Getting Ready for Camp
The camp season is almost here. You can feel it in the air. In just a couple of months Iroquois Springs campers and staff will reunite at their summer home for another amazing summer of adventure, friendship and memories. The winter office will soon be moving up to camp to get everything ready for the big day. The ongoing preparation to make camp the best place it could be in every possible way, from staffing, to facilities, to programming, is what we are fully committed to. And we know that camp families are just as committed to preparing their campers in every possible way. Parents are busy filling out the many necessary forms, shopping for and packing all the items on the camp packing list, and talking to their campers (new and old) about their expectations for the coming summer. Thankfully, all the great preparation on everyone’s part helps to make camp the exceptional place and experience it has always been.
For many first time camp families, questions about getting ready for the summer may be coming up. What items are needed, how to go about packing, and how to best prepare your camper and yourself for their first overnight summer camp experience??? We are always here to answer any questions, but here are a few helpful hints for the months leading up to camp.
Complete All Camper Forms – It’s important that we know as much as we can about your camper, and your expectations of his/her camp experience. Use the parent dashboard to complete all standard, medical and transportation forms. And don’t forget to fill out the parent questionnaire, to help give us a better picture of your child’s interests and personality so we can best accommodate their needs.
Review the Parent Handbook – In order to familiarize yourself with camp guidelines and procedures, the Parent Handbook is a great resource. It provides information on everything from important dates, to baggage and transportation, to clothing and packing. The parent handbook can be found on the current families page of the camp web site www.iroquoissprings.com.
Order Required Logo’d Camp Apparel – Click on our clothing outfitter “Everything Camper” and purchase the required clothing items. Though we are not a uniformed camp, a few logo’s Iroquois Springs items, like t-shirts and shorts, are necessary for out of camp trips, inter-camp games, picture day and other activities. Though you do not have to purchase everything on the list, review the list with your camper to see the items they would most like to have, like sweatshirts, tank tops and athletic gear.
Pack With Your Camper – Be sure to include your camper in the packing process. Familiarity with the items they are bringing to camp will help them feel more comfortable. Be sure to label all clothing, footwear, sports equipment, etc. with both their first and last name. And please remember that campers have limited space for their belongings, so follow the camp packing list and try not to over pack.
Register with Mountain Meds – If your camper takes prescribed or over the counter medications, register with mountain meds. They are the company we use to pre-package medication throughout the summer. All medications will be given through the health center. No medication, including vitamins will be allowed in the bunks.
Talk to your child – Going away from home for the first time (or even the 5th time) can be difficult for some children. Talk to your camper about any concerns he/she may have and let them know their concerns are natural and that they can talk to someone at camp if any concerns come us before or during camp. Let them know that camp staff will take great care of them and always remember to let them know how confident you are in them and how much fun they are going to have.
Prepare for Letter’s Home – Though this may sound funny, with most communication being online, many young campers have never mailed a letter before. So in addition to packing a supply of stationary, pens, stamps, and addresses of family and friends, give your camper a quick review of how to address a letter to be mailed. We want to make sure those letters make it to your mailbox and put a smile on your face.
Attend New Family Orientation – This is a great opportunity for new camp families to spend the afternoon at camp and meet new friends. The afternoon is filled with a delicious BBQ lunch, a tour of camp, an opportunity for parents to meet key staff members and ask questions, and for all new campers to meet and participate in fun activities. We can’t wait to see you on Sunday, May 15th (12:30 – 3:30pm).
We hope that your preparation for camp goes smoothly and that your camper is as excited as we are for opening day to arrive. Do not hesitate to call with any questions or concerns, we are always happy to hear from you.