Summer Camp Family Handbook 2020

Summer Camp Family Handbook Table of Contents 1

General Information

7

Homesickness

2

Registration Information

8 Communication

3

Expectations at Camp

9 Health Care

5

Check In & Check Out

10 Safety at Camp

6 Preparing Your Camper

11 Tips and Tricks

6 Preparing Yourself

12 Trading Post

General Information At camp girls will discover new things about themselves and their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world around them. They will connect with new friends and caring adult mentors in a safe and nurturing environment. Girls will return to their communities prepared to take action and make their world a better place.

Our Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

2020 Important Dates March 3.................... Camp Registration Opens!

April 23.................... Go-Getter Registration Ends June 22-26.............. Code Ninja Day Camp June 22-26.............. SEMO STEM Camp

The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

June 22 - July 17...... Equestrian Camp at Fox Run June 28 - July 31..... Finbrooke Resident Camp June 29 - July 10...... Silver Meadows Day Camp July 12-31................. Latonka Resident Camp

Go-Getter Package Our Go-Getter Package includes go-getter pricing and a free camp t-shirt! To take advantage of this offer, register and pay the non-refundable $40 deposit (even if paying with Cookie Credit) before April 23. On April 23, on-time pricing will go into effect and the free t-shirt will no longer be available.

Family Information Session Questions about camp? Join us for a family information webinar session to learn all about summer camp.

Email info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org with your date of attendance to be sent a link to join.

Webinar • Online March 11 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

2

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

Webinar • Online March 17 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Registration Information Registration

Girl Scout Cookie Credit

Girl Scout summer camp registrations will be accepted starting March 3, 2020, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations will be accepted until a program session is full. Online payments can be made by credit card, debit card, or Girl Scout Cookie Credit Card. Visit girlscoutsmoheartland. org to register online. A $40 non-refundable deposit is required and applied to fees at the time of registration. Full payment is due 3 weeks before the start of the session, or at the time of registration if registering within the three week window.

Girl Scout Cookie Credit can be used to pay for summer camp (including the non-refundable deposit).

Cookie Credit is non-refundable, unless a cancellation is requested due to a serious family emergency or illness verified in writing by a doctor. If you would like to use Cookie Credit but do not receive it by the time you register for camp, the deposit is still required; after your Cookie Credit is received you may apply it to the camp balance. If the amount of Cookie Credit used plus the amount of your deposit exceeds the total cost of your camp balance, you will receive a refund for the overage. Due to the volume of these requests, it may take up to two weeks to receive your refund.

Financial Assistance To apply for financial assistance, please review the Financial Assistance Guidelines and submit a Financial Assistance Application—found on our website under Forms—with your registration.

Financial assistance will only be granted for one session per camper, and does not cover the nonrefundable deposit, which needs to be paid at the time the Financial Assistance Application is submitted.

Lost and Found Items All lost and found items will be sent to the nearest service center, where they will remain until the end of August. After August, all unclaimed lost and found will be discarded or donated to an appropriate charity.

If you are missing something, please call the service center closest to the camp attended. GSMH is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings, money, or any items left at camp.

Free Week of Camp The Free Week of Camp Certificate earned through the 2020 Girl Scout Cooke Program applies only to GSMH summer camp programs and expires on July 31, 2020.

Value is not to exceed $395. An email with instructions will be sent in April to recipients, If you already paid the non-refundable deposit then the deposit will be refunded when you register for camp.

Transportation Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland is committed to supporting girls who want to attend resident camp or council sponsored day camp. If a girl needs financial assistance for transportation costs to resident camp or day camp, please contact us at 877-312-4764 or info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org.

Changes, Cancellations, and Refunds Each program session has a minimum number of campers required. If the minimum number of campers is not met, the program will be cancelled.

Camp registration fees, including the non-refundable deposit, will be refunded if a camper cannot be placed in her first, second, or third choice. To request a program session change, parents or guardians should contact the registration support coordinator at 877-312-4764 or email info@girlscoutsmoheartland. org to see if the change is possible. All program session changes must be made at least two weeks before the camp program session starts.

Changes requested after two weeks before camp program session starts will be considered on a caseby-case basis. If a camper fails the health screening upon arrival at camp—a fever or evidence of head lice—will not be able to attend camp every effort will be made to place her in a similar program session at a later date. If this is not possible, a full refund will be granted. Every effort will be made to place a camper who misses her choice of program session due to illness, injury, or family emergency in another program session. A refund is only given if written notice of cancellation is received two weeks before the camp program session starts, or if the camper is ill and a written notice of cancellation is accompanied by a statement from the camper’s attending physician. A refund will not be issued for cancellations made less than two weeks before their camp session, for no-shows, or if a camper leaves a session already in progress due to homesickness illness, behavioral issues, or parental request.

Summer Camp Family Handbook 2020

3

Expectations at Camp Girl Scout Camp Program At Girl Scout summer camp, girls develop leadership skills as they Discover themselves, Connect with nature, and Take Action with their new friends! Girl input is utilized to personalize the program activities for each camp session. Campers spend about half their time participating in activities related to the theme of their camp session and the other half participating in general camp activities (swimming, hiking, etc.). Campers will experience group living by sharing living quarters with other girls in a camp community. Everyone is expected to help take care of camp by dividing up the camp chores (kapers). Campers will participate in age appropriate all-camp kapers (flag ceremony, picking up litter from the ground, and prepping the dining area before and after a meal) and are expected to help clean their living quarters, unit bathrooms, and unit campsite. Every camper will go home with a summer camp patch and a badge report card!

A Typical Day at Camp 7:00 a.m.

Rise and Shine, Flag Ceremony

8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

Unit Kaper Time/ Morning Activities

12:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Afternoon Activities

6:00 p.m.

Dinner, Flag Ceremony

7:00 p.m.

Evening Activities

9:00 p.m.

Unit Time

10:00 p.m.

Lights Out

4

We welcome all girls at summer camp and will work with families to provide reasonable accommodations for your camper. Accommodations could be dietary, physical, medical, social or emotional. Please contact your Program Experience Manager at 877-312-4764 or info@ girlscoutsmoheartland.org with specific considerations in advance so we can best serve your camper.

Camp Staff

9:00 a.m.

Turtle Time (Rest Hour)

Inclusion

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

GSMH hires mature, enthusiastic, innovative individuals who embrace our mission and values. We do not discriminate against any employee because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identification, genetic information, or any legally protected status. All members of our staff are at least 18 years old and are selected for their experience, leadership ability, compassion, and commitment in putting campers first!

All our potential staff members go through a comprehensive screening and interview process, including background and reference checks. After becoming employed, staff members participate in an intensive, week-long training program in child development, group management, camping skills, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, CPR/First Aid, and specialty areas. Many return year after year because we know that retaining our staff is important to your camper’s experience.

Camp counselors are dedicated to giving campers an amazing camp experience and keeping girls safe. It is extremely important for campers to talk to their camp counselors about any concerns, worries, or needs.

Communication between campers and counselors is encouraged to provide the best experience possible!

Sleeping Arrangements Girls of comparable age are organized in groups living in campsites consisting of cabins, platform tents, perma tents, and treehouses. Girl Scouts of the USA requires that staff have separate sleeping arrangements from campers. The staff are housed in a cabin or tent, etc. in close proximity of the campers. The girls will be shown where the staff will sleep, in case they need the staff at any time of the day or night when they are in the campsite. Girls will be notified of their sleeping unit assignment upon arrival at check-in day. All units include beds and mattresses or cots, and a unit shelter with fire circles for campfires. All units have nearby bathrooms and access to showers.

Camp Names

Camp Buddies

Ever wonder why the counselors at camp have such fun names? The relationship between counselors and campers is a special one. Calling the counselors ‘Mrs.’ is too formal for the camp setting, and counselors can be advisors/teachers/helpers/guardians—so calling counselors by their first names is too familiar.

Camp names started as a great way to handle the ‘what to call them’ question, and have now become a time-honored tradition. Counselors choose names that remind them of things they like or places they’re from, or sometimes just use a nickname from their own childhood. At camp, you may meet a Snickers, a Sunshine, a Boston, or a Pumpkin Pie. Campers do not get to use camp names until they have completed their first leadership program.

At resident camp, we place campers into cabins by program session. While one campsite may hold campers in more than one program session, girls who are in different programs and request each other as buddies will not be housed together. Summer Camp is a place to make new friends, as many girls come to camp not knowing anyone. Camp staff are trained to help girls make new friends, but if girls would like to be placed in a cabin with a buddy, both girls must register for the same session, and both indicate their buddy choice when they register.

Camp Behavior Everyone is expected to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law while at camp. We expect girls who attend to fully participate in the life of camp – to attend activities, to share in daily responsibilities, and to sincerely work to get along with others. The Camp Director and staff will do everything possible to help girls adjust to camp life. However, if a behavior or discipline problem becomes serious or disruptive, parents will be contacted. GSMH reserves the right to send home from camp any camper who consistently exhibits unsuitable behavior, endangers herself or others in the camp community, or whose actions towards others are unacceptable. Inappropriate behaviors include but are not limited to: biting, hitting, bullying, excessive profanity, running away, refusing to participate in programs, not following staff directions, or creating an unsafe environment.

On these rare occasions, the parent will be responsible for coming to pick up their camper as soon as possible, and no refund for camp fees will be given. Every camper and parent/guardian will sign a Camper Behavior Agreement to acknowledge the behavior expectations they will and will not exhibit at summer camp.

Summer Camp Family Handbook 2020

5

Check In & Check Out Everyone is excited for the first day of camp. Every effort is taken to make the check-in process as efficient as possible. However, several steps must be taken to ensure that your camper has a healthy and fun camp experience.

Please be prepared to spend some time to get through the check-in process. Come dressed for the weather and be prepared to walk and stand. Depending on volume of people, you may have to stand outside for a bit.

Visitors When you arrive at camp, there will be staff on hand to help direct you where to go. Ask any staff member if you need help. When you arrive, you will be given a bag to put all your luggage in and will be directed where to place your luggage. You and your camper will meet the Camp Director and receive a passport with a map to guide you through the stations you must visit.

You can expedite the check in process by making sure your camper has her backpack with her Fab Five items listed on page 11 and the items listed below.

• Wearing socks and closed-toe shoes • Bring the forms sent in her confirmation email, including Parent Release, Summer Camp Permission, Camper Information, Camper Survey, Behavior Agreement, Health History, and Medication forms. Also bring a copy of immunizations on record and all medications in original containers.

• Letters with camper’s name and the day of the week they should receive it.

• Trading Post money – cash or Cookie Credit The last stop will be to visit your camper’s Unit Leader where you can ask any last-minute questions or share any pertain information. At this point, you have the opportunity to stay with your camper and wait for all the other campers to arrive, you can move your camper into her unit, or you can say your goodbyes and head on home. You will receive a detailed confirmation packet with the address and phone number of the camp.

Special Arrangements Your camper’s program activities begin immediately, and we don’t want her missing out on this valuable time to get to know her fellow campers and settle into camp life. Campers who must arrive late, depart early, or leave during a session are asked to make this request to the Camp Director prior to the camp session.

6

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

Arrival and Departure Times Sunday Start Check-in: 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Monday or Tuesday End Check-out: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Start Friday End Check-in: 9:00-10:00 a.m. Check-out: 2:30 p.m.

Full Week Sessions Check-in: 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Check-out: 2:30 p.m.

SEMO STEM Camp Check-in: 2:00 p.m.

Check-out: 2:00 p.m.

Daisy Day at Camp Check-in: 9:00 a.m.

Check-out: 6:00 p.m.

Fox Run Equestrian Check-in: 2:00 p.m.

Check-out: 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Code Ninja Day Camp Check-in: 8:00 a.m.

Check-out: 4:00 p.m.

Silver Meadows Daily Check-in: 7:30 a.m.

Check-out: 5:30 p.m.

Departure When you arrive for pick-up, staff will be there to help direct parking. You will receive your camper’s end of session pack, containing their badge report card, camp patch, any trading post money, and other pertinent information. The person picking up each camper will be required to show a photo ID. No campers will be released to unauthorized persons or persons without a photo ID. You will be advised as to where you can pick up your camper’s belongings, please drive cautiously and follow traffic guidelines while exiting camp. On time pick-up eases your camper’s nerves during the anticipation of going home. If you are running late, please call the camp office, so we can let your camper know you are on your way and keep her busy until you arrive.

Closing Ceremonies Please note that closing ceremonies occer at Latonka, Finbrooke, and Fox Run Equestrian sessions. Prior to the closing ceremony campers are busy finishing activities so we ask that you not pick up your camper prior to the end of the closing ceremony at 2:30 p.m. (or 3:00 p.m. at Fox Run). You will be directed to where the closing ceremony is and your camper will be able to leave with you once the ceremony is over.

Preparing Your Camper One of the primary goals of summer camp is to offer progressive experiences that allow girls to develop new skills and confidence. Coming to camp and being away from home and family for an extended time provides a great opportunity for growth. It is important that each camper be able to care for her own general well-being.

While counselors are always there to support them, campers are expected to eat meals, get enough sleep, shower, groom, dress themselves, and communicate with camp staff. Help your camper get ready for camp by being excited! Let her know that you want her to have fun and learn new things. Emphasize that your camper is “going” to camp, instead of saying you are “sending” her. If your camper has any anxiety about the dark, bugs, night noises, or being away from home, please start preparing her for these things now.

• • • • •

Have overnights at friends’ or relatives’ homes.

Plan some outdoor activities as a family to get your camper used to hot and humid weather.

Encourage your camper to pick out her own clothes and help with packing.

Pick out a security item like a teddy bear or blanket to bring.

Help her learn how to make her bed, set the table, and clean up after meals.

•

•

• •

Make sure she is comfortable doing personal care routines like showering, brushing teeth/hair, and dressing on her own.

Homesickness is normal. Discuss what it may feel like and suggest ways to help your camper overcome it if she experiences it.

Talk to other parents and friends who have attended camp, so you know what to expect.

Write notes/letters for your camper and bring them to camp to be delivered to her during the week.

Preparing Yourself It’s completely normal for parents and guardians to have mixed feelings when their camper goes away – whether it’s their first time away or not. Remember, you have chosen a fun and safe camp and your camper will be well cared for. The staff is trained to deal with any problem from homesickness to First Aid. Try not to let your camper know how much you are going to miss her. Be strong! You don’t want her to worry about you while she’s at camp.

The Girl Scout Motto is “Be Prepared.” By following these easy tips, your camper will be prepared for anything during her camp adventure.

• •

• • •

Pack your camper’s possessions in a duffel bag or plastic tub with a secure lid.

Encourage your camper to pack everything into one suitable sized container for their session. This helps ensure things do not get lost.

Mark all clothing and equipment with the camper’s name, including luggage or tubs.

Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing that is easy to clean. Clothes WILL get dirty at camp.

Have your camper’s backpack packed with her Fab Five* and check-in materials when you leave home.

•

• •

Have your camper wear well fitting, sturdy shoes.

Campers wear socks with sturdy shoes every day due to the poison ivy, gravel, tree roots, and other natural hazards at camp. Sandals/flip flops may only be worn in the shower.

Remember to pack extra clothing/shoes in case of rainy weather.

Zip Lock bags are great for keeping items dry and keeping wet items from leaking on clothes. *Fab Five items are listed on page 11.

Summer Camp Family Handbook 2020

7

Homesickness Though not very often, common, or long-lasting, homesickness can occur at camp. We have experienced staff that are trained to work with homesick campers. If it occurs, homesickness usually happens in the beginning of the week and quickly dissipates as the camper gets settled in to camp life. The first few hours and days are a normal transition phase for everyone and it is typical for girls to all adjust at different paces. There are a few things a parent can do ahead of time to help prevent long-lasting homesickness: •

Explain what homesickness is and let her know that it is normal, what it might feel like, and that it will go away.

•

Consider preparing letters and bringing them to check in to be delivered to your girl throughout the week.

•

Give her some ideas of things she can do to help alleviate homesick feelings, like:

•

Do not suggest that she call you if she is feeling homesick. Often, calling home makes homesickness worse and campers do not have access to the camp phone.

•

Lastly, should your daughter ask, “what if I get homesick?” remind her of the many people at camp who are there to help.

Think about the fun things you will be doing later. Take a special stuffed animal or book that makes her feel secure. Talk to your counselor or a friend.

•

Show confidence that your daughter will do great and will not experience too much homesickness.

•

Let her know that you want her to have a good time and make new friends.

•

Avoid bargaining. Saying something like, “if you’re really homesick, I promise I’ll come pick you up right away,” sends the message to your daughter that you are not confident in her ability to succeed.

•

Provide her with stationary and self-addressed and stamped envelopes to write you notes.

8

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

Here are a few things to remember once you have checked your camper in at summer camp: • Once you get your camper moved in, try to leave as soon as possible so your camper can start making new friends and get involved with activities.

• Keep upbeat when you say goodbye. Save your tears until you get to the car where you camper won’t see you.

• Be aware that your camper’s counselors will engage the girls in singing songs and playing games as soon as you leave.

Communication Today’s campers have grown up in a world connected by cell phones and technology more than ever before. An important hallmark of camp is to balance this reality with a high-quality outdoor experience aimed at inspiring respect for the natural world. To provide this important experience, we require campers to leave all electronics at home. Any cell phones, iPods, hand-held game devices, e-readers, iPads, tablets, or technology objects brought to camp by campers will be collected and stored in the Camp Director’s office until the camper is picked up. We also highly discourage campers from bringing hair dryers or curling irons. We appreciate your family’s efforts to support this important requirement! We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged phones.

Mail

Photos

Letters are the best form of communication with your camper during camp. To ensure that your camper receives a letter each day, bring letters to check-in.

Include pre-addressed and stamped envelopes for your camper to write back! Camp addressed will be included in confirmation packet.

While we do our best to get action photos, our top priority is making sure your camper is having the best summer camp experience possible. Please note that some families do not want their camper’s photo to be taken or posted online—we must respect their request.

Here are a few things to keep in mind: • We will upload a group photo of each program on Facebook during the week of your campers’ program week.

• Candid shots of girls at activities and all camp events will be uploaded the following week, after your camper has departed.

• We will NOT take or post any pictures of campers that don’t have a photo release on file, including group photos. This permission will be part of your confirmation paperwork.

• Campers are welcome to bring cameras to camp, in fact we encourage it to capture the fun from their point of view. Keep in mind that only cameras are allowed. Other devices that can take pictures (such as cell phones, tablets, and gaming systems) are not allowed.

Tips for Camper Communication Things to tell her: • You know she’s having a good time.

• You can’t wait to hear all about her new friends, and the fun activities she’s doing.

• That you hope she’s writing down songs, names of new friends, and taking lots of pictures.

• Use positive words like love and proud.

Things to avoid telling her: • Trips or fun things she’s missing out on.

• That her sibling cried all night because she’s gone.

• How much you miss her.

• That she can call you anytime and you will pick her up if she is homesick.

• About an ill relative or hurt animal.

When Parents will be Called You will not be contacted for minor cuts, bug bites, headaches, upset tummies, or “normal” homesickness. Of course, there are unique occasions not covered by this sheet. If the Health Supervisor and/or Camp Director feel it is necessary, they will contact you about any out-of-the–ordinary situation. Campers are not permitted to use the telephone. All telephone calls will be from the Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director, or Health Supervisor.

• Illness or Injury—Your camper requires attention that cannot be given in our infirmary.

• Fever—Your camper runs a fever higher than 102 degrees or has a fever longer than 12 hours.

• Vomiting and/or Diarrhea—Your camper has vomiting and/or diarrhea that continues for 12 hours.

• Breathing Difficulty—Your camper has breathing difficulty with no problems in her health history. Your camper has breathing difficulty and does not respond to her medication.

• Insect Bites/Stings—Your camper has an excessive allergic reaction or swelling from an insect bite.

• Poison Ivy—Your camper has an excessive reaction with poison ivy or the contact is in or near the eyes.

• Behavior—Your camper commits a serious infraction of camp rules or has an extreme episode that results in self-harm.

Summer Camp Family Handbook 2020

9

Health Care Health Care at Camp All camps meet established standards for health and safety, site maintenance, program and personnel, which are set by state and local governments and Girl Scouts of the USA. An on-site health supervisor with advanced medical training is available 24 hours a day and counselors are informed of campers’ medical history and medication needs to ensure proper first aid and medical assistance. All camp staff follows an established Treatment Procedures reviewed by a health professional; the health supervisor manages camper medications, and minor camper illnesses and injuries are handled on-site following parent/ guardian directions on the Health History form.

Campers are covered by supplemental health and accident insurance. The insurance cost is included in the camp fee. It does not cover pre-existing conditions and is secondary to whatever health insurance coverage families may have.

See page 11 for information about insects and sunburns.

Medication Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland summer camp infirmaries are well-stocked with over-the-counter medications to treat campers and are listed on the medication form. There is no need for you to bring these items—it will significantly speed up your check in experience if you do not. On the medication form, please make sure to indicate what medications you want us to use to treat your camper if the need arises. We need all medical treatment items to be given to health staff at check in, including, but not limited to vitamins, essential oils, pain relievers, etc.

If your camper doesn’t strictly need these items, we recommend you leave them at home.

•

If your camper has any allergy, disorder, or disease that could flare up while at camp, please let the Health Supervisor know in writing on the health history forms.

•

All medication must be in original containers and labeled if brought to camp. Include on the form written and legible instructions, giving camper’s name, dosage, and directions.

•

All medications should be together in a resealable clear plastic bag and given to the Health Supervisor during check in. Please do not pack medications with clothing.

•

All medications will be administered according to the prescription or packing label. Adjustments to medication dosage cannot be made without written physician instructions.

•

If you have medication that needs to be kept on the camper or with their counselor instead of the infirmary- such as an epi-pen or inhaler- please be prepared to discuss this need upon check in with the health staff.

Meals and Dietary Restrictions Campers are provided three full meals a day plus snacks! Campers staying a full week at camp will experience cooking in their unit campsite. Should a camper still be hungry, there will still be other options like salad bar and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches available with every meal. If your camper has special dietary needs, you MUST contact the Camp Director with any food allergies or restrictions at least 2 weeks before their program starts. All food is purchased prior to the start of the week’s program and every reasonable accommodation will be made if the Camp Director is made aware in advance of special dietary needs. If we are aware at least 2 weeks in advance, we can accommodate gluten allergies and vegetarian meals. Other food allergies or dietary needs will be addressed on a case by case basis. We are nut-aware, but not a nut free camp. We do our very best to work with each family to ensure no camper is left out of a camp experience due to dietary needs.

Health Check One of the stations you will visit during check in is the health check. All campers will have a general health screening before they are checked into camp. This will include taking the camper’s temperature and inspection for head lice. Braids and ponytails will need to be taken out. If a camper fails the health screening upon arrival at camp, which means they have fever or have evidence of head lice, she will not be able to stay at camp and we will make every effort will be made to place her in a similar program session later. If this is not possible, a full refund will be granted.

10 Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

Safety at Camp Camper drop-off and pick-up is closely monitored; campers are released only to adults listed by the parent or guardian and who show a picture ID. Once in our care, camps follow adult-to-girl supervision ratios specified by Girl Scouts’ Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Security

Visitors

Access to camp property is limited, controlled, and only authorized visitors are allowed on site. To ensure the safety and security of camp, limit interruptions in the camp program, and to prevent homesickness among campers, unauthorized visitors are not allowed on site.

Part of the camp experience is each camper discovering themselves and learning independence.

For the security of the girls, camp is closed to all visitors, including parents, during camp sessions.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to tour the camp and talk with staff on check in and check out day.

Camp staff will contact you if needed. You may call the camp office or council after-hours for emergencies.

Due to the large number of girls at GSMH summer camp, campers are not permitted to make or accept phone calls. If an emergency arises, please contact the Camp Director, and she will be more than happy to help you. Phone numbers to the camp office will be included in your confirmation packet.

Severe Weather Our outdoor activities are dependent upon the weather. In the case of bad weather (lightning, thunder, or high winds) it may become too dangerous to continue with the activity. The decision to cancel an activity due to bad weather is left to the expertise/ discretion of the instructor/director leading and trained in the safety standards of the activity. We will do our absolute best to reschedule any canceled activities, depending on the weather and time/day of the week. Alternative activities will take place in the event of unsafe weather conditions. We want to encourage you to not worry, our staff is trained on what to do and where to go during severe weather and other emergencies. We do not want to put you in any danger trying to get to camp. If there is an event that we need you to pick up your camper, we will implement our Emergency Plan and our camp team will contact you with specific information regarding when and where to pick up your camper. Please do not put yourself in danger needlessly.

What if it is Really Hot Outside?

We still have a great time at camp even when it is hot outside. We encourage the girls to drink plenty of water, refill their water bottles often from the many water stations around camp. Campers are encouraged to bring personal sized, clip-on fans.

Please note, even though girls may spend time in air-conditioning, most of their day is spent outside at camp. All campers should bring a water bottle and sunscreen to camp. You may also bring hats, light colored clothing and cooling towels or bandanas. Allow your child to get used to the heat by encouraging outside play, teaching her the importance of drinking water, and showing her how to protect herself with sunscreen and clothing.

Swimming All campers are required to demonstrate their swimming skills regardless of prior experience. We use this demonstration to allow our lifeguards to become familiar with each girls’ varying abilities and to decide which campers will be allowed to swim in the deep end of the pool and/or utilize the jumping board. All campers will be assigned a different color wristband based on their demonstrated abilities, that will allow them access to the different areas and depths of the pool. All campers will be allowed to swim every day. We highly recommend you send your camper with a one-piece swim suit or “tankini”. Due to the active nature of camp and the large number of hours spent in the sun, we want to make sure to protect your camper and that includes recommending the appropriate swimwear. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Pets Pets are not allowed on camp property. Please leave pets or other animals at home when dropping off or picking up your camper from camp. Registered service animals are an exception. To maintain the Health and Safety of all campers and their adults, we ask that you contact the Camp Director to make accommodations before arriving to with a service animal.

Summer Camp Family Handbook 2020

11

Tips and Tricks The Fab Five

What counselors wish parents knew!

Campers and staff are required to carry the Fab Five with them at all times in their backpack.

Fab Five Items

1. Water bottle

2. Sun screen

3. Insect repellent

4. Rain jacket or poncho

5. Flashlight You will receive the extensive packing list in your confirmation packet.

•

When preparing for camp, choose a study backpack that your camper will be comfortable carrying all day with the fab five items and other gear. Please avoid drawstring backpacks as they break easily and are not comfortable to carry all day.

Addressing Concerns If you have a concern regarding your camper’s experience, please let us know as soon as possible.

We strive to make camp a safe and positive place for all girls. To best address your concerns, please call or email the Camp Director so a meeting can be scheduled in advance. The Camp Directors contact information will be included in your confirmation packet. If at any time you feel your concern is not being addressed to your satisfaction, please notify the Program Experience Manager by phone or email.

•

• • • • • • •

•

Insects and Sunburns Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland takes measures to control ticks, mosquitoes, and sunburns—all camps will have 40% DEET bug spray and broad-spectrum SPF 30 water-resistant sunscreen at camp available for campers to use, with your permission. GSMH camp staff will ensure the application of bug spray and sunscreen throughout the day as needed and will be checking for ticks daily. Campers may bring their own bug spray and/or sunscreen, but please no scented perfumes, lotions, or bath products. Also note, all-natural bug spray and sunscreen are not always guaranteed to work.

12 Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

• •

If you pack with your camper, make sure she knows what she has and where it is. Also, please understand that your daughter will be re-packing herself.

Please let your unit counselors know if your child regularly wets the bed. This way, they can be prepared to discreetly change the sheets and wash bedding/nightclothes in the morning, while the girls are away from the cabin at breakfast.

You can help make your camper’s experience great by having mail for her each day.

Please send pre-addressed and stamped envelopes with your daughter to write home.

Bring separate towels for swimming and showering.

Sisters do not necessarily make the best camp buddies.

Please don’t tell your daughter she can call or go home if she misses home or gets homesick.

Girls will be expected to help clean up after themselves. Let them practice at home with chores.

Girls need a small backpack or day bag to carry their gear for daily activities. It should be large enough to hold a change of clothes and the Fab Five.

Let your daughter practice taking quick showers and wash/brush her own hair before coming to camp.

Please try not to make any major medication changes just before your daughter comes to camp.

Put your camper’s name on everything!

Contact Information www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org 877-312-4764 info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org

Trading Post The Trading Post is your source for camp souvenirs, gifts, patches, apparel, and many other fun camp accessories! Each camper will have an opportunity to visit the Trading Post at least once during her stay. Resident Camp Trading Post will also be open during camp check-in days on Sunday and checkout on Fridays for families who want an additional opportunity to purchase summer camp merchandise.

Girls can use cash and/or Cookie Credit to set up a Trading Post account. The money will be collected at check-in and logged to her account. Any funds remaining in her account at the end of the week will be put in her end of the session packet at checkout.

Purchases at the Trading Post are strictly optional.

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland is not responsible for any items purchased at the Trading Post that are lost or stolen during your camper’s stay.

Stop by and check out our new shirts and other summer camp items, only available at the Trading Post!

Summer Camp Family Handbook 2020

13