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1 The Granite YMCA | campfoss.org | 603.232.8642 2024 PARENT HANDBOOK2 WELCOME FROM OUR EXECUTIVE CAMP DIRECTOR Hello Camp Foss Campers, Family, and Friends! With enthusiasm and a full heart, I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Director of Camp Foss. When I first stepped onto the shores of Willey Pond at 9 years old, I immediately knew that this place was something special. I had grown up in New Hampshire my entire life, but there was nothing quite like camp where there was laughter that moved trees, friendships that formed unwavering bonds, and memories that would stay crystal clear years later. Camp Foss has been shaping the lives of young leaders for 100 years. As the Director of Camp Foss, my emphasis will always be on creating a safe, fun, and inclusive experiential environment that not only supports but encourages growth through independence, relationship building, appreciation of nature, and the Y’s core values (Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility). Whether it is through swim lessons, high ropes elements, or the end of session play, campers will have the opportunity to learn more about themselves and others all while building self-confidence. We at Camp Foss know there may be many questions or concerns as a first-time camper, but we welcome the opportunity to put you and your camper at ease. With 20+ years of experience at Camp Foss, I am committed to ensuring your camper has a positive experience and leaves camp with new friends and news skills that will serve them well during their time away from camp. With that being said, feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns as you prepare for an experience that lasts a lifetime. See you this summer! Emily Goupil Camp Foss Director HANDBOOK CONTENTS Welcome Letter.............................................2 A Day at Camp.............................................3 Programs.....................................................3 Camp Fees...................................................4 Refund Policy................................................4 Health Forms................................................5 Medications..................................................5 Communication with My Camper.....................6 Suggested Packing List..................................7 Check In Procedures......................................8 Check Out Procedures....................................9 Accommodations & Meals...............................10 Intersession Days..........................................11 Frequently Asked Questions............................12 Important Contact Information.......................14 Open House..................................................14 Family Camp Weekend...................................14 Financial Assistance.......................................143 A DAY AT CAMP MORNING ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 7:20 Wake Up 8:00 Flaig raising & breakfast 9:00 Activity Period 1 10:00 Activity Period 2 11:00 Activity Period 3 12:30 Lunch AFTERNOON ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 1:00 Cabin Time 2:15 Activity Period 4 3:15 Activty Period 5 4:15 General Swim 5:15 Flag Lowering/Dinner 5:30 Dinner EVENING ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 6:50 Open Time 7:30 Evening Program 8:30 Report to Cabins 9:15 Lights Out (Hilltop/Woodside) 9:45 Lights Out (Lakeview/Sunrise) PROGRAMS Our programs are separated into three different areas: recreation, hobbies, and waterfront activities. Morning recreation activities are skills sessions including softball, field hockey, soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, etc... In the afternoon, both traditional and unconventional recreation activities are offered for campers to sign up for including dodgeball, kickball, rafterball, foursquare, frisbee golf, kickball, gaga ball, slip and slides, yoga, water games, and much more. In the morning, campers rotate with their cabin groups to different hobbies activities. In the afternoon, campers have additional opportunities to sign up for other activities that they enjoy or would like to try. The hobbies activities include: high & low ropes courses, target sports, arts & crafts, boating, performing arts, farm & agriculture, and more. At the waterfront, we offer an array of activities along the shores of Willey Pond. In the morning, all campers participate in instructional activities such as swimming, sailing, aquatic safety, lake ecology, boating lessons, and more. In the afternoon, campers can enjoy free swim, boating, water volleyball, sand castle building, diving, water trampoline, and much more. All activities that take place outside of the designated swim area require a life jacket. The first three morning activities consist of skill based activities where campers are encouraged to try new activities and learn new skills. In the afternoon, activities are by choice and campers sign up for them during lunch. These activities change on a daily basis and are announced at lunch so that campers know what they can sign up for each day. This allows campers to have a hand in shaping their camp experience. Evening activities are typically themed nights that include the entire camp or are organized for individual cabins and/or villages. Some of our evening activities may consist of a carnival night, campfire, camper counselor hunt, and much more!4 CAMP FEES There is a $100 deposit per week required upon registration. The final payments must be received by May 15. Any campers that still have a balance after the final due date will not be guaranteed a spot and risks being replaced by another camper from the waiting list. Make checks payable to YMCA Camp Foss. There will be a fee charged for any returned (NSF) checks. We also accept credit card payments, which can be processed online or by calling Lauren Frazier at 603.232.8642. Please mail payments to:YMCA of Concord Camping Services Branch 15 N. State St. Concord, NH 03301 INTERSESSION STAY OVER DAYS Campers that are registered for two consecutive sessions and choose to stay at camp in-between the sessions will be required to pay an additional fee. Campers will participate in an off camp trip such as mini golfing, going to the movie theatre, local sporting events, hikes and dinner off camp. REFUND POLICY If your camper is unable to attend camp, please notify our camp office immediately. To receive a refund (less the initial $100 non-refundable deposit) you must notify us in writing at least 4 weeks in advance of your camper’s scheduled camp session. Please allow 2-3 weeks for refund processing. Cancellations resulting in a medical emergency must be accompanied by a signed doctor’s note. Refunds will not be granted if your camper is sent home due to behavioral reasons. Additionally, refunds will not be given to campers who depart early due to homesickness. LATE ARRIVALS & NO SHOWS If your camper will be arriving late, please notify the enrollment office at least 2 weeks prior to the start of your camper’s session. This allows for plans to be made accordingly. If a camper has not arrived by the start of the evening activity, staff will make an attempt to contact the primary contact. Please note that there are no refunds for late arrivals or no shows. YMCA MEMBERS The YMCA is a membership organization dedicated to providing youth, families and communities with the support and opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. If you are a YMCA member, regardless of location, you will receive a 10% discount per session. If you are a member of The Granite All balances due by May 15 (registrations received after May 15 require full payment)5 HEALTH FORMS Upon registration, you should have receieved an email asking you to update your campers medical information. This information should be completed prior to their check in day. We are excited to evolve and continue to build safe, efficient, an productive systems for your camper to have a great experience at our camp. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lauren Frazier in our enrollment office. You will need to upload the following documents for your camper’s medical information: - Copy of physical (dated within last 2 years) - Immunizations received to date - Copy of the front and back of insurance card In accordance with state regulations, no camper will be permitted to be at camp without all required documentation completed. In accordance with ACA standards, all campers are required to have health insurance and must upload a copy of the front and back of their insurance card when completing your camper’s medical information. CAMP NURSING STAFF Camp Foss has nursing staff living on site at camp during each session. They are available 24 hours a day for any illnesses, injuries or emergencies that may arise. If medical treatment is required beyond the written orders of our camp nurse, staff will make every effort to contact the family, and the camper will be transported to Clear Choice MD in Alton, Alton Family Practice, Huggin’s Hospital, Frisbee Hospital or the closest urgent care facility. MEDICATIONS Medications are defined as any substance (not food) that a camper may use to maintain or improve ones health which include: prescriptions, over the counter medicine, vitamins and supplements. Camp Foss must have written consent from your camper’s doctor in order to dispense ANY medication during your camper’s session. This includes ALL prescription medication and any OTC (over the counter) medications that are not listed on the Camp Foss OTC permissions form such as gummy vitamins, allergy medication, melatonin or homeopathic medications. If your camper needs to take any type of medication while at camp you MUST: A. Have your camper’s physical or the healthcare provider form filled out (specifically the medication section) and signed by a licensed healthcare provider. OR B. Have a note of written consent signed by a licensed healthcare provider, stating the medication, dosage, and reason for taking the medication (this should then be uploaded to their medical information). Please note: Without one of these forms of consent, our camp nurse, under their license, will not be able to dispense medication that is undocumented for your camper. Uploading a photo of the medication container will not be accepted. All medications must be in the original packaging.6 COMMUNICATION Camp is a place where campers have the chance to have fun and be themselves. They make new friends, learn new skills, and try new activities. They will gain a deeper understanding of who they are as a person. Campers love to receive mail, perhaps more than they like to answer it. We encourage you to write letters, send BunkNotes, and send care packages. SEND MAIL TO YOUR CAMPER Write often, but keep the letters cheerful. Emotional letters from families can be a major cause of home sickness. If you receive an unhappy letter from your camper, don’t get upset too quickly. Campers often experience homesickness during the first couple days of camp. Please be sure to allow enough time for the mail to reach your camper by the end of their session. Any letters or packages received after your camper’s session has ended will be returned to the sender, as long as a return address has been provided. We also suggest sending campers with pre-addressed and pre- stamped envelopes (or postcards) to help them with replying. CARE PACKAGES Campers love receiving packages. We ask that you try to keep the size limited to that of a shoebox. Please use discretion in what you include in your camper’s package. Food items in large amounts are not a good idea as it discourages good eating habits and attracts animals. We do ask that all food items be in resealable packages. You may send small amounts and please encourage your camper to share with friends. Other great items to send are books, magazines, puzzles, and small toys or games. Please do not send anything containing nuts or treenuts due to allergies. SEND EMAIL & VIEW PHOTOS If you would like to email your camper, you may register with BUNK1.COM and purchase BunkNotes. You will need to use the pre-approval code provided to you in an “after drop-off” email to register for your account. Bunk1 is a one way email communication that allows you to get your message to your camper quickly. We print them out on a daily basis and hand them out to the campers with the rest of the daily mail and packages. Please remember this is a one way communication. Campers cannot reply via email, but they can write letters home via USPS. Once you create your account you will not only be able to purchase BunkNote credits to send emails, but you will also be able to view the photo gallery for free. Pictures are uploaded often by our camp staff, so parents and family members can log in and see pictures of what the campers did each day. This helps you stay connected to your camper while at camp and keeps you updated with what activities they’re participating in. CAMPER PHONE USE The camp experience is a way for campers to develop a greater sense of independence. We do not allow cell phones or electronics at camp, and we do not have a phone available for campers to routinely make or receive calls. We believe that campers should get to know each other and establish bonds through face to face communication instead of through electronics. Should you need to contact your camper under emergency circumstances or wish to check in on your camper, please contact our onsite camp office at 603.776.3000. A staff member will assist you with your questions/concerns.SUGGESTED PACKING LIST LEAVE AT HOME: DO NOT bring the following items to camp! Any prohibited items found could result in confiscation and/or dismissal from camp. - cell phones - iPods - video games - handheld electronics/games - fireworks/sparklers - matches/lighters - alcohol/drugs/tobacco products - pocket knives/weapons of any kind CLOTHES _t-shirts _shorts _sweatshirts _sweatpants _long sleeve shirts _jeans _socks _underwear _pajamas _swim suits TOILETRIES _soap _shampoo _deodorant _toothbrush _toothpaste _hairbrush/comb _bug repellent _sunscreen OUTERWEAR _rain jacket _sweatshirt/sweater _warm jacket BEDDING/LINENS _sheets & blankets or sleeping bag _blankets _pillow _towels & face cloth _laundry bag _extra sheets (if bed-wetting is a possibility) FOOTWEAR _sneakers _shower shoes _sandals _rain boots MISCELLANEOUS _flashlight _stationery/stamps _envelopes _pens/pencils _extra batteries _water bottle _camera _day pack/backpack _swim goggles _battery powered fan This is a basic list of items to bring to camp. Use your own judgement on quantity. Mark each item of clothing with your campers name and make sure to check lost and found upon departure. Camp will not be responsible for lost or broken items. Parents should speak with the cabin counselor re- garding any possible bed wetting or sleep walking problems. PACKING TIPS • Please label all belongings with your camper’s name or initials • Remember to check online for the session schedule one week prior to check in so your camper can choose to pack optional items coinciding with special theme days occurring that session LUGGAGE We have found that foot lockers, trunks, plastic bins, and/or suitcases fit best under the camp bunks. If luggage is kept to a maximum height of 16” it will easily slide right under the bunk beds for easy storage.8 CHECK IN PROCEDURES Check-in involves important preparation to ensure your camper’s stay at camp is successful. In order to move you through the process as quickly as possible, check-in will begin promptly at 1:00 pm. Our goal is to get families through the process in under an hour. An email with proper check-in times will be sent before your camper’s session. The schedule for check-in day is as follows: 1. Check in at the Welcome Center 2. Stop by the Dining Hall to ensure all required paperwork is complete, receive cabin assignment, and for a complimentary health screening. 3. Head to Rec Hall and Camp Store to meet the store staff and set up/verify camper’s store account 5. Go to the Infirmary (if applicable) to discuss and drop off any medications and/or discuss any health concerns you may have. 6. Go to your camper’s assigned cabin to meet the counselors, help your camper unpack, and fill out authorized release form. Each camper’s health and time at camp is important to us, so please allow for adequate time to ensure your camper is all set! CABIN ASSIGNMENT Once you arrive at camp, you will be directed to the Dining Hall to receive your camper’s cabin assignment. Cabin assignments are based on age, requests, and length of session stay. One-week and two-week campers will not be placed in the same cabin, but can be placed in the same village. Please be aware that cabin assignments are done just 1-2 days prior to the start of each session to account for last minute changes and to ensure accuracy. STORE ACCOUNT Once you have checked your camper in at camp and received their cabin assignment, you will proceed to the camp store (Chetty’s Place) to open your camper’s store account. All campers are encouraged to open a store account upon check-in (cash, check, and credit cards are accepted). The camp store has a variety of clothing, snacks, souvenirs, and items that might be needed at camp. Usually $100 is sufficient for a two-week session to cover store items. Please do not send camp store account money with the tuition payments. Please remember to pick up any remaining balance at the end of your camper’s stay with us, otherwise it will be donated to our scholarship fund. INFIRMARY CHECK-IN Any camper that will be taking medication while at camp will be required to go to the Infirmary to meet with our nursing staff. All medication must be listed in your camper’s medical information and must be given to the nursing staff at this time for proper storage. No one is allowed to keep or administer their own medication while at camp, except inhalers and EpiPens (with doctor’s approval). All medication must be in the original container with the prescription label intact. Over-the-counter medications and vitamins will only be accepted when accompanied by a doctor’s note/authorization. If your camper is confined to the infirmary for more than 24 hours, you will be notified by phone. Check-in for ALL sessions are: SUNDAY from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMCHECK OUT PROCEDURES Please be caring and pick up your camper during the allotted check out time frame to allow our staff to get ready for welcoming incoming parents and campers on the following day. Don’t forget to stop by the camp store to close your camper’s account. Any store accounts uncollected will be donated to our scholarship fund. If someone else other than yourself will be picking up your camper, that person(s) will need to be listed on the release form filled out during the check-in process. The schedule for check out is as follows: 1. Meet your camper at the cabin. Be sure to check for any missing belongings. Don’t forget to check the clothesline and lost and found box/fence. 2. Stop in at the camp store to pick up any last minute souvenirs. Here you will sign your camper out and close their store account. 3. Go to the Infirmary to pick up any medications (if necessary). Don’t forget to say goodbye to the nursing staff! 4. Stop by the Welcome Center as you leave to receive a few parting gifts and chat with the director. 5. Don’t forget to talk to your camper about their experience with us and fill out the camp survey that will be emailed to you. This helps us to continue to create the best experience possible for all campers! LOST AND FOUND Please be sure to check your camper’s cabin, rafters, under the bunk, on the clothesline, and lost and found fence prior to leaving camp. All articles left at camp will be donated at the end of the camp session. KEEPING IN TOUCH One of the greatest parts about camp is that campers make life-long friendships. We encourage campers to exchange contact information, so that they can continue to keep in touch even during the off season. Be sure your camper swaps information with friends prior to leaving camp. Please join our “OFFICIAL FACEBOOK” group to keep up to date with friends and staff even in the winter months! Check-Out for ALL sessions are: SATURDAY from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AMNext >