Dear Bothin family, We are excited to have your camper join us at Bothin this summer! Bothin is a place where girls make new friends, try new things, and build self-esteem with positive adult roles models guiding the way. Summer is right around the corner and will be here before you know it. Please take time to review the Bothin Handbook with your camper. We recommend reviewing the camp handbook several times before the first day of camp. We are sending this handbook in advance because the information applies to the whole family. The Bothin Handbook will help you and your camper get ready for camp. We need your help and leadership to ensure your camper is prepared for a successful experience at Bothin. Among the topics covered in this guide are camp policies and procedures, required medical forms, financial policies, deadlines, what to bring to camp, homesickness, and much more. Please email us if you have any questions about any topics covered. Thank you for giving your camper the gift of a Bothin summer camp experience. Bothin is excited to welcome all campers for our 70 th camping season! Happy Camping, Joey Falco Mata Camp Director, Bothin Mary-Jane MJ Strom Senior Director, Camps & Adventure Girl Scouts of Northern California
Pre-Camp Check Off List Read all of the materials in the handbook Sign on to the CampDoc.com website when you receive your invitation and complete the online health form and camper profile. Remember forms are due by JUNE 1! Make arrangements for your Camper s health exam. Camp health exams must be signed by a Licensed Physician, Physician s Assistant, RN or Nurse Practioner within 12 months of her camp session. Start Talking with your Camper about being away from home while at camp. ( Read the missing home section for tips) Mark your calendar with her departure date and time, and her arrival back home date and time. Check out the Camp Rocks gear at our retail stores or online Girl Scout Store! If you didn t order a Camp Care Kit during the registration process, contact shop@girlscoutsnorcal.org to add one for your camper s camp session. Make final payment no later then 4 weeks before her session. Review the equipment and clothing list for what to take and pack Label all personal items and their luggage including sleeping bag/bedding On the day of check in, you need these things!: Any waivers required for your campers program All medications in original container (separate from luggage) Letters to your camper written and ready to mail or drop off at check in Day pack is out (separate from luggage) with sack lunch & re-usable water bottle Camper is wearing comfortable closed toe shoes! 2
Before Camp: Camper Health Form Complete by June 1! In our continuous efforts to provide the best possible care to our campers and staff, Girl Scouts of Northern California is partnering with CampDoc.com to collect health information in advance to your Camper attending camp. This is our third year using the program, and we ve made considerable changes and improvements from previous years. CampDoc.com is an electronic health record system for camps, and will help us consolidate and integrate camper health information into a centralized and secure location. Their system will give our doctors, nurses, group leaders, or staff members instant access to camper health information, a key component in providing quality patient care on an as needed basis. Help us empower her! Complete the camper profile to 100% so we can support her like you would. THE RECORD OF HEALTH EXAM FORM MUST BE SIGNED BY A LICENSED PHYSICIAN, PHYSICIAN S ASSISTANT OR NURSE PRACTIONER (acting under the supervision of a Licensed Physician.) This form must be completed and signed by a physician within 12 months of your Camper s camp session. She will not be allowed at camp unless the Camp Doc account is complete and the Record of Health Exam is uploaded to Camp Doc. If your child needs a physical exam for camp, schedule the appointment as far in advance as possible. If you arrive at bus loading without a signed physical exam, you must take your Camper to get one before she can be admitted to camp. Please note: when entering the date of physical in the CampDoc once 12 months have pasted from date of exam, it will drop the percent complete to 88% from 100%. You will receive a Welcome Invite E-mail from CampDoc.com with information about how to complete your camper s health information. (Make sure you check the email account you listed in the camp registration process). These emails are usually sent within 1-2 weeks of completing your camp registration. Please set register@campdoc.com as a safe sender, our put the address in your contacts to avoid accidental delivery to junk and spam folders. How you register your camper for camp will be the way her profile for CampDoc is set up. If there is a conflict with her name or birthday please contact us. If your camper is a previous camper her information will be saved in the Camp Doc system, however 3
using a different nickname, birthday or email address will create a new account, please let us know right away if a duplicate account has been made, by emailing cwilliams@girlscoutsnorcal.org and we can attempt to merge the accounts. Still looking for the welcome invite? We may have a bad email on file for you. Contact us at register@girlscoutsnorcal.org and we'll get you set up. To align with the highest security standards, Camp Doc only supports the current and previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari for your internet browser. Medication The following applies to ALL medications including vitamins, inhalers, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications: 1. All medications must be listed on the health form 2. Bring all medications with you during arrival in a labeled zip lock bag - DO NOT PACK THEM IN HER SUITCASE 3. Medications must be in the original container with the camper s name, address and complete directions on the container. California law states that medications not in the original container cannot be dispensed by the Health Care Manager. For safety reasons, all medications for campers and staff are kept in the Health Center. The Health Supervisor will dispense medications as indicated by the physician s instructions for prescriptions and/or by label instructions for overthe-counter medications. If over-the-counter medications should be given different than the label, a note must be provided from an MD or NP. Campers may keep inhalers with them. If campers require an epi-pen, we suggest that you send 2 with her if possible. Social Media If campers are photo released, we may also post photos on facebook (CampRocks with GSNorCal), twitter (@GSNCCampRocks) and Instagram (@RoxyRaccoonAdventures) throughout the summer. Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates and information on camp! Fees and Payments All camp fees must be paid no later than 4 weeks prior to the camp session your Camper is attending. You can pay your bill online through www.doubleknot.com. Instructions are included on the receipt. PLEASE NOTE: Your Camper s registration will be cancelled if payment has not been received by the due date. If, for any reason, you cannot meet this financial obligation, you must contact the Girl Scout Council Registrars immediately at 1-800-447-4475 ext 2091. The Girl Scouts of Northern California has a strict policy on payment of camp fees to the extent that no girl will be allowed to go to camp unless her camp fee is paid in full. If you must cancel your Camper s registration, please notify the Camp Registrars as soon as possible so another girl will have a chance to go to camp. Cancellations must be done through member services, clicking the cancellation feature on CampDoc will not cancel her registration. The refund procedures are outlined in the Camp Brochure and on the website at CampRocks.org. 4
Screen- Free Policy Camp Rocks! Camp are proud to be unplugged. Camp offers a great opportunity to learn to navigate social situations while not being constantly connected to a digital/virtual world. It s a place for children to develop life skills including independence and self-reliance. Another unique feature of camp is the opportunity to build a face to face connected community. We believe the use of cell phones and texting distracts campers from the opportunity to become a part of this community. For these reasons cell phones are not allowed at camp. Please account for your child s phone before they get on the bus and be sure that your child does not try to sneak their phone into camp. In order to better facilitate our camp environment, laptop computers, portable DVD players, ipad s, Tablets, MP3 players, E-readers, etc. are not allowed at camp Open House Sunday, June 10, 2018 from noon to 3:00pm. Bring a picnic lunch and come visit the camp where your Camper will be attending! Meet the staff and find out more about the fun things she ll be doing this summer. Refreshments and tours will be provided. Due to campers and staff allergies, we ask that you keep all pets at home. Directions to camp are attached. Emergency Contact Remember that your Camper will not have access to a telephone and that the telephone in camp is for business and emergencies only. If you have an urgent need to talk with your Camper contact the Girl Scout Office first at 1-800-447-4475 ext 2091. If it is during business hours, Monday - Friday, the Council Staff will contact the Camp Director who will respond to your call. If it is after hours or on weekends, and there is an emergency, our After Hours Emergency Number is 1-877- 636-1912. The council answering service will contact the appropriate council staff. A representative from the Girl Scout Council will then contact you. In case of a natural disaster, information will be posted directly to the website at www.camprocks.org. Questions If you have any questions or concerns before, during or after camp, please contact the Girl Scout office at 1-800-447-4475 ext 2091 or write to registration@girlscoutsnorcal.org. We are looking forward to having your Camper join us at Sugar Pine and share in the magic of summer camp. Visit our website at www.camprocks.org for other helpful information on preparing for camp! 5
Arrival and During Camp: Check In & Check Out A map and directions to camp are included in this packet. Transportation is NOT provided to or from Bothin. Families are responsible for camper transportation to and from camp. IMPORTANT: Campers will only be accepted or released to those adults you have identified in writing as having permission to pick her up or drop her off. Proper identification must be presented. When picking up or dropping off, please leave your pets at home. Although it may be nice to reunite your camper with their pet, there are other campers and staff who have allergies or fears of specific pets. We try to create the most inclusive place for all people who enter Bothin and are sensitive to those needs. Check-In: Bothin will be open for camper drop off each opening day from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for each session on the drop off dates listed on the map page. Campers will not be checked-in prior to this time. Please be sure you ve completed and bring all the items listed on the Pre Camp Check Off List in this packet. Campers will only be accepted with completed health forms signed by the MD, RN, NP, PA and a parent/guardian. The first meal served at camp will be dinner on the first day so please make sure your camper(s) eat lunch before arriving for check-in. Check-Out: Closing ceremony and awards program will start at 11:00 a.m. on closing day. Parents are encouraged to attend and celebrate camper s session at camp. Check-out time at Bothin on closing day is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for each session on the pick up dates listed on the map page. A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged if camper is not picked up by 12:15 p.m. The Off Broadway Play: All Off Broadway plays will begin at 11:00am. Parents, friends and family are welcome and encouraged to attend the show. Please plan to arrive early so that you can find adequate seating. After the play there will be a closing ceremony for the Off Broadway campers that will mirror the closing ceremony that the rest of camp receives. The Off Broadway shows last anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. Checkout will follow directly after the Closing ceremony. If any changes are planning to happen, you will be given information about the change during check in. Please arrive at the appropriate times on these days so as not to cause interruptions in staff and/or camper schedules. In an emergency only, if you must arrive outside the listed check-in or check-out times, please call the Girl Scout office at 1-888-447-4475 ext 2091. Session Check In Date 1 June 17 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 2 June 24 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 3 July 1 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 3A July 1 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 3B July 8 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 4 July 15 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 4A July 15 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 4B July 22 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Check In Time Check Out Check Out Time June 22 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon June 27 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon July 13th 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon July 6 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon July 13 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon July 27 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon July 20 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon July 27 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon 6
5 July 29 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. August 1 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon Luggage Due to the minimal storage space at camp, campers are limited to two pieces of luggage. Be sure that all luggage is clearly marked with a tag that includes: Camper s first and last name Full address Telephone number, Email Address Name of the camp and program she is attending Use only luggage that can be securely fastened (NO GARBAGE BAGS!). Girl Scouts of Northern California (GSNorCal) is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Refer to the enclosed equipment list (also listed on the CampRocks.org website) for information on what to pack. Some programs have additional equipment lists and program information, which has been included if applicable. Health & Wellness The Counselors, staff and even campers work together to take a preventative approach to health care in camp. A Health Care Manager is on staff and is responsible for monitoring and administering first aid and routine health care, per Treatment Protocols. Please note that our Counselors will encourage campers to drink extra water at camp to avoid dehydration. We suggest campers bring their own water bottle so they will have easy access to liquids. Due to the environmental impact, water bottles should be re-usable and not disposable. Should a camper become ill while at camp, be admitted to the camp Health Center, or taken to the doctor in Marin County, the parents or emergency contact listed on the health form, would be contacted by the Camp Director. Hygiene at Camp Please talk with your Camper before she comes to camp about taking care of her daily personal hygiene needs. Remind her about brushing her teeth, combing her hair and washing her face every day. The Counselors will also support these hygiene practices as much as possible. Due to the number of people in camp and the practice of water conservation, showers are limited to 1-3 per session depending on the length of time in camp. If you have any questions about health and hygiene in camp please contact registration@girlscoutsnorcal.org. Food Service at Camp Most meals are served in the dining hall by trained and experienced food service personnel. We strive to provide wellbalanced, nutritious and child-pleasing menus. Meals are served family style to a table of 8-12 campers and staff. If your Camper has a special dietary need be sure to list it on the health form and camper information sheet via CampDoc.com. The following is a list of dietary accommodations we make for campers, and additional notes for parents regarding their role. If any of these special diets / food allergies can result in anaphylaxis, please send your camper with 2 epi-pens during their camp session. We encourage you to contact us prior to camp or get her Camp Doc form done early if food allergies are significant. Please note we are not a nut free camp and our kitchens are not cross contamination free for certain food substances such as gluten, nuts, wheat, milk, soy. 7
We can usually accommodate most special diets. However, reaching out before camp will help you, your Camper and the camp prepare appropriately. Some families have utilized a resource from FARE, the Food Allergy Research & Education, on handling food allergies and anaphylaxis emergency care. You can upload it to their health form if you choose to complete it. Contact registration@girlscoutsnorcal.org or call 1-800-447-4475 ext 2091 if you have questions. Camp Bothin always has Vegetarian options for those who list this special diet on their health form. Salad bar is available at Lunch and Dinner with Breakfast having a cereal bar. Those who follow a Vegan diet should bring supplementary preprepared food as our kitchens are not equipped to accommodate for this special diet. Special Diets & Allergy Accommodations Gluten Free This is for medical needs such as wheat allergy and/or celiac disease. Lactose Free This is for milk allergy and lactose intolerance. Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergy Other Food Allergies What We Do at Camp We provide a gluten free option for each meal if there is a camper with this need during a session. Campers will be instructed by their table Counselor about what is wheat or gluten free. Campers will have an opportunity to access additional food for all campers and staff with special diet needs. We provide a lactose free option for each meal if there is a camper with this need during a session. Campers will be instructed by their table Counselor about what is milk or lactose free. Campers will have an opportunity to access additional food for all campers and staff with special diet needs. We provide soy milk as an alternative to milk/lactose. Lactose intolerance can be managed completely by camp, no additional food needs to be sent. We minimize the amount peanuts or tree nuts used at camp, however, we are not completely nut free. Some of our snacks and items are labeled that they may be processed in with items containing nuts. These items are restricted from campers with allergies, and we make adjustments depending on the severity of the allergies in camp on a session by session basis. We practice methods to avoid cross contact any time items with nuts are used in camp. In most cases, we can make accommodations for other food allergies. What Parents Can Do Identify if your camper has an allergy or intolerance. Sometimes campers have foods they trust most or are comfort foods to them. (Example: cereal, snack treats, breads, etc). Although we will have gluten free options available, we suggest that you pack a small bag of food that will be available to them in the dining hall. Nothing larger than a regular grocery sack is necessary. You can turn this in at check in on the first day- food will NOT stay with camper due to wilderness safety. Identify if your campers has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. If your campers has a milk allergy, and there are specific brands they are most comfortable using for milk substitutes, we suggest that you pack a small bag of food that will be available to them in the dining hall. Nothing larger than a regular grocery sack is necessary. You can turn this in at check in on the first day- food will NOT stay with camper due to wilderness safety. Identify the type of allergy your camper has, and provide information on managing an allergic reaction. Identify the type of allergy your camper has, and provide information on managing an allergic reaction. 8
Life at Camp When campers arrive at Bothin they will move into a living unit with other girls in the same program. Depending on group size and age of the campers, there may be up to 24 girls per unit with 3-5 staff members. Sometimes groups are broken down into smaller groups of 5-10 girls and staff share the supervision responsibly of the group. Each unit plans and participates in their own schedule of activities for the session. Many activities will relate to the program specialty for which they have registered. There will also be plenty of time for other fun camp activities such as going to the pool, crafts, hikes, archery, cookouts, songs, games and more. Plan on lots of surprises too! Special all-camp events will be held throughout the session such as campfires, theme meals or other all-camp programs that bring everyone together. The Daily Schedule The schedule will vary according to what is planned for each day. However, here is a basic schedule that most units at camp follow: Mornings G.U.A.M. (Get Up and Move)*optional individual choice Flag Raising Ceremony Breakfast served family style Kapers (also known as unit clean up time) Program activities Afternoons Lunch served family style More program activites Recreational Choice time Flag Lowering Ceremony Evenings Dinner served family style Evening program activities Lights out for campers (Varies with age) Camp Traditions Bothin is filled with wonderful traditions that help add a special touch to the camp program. Many of these have been part of the camp for over 50 years! Here are a few traditions campers might enjoy while at Bothin: Theme meals (such Hat dinner or Crazy dress up. ) Sleep-in breakfast (campers sleep late and then have a cookout in their unit) Unit teamwork contracts for successful group living Counselors with special nicknames Tajar (the camp mascot) Scouts Own (a quiet, inspirational, nonreligious ceremony held once a session) Evening campfires with songs, skits and more! 9
Recreational Choice Time Every Full day at camp, (excluding check in days and check out days) there will be 2 hours of choice time available for campers. As a camp, we will gather together and campers will be told what types of activities will be lead that day. After the staff inform them of the activities, they will go and gather the campers who are interested in said activity. Space is limited for some activities and some activities have age requirements, like extra time at archery or the high ropes. The options will be broken into two categories, 1 hour activities and 2 hour long activities. During the 1 hour activities, campers will participate in an activity for an hour, come back with the rest of the 1 hour activities and select a new activity. During a 2 hour activity, campers will focus on a more specialized choice activity like the high ropes course, the makers space, an extended art activity, etc. that requires more instruction and benefits from more time. Our Recreational choice time is a great time for your camper to engage with campers and staff they may not normally engage with in their programs. It helps them feel a part of our community at camp and we can wait for your camper to tell you all about the activities they did. Our Recreational Choice Time is led by staff, and highlighted by their talents and skills. Here is a list of some options your camper may have the opportunity to choose during this time. Field Games Not your normal type of games you play at home, these are some exciting games that benefit from our open field. This is a One-hour activity. Skyline Hike - Reach the top of the Bothin property and overlook all of camp and parts of the bay on this 2 hour hike up and back down the Skyline Ridge. Pool Time Its often warm around this time, why not jump in the pool to cool off for an hour. Archery games Test your archer skills in some new and fun archery games held at the archery range. This is a one-hour activity. Makers space Create something fun and exciting using our new makers space. Some projects may be an hour, some may be a 2 hour activity. Art Barn all different types of projects will be held here, get creative and messy, its art! Some projects may be an hour, some may be a 2 hour activity. STEM activities stretch that brain and work with our staff to understand and explore the world around us as we use tools and theories to do some fun experiments! Some projects may be an hour, some may be a 2 hour activity. There are so many possibilities and different kinds of recs. We can t wait to have you join us. Ropes Course, Archery and Aquatics All campers at Bothin have the opportunity to swim in the pool on most days. All aquatic activities at the pool, creek or falls are supervised by a certified lifeguard. In addition, all campers will be evaluated as to their swimming level on the first day of camp. Campers (or staff) may not swim in an aquatic area without a lifeguard present. Bothin offers low and high ropes adventure course activities. These courses are designed to build teamwork, cooperation and self-confidence as campers participate. The ropes course is supervised by a certified Ropes Course Instructor and led by trained adults. A certified Archery Instructor is on staff to oversee this target sport. Archery activities are led by either the Archery Instructor or other trained adult staff. Campers may not participate in either the ropes course or archery unless a 10
trained adult is present. Campers receive an orientation, including safety rules, prior to participating in these activities. NOTE: Campers in 1 st- 3 rd and 2 nd - 4 th grade programs will not participate in the high ropes course or archery. Campers who are in the 4 th -12 th grade programs will participate in the Ropes Course and Archery. Campers may not participate in either the ropes course or archery unless a trained adult is present. Campers receive an orientation, including safety rules, prior to participating in these activities. Special Program Information Most programs will occur at Bothin unless noted. Supplies and equipment will be provided by the camp, unless otherwise noted here or on the enclosed equipment list. The following programs have field trips out of camp: Animal Lovers campers will have several trips out of camp, including a trip the Oakland Zoo and an overnight at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco. [waiver required] Summer Retreat will visit the Pt Reyes areas and spend the night at Pt Reyes youth hostel. On Belay will experience 7 zip lines on an Eco Canopy Tour in Sonoma. Campers must weigh at least 70 lbs. [waiver required] Off Broadway will take in a show one evening at a local theater. Campers are encouraged to bring costumes and props if they have them and are willing to share for the production of the play. Star Trekkers will head to the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences to learn from professionals about the stars and its many mysteries. [waiver required] Additional waivers for activities may also be required. We will send a reminder 3 weeks prior to camp. All campers will be transported in the camp vans to and from the field trip sites. Communication with the camp during these trips will be via walkie talkies or telephone. Campers will be under the supervision of Camp Staff while out of camp. Some specialty programs require special equipment or clothing to be provided by the camper, or have special instructions. Camper Behavior Girl Scouts of Northern California supports a policy of positive reinforcement and encouragement for camper behaviors. This includes training our staff members to provide positive support, effective supervision and clear guidelines and expectations for campers. However, should a camper exhibit behavior that is inappropriate, staff members will redirect the camper in a way that emphasizes a more positive and appropriate behavior. At no time will corporal punishment ever be used. If necessary, the Camp Director may discuss a behavior situation with a camper. If the problem continues or the situation is serious, you will be contacted by the Camp Administration. You may be asked to provide insight into why a certain behavior is occurring and possible solutions. It is the preferred practice of our organization that campers remain at camp, as long as any behavior situation can be managed and diminished. In extreme cases a parent may be asked to remove their Camper from camp. Please know that our staff members are committed to helping all girls have a complete and positive camp experience. NOTE: The following situations will result in a camper being sent home: Possession and/or use of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, weapons, physical harm to themselves or another person, theft or other extreme behavior determined to be unacceptable. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact Mary-Jane Strom, Sr. Director of Camps and Adventure, at 1-800-447-4475 ext 4009. 11
Missing Home Being away from home can be an adjustment for both campers and parents. It is possible that your Camper will miss home while she is at camp. To help minimize the potential of this happening, our staff members will help your Camper become adjusted to camp life as soon as possible. We have found that the more connections a camper can make with people and camp life, the easier it is for her to be away from home. From the very first moments, our staff members will encourage your Camper to get to know other girls in her program. In fact, at bus loading on the first day, Camp Staff Members will have a nametag waiting for campers and she will ride the same bus with other girls in her unit. During the first day, campers will be informed about many of the activities and events planned for them at camp. Finally, our staff members are trained to watch for signs that a camper is missing home and address those feelings and concerns as soon as they become evident. If after these steps, your Camper is still having a difficult time being away from home, the Camp Director may contact you to discuss the situation. You can also help your Camper adjust to camp by sending a few items familiar to her, such as a favorite stuffed animal, a picture of the family or her pet, a favorite pillow, etc. These are all important steps in helping a camper feel safe and comfortable with her camp experience. For more information on how to prepare you, your family and your camper for the camp experience, see the Great News About Homesickness on the CampRocks.org website. Wildlife at Camp All of our camps in Northern California are located in natural areas, and wildlife is a part of the outdoor experience. This includes raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, snakes, deer, and sometimes bats. While at camp, campers will learn about wilderness safety and the specific types of animals that are common to the area. Important training like: always using the buddy system, respecting animals from a distance, and never feeding them are example of our expectations of campers and families while at camp. Communication with Your Camper Communication from friends and family is important to children away from home. We have a couple ways in which you can send messages to your Camper during her stay at camp. AT THE CHECK IN POINT (this is the preferred, best method for mail!) We will have a mailbox at the check in at Bothin just for letters or cards you would like to send up to camp. You can even note on the outside of the envelope which day you would like her to receive the letter. Please make sure you write her FULL NAME, SESSION, and PROGRAM on the envelope to help ensure it reaches her. BY U.S. MAIL If you choose to mail letters, address them as outlined here. The Counselors will encourage campers to write home as well. As mail to camp can be slow, consider sending mail a few days ahead so it will be waiting for her when she arrives. CAMP MAILING ADDRESS: Camper s Name Bothin Session # and Program 3125 Sir Francis Drake Blvd Fairfax, CA 94930 12
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Helpful Hints for Campers! Here are ten tips that will help make your stay at camp more enjoyable! 1. Bring stamped, addressed envelopes and/or postcards with you to camp. 2. Bring a few photos of your family, pets and friends to put near your bed. (You can share them with your new friends or just have them around in case you miss home.) 3. There s nothing like your favorite stuffed animal, pillow or blanket to snuggle up with at camp. 4. Bring old clothes. It won't matter as much if they get dirty or lost. Be sure to put your first and last name on everything! 5. Bring a fun book you ve been looking forward to reading. You will have quiet time during the day for personal letter writing or reading. 6. Drink extra water and juice at camp so you don t get dehydrated. Consider bringing your own water bottle with your name on it. 7. Put on fresh socks and underwear every day. (Remember - just because they still look white doesn t mean they are clean.) 8. Be sure and talk to your counselors about how you are feeling or what is happening for you at camp. They are there to help make your time at camp as enjoyable as possible. 9. Don t put your dirty clothes back in your suitcase or everything will have a funny smell. Bring a separate plastic bag or laundry bag for your dirty clothes. 10. Give new things a chance, whether it s archery, cookouts, camp songs or even a long hike. New skills and adventures are what camp is all about! 14
Packing List for Bothin MARK EVERYTHING WITH CAMPER'S FIRST AND LAST NAME!!! It is helpful if the camper packs her own gear, so she will know what she has brought to camp and will have some experience in packing for the trip home. Stuff bags are great for sleeping bags and especially for young or inexperienced campers to use. Please limit luggage to two pieces: one sleeping bag and one suitcase or duffle bag. All luggage must be clearly tagged with the camper's name, address, phone number and camp she is attending. Use only luggage that can be securely fastened. Dress for safety- although it s summertime, there are times when campers will have to wear long pants (on the ropes course). Make sure these are packed! Also, we discourage tank tops so that we can minimize sun exposure. If tank tops are packed, make sure they have wide straps! ***REMEMBER YOUR REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE!*** EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING LIST (Use this list as a guide) Warm sleeping bag and warm blankets if bag is light. (No slumber bags please) Refillable Water bottle, to be used daily. Unbreakable cup and eating utensils & unbreakable plate or mess kit & dunk bag (nylon net drawstring bag to hold cup, silverware & plate). NOTE: if you don't already have this item, we have plenty at camp that campers can use while they are with us) Flashlight with extra batteries. Day pack / Back Pack for day hikes Clothes: (Increase for 10 day session) Bring durable and inexpensive type. Used items are better than new, especially shoes. 1 pair warm pajamas 3 pair pants/jeans 2 pairs shorts or cut offs 3 to 4 tops/t-shirts (include 1-2 long sleeve) 1-2 sweatshirt or sweater (Bothin morning and evenings can be COLD with the ocean breeze and fog!) 1 hat or cap 1 Swimsuit 1 warm jacket socks (enough for your stay) Underwear (enough for your stay) 1 Bath towel / 1 beach towel 1 wash cloth Toiletries: soap for daily use/showers, toothbrush & toothpaste, hairbrush and/or comb, shampoo & conditioner (in plastic container), sunscreen, chapstick Shoes: 1 pair of closed toe shoes (no sandals) sturdy for hiking. Packed for Camp Packed for Home 15
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING LIST (Other optional items) Fabric, ribbons, and photos to decorate your bed/tent/living area Mosquito / bug repellent (non-aerosol) Bandana Costumes Shower shoes/sandals (closed toe shoes are required at all times, but these can be worn in the shower) Stationery, stamped and pre-addressed postcards, pen/pencils/stamps Favorite stuffed animal An item of clothing suitable for tie-dying (white shirt, pillowcase, canvas bag, etc) Guitar or other musical instrument Packed for Camp Packed for Home The following items are RESTRICTED AT CAMP: Pets/live animals Personal sports equipment, wetsuits, bicycles or craft items Sandals (except for shower use) Crop tops/halter tops Aerosols Candy, gum or snacks (well balanced meals are planned and served. Snacks are provided. Food in camper's sleeping area attracts "small" animals - so please don't send.) Personal vehicles (except for family camp) Personal electronic devices (ie. cell phones, ipods, tablets, etc) Digital cameras (if they want to capture memories, we would suggest a disposable camera that is less valuable) Knives or weapons Expensive watches or jewelry Money - There is NO store at camp Any illegal item (such as drugs or alcohol and cigarettes or weapons) 16
Going Home and After Camp: Lost and Found PLEASE WRITE THE CAMPERS FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER ON EVERYTHING OF IMPORTANCE. If an item with a name and phone number is returned to the Girl Scout office, our staff will try to contact you by phone or email. All items returned to the office will ONLY be kept for 2 weeks after the end of each session. All Lost and Found items will be removed from the Girl Scout office by September 1, 2018. If you have any questions about lost and found items, please contact our Outdoor Program Assistant at registraion@girlscoutsnorcal.org or 1-800-447-4475 ext 4002. Camp T-shirt, Photo, Patch and Activity Sheet As a reminder of the camp experience a special camp T-shirt, all-camp photo and commemorative patch will be given to each girl. The cost is included in the camp fee. In addition each camper will receive an activity sheet documenting the activities she participated in while at camp. T-shirts will be handed out at camp, while the photos, patch and activity sheet will be distributed at bus unloading/departure area as you sign your Camper out. Remember, she will not get her photo, patch and activity sheet unless she has been properly signed out! Talking With Your Camper About Her Camp Experience Question to ask before camp: 1. What activity are you looking forward to most? 2. Who can you go to for help at camp if you feel sick? If you have a concern with another camper? If you feel homesick? 3. What items do you need to bring when you take a shower? Before bed? Or for the day? 4. What is a worry that you have about camp? 5. Do you know how to put on sunscreen? 6. What do you think your biggest challenge will be while at camp? 7. What is something you would like to teach other campers and staff? 8. If you are having trouble falling asleep what can you do to help relax? Questions to ask after camp: 1. What was your favorite part about camp? 2. What was your biggest challenge? 3. What activities did you do? 4. Tell me about your counselors. 5. Who did you meet at camp? 6. What new skill/activity did you try or learn? 7. What was your favorite song from camp? 8. Tell me about the skit your unit did for campfire 17
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