CAMPER ORIENTATION

Please ensure you review the following items with all campers:

• The buddy system is in place for everywhere a camper goes. If someone needs to get up at night, a buddy is required. • Always stay with the group. A camper should report to their counselor if they are leaving the group for any reason. Instruct campers to stay where they are if they get lost and they’ll be found. • Flashlights are required when walking at night. • Explain night noises: frogs, insects, ghosting, etc. • Tell campers where you sleep so they can find you during the night. It’s also helpful to have an “on-call” counselor at night so the campers know who they wake up with problems or escorts to the bathroom. • Walking, not running, in camp is the only option. • Keep sunscreen on (even on cloudy days) and wear a hat. Explain our Slip, Slap,

Slop and Wrap motto. • Swimming suit tops are not appropriate dress. • Closed-toed shoes are always required due to the nature of the campground. • Raised hands mean silence for an announcement. Make sure everyone, including other staff, observes this signal. • Drink plenty of water (8 cups of water per day at minimum)! Headaches and stomach aches are often due to dehydration. You cannot drink enough water. • Keep camp beautiful. Put trash in cans and pick up litter. • Talk over emergency procedures such as fires or storms. Talk about the signal (horns) and the importance of reporting to the Counselor right away. • Keep cabins neat. Belongings should be kept in suitcases. Don’t leave personal items in shower or sink areas. Floors should be kept clean to ensure safety. • Make sure campers understand your role. You are there for them and will listen to their needs, fears, jokes, and stories. Make them feel secure that they are going to have a positive experience at camp. • Tell them about times in the day when they get to plan/choose activities. Their ideas are important in deciding what the group should do. • Outgoing mail or notes for other campers can be delivered to the mailbox in the art shack for delivery.