CAMP GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
Let this webpage be your guide. It will provide you and your camper with important information and details for a safe and successful summer program. Please make sure to throughly read all the information before coming to camp. Allow your child to read it as well.
At Cal-Wood, we want your child’s camp experience to be safe, rewarding, memorable and blissfully fun. If you or your kiddos have any questions as you prepare for camp, please contact us at anytime!
PACKING LIST
CAMPER DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
BOTH DROP OFF & PICK UP HAPPEN AT
CAL-WOOD EDUCATION CENTER
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Your Whereabouts: It is important for us to know where you are located during your child’s stay at Cal-Wood. If at any time you will be at an address or phone number different from what you submitted during registration, please let us know by calling the camp phone at (303) 449-0603 ext. 1 or emailing camp@calwood.org. If no one is available to answer, please leave a message and we will call you back.
Phone Calls: In the case of a family emergency, we ask that parents only attempt to contact campers by telephone or in-person. Otherwise, we have a strict no-phone-home policy. We have found that phone calls disrupt the overall camp experience which is focused on independence, confidence and a positive separation from home. They also tend to enhance homesickness and anxiety from separation. Prior to sending your child to camp, please avoid saying things like “Call us if you have any problems” or “We’re only a phone call away!” Communication with your camper is best done through letters/email.
Note: Cal-Wood’s site does not have access to cell service from any carrier.
Visits: Personal visits by family and friends are limited to opening and closing days of camp. Please do not attempt to execute a “surprise” visit for your camper. Visits disrupt the camp experience and increase the potential for other children to feel homesick.
Mail: The absolute best way to show your pride and affection for your camper is to send mail. Campers LOVE to get mail! There are 2 ways to send mail to your camper!
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Pre-write letters for each day at camp (use the before mentioned schedule for context) and give them to us during sign-in. Make sure to write the campers name and which day you’d like it delivered. We’ll makes sure they get delivered with a smile!
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E-Mail: We have an e-mail address for families who would like to write to their campers electronically: camp@calwood.org Please put only your camper’s first and last name in the subject line. Each day, emails will be printed and delivered during feet off the floor time.
It is natural for campers to worry about how their families are doing without them while they are at camp. Although it’s hard to believe, many campers think their families might forget about them or be worse off. For that reason, we encourage that you write your children supportive letters while they are away and let them know that you are proud and excited about the experiences they are having. Let them know you look forward to hearing all about camp when they return.
Care Packages: You are welcome to leave a care package for your child. However, we request that you include enough items for that camper’s 7-13 other bunkmates. This instantly makes you the coolest parent ever! Please do not include any edible items, including candy or gum. Any food sent in a care package will be confiscated in order to protect the wonderful wildlife on campus.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Please read the following material CAREFULLY. Share this with your child so that he or she also understands our policies and is more prepared for their camp experience.
Spending Money: It is not necessary for campers to bring money to camp. If campers are traveling solo, we ask that they allow Cal-Wood staff to hold any money for safekeeping.
Behavior Expectations: If a camper behaves in any way that is considered by the Education Director to be detrimental to the quality and best interest of the program, Cal-Wood reserves the right to dismiss that camper from the program. This type of dismissal may result from behavior such as, but not limited to, the use of alcohol or drugs, refusal to cooperate, or endangering the emotional or physical safety of any person at camp - including themselves. Campers who are asked to leave due to behavioral misconduct will not be offered a refund. It is at the discretion of the Education Director if your child can return for another session that summer or in future summers.
Food: We believe in promoting a healthy, balanced diet and provide nutritious meals accordingly. We do not allow “junk food” such as candy, gum, or soda. No food should be brought to camp nor should you send your camper “care packages” containing food while at camp. Please indicate any special dietary needs on the camper’s heath forms and we will work with you and your camper to meet those needs. The chef makes wonderful accommodations for those with allergies. We are prepared to serve campers with allergies of all levels. If your campers are “picky eaters”, remind them that camp is a great place to try new foods.
Electronic Devices: Our definition of “electronic devices” includes: speakers, ipods and other music players, laser pointers, handheld games, e-readers, VR apparatus, cell phones, and laptops. These items are NOT allowed at camp. Campers are constantly engaged in plenty of outdoor and community-based activities and will not need additional stimulating input. We also do not allow cameras of any type in residential spaces. This is to protect the privacy of campers while they shower and change clothes. Campers are informed about this policy at the beginning of the camp session, and any electronic devices found after that time will be confiscated for the duration of the camp session.
What is allowed? Digital Cameras
What is best? Disposable Cameras
Model & Statement Release: Periodically, Cal-wood Education Center uses photos of and statements made by participants for newsletters, fundraising efforts, marketing and articles about the program. All photos and statements are used with reasonable judgment for purposes directly relating to operating camp. We honor the images and words of your children and hope to have 100% compliance from families attending camp. Not having your picture taken does affect a child’s camp experience and we appreciate your support.
Pets: All pets must be left at home. We also discourage campers from acquiring pets while at camp.
Lost & Found: Cal-Wood does not assume responsibility for lost or damaged items. It is up to your camper to look after and maintain the personal items they bring to camp Please do not pack anything of high value. We do have a lost and found area campers can check if something goes missing. Any unclaimed items will be left out for parents to reclaim at drop-off.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and Safety: Our top priority is to maintain the health and safety of each camper. Our staff have certifications in First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, and more. Our Camp Nurse ensures the highest possible care, overseeing the overall care of your child. First aid kits are carried at all times by staff. Emergency Services can be on site within 20 minutes. Helicopter service to larger hospitals is also available.
Health Screening: Upon arrival at camp your camper will undergo a short Health Screening. We do this to ensure the overall health of the camp community. This process ultimately ensures your camper leaves camp as healthy as they began. We will ask about recent injuries, how they feel, and do a quick, non-invasive lice check. If your child does have a lice, parents will need to successfully complete lice removal treatment at home before being cleared to come back to camp.
Medications: If your camper requires any medications, you will check those in at drop off. These include vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, homeopathic remedies and/or herbal medications. Medications will be kept in a secure place, and returned at the end of camp. If your camper becomes ill prior to arriving at camp, please call in advance to let us know about their condition. The more accurate information we have about the health and needs of your child, the better informed we will be in making decisions to ensure the health of the whole camp. f you have questions for our nurse, email: nurse@calwood.org
HOW TO PACK MEDICATIONS
All medication must be with the original prescription or over-the-counter container. Medication not in original container will not be accepted.
Please bring the exact amount of medication needed for your camp. You will have to count out what is needed. Do not provide extra. Our nurse will help with this at drop-off.
During the check-in process, parents will turn the medication into the Camp Nurse or other leadership staff.
Do not pack medication in the child’s luggage. Have it out and ready at check-in.
HOMESICKNESS
Cal-Wood prides itself on how well we handle homesickness or “missing home”. The staff receive specialty training in separation anxiety and homesickness. Homesickness is occurring more and more in children attending camp and your help and preparation makes a huge difference. Below is a list that will help your child succeed at camp and come home full of stories and pride.
Homesickness is the result of leaving a loving home.
Homesickness is 100% normal.
A child’s confidence grows when guardians trust in their success at camp.
As hard as it may be, avoid saying the following statements;
“Call me if you need me.” Cal-Wood has a strict no phone-home policy. Missing home can turn into severe homesickness the moment after a child is done speaking with a loved one. Even the most content campers that speak with their parents while at camp can experience homesick feelings. Write encouraging letters or emails instead.
“I can pick you up if you want to go home…” Of course you can, but is that the only option? This statement shows campers that you think they’ll want to go home, that you don’t fully trust them, and that you are nervous when they’re gone. Please don’t say this to your camper. Remember at some point most children want to go home. Try “I’ll see you Friday”, instead
Let your child take ownership of this experience. Have them pack themselves as much as possible. Let them make their bed upon arriving to camp.
Talking about being away from home now is one of the best ways you can be a part of camp later.
Again, homesickness and overcoming it is a normal process that helps children develop independence, confidence and self-pride. They will do fantastic!
Codes, Symbols and Passwords: Please do not coach your child to use code words in letters or symbols in pictures. If children have the ability to communicate that they miss you - they will. if they have a way to show this in a more urgent way - they will. If you or your child feel you need this, sleepaway camp may not be the best option.