New Camper Orientation
It’s hard to believe that it’s “that time of year” again. The time to pack up the Iroquois Springs winter office and head up to Rock Hill for another incredible summer. Everyone at camp is thrilled to be preparing for summer 2017!
One of our favorite days leading up to the camp season is “New Camper Orientation”. The invites have been mailed and we could not be more excited to welcome new campers and their families to their summer home. Sunday, May 21st, is the big day when we will gather at camp with the newest members of the Iroquois Springs family, where the journey of camp begins. From the moment families arrive at camp, you could feel the excitement in the air.
The day at camp will include a delicious BBQ lunch, complete tour of camp, campers meeting counselors and new friends, and parents having the opportunity to meet the directors and professional staff. It’s the perfect day to be at camp and start getting excited for summer 2017.
After checking in, families start out the day with a group tour lead by a knowledgeable camp tour guide, where they visit all program areas, from the beautiful lake, to the new fitness center, hobbyville area, and camper bunks (just to name a few). While some new campers have toured camp in the past, have a sibling already at camp, or participated in the Rookie Day or Explorers weekend, revisiting these areas helps get everyone reacquainted with camp life. Following the tour, families sit down together for a delicious BBQ lunch in our spacious dining hall or outside at the picnic tables where our campers enjoy lunch throughout the summer.
The best part of the day takes place after lunch, when new campers get together to meet other new campers in their division. Group leaders and counselors will welcome campers with open arms, get to know them and introduce them to what camp is all about. Campers will even be given the opportunity to make bunk requests of other campers they have met at orientation. Campers may be feeling many 
different emotions about starting their camp journey, from great confidence to some anxiety, and staff is there to help campers feel comfortable and at home with it all.
The same goes for parents who are experiencing many different emotions about sending their child to camp for the first time. Regardless of this being their first child to attend camp, or the third, it’s all new for this camper and we welcome any questions or concerns parents have. The meeting that is held for parents is the perfect opportunity to get a comprehensive understanding of the procedures, policies, and overall experience campers will have throughout the summer. It’s the perfect setting to get questions answered, feel at ease, and most importantly get excited for this opportunity you are giving your new camper.
We look forward to meeting the new Iroquois Springs family members and welcome everyone to the start of what will be a lifetime of wonderful camp memories. See you on Sunday, May 21st (12:30pm-3:30pm) in Rock Hill for a fantastic day of food, friends and fun.