PARENT INFORMATION. Girl Scouts 2018

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1 Central Coast Office 340 Pomeroy Ave, Pismo Beach, CA Mail: PO Box 1269, Arroyo Grande, CA (805) PARENT INFORMATION Girl Scouts 2018 Please put this packet in a safe place. You will need this information throughout your child s session. Review all information carefully with your child. Dear Parents, We want your child to have a wonderful time at camp, and you can help by assuring she is properly prepared. Pack the right clothes, label everything, fill out the health form and MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON TIME FOR BUS DEPARTURE AND PICK UP (see page 4 for details). Camp Natoma is a spectacular place of discovery for youth. This summer, your child will experience the outdoors, learn new skills, develop self-confidence and self-reliance, and make new friends. It is our sincere hope that all children have the time of their lives! Camp Natoma will host tours and staff meet & greet on June 3 and 23rd. These are the only visiting days for parents. Details and RSVP information will be available on the website or by calling the Camp Fire Office. Please read this packet carefully and visit our website for additional resources and information. Follow us on Facebook for news and events. If you have any questions, me at emily@campnatoma.org! See you this summer, Emily Zbin Camp Director BE PREPARED FOR CAMP: 1. Complete the HEALTH FORM: Fill out completely in advance. Have form in-hand at check in. Camper Health History (Form 1): Completed by parent/guardian. Be sure to sign authorization for health care. Medical Exam (Form 2): To be completed by physician. A health examination within the past 12 months is required. If unable to obtain physician s signature, a WAIVER must be completed and can be obtained on the website. **NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO STAY IN CAMP WITHOUT A COMPLETED HEALTH FORM** 2. Read all the information in this packet and share the Camper Guide with your camper. Don t wait until the night before camp starts! 3. Review packing list and tips. 4. Print this packet and bring TRANSPORTATION page with you for reference. There is no cell service at drop-off location. Drop-off and Pick-up times are assigned after registration is received and confirmed with parent/guardian through about 3 weeks prior to session start.

2 IMPORTANT INFORMATION, POLICIES & FAQS When do I pay the balance of camp fees? Payment must be made in full to reserve your camper s spot at Camp Natoma. What is the cancellation policy? In all cases, Camp Fire retains the $50 processing fee. NO refunds with less than two weeks notice. What should I do with camper medication? Medications must be in original containers marked with name of drug, dosage, child's name, etc. Camp Medical Staff must administer all medications while at camp. ALL medications must be IN HAND at arrival and must be checked-in with the Camp Nurse. Prescription drugs must be in original pharmacy container. What if my child needs medical care at camp? Certified medical personnel are on staff and on-site at all times. In addition, all counseling staff have first-aid and CPR certification. Should the need arise, emergency medical care is available 24-hours a day at Twin Cities Hospital in Templeton. CalFire also provides emergency services. When will a parent/guardian be notified due to camper illness or injury? Parents will be notified by the Camp Director or medical staff if: Camper is transported out of camp for a medical emergency Camper is unable to participate in more than one day of activities due to injury or illness At any other discretion of the Camp Director or medical staff Notification is documented in the communication log. What is the camper check-out policy? Camper will only be allowed to leave with the parent/ guardian whose signature appears on the registration form, emergency contacts, OR names listed on the health form. Proper identification will be required. What does American Camp Association Accredited mean for my camper? Accreditation gives parents peace-of-mind that all aspects of camp operation meet high standards for safety and quality. Camp Natoma has voluntarily participated in the accreditation process, which is in addition to required permitting by the California Health Department for basic operating. Camp Natoma meets or exceeds standards that include: facilities, food service, programs, transportation, health care and safety, emergency management and staff training. For more valuable information, please visit How are campsite assignments made? Campers are placed in campsites by the school grade they just completed and Troop affiliation. How will my camper be supervised? ALL STAFF undergo extensive interviews, background checks, trainings, and in-services. Staff to camper ratios are 1:6 for the youngest campers and reach a maximum of 1:10 for the teenagers. Certified lifeguards supervise all pool use. What kind of food is served? What is a day at camp like? Well-balanced and kid-friendly meals (vegetarian available) and a daily nutritious snack are planned and prepared by an experienced food service staff. Regular hours of sleep are provided for, and a rest hour is scheduled every day after lunch. A typical day at camp schedule can be found on the website. Rules for Campers RESPECT: Yourself, fellow campers, staff, nature, and camp property. Participate in activities and be willing to try new things. Wear closed toed shoes at all times. Alway remain within camp boundaries and stay on trails. Do not bring ANY food (snacks, candy, gum, etc.) to camp. Do not take any food to campsite or activity areas.

3 What is the best way to keep in touch with my camper? MAIL! Mail from home is fun to receive at camp. We encourage cheerful letters to your camper (please do not dwell on how much you miss them!). Mail takes 2 to 3 days to arrive at camp. You should mail letters & packages EARLY or leave them at camp on check-in day to be handed out as you specify. Mail is sent out and received daily. Please address as follows: CAMPER NAME c/o Session # CAMP NATOMA 617 CYPRESS MOUNTAIN ROAD PASO ROBLES, CA NOTE: DO NOT send food or candy to campers. Packages containing items that are not allowed at camp (including: electronics, food, inappropriate items, etc.) will be confiscated by camp staff. We recommend: small packages with items for rest hour such as books, magazines, stationary, puzzle books, etc. Have your camper send you a letter! If you want to receive a letter from your child, send a pen, stationery and stamps. For young children, it s a good idea to pre-stamp and address the envelopes. Can camp be reached by telephone? There is only one phone line at camp, so it is restricted to business and emergency use only. Campers are NOT permitted personal use of the camp telephone. In case of emergency or for an important message, please contact the Camp Fire Office Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. 5 p.m. at: (805) An alternate contact phone number will be on the answering machine for afterhours emergencies. Is there a need for spending money? Camp Natoma has a TRADING POST which campers visit daily. A Trading Post account is set up for each camper on check-in day and campers can access these funds at scheduled shopping times throughout the week. Time to shop is limited. Money can be deposited thru the Camp Fire office prior to the session start OR at check-in. Merchandise available at the Trading Post includes stamps, batteries, snacks, souvenirs such as bags, toys, games, water bottles, stuffed animals, etc. Prices range from $.50 to $ Left over Trading Post money is not refunded, but is recorded with the Camp Fire office to be credited to camper s account for future camp sessions. Campers should not keep cash at camp. What if my child should lose something? All personal items should be clearly labeled with first and last name. Every effort is made to return lost items to campers before they leave camp. Items left at camp are taken to the Camp Fire Office after each session and kept until August 20th. Can I still order a Camp Photo? Yes! Order and pay at check-in. $10.00 each. Goals for Camper Development 1. To provide opportunities to stimulate the development of camper s self-esteem and sense of empowerment. 2. To help camper gain knowledge and appreciation of the natural environment and develop an ethic of stewardship. 3. To provide situations for camper to set goals and challenge him/herself while discovering his or her own skills and abilities. 4. To allow camper to experience group living. Visit the camp website for more information It is the staff s goal to provide campers opportunities for independence, growth and a positive experience. A daily schedule is followed. Staff encourage and support campers in self-care in accordance to developmental abilities and needs. For example, staff won t force campers to eat, apply sunscreen or bug-repellent, shower, etc. However, if concerns arise regarding a camper s health or safety, parent/guardian will be contacted immediately. What items are NOT allowed at camp? ABSOLUTELY NO Food, candy, fireworks, weapons, drugs, alcohol, pets, personal sports equipment, cell phones, ipods, tablets, speakers, radios, any handheld electronic game, hair dryers, curling irons, or any other electrical devices. Any items brought to camp that are not permissible or are deemed inappropriate will be held by the Camp Director until the last day of the session and will only be handed back directly to a parent/guardian. NO TOLERANCE POLICIES DRUGS/ALCOHOL The possession, use, sale or disposal of alcohol or drugs on the campsite or on out-of-camp trips, will result in the camper being sent home immediately. WEAPONS The possession or use of a weapon of any kind will result in the camper being sent home. Weapons will be confiscated and returned ONLY to the parent. This includes guns (operable or not, real or not), knives of any length/type, pepper spray, and other objects not normally regarded as weapons but used in a threatening or harmful way. VIOLENCE, THREATS OR ENDANGERING OTHERS Behavior that is deemed threatening, violent or dangerous will result in the camper being sent home. NO REFUND IS GIVEN FOR CAMPERS SENT HOME EARLY. What if my child needs to leave camp early or arrive late? Due to the remote location of Camp Natoma and the importance of experience the complete session, we can NOT accommodate shortened camper experiences. In case of family emergency or special situation, arrangements must be made with the Camp Director. No refunds are given because of late arrival or early departures, including departures for disciplinary reasons, illness or emergencies.

4 TRANSPORTATION & Drop-off / Pick-up INFORMATION This procedure is subject to change. All parents will be notified of any changes. DROP-OFF: All campers will ride the Camp Natoma Bus into camp. Meet on your session start date at Thacher Winery on Vineyard Drive at your assigned drop-off time, notification of assigned time by . All roads are paved to this location. Please keep your campers with you until check-in process is complete and it is time to board the bus. Place luggage in designated areas, as indicated by signs and staff instructions. DO NOT BE LATE! Staff departs with campers. If you miss the meeting time, your camper will not be able to enter camp. PICK-UP: All campers will ride the Camp Natoma Bus to meet parents at Thacher Winery. Pick-up times will be assigned. Please check your camper out before departing. Please DO NOT contact Thacher Winery. Please contact the Camp Fire Office by registration@campnatoma.org or phone: Please be respectful of the private property Camp Natoma is utilizing for safe camper drop-off and pick-up. Obey all posted signs, park your car in designated areas only, and stay in the designated Camp Natoma area only. NO SMOKING NO PETS Please do not litter. NO cell phone reception and NO food available at this location, please plan accordingly. Directions to Drop-off & Pick-up: Camp Natoma is located in the coastal mountain range, northwest of San Luis Obispo and southwest of Paso Robles. Thacher Winery 8355 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, CA Paso Robles Directions: Highway 101 Exit Vineyard Drive, go WEST Continue for 10.1 miles (you will cross Highway 46) Thacher Winery will be on the LEFT Follow signs to Natoma check-in & parking. Please drive slowly on Thacher Winery property. Park in designated area Vineyard Dr. Paso Robles, CA V in eyar d Dr. Atascadero

5 PACKING FOR CAMP! EACH CAMPER IS LIMITED TO 1 PIECES OF LUGGAGE & SLEEPING BAG Space is limited. Luggage limits will be strictly enforced. We recommend: 1 suitcase/trunk/large duffel/rubbermaid box and sleeping bag Be sure all luggage is closed tightly and securely (lids fastened, zippers closed) and sleeping bag is tightly rolled or in a sturdy stuff sack. Luggage WILL be placed on the ground and exposed to dust. ABSOLUTELY NO LOOSE PILLOWS! Place pillows inside luggage. Avoid packing in pillow cases, laundry bags, or trash bags. Do not pack or send food or candy. LABEL ALL LUGGAGE WITH CAMPER FIRST & LAST NAME, GRADE COMPLETED. REQUIRED: Warm sleeping bag (in stuff sack or securely rolled) Swimsuit Pillow 1 towel 2 pairs of pants or blue jean 3 pairs of underwear and socks Warm sweatshirt or jacket 3 T-shirts or other casual shirts Plastic tarp (large enough to cover cot) 2 pairs of shorts Mattress cover (old sheet works best) Warm pajamas or sweats Flashlight and extra batteries 1 pair sturdy walking shoes Book, journal, or quiet activity (for rest hour) 1 pair "creek walking" shoes (okay to get wet, closed toe) Unbreakable water bottle Hat or cap with brim Laundry bag Non-aerosol, non-deet insect repellent Sunscreen (Minimum 15 SPF) Shower box filled with: shampoo, biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, chap stick Any required medications (in-hand upon arrival for check-in with Nurse) OPTIONAL: Sunglasses Writing materials (pen, stationary, stamps) Journal Old rug (to place next to cot) TIPS FROM CAMP PARENTS: Remember that "old" clothes are good camping clothes, as children can get very dirty at camp. It is not necessary, nor is it recommended, to buy new clothes just for camp. Be sure to LABEL ALL ITEMS with the camper's name. For younger campers, it may be helpful to separate camper's clothes into large Ziploc bags for each day of the week (include underwear and socks). This cuts down on decision making time during morning routine, as well as keeping clothes free from dirt. *CAMP FIRE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MISSING, LOST OR STOLEN PERSONAL PROPERTY* Leave special, sentimental or irreplaceable items at home, as they may be lost or ruined. PLEASE LEAVE GIRL SCOUT UNIFORM AT HOME.