Camp Wesley Wds Overnight Camp Parent Survival Guide Thank yu fr registering yur child fr camp! Cngratulatins! We knw yu have questins, pssibly lts f them! We want yu t knw that yur child is safe, well lked after, and will be surrunded by a supprtive cmmunity f faith here at Camp Wesley Wds. Read n t find infrmatin like what t bring, (r nt), when t arrive, what t expect, and lts f ther things yu need t knw. If yu dn t find the answers t all yur questins here, please call us 865 448 2246!
Cntents: CAMP WESLEY WOODS 2017 Parent Survival Guide Part One: Lgistics Registratin / Cancellatins / Changes f Plans Cming and Ging frm Camp What t Bring t Camp Things Yu Wn't Need Pre Camp Health Cncerns Medicatins Directins t Camp Wesley Wds Part Tw: Philsphy What We Offer Hw t Prepare Yur Child fr a Successful Camping Experience The H Wrd (S.A.D. Campers) Reverse Hmesickness: SAD Parents Rule f Three Tech Free Camp Apprpriate Camper Behavir A Day At Camp: Parent Highlights Weather Minimizing Risk at Camp Bunk Mates Healthcare at Camp Keeping In Tuch Visiting Yur Child During the Camp Week Camp Internet Plicy The Last Wrd Page 1
Part One: Lgistics Registratin / Cancellatins / Changes f Plans Please make sure yur Registratin Cnfirmatin receipt is crrect. If yu find an errr r have any questins abut yur registratin, please call the registrar s ffice at (423) 929 9037. Switching Weeks: If yu wish t cancel a registratin and register int a different sessin, please call the Camp Registratin Office at (423) 929 9037. Yur $50.00 nn refundable fee is transferable t a different sessin if yu phne in. This is the nly way t ensure the transfer f the $50 nn refundable fee. Refund Plicy: $50 f the camp fee is nn refundable. T receive a full refund (less the $50 nn refundable fee), CANCELLATIONS must be cmpleted by 5 pm (Eastern) n the Friday that is at least ne week prir t the Opening Day f yur camp sessin. Cancellatins can be made thrugh yur nline accunt r by calling the Camp Registratin Office at (423) 929 9037. N refunds will be made t campers wh fail t shw up n pening day. Shuld a particular sessin nt receive an adequate number f registratins, the pssibility des exist that the sessin may have t be cancelled. If this shuld ccur, every effrt will be made t ntify the camper as sn as pssible and placement int anther sessin will be attempted. A full refund will be made if placement int anther sessin is nt pssible. All appeals regarding the handling f ur Refund Plicy must be made in writing t: CRM Registrar, 262 Bart Green Drive, Gray, TN 37615. Imprtant Frms fr Camp Yur Camper Health Frm, Camper Prfile Frm, and the Authrizatin/Cnsent Infrmatin Frm are nw digital. Fr the summer f 2018, parents will be able t cmplete these camper frms by using ur secure nline registratin system. This infrmatin can be recrded at the time f registratin, r any time prir t the beginning f yur camper s sessin. In future years, parents will simply need t update any health changes frm the previus year. Parents withut nline access will cntinue t be able t cmplete camp registratin, health, and prfile infrmatin n the paper frms prvided. Page 2
Cming and Ging frm Camp Our sessins d nt all begin and end n the same days. Yur Check In & Check Out days and times depend n what prgram yu chse at registratin. Please nte carefully the different days/times sessins start. Please wear clthes apprpriate t help yur camper carry their luggage t and frm their cabins. Checking In Yur Camper (Drp ff at camp) Discvery ½ Week Sessins are Mnday thrugh Wednesday r Wednesday thrugh Friday, depending n which dates yu chse at registratin. Discvery Check In is at 4pm and Check Out is at 2pm. We have a shrt clsing ceremny at Check Out that will begin prmptly at 2pm. Adventure: 10 Day Venture prgram begins Wednesday at 4pm. Basecamp, Adventure Samplers, and Adventure Cave & Climb prgrams begin n Sunday afternn. T facilitate a smther and quicker check in, please arrive at camp at the fllwing times. CIT 1 & CIT 2 3:30 t 4:00pm Rising 4 th & 5 th Grade 4:00 t 4:25pm Rising 6 th t 10 th Grade 4:25 t 4:50 pm If yu have multiple campers f varying ages cming t camp all at nce, please cme at the time that yur first camper is scheduled t arrive. Thank yu fr hnring these times. If yu are running late r have sme ther delay, please call the Camp Wesley Wds ffice at (865) 448 2246. Checking Out yur Campers (Picking up at the end f Camp) All vernight camp sessins end with a shrt Clsing Ceremny at 2:00 pm. Parents will be directed t this ceremny. Parking and Check Out will begin as early as 1:30pm. Please d nt cme earlier than 1:30pm as ur campers will still be in prgramming. Please dn t frget yur pht I.D. Fr yur camper s safety, campers will nly be released t thse persns listed n their authrizatin frm. Please ntify the camp ffice (865) 448 2246 in advance shuld it becme necessary t pick up yur child frm camp at sme time ther than 2pm. Page 3
What t Bring t Camp Please bring clthes that yu dn t mind yur camper getting a little dirty while having a great time. It is recmmended that yu label all items t insure they return hme with yur camper. Camp is pretty casual. Mstly t shirts and shrts. Smetimes in the mrning it s chilly and yu might want a hdie. List fr ALL campers cming t Camp Wesley Wds (Discvery, Basecamp, Celebratin, Adventure Weeks) Shrts (1 per day) Sleeping Bag/Pillw T Shirts (1 per day) Fitted sheet Lng Pants (at least 1) Wash Clth Underwear / Scks Sap and Shamp Sandals with Heel Straps Tthbrush/Paste (ptinal) Other Tiletries Sleepwear (PJ s) Bag fr dirty clthes Sweatshirt/Fleece/Jacket Bible Rain Jacket Jurnal/Pen Hat fr sun Spray Sunscreen Swimsuit (ne piece r Face Stick Sunscreen tankini fr girls) Insect Repellent Twels (at least 2) Flashlight Sturdy clsed ted Shes Water Bttle (Athletic) Flip Flps fr Shwering Water Shes that capture the heel Pstcards/Stamps Extra pair f Shes Day Pack/Bk Bag Additinal items fr Campers attending Adventure Sampler prgrams Lng Shrts t wear climbing. Plyester fleece shirt fr becme very muddy. paddling Extra Swimsuit (ne piece r tankini fr girls) Extra Twel Caving Clthes: cveralls r sweatshirt/jeans that can Caving Shes: these will becme excessively muddy and wet. Garbage bag fr Caving Clthes Extra Flashlight Extra Batteries fr Flashlight Sleeping Pad (nt fr Jr. Adv.) Additinal items fr Campers attending Adventure Cave & Climb Prgram & 10 Day Venture Tw extra pairs f pants that can get very dirty Lightweight pants fr backpacking/ climbing Tw extra Lng Sleeved shirts t wear in caves Warm sleeping bag Extra scks and batteries fr vernight in a cave Sunglasses Extra lightweight, lng pants fr climbing Extra Water Bttle Extra swimsuit and twel If yu have ne: bring a backpacking backpack Page 4
Things Yu Wn t Need Here it cmes. N Cell Phnes. I knw, I knw; it s hard, but it s wrth it. It will be like living in lden times like way back in 1998. Here are a few ther things t leave at hme t keep yur cell phne cmpany: Mney there s nthing t buy except at Check In and Check Out. Keep yur mney in the car. Pets We have plenty f wildlife. Leave yur pets at hme. N taking hme new pets either. MP3 players r any ther type f ipd things. Electrnic games. Fd We have a special security system t insure yu dn t bring fd int the cabins it s called ants. Really, dn t bring fd. Electrnic bks. Yu ll have t bring the real deal. The library is a gd place fr bks. Cell Phnes. Just in case yu were cnfused the first time. Tbacc, alchl, illegal drugs, firewrks, firearms, and weapns f any kind are prhibited at camp. Camp has a mdest apprach t ur expectatin f camp attire. We ask campers nt t wear this type f clthing: White shirts Halter tps Tube tps Expsed underwear Backless shirts Sheer clthing Mini shrts r skirts Expsed midriffs Shrts shrter than fingers when arms lse at side Alchl, drug, tbacc, r suggestive slgans/lgs Every camper receives a t shirt while at camp. Traditinally we all wear ur camp t shirts n Fridays. Sme campers like t wear them everyday. The stre will be pen during Check In and Check Out if yu d like mre shirts r suvenirs. Page 5
Pre Camp Health Cncerns When campers are nt feeling well, camp isn t fun. In rder t prtect yur camper and the greater camp cmmunity, it is imprtant that each camper is healthy when they arrive at camp. Use the fllwing guidelines as yu assess yur camper s health prir t camp. If yur child s health keeps them frm attending their sessin, every attempt will be made t reschedule them int anther sessin nce their health returns. Des yur child have:? Fever (100 F r greater)?.. Yes N Sre Thrat?...... Yes N Cugh?... Yes N If yu checked "yes" fr fever and ne r tw f the ther symptms, keep yur child at hme because f an influenza like illness. Current recmmendatin is that children remain hme fr seven days after symptms start, even if the child is n lnger ill. If yur child is still sick after seven days, keep yur child at hme until well fr 24 hurs. If yu have questins abut yur child's health r symptms, call yur child's healthcare prvider. If yur child has been diagnsed by a healthcare prvider with a different disease r cnditin such as strep r lice fllw yur healthcare prvider's recmmendatin. Shuld any such health cncerns arise prir t camp, call the Camp Wesley Wds ffice (865) 448 2246 t discuss prgram participatin ptins. Medicatins As stated in the Health Frm, please make sure all prescriptin and nn prescriptin medicatins are in their riginal cntainers and clearly labeled with the camper s name and dsages. Dsage instructins are strictly adhered t unless alternate written/signed Physician s rders are prvided. Page 6
Directins t Camp Wesley Wds (329 Wesley Wds Rd. Twnsend, TN 37882) (If yu have any prblems finding us, please call (865) 448 2246. GPS Services are accurate in helping navigate t camp.) Frm Knxville: Interstate 40 t U.S. 129 (Alca/Airprt exit) At Twnsend/Maryville split keep left twards Twnsend and the Smky Muntains Cntinue thrugh Alca and Maryville fr apprximately 12 miles At Walland (BP Gas Statin) turn left n East Millers Cve Rad G acrss bridge and stay right Wesley Wds is apprximately 4.5 miles n the left Frm West Knxville : Interstate 40 t Interstate 140 Suth, Pellissippi Parkway (Exit 376) Interstate 140 Suth t U.S. 129 (Exit 11) At Twnsend/Maryville split keep left twards Twnsend and the Smky Muntains Cntinue thrugh Alca and Maryville fr apprximately 12 miles At Walland (BP Gas Statin) turn left n East Millers Cve Rad G acrss bridge and stay right Wesley Wds is apprximately 4.5 miles n the left Frm Jhnsn City, Greenville & Mrristwn : Interstate 40 t U.S. 66 (Exit 407) U.S. 66 t Byd s Creek Rad Right n Byd s Creek Rad Stay n Byd s Creek Rad, which turns int U.S. 411, t Maryville Left nt S. Washingtn Street staying t the left t becme U.S. 321 Stay n U.S. 321 thrugh Maryville tward Twnsend (The Smkies) At Walland (BP Gas Statin) turn left n East Millers Cve Rad G acrss bridge and stay right Wesley Wds is apprximately 4.5 miles n the left Frm Chattanga : Interstate 75 t U.S. 321 (Exit 81) Stay n U. S. 321 thrugh Maryville tward Twnsend (The Smkies) At Walland (BP Gas Statin) turn left n East Millers Cve Rad G acrss bridge and stay right Wesley Wds is apprximately 4.5 miles n the left Page 7
Part Tw: Philsphy We re ging t camp! Welcme t camp! Sending yur child t camp is a big deal fr yur child and fr yu t. We ve tried t answer mst f the typical questins parents ask in this handy dandy Survival Guide. Our gal is that yur child will have an amazing experience away frm hme, and grw clser t Gd in a safe, nurturing, and lving cmmunity f faith. Thanks fr allwing us t be a part f yur child s spiritual and persnal grwth and develpment. What We Offer: Sme camps ffer sprts expertise, advanced cllege placement, r STEM prgrams. These are all nice things, but this is nt Camp Wesley Wds. We believe that a traditinal resident prgram is the best way t accmplish ur gals. We believe that when campers enter int ur unique, rustic, electrnic free envirnment, they are pen t experience amazing things that Gd has in stre fr them. Gd has used ur classic camping experience t draw campers t him fr ver 50 years. We have campers whse parents came t this camp. Here s what we ffer: A Safe Envirnment : Yur child s spiritual, emtinal and physical safety is cnsidered in everything we d. (We think abut them when we plan ur menu, when we rganize the cabins, in the schedule, when we hire the staff, and when we plan every single detail f summer camp.) We set aside the dining hall, cabins and bathrms as safe znes at camp, where campers shuld always feel that they are accepted and belng. Our staff are thrughly screened and trained t prvide the best pssible experience. Fcus n Faith : Rmans 1:20 says, Fr since the creatin f the wrld Gd s invisible qualities his eternal pwer and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understd frm what has been made, s that peple are withut excuse. Just being ut in Gd s creatin allws ur campers t experience Gd s Lve at a new level, pening them t grw in their relatinship with Him. We strive t meet kids wherever they are in their faith jurney, whether they are a seeker, a new believer r well grunded in their faith. Our campers participate in meaningful wrship, devtinal times, and Bible Studies each day while at camp. They are als encuraged t ask questins. At camp we have a Minister In Residence (MIR) that is here t teach and spend time meeting with campers. Well Trained Staff: Our staff are carefully screened and extensively trained fr tw weeks prir t ur camp seasn. Many f ur staff are frmer campers and empathize with hw campers think and feel abut things. Our gal is t prvide ur campers with Cunselrs and Staff that are exemplary rle mdels, strng Christian leaders, nurturing and fun. We lk fr thse wh will delight in the respnsibilities f camp. We are als blessed t have Ministers In Residence (MIRs) n camp each week t help meet the spiritual needs f ur campers and staff. Make Friends: Part f the fun f camp is meeting new peple, finding thse wh have similar interests, and having fun with friends. Our cabins are rganized by age and facilitated t prmte friendships. Campers chse activities and take classes with thse f similar interests, setting the grundwrk fr friendships. We have created a balanced day with structured, scheduled time mixed with recreatinal, free time t ffer pprtunities fr new friendships t grw as well as time t catch up with ld friends. Page 8
Learn New Skills: Taking a chance t try smething new is ne way that campers gain cnfidence. They als have smething t shw fr the time they spent at camp in a real, tangible way. Our daily classes allw campers t discver gifts and talents that Gd has given them, and ways they can use these talents. Often, campers discver that they are gd at smething that allws them t shine by just being themselves. Everything we d is fun! Nt t brag, but many campers reprt that camp is the mst fun week they have all year. We g ut f ur way here t make each and every mment f camp enjyable and meaningful. Even walking frm place t place n camp is fun! Yur camper will be cunting the days till they can cme back. Hw t Prepare Yur Child fr a Successful Camping Experience If yu're reading this, I m guessing it s yur first year sending yur child t camp. We spend a lt f time here at camp preparing ur staff and prgram t help children fr whm this might be their first significant experience away frm hme. We hpe this helps yu prepare. The H Wrd (S.A.D. Campers) Prbably the mst discussed and feared wrd heading int the first year at summer camp is the big H. Yes, Hmesickness. This is n every parent s mind when they drp their child ff at camp. What if they get hmesick? What if they dn t miss hme at all? What is hmesickness? Here at camp, we call this S.A.D. campers. We try nt t say hmesick because this sunds like an illness, s they think they shuld head n dwn t the Health Ldge fr a cure. SAD stands fr Separatin Anxiety Disrder, and the first symptm is sadness. We train ur staff in hw t help SAD campers, and the gal is always the same; get them engaged with camp. Getting invlved in camp, making new friends, learning t trust Gd when things are hard, and making it thrugh the week at camp is an accmplishment and a milestne. If yur camper seems unable t enjy their week due t being SAD, yu will be a part f the discussin. Parents play a rle in their child s success away frm hme. Please d nt tell yu child that yu will cme and pick them up if they are nt having a great time, this can make yur child feel guilty when they are having fun, as if they chse camp ver spending time with yu. It s ur gal and prayer that every camper will be a part f ur camp cmmunity, but the reality is that smetimes a camper will find ut that this just isn t the kind f camp they enjy, and this is OK. We still think it s t this child s benefit t cmplete the week. It s better t leave successfully cmpleting a week at camp, discvering it s nt yur thing than t g hme and feel like a failure. Page 9
This past summer, we had ver 800 campers cme t camp, sme first time campers were indeed SAD, but nt ne camper went hme due t being SAD. This is what we are praying fr this year as well. Here s sme things that yu can d t help: Dn t tell yur child that if they are hmesick,they can cme hme. As sn as the nrmal anxiety f being away frm hme triggers, we are ging t have a SAD camper. Dn t tell yur child that they can call hme. We d nt allw this at any pint. If yur child is struggling, yu will receive a call frm a Camp Directr. Dn t tell yur child that yu will miss them. This can cause anxiety that they are needed at hme. Instead, please tell them that yu are excited fr them, that yu knw they will have a gd time. Dn t tell them that the dg is crying all day and the cat wn t eat and everything is a mess because they are gne. Dn t tell them that their little brther ate all their Easter candy. This can cause undue stress and trigger SAD feelings. D encurage yur child t keep a jurnal, remind them that they can send hme letters r pstcards, and that they shuld keep track f everything they d because yu can t wait t hear abut it! D send them mail. The easiest way t make sure yur child receives mail is t pre write letters and drp them ff with yur child s cunselr r a Camp Directr. Just label the envelpes with yur child s name and the days in which they shuld be delivered. If yu chse t mail letters, see page 9, keeping in tuch. D tell them hw prud yu are that they are at camp. D tell them that yu re thinking f them and that yu interested in hearing abut their week. D pray fr yur camper, their cabin mates and their Cunselrs. Feel free t pray fr the weather, fr fun,and that Gd will wrk mightily in the campers lives here at camp. D fllw alng with the Parent Cmpanin Bible Study that will cmpliment what yur child is learning here at camp. This will be available n the Camp Wesley Wds website during the summer mnths. Reverse Hmesickness: SAD Parents The reality f camp is that yur child will be busy and engaged while at camp while yu, mst likely, are hme wndering hw they are ding. We knw that with cell phnes, vide mnitrs, GPS, and s frth, parents are mre cmfrtable than ever with the quick check in. A quick text t let yu knw that everything is OK, that they arrived at a destinatin safely, and s frth. With camp being screen free, campers are truly ut f cntact. We d ur best t alleviate SAD Parents thrugh several strategies. We will be psting daily n Facebk, as well as Bunk1. Check in n these sites t lk fr pictures f yur child having a great time. If yu are still cncerned, feel free t call camp. We will persnally check n yur child and get back t yu within a few hurs. Parents ften learn as much frm being independent frm their children as ur campers learn at camp. Page 10
Rule f Three Here at camp we take every precautin pssible t minimize risks t ur campers. The rule f three is a camp wide plicy t prtect bth ur campers and staff members. Staff members are cmmitted t avid any situatin that wuld place them alne with a camper. As a minimum, we have tw staff with ne camper, r ne staff with tw campers in every situatin. If Staff need t have a private cnversatin with a camper, they stay within visual sight f ther staff and/r campers. There are exceptins t this rule such as in a medical situatin. Tech Free Camp When s the last time yu spent five full days withut interacting with a screen? Hard t remember? Technlgy has becme a mainstay f everyday life fr mst peple and camp has becme ne f the last islands f ld fashined fun. One f the mst unique and awesme things abut camp is that kids get a chance t unplug. By discnnecting themselves frm everything else, they are able t fcus n the camp cmmunity and their relatinship with Gd. Our campers can have fun and be themselves withut wrrying that smene is recrding and psting their every mve. Apprpriate Camper Behavir We ask each camper at camp t fllw three simple guidelines: D N Harm, D Gd, & Lve Gd. We want every camper that cmes t camp t experience the Lve f Gd. We als expect each camper t agree t fllw ur guidelines fr their interactins with ther campers and the staff. We take any instance f bullying, teasing, r harassment very seriusly. If a camper cannt cmply with ur guidelines, we will ask their parents t pick them up and n refund will be issued. Thankfully, this is a very rare ccurrence as campers are highly mtivated t stay at camp. Please make sure yur child knws what ur expectatins are f their time at camp. A Day At Camp: Parent Highlights We have mre fun things t d in a day at camp than there are hurs available. S we start early and, smetimes, can end smewhat late at night. We like t keep things mving, we have a vigurus daily schedule that peple wh like rutine can fllw, and als have sme exciting changes t the schedule, just t keep it fresh fr everyne. Wake Up: We wake each mrning t the icnic sund f the camp bell ringing prmptly at 7am. Fr thse chipper mrning peple wh like t hp ut f bed and right int activity, we have (new fr 2017) ptinal Early Bird Activities that begin right at 7am. Fr the majrity f camp, this bell is just a warning that mrning is cming and they have anther 15 minutes befre having t get up and prepare fr the day. Our ptinal Early Bird Activities include things like the Plar Bear Swim, the Rster Run, and the Peak Tppers Hiking Club. These campers will have a shrt activity fllwed by a shrt time t get ready fr breakfast. Page 11
Meals: Our campers eat family style in ur dining hall each day. Our yungest campers (Day Camp & Discvery) have a separate area that allws them a quieter venue. Our well balanced, kid friendly meals are cmplimented by ur salad bar. If yur camper has allergies r a special diet, we will wrk with yu befre camp t insure that campers are healthy while at camp. Mrning Duties: Campers wh participate in helping keep up camp feel mre cnnected and learn respnsibility. Each mrning campers will take part in Camp Clean Up. Yur camper may even frget themselves when they get hme and set the table fr dinner and sweep the kitchen afterwards, (fr a few days at least). Prgramming: Discvery ½ Week Fr ur yungest vernight campers, we want them t experience a wide range f activities, t try new things and t discver new talents. We have prepared a well balanced schedule full f high and lw intensity activities. In the evenings we will have wrship, evening activities, and snack time. The evening campfires are a highlight fr many Discvery ½ Week campers. Prgramming: Basecamp We want campers t cme t camp and enjy the things they lve, learn smething new, and develp skills in areas f interest. At these activities, they will have pprtunities t frm friendships with like minded campers and staff as well as learn a new skill. During Recreatinal Time campers can g swimming, play Gaga, enjy 9 square, d a craft, play field games, have a snack, rest in hammcks and/r just sit and talk with friends. Fr mre detailed infrmatin n the individual Skill Activity Classes, please refer t ur Skill Activities sectin f the website (dwnladable) r call us fr mre infrmatin (1 865 448 2246). Basic Basecamp Schedule: 8:00am Breakfast 8:30am Camp Cleanup 9:00am Mrning Watch 9:20am First Skill Perid ex: Archery 10:45am Secnd Skill Perid ex: Pttery 12:30pm Lunch 1:00pm Rest Perid 1:45pm Third Skill Perid ex: Waterwrld 3:00pm Rec Time: Swimming, Gaga, 9 Square, Fsball, Vlleyball, Field Games, Crafts, Snack 4:00pm Grup Time 5:00pm Bible Study 6:00pm Dinner 6:45pm Evening Activity and Snack 8:30pm Wrship 9:15pm Begin Bedtimes Page 12
Prgramming: Adventure Reserved fr thse with a taste fr adventure, these prgrams fcus n trying new things, excelling at specific skills, having fun with friends, and traveling ff camp int exciting adventures arund East Tennessee. All Adventure campers are based ut f ur rustic Outpst Huts and they eat mst f their meals ut in the wds (fd they brught with them frm the camp kitchen). These campers have limited access t mdern facilities they are truly rughing it, and lving every minute f it. Our Adventure campers make sure they are back n camp t make it t ur traditinal Thursday Vespers. Prgramming: CIT Cunselr In Training campers prbably have the mst varied schedule f all campers at CWW. We spend a week in training and enjying camp activities. We spend a secnd week practicing skills we have learned and have plenty f hands n time with the yungest campers while assisting Cunselrs. CIT 1 s then spend a third week back in a cabin tgether and will cmplete a service prject t serve camp. The CIT 2 s will graduate after the secnd week f the prgram. In past years, select CITs have been invited t Vlunteer at camp (16yrs and up) and have even been hired at camp that very summer (age 17yrs and up)! These invitatins are nt guaranteed. CIT 1 s may register directly, but CIT 2 s must apply, interview, and then upn acceptance, will be given a registratin cde. Themes: Each week at camp has a theme. The Special Events n Wednesday evening and Friday mrning are based n the themes. There als may be meals, Grup challenges and shrt challenges based n the Theme f the week. This accunts fr abut 10% f the camp week. Please dn t purchase anything special, but if yur child has apprpriate, fun items at hme that match the theme, please feel free t bring these. The 2018 Themes are: Week 1 Chas Week Week 2 Super Week Week 3 Mre Chas Week 4 Travel Thrugh Time Week 5 All Arund the Wrld Week 6 Out f this Wrld Week 7 Christmas in July Vespers: Each Thursday evening we have a special wrship and candle lighting service that is very meaningful fr ur campers and staff. We thank Gd fr ur week at camp and have an pprtunity t cnsider ur next steps in ur relatinship with Gd. Many campers and staff reprt that this evening is their mst significant experience at camp. Weather We are utside at camp, a lt. Maybe mre than yur child wuld typically be utside. And we are utside when it s ht, when it s sunny, when it s raining, basically, we are utside all f the time unless it is extreme weather. Please make sure yur child cmes with apprpriate clthing t be utside, all f the time, while at camp. One f the things that we remind campers f, all day lng, is t stay hydrated. With the level f activity they sustain in their activities, just being utside, and mving arund, ur campers need t drink plenty f water t stay prperly hydrated. Please make sure that Page 13
yur camper cmes with a water bttle that is at least 24 z and that they are cmfrtable carrying arund all day in their hand r bag. Please als make sure t prperly label the bttle. In extreme weather such as thunder r lightning, we will seek shelter and mve t indr prgramming. We have special prgrams lined up that we save fr just such instances! In fact, smetimes we are srry when the sun cmes back ut. Minimizing Risk at Camp We have rules in place at camp t prtect bth yur child and ur staff. It s unfrtunate that we even need t mentin these things, but necessary. We recmmend sending a sunscreen face stick that campers can apply themselves, and if yur camper needs assistance, please send spray n sunblck. Staff are nly allwed t side hug campers (n frntal hugs), Campers may nt sit n Staff s laps. Staff are nly permitted t tuch campers if needed, in areas that wuld nt be cvered by a nrmal bathing suit. Hands, arms and upper back are taught as safe tuch areas fr things like high fives and handshakes. Staff are nt permitted t have pillw fights, tickling r any ther ver stimulating activities with campers. Campers are encuraged t change clthes in their sleeping bags r in changing stalls. Bunk Mates Camp is always mre fun with friends. We want campers t knw that they will be with their friends, while als creating pprtunities fr making new friends. We have fund that having at least ne friend the camper knws in the cabin can make a big difference in hw much anxiety campers feel befre they cme t camp. Hwever, we als want t make sure campers wh cme t camp alne feel cmfrtable as well. The best way t make everyne feel safe is t have reciprcal buddy requests. Each camper is invited t include the name f ne persn they wuld like t bunk with. This named persn must als put yur camper s name dwn as their buddy request. Buddies dn t have t be the same exact age, but the clser in age, the easier it is t facilitate. Fr maturity reasns, we mve the lder buddy dwn int the yunger buddie s cabin. We are cmmitted t meeting reciprcal buddy requests whenever pssible. Healthcare at Camp A Camper Health Assessment is part f the Check In prcedure. All medicatins will be received and lgged by camp persnnel during Check In. A trained health care prvider is nsite daily. Dispensing f prescribed medicatins, basic first aid, and health mnitring are prvided while at camp. Families will be ntified if yur camper vmits, has a persistent cnditin (i.e. headache, nsebleed, fever, hmesickness), r needs t be taken t the dctr r emergency rm (Blunt Memrial Hspital, Maryville, TN). Page 14
Keeping In Tuch Receiving mail frm hme can be a highlight f a camper s day. Remember t send mail early; mail can take up t 5 days t arrive. Mail can be sent t: Camper s Name Cabin Name, Sessin Name & Week # Camp Wesley Wds 329 Wesley Wds Rad Twnsend, TN 37882 *Directr s Tip: Prepare mail in advance t give t yur child s cunselr at check in t hand ut each day. Prepare sme self addressed, stamped pstcards fr yur camper t send hme. Writing hme can be fun and help campers stay cnnected with hme while at camp. Mail that arrives after camper departure will be returned t sender using the return address. Email t campers is managed by Bunk1.cm fr a small fee. Parents will receive infrmatin n this service at Check in. Campers will nt have the pprtunity t send reply emails. Visiting Yur Child During the Camp Week Due t the length f ur camp, we ask that parents d nt visit campers unless there is an extenuating circumstance. We dn t like t pull campers ut f prgrams fr visits, it s disruptive and tends t trigger campers that are prne t hmesickness (SAD). If yur child is struggling at camp, yu will be ntified by a Camp Directr. Please feel free t call the camp and we will give yu an update n their experience. Camp Internet Plicy Fr yur camper s security, ur summer staff are nt permitted t friend any camper n scial media utlets. Our plicies state that the relatinship between the staff and campers is a mentring and leadership relatinship between a caregiver and a child. It is ur intent t minimize risk t ur campers. If yu becme aware f unwhlesme internet psting frm anyne in the Camp Wesley Wds cmmunity, please cntact the Camp Directr immediately. The Last Wrd We are lking frward t having yur child at camp. We expect great blessings all arund. Shuld yu have questins that remain, please give us a call at (865) 448 2246. Please save this guide fr yur reference. Camp Wesley Wds is a Hlstn Cnference United Methdist Camp accredited by the American Camp Assciatin. Page 15