pairs of shoes? And why can't they wear flip-flops around camp? In the outdoors, campers can get wet and messy. Sudden downpours happen at camp and can leave a pair of shoes wet for the remainder of the week. It's best to plan by packing an extra pair. Flip-flops are not sturdy enough for the activities at camp. Campers will be running, jumping, and having fun at camp, and we want to ensure that their feet are well taken care of. We do not allow flip-flops at camp during the day. They can wear flip flops for showering and to and from the shower house. Do they need a mess kit, and what is it? Campers and their counselors will cook at least two meals over the fire
and more if their program requires it or the campers would like to. Campers will need their mess kit to eat their meal. A mess kit is a plate, bowl, cup, spoon, fork, and knife, often in a mesh bag (a dunk bag is used to dunk the entire kit in sanitizing water once it has been washed). If you do not have one, your camper can purchase one in our camp Trading Post, online, or from sporting goods stores in your area. Please only send metal or plastic, nothing that is breakable.
Tie-Dying, why should I send it, and what should I send? Everyone gets the opportunity to tie-dye something
on Tuesdays! 100% cotton shirts work best. Please label their shirt or item with their name since tie-dye changes how the items look, and often the campers don't recognize their item once it is dyed. Tie-dye items will be washed before they are sent home. Be prepared to wash or rinse it again before you put these items in the laundry with the rest of your clothes. We cannot guarantee that all the extra dye will have come out in our washing of it at camp.
- 11 -
Van Trip Packing (Urban Adventure and Dakota's Adventure) – Campers can pack as usual when attending
these trips. They will be riding in a van with a trailer to bring their items, so there is limited space. Make sure to pack extra things to do while in the van. Campers will also want some spending money for the trip. They will stop at various tourist destinations and may want to purchase some items to bring home. Cell phones are not allowed to be brought with campers on these trips and cannot be used as a camera. Please send a camera along to take pictures.
Wilderness Trip Information Each trip is unique. Many campers find that being on the trail is AMAZING! Learning to live without modern conveniences can be an incredible growing experience. While in camp, the campers will help their trip leader and counselor plan their route, meals, and packing necessities. The trip leader and counselor will look over all items brought on their trip to ensure they are adequate and necessary during the trip. All participants and staff attending wilderness trips are trained in emergency signaling procedures, where the nearest help is for each day of travel, and how to obtain help if necessary. In addition, all trips carry an InReach Device or cell phone with them for emergency use. Since trips are in backcountry areas, we cannot guarantee that the cell phones will work in all areas. Even with cell phones, additional emergency assistance on trips may take hours or longer to reach a group. All trip leaders are trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED, lifeguarding, and participate in intensive training before camp. All trips carry certain risks to persons and equipment. These risks include but are not limited to the following: falling, animal encounters, encounters with the public, injury from equipment, natural disasters, drowning, severe weather, etc. Camp Birch Trails does all it can to reduce risks inherent in trips by following American Camp Association and Girl Scouts of the USA safety standards. All campers are expected to be in good physical condition to go on Wilderness trips. Campers are strongly encouraged to do conditioning exercises before coming to camp. If new boots are purchased, make sure your camper wears them many times to break them in before their time at camp. If a camper has any medical conditions, their physician should be made aware of the type of trip they are going on and the accessibility of professional help in case of emergencies. This is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Camp Birch Trails will provide specific equipment for Wilderness Trips. If your camper wants to bring something of their own, they are welcome to. However, staff may decide that the equipment is unnecessary. Equipment is set up, gone through, and packed before the campers leave for their trip. Counselors will help campers go through things to ensure they have what they need and that everything is working. Canoeing and Kayaking Trips: All campers should be able to carry 30-50 pounds of weight and paddle a sea kayak or canoe for several hours at a time. Backpacking Trips: All campers should be able to carry approximately 50 pounds on their back and walk between 5-10 miles concurrently with the pack on their back. They do stop for breaks throughout the day.
- 12 -
Camp Birch Trails
W5860 Olivotti Lake Road – Irma, WI 54442
Camp Birch Trails
From the north: • Follow Hwy 51 (south) to County Highway J past Irma. • Turn right (west) onto County Highway J and continue for 1.3 miles to Pier St./CTY JJ • Turn left (south) on Pier St./CTY JJ (the street sign is on the right on the corner of the dirt road) and continue for 3.9 miles to Olivotti Lake Rd. • Turn right (west) onto Olivotti Lake Rd. The front gate to Camp Birch Trails is at the end of the road. From the south: • Follow Hwy 51 (north) to Lincoln Dr. • Turn left (west) onto Lincoln Dr. and continue for 1/2 mile to the stop sign (Pier St./CTY JJ). • Turn right (north) on Pier S0/CTY JJ and continue for 2-3 miles to Olivotti Lake Rd. • Turn left (west) on Olivotti Lake Rd. The front gate to Camp Birch Trails is at the end of the road. Please note: Most GPS units and maps may not get you to the correct side of the highway. If using Google Maps, type in "Birch Trail Girl Scouts Camp" to get the correct directions. There are TWO Camp Birch Trails in the state of Wisconsin. Please be sure you are heading to our camp by using the address above.
- 13 -
