2022 Parent Handbook by Hermann Sons Life

CAMP

2022 PARENT HANDBOOK

RIVERSIDE

HILLTOP

Believe in yourself! Be you! © Hermann Sons Life Camp

2022 Parent Handbook

CAMP

TABLE OF CONTENTS A Message from our Director.............................................................................................................3-4 Specialized Activity Selection Process.............................................................................................. 5 List of Specialized Activities.................................................................................................... 6 Elective Activities...................................................................................................................... 7 Fancy Fridays.............................................................................................................................. 7 Themes for 2022......................................................................................................................................... 7 Packing List................................................................................................................................................... 8 Directions to Camp................................................................................................................... 9 Camp Store................................................................................................................................. 9 Staying in Touch.................................................................................................................................10-11 Camp Is a Family Tradition Camp Songs........................................................................................................................................12 Camp Dance.......................................................................................................................................13 Beads.....................................................................................................................................................13 Clean for Ice Cream..........................................................................................................................13 Flagpole...............................................................................................................................................13 Taps........................................................................................................................................................14 Grateful Circles...................................................................................................................................14 Camp Life Camper of the Day/Camper of the Week.................................................................................14 Counselor-Free Dinner/Surveys..................................................................................................14 Daily Schedule...................................................................................................................................15 Well Camp Policies & Procedures......................................................................................................16 Communication Policy...................................................................................................................16 Healthy Camp Begins & Ends at Home...........................................................................................17 Participation Guidelines.......................................................................................................................18 Pre-Arrival Screening.......................................................................................................................18 Watch for Symptoms.......................................................................................................................18 Check-in Screening & Assessment.............................................................................................19 Check-in Procedures........................................................................................................................19 Health History Form, Waiver Form, Medication Form.........................................................19 Camper Goodbyes...........................................................................................................................20 Check-out/Pick-up ..........................................................................................................................20 Cleaning & Disinfecting Camp.....................................................................................................20 Clinic Protocol....................................................................................................................................20 Medications....................................................................................................................................20 Sick Call............................................................................................................................................21 Sunscreen & Lip Balm......................................................................................................................21 Hydration.............................................................................................................................................21 Rest........................................................................................................................................................21 Response to Positive Temperature.............................................................................................21 Dining Hall Procedures.............................................................................................................22-23 Water Bottle Refills...........................................................................................................................23 Guests & Visitors................................................................................................................................23 Rule of Two/Active Supervision...................................................................................................23 Sample Menu.....................................................................................................................................24 Camp Friends are the Best Friends!..................................................................................................25 © Hermann Sons Life Camp

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2022 Parent Handbook

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A Message from Our Director Dear Parents, Thank you for taking your valuable time to review this handbook. Its purpose is to inform you about the operation of Hermann Sons Life Camp and the changes we have made to make Camp the best it can possibly be for your child. Last summer we operated in a COVID-19 environment. As a Camp, we have always made the campers’ health and safety our number one priority. As we did in 2021, we will review and follow all of the Texas Department of Health regulations and review the American Camp Association guidelines. Some of the changes we made in 2021 were very popular with our parents (based on the surveys) and we will continue with them. This includes the arrival and departure procedures. Because the overall health of our campers and staff was very good in 2021, we will continue with our increased cleaning and sanitation procedures. We also recognize and want everyone involved in the decision-making process at Hermann Sons Life Camp to be aware that nothing can be done to completely eliminate the risk of exposure to both campers and staff to COVID-19 and other contagious events (e.g. pink eye) in a group living environment. In 2022, campers will take even more control of their summer camp adventure. We have taken the step to give our junior members the ability to change half of their schedule on a daily basis. This decision was made based on the camper surveys and feedback garnered from the parental surveys sent out at the end of the Camp sessions in 2019 and 2021. Here’s how it will work: SPECIALIZED PROGRAM (chosen at home): This is the traditional method campers have used to choose their activities. Before Camp, once you have enrolled your child, you will be asked to select their TOP 6 activities in order of preference. Your child will be scheduled 3 of those top 6 activity choices. Please keep in mind that campers who choose a double-period activity will only get 2 of their top 6 activities. These Specialized activities will be scheduled Monday through Thursday. • The girls (Riverside) will attend these classes in the morning. • The boys (Hilltop) will attend these classes in the afternoon.

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ELECTIVE PROGRAM (chosen at Camp): New in 2022, the campers will get to choose half of their activities on a daily basis. Each day, the campers will choose their adventures. They can hang out with their new friends at the pool or try a new, fun activity every day. The activities offered will not be limited to the activities listed. One-off fun activities and classes will be offered daily. At Riverside (at lunch) and Hilltop (at breakfast), campers will receive an ever-changing list of fun activities from which they can choose two different classes. Campers will select two activities each day. • At Hilltop, these elective activities will be in the morning. • At Riverside, these elective activities will be in the afternoon. Please note: We have moved Arts and Crafts and Ceramics to the Elective Program. In addition to a different daily craft, we will be adding tie dying and mosaics to the daily elective choices. A more detailed description of the activities can be found later in this Parent Handbook. Camp has always been a refuge from all the anxiety and societal issues campers face on a daily basis. While Camp will no longer be an escape from the new normal or reality brought about by the pandemic, it will provide our campers access to friends, awesome activities and great special events. CAMP WILL BE FUN! If you have any questions (or concerns) on the information provided in this handbook, please do not hesitate to reach out. As, I mentioned, I plan on providing our parents with Zoom presentations including Zoom tours of the facilities along with weekly information in the spring through our Camp App. I look forward to spending part of the summer with your child. Best regards,

Ian “Gunner” Brassett Executive Camp Director Hermann Sons Life Camp P.O. Box 629, Comfort, TX 78013-0629 Office: 830-995-3223 Cell: 909-362-9058

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SPECIALIZED ACTIVITY SELECTION PROCESS We ask that all parents help their child complete the Activity Selection Form. This form is the foundational information we use to create your child’s unique summer camp experience. Please allow them to make their own choices with your help. Please keep the following information in mind when completing the form. Campers attending the Mini-Camp and Grief Support Session do not need to complete the Activity Selection Form. THE LINK TO THE ACTIVITY SELECTION FORM WILL BE SENT TO YOU IN EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE. Each camper is asked to select 6 activities. Campers should rank the activities from 1 to 6, with 1 being the one they want the most and 6 the one they want the least. If your child has no interest in an activity, please leave it blank. • Our goal is to give our campers their top 3 activities. This is not always possible. • We can guarantee that we will do our best to get your child’s top 3. Again, not always possible. • We can guarantee that your child will get activities in their top 6. Many times we need to give a camper a generic schedule. Some of the reasons for this are: • The parent does not communicate with their child when selecting the activities. Please include them in the selection of activities. HERE’S WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER YOU SUBMIT THE FORM: • Our Program Assistants will schedule the camper activity classes with the objective of giving the campers their top 3 choices. If that is not possible they will try to give the campers 3 out of the top 4 choices, then 3 out of the top 5 and lastly 3 out of the top 6 choices. • Each camper’s schedule is then reviewed by the Camp Director and posted on the camper’s bunk for arrival day. • If your child is uncertain about their schedule, or does not want something listed on their card, they will let their counselor know. The counselor will then escort the camper to the Program Assistant who will help your child. • Many times campers change their minds regarding their activity schedule and we may be able to give your child the activity they desire but THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY. • Throughout the day, campers will ask if they can change their schedule. The Program Assistant gathers this information and at the end of check-in, our Program Assistant will work on the schedule and see if they can change the schedule for your child. • If a child is still unhappy on Monday at dinner, the directors will meet to see if there is anything that can be done. The vast majority of the time, the campers are very happy with their selections.

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SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES AT HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP ______ Adventures in Nature* – Nature hikes and outdoor educational activities, like bird watching, are a part of this class. ______ Archery – Campers are taught basic skills of marksmanship using a re-curve bow and arrows. ______ Baseball – Good sportsmanship is emphasized while campers work on proper hitting, throwing and catching techniques and basic game play. Hilltop only. ______ Basketball – Participants learn passing, catching, footwork, shooting and other techniques in a team-oriented environment. ______ Canoe & Kayak* – Campers will learn basic skills while enjoying a fun double period at the Guadalupe River. ______ Cheer – Campers are taught a dance routine and a line dance. Riverside only. ______ Court Hockey – Campers work as a team to better understand offensive and defensive strategies. Participants wear athletic shoes. Hilltop only. ______ Dance – In addition to movement technique, campers are taught a routine. Riverside only. ______ Drama (Theater Arts) – Campers take part in theatrical exercises and activities. ______ Fishing* – Campers use bamboo poles to fish on the Guadalupe River. ______ Flag Football – Campers throw, catch and play flag football. Hilltop only. ______ GaGa – Supremely popular camp activity where campers play and have fun! ______ Golf – Campers practice driving into a net and chipping. ______ Rec Games – Campers participate in different sports-oriented activities throughout the week. ______ Recreational Swimming – Free swim time. ______ Riflery – Using air rifles, campers learn shooting techniques and positions while practicing essential safety fundamentals.

______ Rocketry – Campers assemble model rockets and launch them at the end of the week. ______ Sand Volleyball – Campers develop their forearm and overhead passes, serves and other techniques while playing on a sand court. Drills and games are played throughout the week. ______ Soccer – In addition to learning footwork techniques, campers scrimmage and use drills to advance their skills. ______ Softball – Good sportsmanship is emphasized while campers work on proper hitting, throwing and catching techniques and basic game play. Riverside only. ______ Tennis – Serving, strokes, scoring and sportsmanship are the focus of this activity. ______ Tumbling – Campers learn to strengthen basic tumbling skills based on their abilities. Riverside only. ______ Twirling – Participants are taught fundamental baton and flag-spinning skills along with a routine. Riverside only. ______ Ceramics & Leather Crafts – Campers use leather craft stamps to design leather projects. They also paint plaster craft pieces. Hilltop only. ______Challenge Activities* – Campers will participate in our High Ropes Challenge Course, Zip Line and the Giant Swing. Ages 10-14 only. ______ Climbing* – Campers will practice safe climbing techniques primarily on our bouldering wall and the 30-foot vertical wall. In addition, campers will participate in some low ropes course activities and learn knot-tying skills, rappelling and more. ______ Outdoor Living Skills* – Campers experience outdoor adventures such as hiking, fire-building, outdoor cooking and other activities in wooded areas around Camp. * Denotes two-period activity

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ELECTIVE ACTIVITIES AT HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP

This summer our campers will have the freedom to choose half of their schedule at Camp on a daily basis. Some of Camp’s traditionally scheduled activities now will be offered within the Elective Program. Camp crafts, ceramics and leathercrafts will be available on a daily basis in addition to STEM activities and yoga.

Other Elective Program activities will be free swim, Capture the Flag, dodgeball, Ultimate Frisbee, mosaics, tie-dying, Magic the Gathering, improv, line dancing, martial arts, scavenger hunts, color guard (flags), hiking, manis and pedis, Gaelic football, lanyards and friendship bracelets, Texas Hold ‘Em, kickball, rugby, archery, GaGa and more! Popular selections will be offered every period. Some activities will be offered once or twice a week.

FANCY FRIDAYS

Friday is the last full day at Camp each week. Counselors want to help the campers “blow their socks off” and finish the week with a bang! On Thursday night we will extend curfew to allow our campers to spend more time at the Dance. To give the campers a chance to rest, we will wake up an hour later on Friday. We’ll have a PJ Breakfast and then have two morning activity periods during which campers can possibly earn points for their team (Blue or Red) or they can simply hang out with their new lifelong friends at Gaga, the pool or lawn games (Bocce Ball, Bucket Ball, giant checkers, giant Connect-4, corn hole, horseshoes, giant Jenga, Ladder-Toss and more!). After lunch and rest period, we’ll play some water games and “Minute-To-Win-It”-style games with a big water balloon fight to wrap up an awesome afternoon.

THEMES FOR 2022 Keep the theme of the week your child will be attending in mind when packing. Session 1 - June 12-18 - Hawaiian Session 2 - June 19-25 - Halloween Session 3 - June 26-July 2 - Disney & Marvel Session 4 - July 3-9 - Red. White & Blue Session 5 - July 10-16 - Neon Session 6 - July 17-23 - Christmas in July Grief Supperot Session - July 25-28 - Disney & Marvel Mini-Camp Session - July 28-31 - Hawaiian

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PACKING LIST Wondering what to pack for Camp? This is a sample packing list. Tailor it to your child’s activity choices. The great news is that this summer upon arrival every camper will receive a water bottle. This will save the Camp from buying more than 70,000 styrofoam cups! • 6 each of shirts, shorts, socks and underwear • Sunscreen and lip balm • 1 white t-shirt or pillowcase (for tie-dying) • Letter writing materials with addressed • Swimsuit envelopes and stamps • Light jacket • Something to wear to the Camp Dance • Hat or cap • Tennis shoes • Pajamas • Shower shoes • 1 pair of jeans • Flip-flops or sandals • 2 sets of single sheets • Mask • Pillow with case • Anything else to make your stay happy such • Blanket or sleeping bag as a favorite stuffed animal or reading material • 2 towels and wash cloths • Swim towel • Laundry bag • Toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste, etc.)

Please note: • • • • • •

Camp provides all sporting equipment. Camp assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to personal items. Do not send snacks with your camper. Camp provides snacks twice a day. Please do not allow campers to bring electronic devices such as cell phones, iPads, MP3 players, etc. Campers should not bring knives, fireworks or any weapon or explosive. No pets!

BE SURE TO LABEL ALL ITEMS.

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DIRECTIONS TO CAMP From Comfort take Hwy. 27 west toward Kerrville. Just outside of Comfort, turn left on Hermann Sons Road. If going to Riverside Camp, drive 1 mile, then turn left on Altenheim Road. If going to Hilltop Camp, don’t turn left on Altenheim. Instead, drive an additional 1.5 miles, turn left on Lindner Branch, drive half a mile, then turn left on Hilltop Camp Road.

CAMP STORE A Camp Store is located at each Camp. There are three ways to purchase Camp merchandise from the Camp Store. No. 1 - Purchase items online at hermannsonslife.org, select Store. The purchased items will be delivered to your child when they arrive at Camp. No. 2 - Purchase a voucher online before June 4. The vouchers can be purchased during the online registration process. There are options for a $20 voucher or a $40 voucher the camper can use to shop when visiting the Camp Store. No. 3 - Give your child cash to use during their dorm’s visit to the Camp Store during their stay.

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STAYING IN TOUCH HERMANN SONS LIFE APP Parents will need to download the Hermann Sons Life App in order to keep in touch with Camp during their child’s week at Camp. The portal allows parents to: • Send ONE-WAY EMAIL to your child while they are at Camp. • See the PHOTOS that we will be posting throughout the week. You can even download the photos. • CONTACT Camp with direct email messages for the Camp Director and so much more. • Receive EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. Camp will use the App to communicate quickly with parents during the week. You will receive a code for downloading the App when you register your child for Camp. FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO DOWNLOAD THE APP: 1. Go to your phone’s App Store 2. Dowload the Hermann Sons Life App 3. Create a free account. You will need the access code you received during the registration process. EMAILING YOUR CHILD We are excited that you are able to email your camper through the Contacts page in the App. This one-way email will be distributed to your camper daily, typically around dinner time. Emails will be printed daily at Camp at 1 p.m. Emails received after 1 p.m. will be delivered to your child the following day. When sending emails, it is important to be positive and encouraging. Please do not send messages like: “the dog is pining and sitting on your bed,” “we went to your favorite restaurant last night” or “I miss you terribly.” While well intentioned and heartfelt these letters will instill and ensure the child will have guilty feelings if they start having a good time at Camp. They will be thinking, “How can I enjoy this experience while my Mom (or Dad) is having such a hard time without me… I need to be with them!” or “I need to get out.” Send encouraging letters. Ask them about their new friends. Ask them about the activities you know they were excited to participate in. Tell them how proud you are that they are enjoying themselves without you. Remind them to help clean their area, brush their teeth and shower! Tell them that it’s status quo at home. Boring. Nothing new to tell you. These letters will help reinforce the positivity of Camp, reinforce their growing confidence and reinforce independence. TO ENSURE THAT THE EMAILS ARE PUNCTUALLY DISTRIBUTED AND THERE ARE NO DELAYS, THE SUBJECT LINE SHOULD READ: CAMP (Riverside-Girls or Hilltop-Boys) DORM and CAMPER’s NAME IN THIS ORDER. i.e. Subject Line: Hilltop – White Tail – Ian Brassett

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CAMPER MAIL & PACKAGES If you wish to have your child receive mail (other than an email) or a care package during the week, it is best to bring it with you when you drop off your child. There will be a member of the staff prepared to collect these items from you at the designated time. MAILING ADDRESS FOR THE CAMPERS It is great for a camper to get a positive/encouraging letter from home. To make sure it arrives in time, you may want to mail it a week ahead. The address is: Camper’s Name Hermann Sons Life Camp - Riverside (Girls) Hermann Sons Life Camp - Hilltop (Boys) DORM NAME – This will be emailed one week ahead of your child’s camp session. P.O. Box 629 Comfort, TX 78013 Parents may also leave their mail at one of the stops on arrival day after you have dropped off your child. If you’d like your child to write to you, please give them stamped, pre-addressed envelopes.

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The HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP mission is to provide a quality, safe and caring summer camp program that develops healthy friendships and enriches the lives of both campers and staff by fostering self-esteem and independence through exposure to new experiences, group living and play.

CAMP IS A FAMILY TRADITION At Hermann Sons Life is not unusual to greet a camper whose parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles have all spent time at Hermann Sons Life Camp! It is one of the strengths of our program. Hermann Sons Life Camp is a family. While many members of the team are former campers who have grown through the Counselor-in-Training and Junior Staff programs, like most Texans (especially those in the Hill Country), we all love a camp that fosters renewing old friendships and MAKING NEW FRIENDS. New campers and staff allow the Camp to grow with exciting new ideas and energy. Whether your child is a first-time camper or is returning for the sixth summer, we are excited to welcome them this summer. RIVERSIDE AND HILLTOP CAMPS Our camps are single gender camps, know traditionally in camping circles as a brother–sister camp. Riverside is home of the original camp (1954) and currently home to our girls’ camp. Hilltop opened in 1991 and is home to the boys’ camp. Geographically, between the two camps is the Hermann Sons Life Retirement Home. The two camps coordinate and help each other out with staffing activities (Challenge, lifeguarding, transportation, CIT programming, etc.) along with Staff Development. CAMP TRADITIONS Much like Hermann pictured here hanging out at the entrance to Riverside, Camp has many beloved traditions. Many of them your child will learn as we go along this summer. Here’s a few things to mention. WE SING On Riverside especially, singing camp songs throughout the day is a fantastic part of the tradition that is Hermann Sons Life Camp. On our YouTube Channel you will find videos of our Camp songs so first-time campers and those returning to Camp can learn the songs. I highy recommend you learn a few. They are great! Click here to go to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhtPPY88bAaXmk1OjI2KCg Back to Table of Contents © Hermann Sons Life Camp

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WE DANCE (and eat cookies!) The campers and staff love to dance. Our weekly dance is held on Riverside on Thursday night and brings together the Riverside (girls) and Hilltop (boys) camps. We have put together tutorials (with the help of many of our returning staff members) on some of the more popular line dances for both our NEW and RETURNING CAMPERS. Learn them in the comfort and privacy of your home before you trip the light fantastic at Camp! The link for the line dances is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhtPPY88bAaXmk1OjI2KCg During the dance, our campers and staff have a blast! I highly recommend you check out our YouTube Channel and subscribe. On Hilltop, one way we teach our campers the dances is by playing the songs during our meal times. Often counselors will get up and dance and the campers will join in. Still, many of our campers believe that the best part of the dance are the cookies. BEADS For every year of attendance, both campers and staff receive a new colored bead. The beads will tell your Hermann Sons Life Camp story. Camper beads are plastic. Staff beads are wooden. CLEAN FOR ICE CREAM Campers and counselors are asked to do their part to keep the cabins clean. This is where Clean For Ice Cream comes in. A few examples of the chores that campers and staff should expect to perform daily are sweeping, making their bed, taking out the trash, etc. ICE CREAM SANDWICHES WILL BE GIVEN TO THE CLEANEST CABINS AT LUNCH ON FRIDAY! FLAGPOLE Like many (if not most) camps in the United States, we gather around the flagpole in the morning and afternoon to raise and lower the American flag. At Hermann Sons Life we also raise and lower the Texas state flag and the Hermann Sons Life flag. We repeat the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge every morning. While they are not required to say the pledge, we do expect all campers and staff to be respectful during the flag raising and lowering by standing quietly facing the flag and taking off their hats!

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TAPS Each night, at the end of the evening activity, each camp gathers and performs taps. It’s an awesome way of calming the campers down before heading back to the dorms for the friendship circles, showers and bed. At the end of Taps, the Lord’s Prayer is said. Much like the Pledge of Allegiance, campers are not required to sing Taps or say the Lord’s Prayer, however, they are expected to be respectful of those who do. GRATEFUL (FRIENDSHIP) CIRCLES / LIGHTS-OUT After Taps we head back to the dorms. Before entering the dorm, we gather in a circle (or small circles) and say one thing we are grateful for from the day.

CAMP LIFE

All campers are scheduled 5 activity periods each day. The activities assigned will be determined by the camper’s activity choices. Our lesson plans have been rewritten this year with the sole focus of improving the camper’s enjoyment of the activity. PLAY and FUN have been integrated into all the lesson plans. Please keep in mind that there will be no FINALS in our activities this summer. All campers and staff will be assigned to a “team” - think Hogwarts. Throughout the week, the campers will compete in friendly and fun contests and games to earn points for their team. These points can be earned in the dorm, during daily activities and in the night-time activities. CAMPER OF THE DAY Every day we will be announcing the “Camper(s) of the Day” for each dorm. We are looking for the most deserving, most helpful, friendliest camper who embodies all aspects of Camp. This camper will be acknowledged at one of the meals. CAMPER OF THE WEEK Each week we will be announcing a “Camper(s) of the Week” for each dorm. We are looking for the most deserving, the friendliest campers, the most helpful, kindest, etc. This camper will be acknowledged at the Saturday Showcase and awarded a special orange bead. COUNSELOR FREE-DINNER / SURVEYS We truly care about what our campers think about their experience at Camp. We will survey them twice each week. Each week Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett reports the results of these surveys to the Vice President of Member Benefits. Ian reads every comment. We evaluate the surveys closely for trends.

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DAILY SCHEDULE

RIVERSIDE DAILY SCHEDULE TIME

TIME

7:30 a.m. 8 - 8:30 a.m.

Wake up Group A Eat (4 dorms)

8:30-8:45 a.m. 8:45-9:15 a.m.

HILLTOP

Group B - Clean for Ice Cream FLAGPOLE

Group B Eat (4 dorms)

Group A - Clean for Ice Cream

7:45 a.m.

Wake up

8 a.m.

Breakfast

9 a.m.

Clean for Ice Cream

9:15 a.m.

Flagpole

9:30-10:15 a.m.

ACTIVITY ONE

9:30-10:40 a.m.

ELECTIVE ONE

10:20-11:05 a.m.

ACTIVITY TWO

10:40-10:55 a.m.

Punch Break

11:05-11:15 a.m.

Punch Break

ELECTIVE TWO

11:15 a.m.-12 Noon

10:55 a.m.12:05pm

ACTIVITY THREE

12:10-1 p.m.

Lunch

1-1:35 p.m.

Relaxation in Dorm

1:35-2:50 p.m.

Rest Period

12:15-12:50 p.m. 1-1:35 p.m.

Lunch Group A Lunch Group B

Group B - Canteen or Relaxation in Dorm Group A - Canteen or Relaxation in Dorm

1:35- 2:45 p.m.

Rest Period

2:50-3:35 p.m.

ACTIVITY ONE

2:45-3:45 p.m.

ELECTIVE ONE

3:35-3:45 p.m.

Snack Break

3:45-4 p.m.

Snack Break

3:50-4:35 p.m.

ACTIVITY TWO

4-5 p.m.

ELECTIVE TWO

4:40-5:25 p.m.

ACTIVITY THREE

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Dinner

6:30-8:45 p.m.

FLAGPOLE FOLLOWED BY EVENING ACTIVITY

8:45-9 p.m.

Snack

5:15-6 p.m. 6-6:45 p.m. 7-8:45 p.m.

Dinner Group B - Prepare for Group A Evening Activity Dinner Group A - Prepare for Group B Evening Activity FLAGPOLE FOLLOWED BY EVENING ACTIVITY

8:45-9 p.m.

Snack

9-10 p.m.

Friendship Circles and Showers

9-10 p.m.

Friendship Circles and Showers

10 p.m.

Curfew

10 p.m.

Curfew

FRIDAYS we operate on a different schedule. If you wish to get a copy of the Friday schedule, please email Ianb@hermannsonslife.org.

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To operate Camp in 2022 we will always follow the regulations established by the state of Texas and consider the guidelines set forth by the American Camp Association. This Well Camp Policy is designed to allay the concerns of campers, parents and staff. Hermann Sons Life Camp staff will continue to review state regulations and ACA guidelines throughout the spring and implement changes as needed.

WELL CAMP POLICIES & PROCEDURES Hermann Sons Life Camp’s primary concern is the health and safety of all campers and staff members who live and work at Camp. The Well Camp Policies have been developed to create a culture of healthy living and to develop policies and procedures which will foster good practices and habits amongst both staff and campers. Illness and contagion will never be completely eradicated from schools and camps. Enforcing and implementing a culture where good healthy practices exist will help in reducing the spread of sickness, and is an essential part of running a top-rated summer camp program. Camps and schools are traditional breeding grounds for the spread of germs. Hermann Sons Life Camp is the summer home for campers from all over Texas as well as a number of staff from across the world. In this COVID-19 environment, keeping a healthy camp environment will be even more critical. While we cannot guarantee that an outbreak of COVID-19 will not occur, we will be implementing procedures to reduce the likelihood of spread. In 2022, Hermann Sons Life Camp will have a fully staffed clinic on both Hilltop and Riverside camps.

HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP’S COMMUNICATION POLICY • • is •

Parents must be informed before their child is seen by a doctor for illness or injury. This call will be made by the Camp nurse referring the camper. Whenever a camper puts his/her head on a pillow in the Clinic, the parent is to be called even if the stay less than four hours. If it is after 9 p.m. and the child is admitted into the Clinic for a non-emergent condition, the call can be made between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. the next morning. No later!

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A HEALTHY CAMP BEGINS AND ENDS AT HOME The American Camp Association along with the Association of Camp Nursing has prepared a document for parents to use to help keep summer camps healthy and happy places. This is a summary of that document. •

If your child is showing signs of illness such as running a temperature, throwing up, has diarrhea, nasal drainage and/or coughing/sneezing, keep the child home and contact your camp director. This greatly reduces the spread of illness at camp but also supports your child’s recovery.

•

Teach your child to sneeze/cough in his/her sleeve and to wash his/her hands often while at camp, especially before eating and after using the restroom. If you really want to achieve impact, teach your child to accompany hand washing with another behavior: keeping their hands away from their face.

•

If your child has mental, emotional or social health challenges, talk with a camp representative before camp starts. Proactively discussing a camp’s ability to accommodate a child can help minimize - if not eliminate - potential problems.

•

Make sure your child has and wears appropriate close-toed shoes for activities such as soccer and hiking, and that your child understands that camp is a more rugged environment than the sub/urban setting. Talk with your child about wearing appropriate shoes to avoid slips, trips and falls that, in turn, can result in injuries such as a sprained ankle.

•

Fatigue plays a part in both injuries and illnesses - and camp is a very busy place! Explain that camp is not like a sleepover: they need to sleep, not stay up all night!

•

Remember to send sunscreen that your child has tried at home. Teach your child how to apply his/her sunscreen and how often to do so.

•

Impress upon your child the importance of staying hydrated.

•

Talk with your child about telling their counselor, the nurse or camp director about problems or things that are troublesome to them at camp. These camp professionals can be quite helpful as children learn to handle being lonesome for home or cope with things such as losing something special. These helpers can’t be helpful if they don’t know about the problem - so talk to them.

•

Should something come up during the camp experience or afterward - you see an unusual rash on your child or the child shares a disturbing story - contact the camp’s representative and let them know. Camps want to partner effectively with parents; sharing information makes this possible.

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PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES We need to make sure that the campers and staff who are arriving into Camp are, to the best of all our abilities, free from the coronavirus. We need to get the commitment from all participants to follow and enforce new policies and procedures. If you have any concerns about this policy, please contact us to set up a time to talk with Executive Camp Director Ian Brassett at 830-995-3223. Camp will continue some procedures implemented for COVID-19 prevention this summer, especially on arrival day and in the cleaning procedures. PRE-ARRIVAL SCREENING This summer there will be changes to the process of intaking the campers and staff into Camp. And this begins at home. One week prior to the camper’s arrival in Camp an email will be sent to all parents (and staff ). The email will request that parents strictly monitor the health of their child (or themselves). It is important to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 that campers and staff do not bring the virus into Camp. We need to take a symptomatic approach. WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS We ask that parents and staff look out for possible symptoms of COVID-19. It is important that we communicate the importance of keeping campers who show signs of exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 at home. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19: • • • •

Cough • Fever • Muscle pain • New loss of taste or smell

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Chills Sore throat

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. • • •

Within one week of their child’s arrival time, parents will receive an email. In that email we will inform the parents of the cabin/dorm they will be in. This will allow us one week to ensure that the campers will be in the cabin/dorm with their friends. In our email, we will also confirm that we have the Health History Form for the camper. In our email we will also attach a copy of the Medication Form. This is where the parents will indicate what medications the camper will be taking while they are in Camp. This form will reduce the time spent at the Clinic.

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CHECK-IN SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT We need parental assistance to run a smooth and safe summer camp program. In order to run the Camp and open our doors, protocols must be enforced. Failure to do so will result in your child not being admitted to Camp. To reduce the number of families on-site at any given time, there will be a STAGGERED ARRIVAL TIME FOR EACH CABIN/DORM. Campers will not be permitted to enter Camp before their scheduled arrival time. Campers with multiple family members in attendance at the same Camp, should plan their arrival at the later scheduled time. CHECK-IN PROCEDURES Check-in times have been established to allow for a minimal amount of contact with non-Camp participants. Campers will arrive by dorm from the oldest to the youngest dorms. PARENTS WILL BE ASKED NOT TO LEAVE THEIR VEHICLE DURING DROP-OFF. Check-in will be a series of stops conducted by our senior and medical staff. Our counselors will be assigned to their dorms. We know this is a difficult thing to ask of our parents, but exceptions cannot be made. RIVERSIDE

HILLTOP

At the first stop, a staff member will welcome the family. The senior staff member will greet the campers and check that all the paperwork including the Health History Form is on file and that the arrival is on schedule. Having verified the information, the car will drive forward to a second station. HEALTH HISTORY FORM, WAIVER FORM AND MEDICATION FORM We will be sending each family a Medication Form. We ask that this form is completed and printed before your arrival in Camp, and brought with you to allow for a swift drop-off. All medication must be in the original container with doctor’s authorization. We cannot and will not administer medication not consistent with the directions of a doctor’s orders or provided in anything other than the original packaging. At the medication table you will discuss with the Camp’s medical staff the Medication Form, and ask the nurse any questions you may have about your child’s stay. © Hermann Sons Life Camp

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CAMPER GOODBYES AND LUGGAGE DROP-OFF Once complete, you will then go to the camper and luggage drop-off. At this spot, the staff will collect all luggage from the trunk and your child. Please do not leave your vehicle. Say your goodbyes in the car. A staff member will then assist your child to their dorm, introduce them to their counselors and allow the Camp experience to begin. The counselors in the dorm are there for the campers. They will help them unpack, orient the campers to the dorm, review their activity schedule and, most importantly, introduce them to their new friends in the dorm. During the scheduled arrival times 4-5 counselors and the senior counselor for the dorm and the CITs assigned to that dorm will be present. YOUR CAMPER WILL NEVER BE ALONE. • •

Parents may drop off camper packages when the luggage is dropped off. Staff wearing PPE will be able to accept the packages and mail. Public restrooms in Rattlesnake (Riverside) and in the Admin Building (Hilltop) will be made available for parents. Check-in for the camper will be halted until the parent is back in their car.

PICK-UP/CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES The Saturday pick-up procedure will very much mirror the drop-off procedure. More information will be sent to parents via the Hermann Sons Life App and email. CLEANING AND DISINFECTING THE CAMP Cleanliness of the Camp is everyone’s responsibility. The counselors are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting the dorms. The housekeeping staff will be cleaning and sanitizing the common areas in Camp and the kitchen staff will be responsible for ensuring the Dining Hall is both clean and sanitary.

CLINIC PROTOCOL The goal of our Camp’s health care policy and plan is to ensure the health and safety of all campers (and staff ) so that they may participate in all activities to the maximum of their capabilities. Medical care by a licensed nurse or EMT will be provided. Anyone requiring evaluation and treatment beyond the scope of the Camp’s treatment procedures will be referred to an appropriate facility and/or their own physician. Hermann Sons Life Camp recognizes the HIPAA law. Copies of this law are posted in easily accessed areas. Every precaution will be taken to keep medical information confidential. Information will be provided to cabin counselors who live with campers and activity instructors on an as-needed basis. This is done in simple code to further protect the confidentiality of the camper. All campers and staff are required to have a completed Health History Form on file. MEDICATIONS It is important to note that all medications must be entrusted to the care of the medical staff and kept under lock and key in the Clinic. Under no circumstances can any medication be left in the cabin. Campers should not be in possession of medication at any time. The only exception to this rule is the carrying of injectable epinephrine (epi-pens) and rescue inhalers. Campers are allowed to carry these after it has been assessed that they know how to use them without assistance.

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SICK CALL Sick Call is scheduled four times daily: after breakfast, after lunch and after dinner. We also have a Sick Call scheduled after the evening activity has ended (from 9-10 p.m.), however this Sick Call is primarily intended for campers who are required to take bedtime medications. Medications must always be taken BEFORE 10 P.M. SUNSCREEN & LIP BALM It is important that campers and staff use sunscreen every day. At Hermann Sons Life Camp we will supply sunscreen to both campers and staff who do not have it. Sunscreen is available outside the Clinic and at the Dining Hall. While most campers have lip balm, there will be lip balm or Vaseline available in the Clinic. HYDRATION To prevent dehydration (and the inevitable sickness that follows), campers and staff must drink water - lots of water. Campers AND STAFF are required to carry a water bottle with them from breakfast through dinner. REST After lunch it is important that all campers rest. All campers must be on their bed resting. Some campers may wish to read. That is OK. Campers aged 11 and younger must be in bed by 10 p.m. at the latest. Campers aged 12-14 and older must be in bed by 10:30 p.m. at the latest. RESPONSE IN CAMP TO A POSITIVE (100.4>) TEMPERATURE This summer we will be quick to respond to a temperature, persistent cough and other symptoms related to COVID-19. Camper or staff temp at or above 100.40F.

NO MEDS

Temp is retaken after breakfast.

TEMP <100.4

Temp= /+100.40F

Sr. Counselor packs camper. Moves belonings to porch of clinic.

Return to activities. Monitor and retest.

Senior staff clean and sanitize the dorm. Housekeeping thoroughly disinfects all areas dorm visited in past 24 hours.

Parent called. Camper/staff removed from Camp.

Email parents of campers in dorm that a camper had a temperature. Sr. Counselor/ Medical Staff reassure and hang with camper until pickup.

Recheck entire dorm at subsequent two meals.

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DINING HALL PROCEDURES The following procedures will be implemented in the Dining Halls of both Riverside and Hilltop. The changes made are to ensure we provide our campers (and staff ) with a safe dining experience. Most of the procedures and policies for our kitchen staff should be followed in any year. Safe food handling to prevent cross-contamination, proper hygiene for all staff, acceptable cooking practices and correct cleaning and sanitation are must-dos for any kitchen. KEY CHANGES TO THE KITCHEN • Increased staff due to the increased workload, specifically the increase in cleaning and sanitizing. • Strict adherence to no outside kitchen staff allowed in the kitchens. • Slight menu changes to accommodate the need for easier service. MEAL PROCEDURES • Campers and counselors will wash their hands before being called to the Dining Hall. One dorm is to be called for each socially distanced serving line. • The door will be held open by a staff member who will remind the campers to sanitize their hands upon entrance into the Dining Hall. • Campers and counselors will then line-up (socially distanced) to be served their food. • Once there is only one or two campers left to be served in the dorm, we will call the next dorm to repeat the process. • Once the campers have their food, the campers will then report to their assigned tables. • Staff are required to wear masks when serving in the Dining Hall. SERVING • The main food will be served cafeteria-style. • We will be unable to accommodate special diets and private food in the kitchen. • Individual serving packets of sugar, ketchup, mustard, relish, mayonnaise, Italian dressing, ranch dressing and BBQ sauce will be used to replace the bulk dispensers. • Each dorm will be individually served desserts on a separate trolley. These will be individually portioned. SEATING • Each dorm will be assigned a set of tables. • Each grouping of tables will be a minimum of 6 feet from another set of tables. THE TABLE • Each dorm will have a cleaning cart wheeled out to their tables during the meal. • This cart will contain: • a bucket for waste (and a scraper), • a bucket with hot soapy water and a couple of sponges, • a bucket with sanitizer solution and scrapers, • a bus tub. • Once the dorm has finished the meal, the campers will scrape excess food into the bucket and wipe down their part of the table using the hot soapy water. • One counselor will then collect the plates, silverware and cups and place them in the bus tub. • Once the table is clean, the campers and most of the counselors will return to their dorm. • One counselor remains behind to sanitize the table and benches and sweep when necessary.

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AFTER EACH MEAL • The dining hall tables and chairs are to be completely cleaned and sanitized. • The floor of the Dining Hall is to be swept and mopped using HOT, soapy water. • The serving lines are to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. • All cups, plates and utensils are to be cleaned, sanitized and air-dried per state regulations. WATER BOTTLE REFILLS We will be investing in MORE large 10-gallon water jugs from which campers may refill their water bottles. These water jugs will be set up around Camp and sanitized twice daily and at each refill. The water bottles do not touch the faucet. GUESTS AND VISITORS No guests, friends or family may visit the Camp during the camp session. This will again limit the exposure to the campers and staff from outside the Camp setting. RULE OF THREE/ACTIVE SUPERVISION To protect our campers and staff, it is against Camp policy for counselors and campers to be alone 1:1 in a dorm. No staff member should ever be alone with a camper where others cannot see or there is an expectation of privacy. Sometimes a counselor in broad daylight may escort a camper to the Clinic. There is no expectation of privacy while walking to the Clinic. This means if a counselor needs a private chat with a camper, they may go on to the porch where they are visible to others while still allowing for the privacy a conversation may require. We also practice Active Supervision. We want our counselors to get to know our campers, Ask questions. Be interested in them and their experience at Camp. This is where the counselor’s true value and greatest impact on the life of a child happens and where the deep friendships with Camp happen. During each session, a senior counselor/director may ask to speak with the campers without the counselors present. We are constantly evaluating our program and this time spent with your campers provides valuable feedback on our electives, scheduling and, of course, our counselors. These discussions usually directly affect counselor evaluations and counselor of the session nominations.

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Believe in yourself! Be you! Believe in yourself! Be You!

2022 Parent Handbook 2022 Parent Handbook

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Believe in yourself! Be you!

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Believe in yourself! Be You!

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