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WELCOME TO YMCA CAMP MI-TE-NA The Granite YMCA | campmitena.org | 603.232.8642 2022 PARENT HANDBOOK2 WELCOME FROM OUR CAMP DIRECTOR Hello to all parents and campers whom we are very excited to share summer with at Camp Mi-Te-Na. I am grateful to you for choosing YMCA Camp Mi-Te-Na for your child’s overnight camp experience. The experience they will have at camp will truly last a lifetime. Whether they’re swimming and kayaking in Halfmoon Lake, refining expertise at archery and climbing, or improving techniques at basketball and four-square, we hope that we can teach all of the campers we see a new skill and help them develop new friendships in the process. At Camp Mi-Te-Na, we are committed to teaching the core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. These are taught at YMCA camps across the nation and all over the world. What sets us apart is our dedication to build self-confidence, encourage better decision-making skills, putting others first, and developing relationships and friendships. Camp Mi-Te-Na is owned and operated by the Granite YMCA. We have a long-standing tradition of providing a safe and nurturing environment for campers dating back to our first summer in 1913. I was a former first-time camper at our sister camp, Camp Foss. I understand concerns and questions that first-time campers may have. Summer 2023 is my 21st year being involved with both camps and more specifically my 16th year working at Mi-Te-Na. I am very passionate about providing a place where everyone can gain a positive experience filled with perchildal growth. With that in mind, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns that you may have. I look forward to seeing you at Camp Mi-Te-Na! Ashley Paquet Camp Mi-Te-Na Director HANDBOOK CONTENTS Welcome Letter ............................................2 A Day at Camp ..............................................3 Our Programs ..............................................3 Camp Fees ...................................................4 Refund Policy ...............................................4 Health Forms ...............................................5 Medication ...................................................5 Communication with My Camper .................6 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 New Camper Information Day ......................14 Financial Assistance ....................................143 A DAY AT CAMP MORNING ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 7:30 Wake Up 7:45 Flaig raising & breakfast 9:25 Activity Period 1 10:15 Activity Period 2 11:05 Activity Period 3 12:15 Lunch AFTERNOON ACTIVITY SCHED- ULE 1:10 Cabin Time 2:20 Activity Period 4 3:10 Activty Period 5 4:00 General Swim 5:15 Flag Lowering 5:25 Dinner PROGRAMS Our programs are separated into three different areas: sportsfield, hobbies, and waterfront activities Morning sportsfield activities are skills sessions including baseball, lacrosse, soccer, football, rugby, cricket, basketball, tennis, or ultimate frisbee. In the afternoon, both traditional and unconventional sports activities are offered for campers to sign up for including dodgeball, kickball, rafterball, foxes and hounds, foursquare, frisbee golf, and street hockey. In the morning, campers also rotate with their cabin groups to different hobbies activities. In the afternoon, campers have additional opportunities to sign up for other activities that they enjoyed or would like to try. Our hobbies activities include: high ropes course, low ropes course, creative arts, boating, tomahawk throwing, riflery, archery, outdoor living skills, and paintball. (Please note, paintball is offered for campers who turn 13 years old prior to or during their camp session). At the waterfront, we offer an array of activities along the shores of Halfmoon Lake. In the morning, all campers participate in instructional activities such as a Y of the USA based swim lessons where they develop stroke mechanics. They may also be taught sailing, aquatic safety, lake ecology, boating lessons, and more. In the afternoon, the beach is transformed into a waterfront resort where campers can enjoy free swim, fishing, boating, swimming, water basketball, sandcastle building, diving, snorkeling, water inflatables, tubing, waterskiing, 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. The afternoon activities are choice activities that campers sign up for during the lunch period. These activities change on a daily basis and are announced at lunch so that campers know what they can sign up for each day, allowing 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 the following due dates for each of the camp sessions: SESSION 1 & 1A: Balance due by May 1 (registrations received after May 1 require full payment) SESSION 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B: Balance due by June 1 (registrations received after June 1 require full payment) SESSION 4, 4A, 4B: Balance due by July 1 (registrations received after July 1 require full payment) 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 Mi-Te-Na. There will be a $20 fee for any returned (NSF) checks. We also accept credit card payments, which can be processed online or by calling 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 of $150. Campers will participate in an out of camp trip activity such as mini golfing, move theatre, local sports 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 child’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. LATE ARRIVALS & NO SHOWS If your camper will be arriving late, please notify the Camping Services office at least 2 weeks prior to the start of your child’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 $75 discount per week. If you are a member of The Granite YMCA, you will receive a $150 discount per week. During the registration process, simply provide us with the name of the YMCA that you are a member with and we will apply the appropriate discount to your account.5 HEALTH FORMS All required health forms and documents will be completed through CampDoc, our online electronic health record system. Initial CampDoc invites will begin in March for all registered campers at that time. Campers that register after March will receive an e-mail from CampDoc within 5 – 7 days of registering your child providing you with your account log-in information, password, and instructions on how to complete all necessary fields, and how to upload all required documents. You will need to upload the following documents to your child’s CampDoc health account: - 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 child 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 child’s CampDoc account. CAMP NURSE Camp Mi-Te-Na has a registered nurse 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 Huggin’s Hospital, or urgent care facility. MEDICATIONS Medications are defined as any substance (not food) that a perchild may use to maintain or improve ones health which include: prescriptions, over the counters, vitamins and supplements. Camp Mi-Te-Na must have written consent from your child’s doctor in order to dispense ANY medication during your child’s camp session. This includes ALL prescription medication and any OTC (over the counter) medications that are not listed on the Camp Mi-Te- Na OTC permissions form (located on CampDoc) such as gummy vitamins, allergy medication, or homeopathic medications. If your child needs to take any type of medication while at camp you MUST: A. Have your child’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 reachild for taking the medication (this should then be uploaded to their health account on CampDoc). Please note: Without one of these forms of consent, our camp nurse, under her license, will not be able to dispense medication that is undocumented for your child. 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, all while gaining a deeper understanding of who they are as a perchild. Campers love to receive mail, perhaps more than they like to answer it, so we encourage you, as the parent, to write letters, send bunknotes, and send care packages. SEND MAIL TO YOUR CAMPER Campers love to receive mail. Write often, but keep the letters cheerful. Emotional letters from parents can be a major cause of homesickness. If you receive an unhappy letter from your child, 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 his session. Any letters or packages received after your camper’s session has ended will be returned to the sender. 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 child’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. 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 your confirmation packet to register for your account. Bunk1 is a one way email communication that allows you to get your message to your child 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 children 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 child, 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 (for bed-wetters) FOOTWEAR __sneakers __shower shoes __sandals __rain boots MISCELLANEOUS __flashlight __stationery/stamps __envelopes __pens/pencils __extra batteries __water bottle __camera __day pack/backpack __swim goggles 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. If bed wetting is common for your camper, please send extra sheets and blankets. Parents should speak with the cabin counselor regarding 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 child’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. It can; however, take up to two hours, depending on how many campers are arriving on a given day. 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 child’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 child is all set! CABIN ASSIGNMENT Once you arrive at camp, you will be directed to the Sam Hunt Lodge to receive your camper’s cabin assignment. Cabin assignments are based on age, requests, and length of session stay. One week campers and two week campers are placed in separate cabins. Please be aware that cabin assignments are done just 1-2 days prior to the start of each check in to account for last minute changes and to ensure accuracy. STORE ACCOUNT Once you have checked your child in at camp and received their cabin assignment, you will proceed to the camp store (Chetty’s Place) to open your child’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 $80 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 child’s camping week, otherwise it will be donated to our scholarship fund. INFIRMARY CHECK-IN All campers that will be taking medication while at camp are required to go to the infirmary to meet with our nursing staff. All medication must be listed in your child’s CampDoc account and must be given to the nurses at this time for proper storage. No one is allowed to keep or administer their own medication while at camp, except inhalers and EPI pens, 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 child is confined to the infirmary for more than 24 hours, you will be notified by phone. Check in for ALL sessions is: SUNDAYS from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm9 CHECK OUT PROCEDURES Please be caring and pick up your child 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 child, that perchild(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 nurses. 4. Stop by the Welcome Center as you leave to receive a few parting gifts and chat with the director. 5. Please make sure to talk to your child about their camp experience and complete the camp survey that you will receive information on during the check out process. This helps us to continue to create the best experience possible for all campers! LOST AND FOUND Please be sure to check your child’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 to Planet Aid at the end of the camp seachild. 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 seachild. Make 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 is: SATURDAYS from 9:00 am - 10:30 amNext >