Tanadoona Camp Life Guide. Summer 2018

Transcription

1 Tanadoona Camp Life Guide Summer 2018

2 Welcome Staff Working at camp is a great adventure and we are excited to have you join us for a summer of intense and rewarding work. We want you to be prepared for your experience and hope this handbook will answer many of your questions. The primary goal of Tanadoona is to provide youth with an enriching and fun outdoor experience that helps them grow in their natural environment. You play an integral role in helping this happen. Please let us know if there is any way we can help you achieve this goal. At Tanadoona, we recognize that our staff is what makes camp the great place it is. Thank you for joining the 2018 team! General Background on Tanadoona Camp Fire Minnesota Mission: With nature as our catalyst, Camp Fire Minnesota energizes youth to discover their spark so their futures glow brighter. As a council of the national organization, Camp Fire, Camp Fire Minnesota provides research-based programs that progress with youth as they grow. We help them develop a growth mindset and discover their Sparks for Learning, Leading and Living. Tanadoona is one of two camp properties operated by Camp Fire Minnesota. We also operate Camp Bluewater, north of Grand Rapids, MN. Camp Fire Minnesota also runs out-of-school time clubs in affordable housing communities across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. These club are offered at no cost to the families and provide yearround academic and nature-based education. Nature in the City Tanadoona is located between Chanhassen and Excelsior, Minnesota, about 30 miles southwest of the Twin Cities (St. Paul and Minneapolis). With 103-acres of woods, wetlands and savanna, Tanadoona is the perfect place to explore the outdoors. Our wooded areas give camp a wilderness feel, but in reality all the conveniences of a major city are a short drive down the highway. Camp Fire Minnesota s nature-based camps provide the space to completely unplug and rediscover fun and adventure with friends in the outdoors. Electronic devices are not permitted during camp programming (by campers or their counselors). Our programs introduce youth to new experiences helping them build outdoor skills, develop self-confidence, and become environmental stewards. Camp scholarships make camp accessible to all families. Rich in History Tanadoona is rich in history, nature, and culture. We have been located along the shores of Lake Minnewashta since Generations of fun and meaningful memories are part of what makes Tanadoona so special. Many of our campers today have parents and grandparents who attended Tanadoona summer camp as a child! Each summer our campers and counselors create new layers of memories at Tanadoona, making it uniquely their own.

3 Important Dates Leadership & Certification Week: May 21 26, 2018 International Staff Arrival Day: Sunday, May 27, 2018 All Staff General Training: May 29 - June 8, 2018 Camp season begins (campers arrive): Sunday, June 10, 2018 Last day of camp: Friday, August 31, 2018 General staff departure day: Saturday, September 1, 2018 Leadership departure day: Sunday, September 2, 2018

4 Tanadoona Programs Tanadoona offers Day Camp and Resident Camp to meet the needs of all campers and families. Day Camp A little more than 60% of our campers attend our day camp program, which operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Day Camp is offered to youth ages Each week we offer a few Specialty Day Camps that allow campers more time to specialize in certain activities. Resident (overnight) Camp Resident Camp gives youth ages 7-17 the chance to spend a week at camp and become part of a family-like community. Campers arrive on Sunday at 6:00 pm and stay at camp until Friday at 4:00 pm. Overnight campers sleep in rustic cabins with the supervision of two adult counselors and maybe a junior counselor. One night a week they can tent out in our forest. They spend their days engaged in core camp programs, choice activities, and all camp evening programs. Leadership Development Program Older campers can sign up for our leadership development programs, where they learn leadership skills that will prepare them to become future camp counselors. There are 3 levels: 1. Day Camp Assistant Ages A one week program that provides a foundation of skills and strategies for working with youth. 2. Counselor in Training Ages A two week program designed to provide deeper learnings about how to design camp programs. 3. Junior Counselor Age 17. For campers who are serious about taking the next step to becoming a counselor. They spend a minimum of 3 weeks at camp learning directly from a mentor staff member. Typical Day Camp Day 7:00 7:45 Early Arrivals 7:45 8:30 Camp Arrivals 8:30 AM Flag Raising 8:45 AM Transition Time 9:00 10:00 Activity Period 1 10:00-11:00 Activity Period 2 11:15 11:45 Lunch A/Store 11:45 12:15 Store/Lunch B 12:30 1:30 Swim Time/Activity Period 3 1:45 2:45 Activity Period 3/Swim Time 3:00 4:00 Choice Block 4:00 4:30 Flag Lowering 4:30 5:00 Check Out 5:15 6:00 After Care Typical Resident Camp Day Rising Bell - Polar 7:00 8:00 Bear/Rocking Robins 8:00 8:45 Breakfast 8:45 AM Flag Raising 9:00 10:00 Activity Period 1 10:00 11:00 Activity Period 2 11:15 12:12 Choice 1 12:45-1:15 Lunch 1:15 2:15 Rest Hour 2:15 3:00 Kapers/Store 3:00 4:00 Choice 2 4:00 4:30 Snack and Swim Prep 4:30 5:30 Swim Time 6:00 7:00 Dinner 7:00 7:30 Evening Prep/Free Time 7:30 PM Evening Activity 9:00 9:30 Camp Fire 9:30 10:00 Bedtime Prep 10:00 10:30 Lights Out 10:30 PM Cabin Checks Northwoods Adventure Canoe Trip Camp Fire Minnesota also owns Camp Bluewater, located four hours from Tanadoona, near Grand Rapids, MN. Bluewater serves as our basecamp for week-long canoe trips. Campers take to the waterways and spend a week canoeing, fishing, cooking, and sleeping at a different tent site each night.

5 Camper Activities Campers get to choose from many activities at camp. Counselors preplan their week, but also take input from their campers about what they would like to do. Here is a list of some of the options: 40-foot climbing wall & high-ropes course Canoeing/kayaking Arts & Crafts Swimming Fishing Archery Sports & outdoor games Skits & songs Nature study Outdoor skill training Tie dye Science projects Drama Obstacle Courses Camp Staffing Structure General Counselors These are the people who the campers usually appreciate most. Counselors are directly responsible for their assigned camper group (6-10 campers) each week. A counselor is a friend, mentor, supervisor, referee, and role model all blended into one. They are all responsible for: planning creative activities planning & organizing weekly activity schedules completing weekly documentation supervising campers managing behavior of campers Specialists Specialist oversee a specific activity at camp, including archery, arts & crafts, outdoor living skills, naturalist, adventure, and the waterfront. When not leading their activity they are connected to a group of campers and provide support to the general counselor. Leadership Team This seasonal team provides direction and oversight to a facet of camp life. They include: Day and Resident Camp Coordinators Work with General Counselors to provide campers a great experience Programs Coordinator Supervises the specialists and provides leadership to all camp activities Camper Care Coordinator Works with campers who are struggling to adjust to camp life to find more appropriate behaviors. Also supervises the leadership development programs. Waterfront Coordinator Directs all the action at the waterfront.

6 Support Staff Support staff are the behind-the-scenes crew who help keep camp a wonderful, clean, and safe place to be. They include the cooks, health team, office assistant, and maintenance crew. Full-time Camp Team Our five-person team works year-round for Camp Fire Minnesota. Staff divide their time on summer camp, school field trips, user groups, camp rentals, and facility improvements. Camp Fire Minnesota Admin Staff Administrative Camp Fire Minnesota staff office in St. Louis Park, MN. These staff members play a key role in registering campers, marketing camp, and raising money to support various aspects of the camp. Camp fees paid by families are only part of the story; we fundraise to keep camp accessible and affordable. ALL STAFF SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP CAMP CLEAN AND ORGANIZED!

7 Staff Training The first two weeks at camp are dedicated to staff training. This is a power-packed training. You will learn the skills necessary to work at camp and get to know the other staff members. Additional trainings will occur throughout the summer. Topics include: Age appropriate activities Behavior management Youth development traits Safety guidelines at camp Camp songs and skits Rainy day activities Camp Fire values, mission and quality statement Personnel policies First Aid & CPR Staff Accommodations Counselors & Program Staff These staff members are required to reside in camper cabins with 6-8 campers who are under their supervision. All of these cabins are rustic and do not have electricity. All staff have access to staff-only areas to use on their time off. All bathrooms are modern facilities with electricity and running water. Support & Administrative Staff Dormitory or shared staff-only cabins will be available for these staff members. Staff Time Off & Meals Staff receive 24 continuous hours off each week, plus 2 hours off each day. International staff has the option to stay with host families on the weekends. Host families are most often camper families and are excited to help you get some time away from camp and help you enjoy area attractions. Meals are provided during the camp week with your campers. Leftovers from the week are provided on the weekends.

8 Packing List When packing for camp it s important to choose items appropriate to living outdoors. A good rule of thumb is to only wear things at camp that can go in the lake. Clothing At least 1 weeks worth Shorts & long pants Shirts & sweatshirts Sturdy shoes (i.e., tennis shoes) Sandals with a heel strap Flip flops are not allowed. Crocs don t count. Underwear Jacket or warm sweater Socks Swimsuits (Modest and appropriate to swimming with kids) Sleepwear Raincoat Optional, but nice Camera Stationary and stamps Musical Instruments Books Nicer outfit for days off Costumes Items to show your national pride Flags, outfits, etc. Living at Camp Sleeping Bag Pillow Towels 1 for showers, 1 for the beach Watch Cellphone doesn t count Alarm Clock Cellphone doesn t count Toiletries and shower shoes Sunscreen Bug spray Flashlight Headlamp recommended Documents to Bring Photo ID Social Security Card Valid Certification Cards International Staff Documents Copy of Background Check Passport Visa/J1 Credit Card To book travel International staff are provided with a pillow, sleeping bag, sheets, blankets, and towel. Things to leave at home Weapons of any kind Alcohol, nicotine products, or other drugs Fireworks Valuable items you aren t willing to have damaged/lost

9 Frequently Asked Questions What do I wear at camp? On opening or closing days you ll wear a staff shirt and khaki shorts. Other days wear what is comfortable to you and appropriate to the activity you re doing. Good footwear is important. No flip flops are allowed at camp. We do experience rainy days in the summer; so make sure to bring rain gear with you. Is there harmful wildlife at camp? While there are no poisonous snakes or insects at our camps, the mosquitoes can be irritating. We recommend using an insect repellent containing 30% DEET. Camp is home to a wide variety of other animals that usually stay out of our way. Is there a smoking area at camp? Camp is a smoke- and nicotine-free facility. Staff may NOT smoke on camp property! Can I bring my pet to camp? NO pets can be brought to camp. Can I use my phone during camp? Cell phones, tablets, etc. are to be used in staff areas only during your time off. What is the weather like? Typically, the summer temperatures range between F (21-33 Celsius) during the day and F (9-32 Celsius) at night. Minnesota experiences rainy days and thunderstorms. How can I stay in touch with my family and friends? Internet All staff are given internet access each week to check s, etc. Telephone A telephone is available for outgoing local calls only. Mail Mail may be sent to camp using the following address: Your Name Tanadoona 3300 Tanadoona Drive Excelsior, MN 55331

10 What is a camp name? It is a camp tradition that all Tanadoona staff use a nickname for the summer. Select your name carefully it will stick with you forever. Here are some names that other staff have used: Buddy, Neytiri, Sky, Binks, Beto. Think simple and kid-friendly. These names tell people a little about who you are. Try to be careful of local slang terms that have a double meaning. How should I plan my travel to camp? To ensure smooth travels please make sure to contact camp staff during all the following steps: * Before leaving home to confirm travel information ( or call) * If you run into any delays or problems, please call camp. Flight Arrangements: Please plan on arriving at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport (MSP). We are only 45 minutes from the airport. Camp staff will be at your baggage claim area to pick you up. Our staff will be wearing clothing with Tanadoona on it and will be holding a sign that says Tanadoona. Train/Bus: Please plan on arriving in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Contact Camp Director with pick up details. We will be sending out an in late April asking for all your travel arrangements. How should I plan my post camp travels? All staff are required to remain at camp through the last date on their contract unless prior arrangements have been made with the camp director. Our final night at camp includes a staff banquet. We will provide transportation to the Minneapolis airport, bus, or train station. Many international staff make travel plans with fellow counselors throughout the summer.

11 Contact Information Tanadoona 3300 Tanadoona Drive Excelsior, MN Phone: (952) Fax: (952) Website: Will Shelton Outdoor Programs Manager Brent Cummins Outdoor Programs Director Katy Konrad Outdoor Programs Coordinator Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/tanadoona YouTube: youtube.com/user/campfiremn