2024 Camp Parent Handbook

2024 PARENT HANDBOOK HILLTOP RIVERSIDE

A Message from Our Director

Dear Parents and Guardians,

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 may have made to make Camp the best it can possibly be for your child.

Every year as the summer draws to a close, we begin the process of evaluating our summer camp program. I re-read every camper survey, read every parent and staff member’s survey and come up with a plan to improve the summer camp experience for our junior members.

In Summer 2023, the overall health of our campers was very good. I put this down to the additional cleaning and sanitizing procedures implemented since 2021. Another area which splits opinion (80:20) is the pick-up and drop-off procedures. We recognize that the method of pick-up and drop off has a downside for some of our parents and grandparents. The upsides of the in-car drop-off for the campers and the operation of the summer camp, however, simply cannot be ignored.

• We will be continuing the process of “in-car” drop-offs again in 2024.

We strongly encourage you to attend the Members’ Picnic and Open House on June 8, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You’ll be able to check out the dorms, meet the counselors, try some of our many activities and enjoy lunch.

Last summer, I personally scheduled all the campers’ activity choices. Most of the campers received their top 3 activities (around 90-95%). This is only possible if the selection is completed in a timely manner. Please keep in mind that the campers receiving a double-period activity will only get two of their top 6 activities. These specialized activities will be scheduled Monday through Thursday in a normal week.

• The girls (Riverside) will attend these classes for their morning activities.

• The boys (Hilltop) will attend these classes for their afternoon classes.

Campers attending the mini-camp program, Grief Support Camp and the 11-day extended camp will make their specialized activity choices at camp.

In 2023, there was an increase in inappropriate behavior by our campers. This cannot continue. We have implemented a Camper Code of Conduct and will be quite strict with our campers in upholding the highest possible level of language and behavior. Please review the policy on the next page and review with your child. IF your child has any issues in camp, please have them go directly to their counselor.

Best regards,

Ian “Gunner” Brassett Executive Camp Director

Hermann Sons Life Camp

Office: 830-995-3223Hermann Sons Life - Camp

Office: 830-995-3223

Cell: 909-362-9058

ianb@hermannsonslife.org

CAMPER CODE OF CONDUCT

I WILL…

Treat people the way I would like to be treated.

Cooperate with camp staff and follow their instructions.

Practice sun and heat safety by wearing sunscreen throughout the day, protective clothing, a hat and will stay hydrated with water/ juice and will seek shade during the hottest/sunniest times of the day.

Help keep my area and the surrounding environment clean and put all litter in the trash cans.

Talk to someone if I feel unsafe.

Have lots of FUN and a GREAT time.

I WILL NOT…

Bully, or put down other campers (includes knocking people’s caps off).

Steal, vandalize or graffiti any property.

Deliberately hurt anyone’s feelings.

Hit other campers or staff. Use foul, inappropriate or abusive language.

CONSEQUENCES

Re-directed and informed of expected behavior.

Parental notification

Possible dismissal from Camp.

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.

THE LINK TO THE ACTIVITY SELECTION FORM HAS BEEN SENT TO YOU IN AN EMAIL AND IS PROVIDED BELOW.

Each camper is asked to select six (6) activities. Campers should rank the activities from 1 to 6, with (1) one being the one they want the most and (6) six the one they want the least. If your child has no interest in an activity, please do not rank it. Your child will not be scheduled an activity not chosen!

• 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.

YOUR CHILD WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE THEIR SCHEDULE ON THEIR ARRIVAL DAY.

We will only be able to add campers to the already scheduled activities if space is available. It is so important that you discuss the activity selection with your child. It affects their summer camp experience if they do not get the activities they selected.

HERE’S WHAT WILL

HAPPEN AFTER YOU SUBMIT THE FORM:

• The Executive Camp Director 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 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. Most of the time, the campers are very happy with their selections.

ACTIVITY SELECTION FORM LINKS:

Boys: https://www.hermannsonslife.org/boys-activity-selection-form-2024

Girls: https://www.hermannsonslife.org/girls-activity-selection-form-2024

SPECIALIZED ACTIVITIES AT HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP

DAILY ELECTIVE ACTIVITY CHOICES AT HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP

Campers choose all the activities they participate in during the day. Half of the camper’s activities are scheduled as described earlier.

We also will continue to give our campers the freedom to choose half of their schedule at camp on a daily basis. Some of the camps’ traditionally scheduled activities will now be offered within the elective program on a daily basis. Those activities include camp crafts (lanyards, friendship bracelets, beads, etc.), ceramics, leathercrafts, free swim, yoga, archery and Ga-Ga.

We plan on providing our campers a wonderful selection of activities each day. Some of the activities available to our campers will be: Capture the flag, Dodgeball, Ultimate frisbee, Mosaics, Tie Dying, Magic the Gathering, Improv Classes, Line Dancing, Martial Arts, Scavenger Hunts, Color Guard (Flags), Hiking, Manis and Pedis, Gaelic Football, Netball, Cricket and more!

Popular selections will be offered every period. Some activities will be offered once or twice a week.

BUNKING

Our priority when assigning campers to their dorm is to provide everyone in the dorm the opportunity for an excellent summer camp. As a parent or guardian, we ask that you complete a Dorm Assignment Form. In the Dorm Assignment Form you request who your child would like to dorm (cabin) with and whether you would like a top or bottom bunk (bed) for your camper.

We cannot guarantee these requests.

DORM ASSIGNMENT FORM LINK:

https://www.hermannsonslife.org/dorm-assignment-check-out-form

Please keep the following in mind when requesting campers to bunk with.

WE DO NOT SCHEDULE CAMPERS TO THEIR DORMS UNTIL A COMPLETED HEALTH HISTORY IS ON FILE.

If before camp, you receive an email stating your child has “NO DORM” – that means they have not been placed in a dorm. The Health History Form should be completed as soon as you receive it. If you need to make changes to the form as we get closer to the summer, you can bring a new form with you on arrival day and provide it to the Medical Staff at drop-off.

Getting campers in bunks with their friends is a high priority for us. We do have some bunking rules for you to consider.

• Remember we try not bunk campers who are more than one (1) year apart. The younger campers very often will cling to their older siblings which will affect both of their summer camp experiences negatively. We also ask for the school grade your child is entering after the summer.

o If a camper requests to bunk with a younger child, he/she will be placed in a younger cabin. I do not bunk campers up in age.

o By placing campers in age-appropriate dorms, all the campers will have an op portunity to make friends of their own age and provide for a better summer camp experience.

• We limit the number of friends bunked in the same age-appropriate dorm to FOUR. Creating a large clique in the dorm may be good for those campers (mainly a Riverside issue) coming together, however it is horrible for the rest of the campers in the dorm coming who have few or no friends. These campers often get excluded from many fun dorm activities by cliquish behavior from the larger group.

• We do not guarantee bed placement in the dorms. Campers will be assigned throughout the dorms. When requesting your friends on the DORM ASSIGNMENT FORM, the first name you list will be a bunk friend (top/bottom beds). The second and third names you list will be in the dorm. I will only take the first four names listed on the form when placing campers into the dorms and bunks. Placing campers in age-appropriate dorms sometimes means that the actual dorm your child is in is not their “expected dorm”. Dorm placements are not always linear. Sometimes we have a lot of younger campers in a session, or a lot of older campers in a session. What this means is that your teen camper may not always be placed in either Hawk or White Tail, or if we have a lot of 12-year-olds, they may be placed in Bob White or Coyote.

• AGE-APPROPRIATE placement of campers in dorms is more important that what dorm a child is placed in.

Health History Form

A link to the Health History Form will be emailed to you shortly after you have enrolled into camp. Our forms are completed through HelloSign. Please complete these forms at your earliest convenience. As we get closer to the summer and your child’s medical history may have changed, you can bring an updated hard copy with you to camp and give it directly to medical staff. Remember, we must have this form on file in order to bunk your child.

Hermann Sons Life Camp does carry insurance for all of our campers should an accident occur while your child is at camp.

If your child becomes sick at camp through illness, we will contact you for your insurance details.

In either case, you will be informed of the situation by our camp medical staff where decisions will be made together in the best interest of your child.

PARENTAL DIRECTIVES FOR CAMPER MEDICATIONS

If your child is taking medication (including over the counter medications, vitamins, creams, ointments, etc.) during their stay with us at Camp, please follow the procedures outlined below.

• Camp policy prohibits the possession of any medicine, vitamin, aspirin, allergy pill, etc. in the dorm. All medications (including vitamins) the above policy is provided to campers who are required to carry an epinephrine auto injector or an inhaler to address emergencies.

• All medicine (non-prescription and prescription) must be clearly labeled with the camper’s name, name of the medication,the time the medication should be administered, number of times per day, dosage and any other special instructions (i.e., keep refrigerated). Please make sure that you bring a completed MEDICATION FORM.

FORM LINK: https://www.hermannsonslife.org/images/uploads/2021_CAMPER_MEDICATION_FORM4.pdf

Non-prescription medicine must be accompanied by written instructions signed by a parent or a licensed physician.

• Prescription medications must be sent in the original prescription bottle with your camper’s name, clear dispensing instructions and the prescribing doctor’s name.

• PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL MEDICATIONS MUST BE IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

• You are responsible for ensuring that your child has enough meds to complete his/her scheduled stay at Camp.

HEALTHCARE

In 2024, Hermann Sons Life Camp will have a fully staffed clinic at both Hilltop and Riverside camps.

HERMANN SONS LIFE CAMP’S COMMUNICATION POLICY

• 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 their head on a pillow in the clinic, the parent is to be called even if the stay is 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!

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 - 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.

PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

We need to make sure that the campers and staff who are arriving o 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.

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 their maximum 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. Camp provides over-the-counter medications to campers. This includes Tylenol, Advil, cough medicine, Pepto, etc.

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.

RESPONSE IN CAMP TO A POSITIVE (100.4>) TEMPERATURE

This summer we will be quick to respond to a temperature, persistent cough and other such contagious symptoms.

FANCY FRIDAYS

Friday is the last full day at Camp. Counselors want to help the campers “blow their socks off” and finish the week with a bang!

In 2023 we introduced a brilliant, new special event on Fridays. This program is called BRAGGING RIGHTS! Last summer campers broke most of the records set by the counselors during staff development.

On Friday morning, the girls will travel to Hilltop camp and try to break these records! We’ll keep track of camper and counselor records throughout the summer and post in the HSL newspaper who has Bragging Rights! During the elective classes we’ll offer opportunities for campers to try some of these activities. I want to see all the records broken by the campers this summer.

While this activity is running, we’ll also offer campers the opportunity for free swim, gaga and crafts. We’ll also launch all our Riverside and Hilltop camper rockets! After a morning of fun activities, we’ll have a joint BBQ LUNCH before the girls’ head back to Riverside for rest period and their REDNECK WATER GAMES in the afternoon. As we will be adding this third joint camp activity on Friday morning, we will be moving the GAME NIGHT to MONDAY NIGHT and the DANCE to WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

THEMES AND SESSIONS FOR 2024

2024 CAMPER WEEKS

Dates Themes Riverside (for Girls) Hilltop (for Boys)

6/9 -6/15 Texas

6/16 -6/22 Hawaiian

6/23 - 6/29 Neon

6/30 - 7/3

7/7 - 7/13 Christmas

7/14 - 7/20 Halloween

7/21 - 7/27 Marvel/Disney

Session #1 CIT-2

Session #2 CIT-2

Session #1 CIT-2

Session #2 CIT-2

Session #3 CIT-1 11-DAY 10-NIGHT COED Camp

Mini-Camp #1

Session #4 CIT-2

Session #5 CIT-1

Session #6 CIT-1

6/23 - 7/3

Session #4 CIT-2

Session #5 CIT-1

Session #6 CIT-1

7/28 - 7/31 Red, White & Blue Mini-Camp #2 Grief Camp

TEN-NIGHT SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM

Hermann Sons Life Camp is excited to offer a brand-new summer camp experience for junior members. Based on the parental survey results, it seems y’all are looking forward to this program.

This upcoming summer camp will include a 10-night 11-day camp session from June 23, 2024, to July 3, 2023. This coed program will be held at Hilltop Camp with a limited enrollment of 90 female and 64 male campers.

Camp will have the same look and feel – the same vibe that currently exists in camp, the same daily ebbs and flows. The kiddos will eat with the campers from their dorm which is no different than the one-week program. Each camper will get to go to the camp store once during their stay with us. We’ll have the same great counselors in the dorms and senior staff that will be working closely with the campers. We’re excited that the campers will have even longer to forge the bonds of friendships that are so evident within our camps.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

Campers will get even more choice and freedom when it comes to selecting their activities just like our campers do now. Parents, however, will not be involved in the selection process.

The first two days of the 10-day program will be pre-selected activities including team building and group dynamic programs. Campers will travel with their dorm on Monday and Tuesday in a structured program with their counselors from activity to activity. These activities will include (amongst other activities) Challenge Course (High Ropes, Zip Lines, Giant Swing, Climbing) Kayaking and Canoeing, Archery, Free Swim, Crafts and Sports.

At lunch on the first Tuesday, campers will select the activities they wish to do on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday (individually). This schedule will be reminiscent of the selection process currently done with the parents at home where campers select their top 6 activities.

At brunch on Saturday, the campers will then have another opportunity to select new activities (or the same) for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Campers will still get to choose their electives daily from a rotating selection of activities. It’s a Win, Win, Win!

EVENING ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Much of the activities that make camp special will be retained in our 10-night program. Game Night, Dance, Bragging Rights, Capture the Flag and rotations. These activities will be supplemented by fun new nightly activities like a Pool Party, Karaoke, Dorm-based skits and more.

We’ll make sure that our campers have time to decompress over the weekend with a sleep in and brunch on Saturday along with a fun new special event, a water carnival

• Monday – Bunk Skit Night (Grab Bag skits).

• Tuesday – Game Night (with the girls’ camp).

• Wednesday – Talent Show / Karaoke/ Free Swim.

• Thursday – Dance (with the girls’ camp).

• Friday – Bragging Rights (with the girls’ camp) Capture the Flag / Free Swim

** Late Day ** Brunch w/cartoons ** Water Carnival **

• Sunday- Campfire / Free Swim.

• Monday – MTV Night (Dorm activity)

• Tuesday – Closing Ceremonies

PACKING LIST

Wondering what to pack for Camp? This is a sample packing list. Tailor it to your child’s activity choices. Every camper will receive a water bottle on arrival.

• 6 each of shirts, shorts, socks and underwear

• 1 White T-shirt or pillowcase (for tie dyeing) 100% cotton works best.

• Swimsuit

• Light jacket

• Hat or cap

• Pajamas

• 1 pair of jeans

• 2 sets of single sheets

• Pillow with case

• Blanket or sleeping bag

• 2 towels and wash cloths

• Swim towel

• Laundry bag

• Toiletry items (soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste, etc.)

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Please note: Camp provides all sporting equipment.

Be sure to label all items.

LOST AND FOUND

• Letter-writing materials with pre-addressed stamped envelopes.

• Something to wear to the Camp dance

• Tennis shoes

• Shower shoes

• Flip-flops or sandals

• Anything else to make your stay happy such as a favorite stuffed animal or reading material

• 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!

At the end of each session, lost and found items are gathered, laundered and kept at the main administrative building at Hilltop. In August we take all lost and found to Goodwill or the local dog shelter. Please call the admin building at (830) 995-3223 to let us know what clothing your child may have lost. We will certainly look for it and return it to you (C.O.D).

CAMP STORE

This summer every camper will receive a non-refundable $20 voucher which they will be able to spend in the Camp Store. Each week every dorm will be taken to the store by their counselor during relaxation time (not rest period). The camper will then be able to spend the $20.

We accept cash if the camper brings it with them, but will make sure they use the $20 voucher included in the camp’s registration fee first. We cannot accept credit cards and will not give credit to the store in 2024 to be paid on departure.

Parents will have the opportunity to pre-purchase items from the store online. The online store will only be available through June 1, 2024. These items will be packaged up and delivered on the camper’s bed upon arrival at camp.

Website Store Link: https://www.hermannsonslife.org/store/

VOLUNTEER WORKDAY – APRIL 13, 2024

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get volunteer work hours and for parents to help us get the camp ready for the summer. If you can join us, please contact Ian Brassett at ianb@hermannsonslife.org.

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN! – APRIL 8, 2024

Hermann Sons Life Camp is hosting individuals and family groups for the once in a lifetime total eclipse of the heart, I mean sun. Please contact Ian Brassett at ianb@hermannsonslife.org.

COMPANY PICNIC AND OPEN HOUSE – JUNE 8, 2024, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

This is a perfect opportunity for campers and parents to check out the facilities, meet the staff, tryout a few activities, take a tour and test the food! Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m.

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.

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. Camp staff will be posting thousands of photos during the week. Parents will also use the App to access the one-way email system.

Camp uses the App to communicate with parents during the week. For example, if for some reason we must close Camp, we will send a push notification on the App that will go to all parents using the App. You will receive a code for the App when you register your child for Camp.

DOWNLOAD THE HERMANN SONS LIFE APP

Through the App you will will be able to:

• ONE-WAY email your child while they are at camp.

• PHOTOS - allows you to iew and download camp photos.

• CONTACT camp staff with direct email messages to the Camp Director, and so much more.

Download the Hermann Sons Life App through your phone’s App store.

EMAILING YOUR CHILD

You are able to email your camper through our contacts page in the App. This one-way email will be distributed to your camper daily, typically at 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. If your child receives an email stating, “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 may instill guilty feelings if they start having a good time. “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!” “I need to go home.”

Tip - 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! 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 NAME and CAMPER’s NAME, IN THIS ORDER.

o E.g. Subject Line: Hilltop – White Tail – Ian Brassett

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. This mail will be delivered after lunch during the relaxation period. CLEARLY label the campers name and day in which you wish it to be delivered.

PHOTOS

As we pointed out earlier, we will be taking photographs of your campers during their stay with us. These photos will be used throughout the summer to keep our parents informed of their child’s stay with us.

Posting the photos is not a huge priority for the camp when compared to the important work of caring for your child at camp. We want to post photos on a daily basis. We do a relatively good job of posting the photos daily, but camp happens! It is not always possible.

On the Hermann Sons Life App, we will post the photos in folders set-up for each week and for both camps. We cannot guarantee your child will be in the photos. I personally attend the Game Night, Dance and Bragging Rights activities every week. I take photographs consistently for hours. Constantly moving, constantly taking pictures. Some campers actively avoid the camera!

If you want to make sure your child is in the photos – let them know you want to see them! Ask them to seek me out! (I’m not difficult to find).

Many of the photos are posted in the evening (after 10 p.m.). Some days it may be even later. Some camp days are so busy we may not be able to post the photos.

ARRIVAL DAY

On the Monday before your child’s arrival you will receive an email informing you of what DORM your child will be in and the block of time that you are scheduled to arrive.

DROP OFF

If I was making decisions based on what is in the best interests of the parents, we would go back to the “traditional” way of dropping off campers. The old way does make the parent feel better. But not all parents. In the surveys I receive throughout the summer and fall, the majority of parents like the staggered drop-off procedure. They find it efficient and emotionally easier on both themselves and their children. While I’m sure many parents do miss the opportunity to make the bed and greet the counselors, most of them see the benefits this new drop-off system provides their children.

• A quicker, easier and emotionally less stressful break from their parents. Long drawn-out goodbyes are not easy for kiddos. We’ve seen a significant decrease in the amount of homesickness in camp on arrival day and Mondays. This does not mean that homesickness is non-existent. But the quick positive break from the parents allows for:

o Our counselors to begin the process of bonding with the campers by making their bed with them. Talking to the camper about the activities and fun events they are about to experience. Parents in the dorms hinder the bonding process of campers to their counselors. This bond is essential to the success of the summer camp. It also allows:

o Our counselors to begin the process of immediately working with your child. Without parental interference our counselors immediately begin cabin games, bonding activities and campers can begin making friends. Friends are the number one cure for homesickness. By starting this process hours earlier in the day, the early drop-off campers are not left “hanging out” with counselors while parents make beds, fuss about activity schedules, placement of the bed in the dorm, etc.

• With a stricter drop-off, we’ve been able to begin programming earlier. Again, this allows the campers to get into the groove of camp by starting activities in a timelier manner. Again, not possible with parents at camp.

While these drop-off procedures began with COVID, we would be neglectful if we did not see the value of these procedures for our campers (and staff) and not continue them. They are better for the camper and the camp. The most important thing is doing “what’s in the best interest of the camper.”

PLEASE REMEMBER:

• No camper will be admitted into camp without a completed Health History Form.

• If you have multiple children, please schedule your arrival at the earlier scheduled time (oldest child). This includes CITs

• PARENTS will not be permitted to leave their vehicle during the drop-off procedure. Arriving too early will mean you may have a long wait in a hot car! Please plan your arrival at your scheduled time.

• PLEASE DO NOT BRING A TRAILER OR RV when dropping off your child. We simply do not have the capacity to accommodate these vehicles.

• Thank you for leaving your pets at home on arrival and departure days.

Here are the addresses you can enter into your navigation app:

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 staff 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, known 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

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 through- out the day is a fantastic part of the tradition that is Hermann Sons Life Camp.

Pamela Nentwich created some videos of our Camp songs so first-time campers and those returning to Camp can learn the songs. I highly recommend you go to our YouTube channel and learn a few. They are great!

Click here to go to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhtPPY88bAaXmk1OjI2KCg

WE DANCE (and eat cookies!)

The campers and staff love to dance. Our weekly dance is held on Riverside on Wednesday 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 arrive at Camp!

Link for the line dances: https://www.you- tube.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.

Many of our campers believe 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 campers in 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!

TAPS

Each night, at the end of the evening activity, each camp gathers and perform 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 for 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 three (3) specialized activity periods each half day with the remaining half day for the campers’ elective activities. 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 instead we are introducing a brand-new special event.

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.

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.

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 per serving line.

• Campers and counselors will then line-up 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.

SEATING

• Each dorm will be assigned a set of tables.

THE TABLE

• Each dorm will have a cleaning cart wheeled out to their tables during the meal.

• This cart will contain:

o a bucket for waste (and a scraper),

o a bucket with hot soapy water and a couple of sponges,

o a bucket with sanitizer solution and scrapers,

o 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.

AFTER EACH MEAL

• Sweeps when necessary.

• 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 an increased number of larger 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. We have also added water bottle filling stations in many of the campers dorms in 2023.

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. It 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.

© Hermann Sons Life Camp

Counselors-In-Training

Job Description

Why be a Counselor -In-Training?

• Gain a behind-the-scenes experience of the camp community

• Establish job and character references

• Develop new skills

• Challenge yourself in regard to personal growth and expanded self-esteem through leadership opportunities

CIT Responsibilities and Duties

Responsibilities:

• Set a good example by being a positive role model. Campers Come First!

• Gain the ability/skills needed to work with children in a camp community, after school program or any youth program.

• Earn community service hours.

• Have fun helping kids

• Learn to work as team

• Assist Camp Counselors with daily activities, such as; crafts, sports, and various indoor and outdoor group activities.

• Associate with campers; NOT other counselors in training.

• Be punctual, attend, and be an active part of all camp activities.

• Abide by all camp rules, policies, and procedures.

• Treat all campers equally

• Be cooperative with the camp director, counselors, your peers, and the campers.

• Be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude.

Specific Duties

• Help to secure and set up supplies and equipment before and after activities

• Consistently model good behavior, character, integrity, and adaptability

• Help camp staff get children to and from activities and various locations safely

• Contribute ideas to improve the program

• Report any unsafe actions by children or other CITs to Camp Staff

• Provide children with positive behavior

• Assist in keeping camp areas clean

• Accept supervision and guidance

• Must work as a team regarding the sharing of duties

• Respect each camper for their uniqueness - within each group help create a community of people.

• Attend lectures and classes. During these sessions we will expect our CITs to participate and engage in the discussions and activities focused on leadership and counseling skills.

• Assist in the operation of camp activities throughout their stay with us. This includes game night, punch & snack time, the dance, bragging rights, counselor-free dinners, and more.

• Other duties as assigned by camp staff

How to become a CIT

• FIRST STEP Co omplete the application below. https://www.hermannsonslife.org/counselortraining-application

• The application is for past Hermann Sons Life campers ages 15 (as of Sept. 1, 2024) who wish to be considered for the first level of the CIT Program. Check the CIT-1 box.

• SECOND STEP will be an on-line interview with the Executive Camp Director.

• https://calendly com/ianbrassett/hermann-sons-life-interview

o Spaces are r eserved on a first-come, first-served basis

• THIRD STEP is to get three (non-family member) references. To submit references online, click here

• FOURTH STEP is where successful applicants will be invited to reserve their spot in the CIT Program.

• The cost of the CIT program is $225/week. (Includes a non-refundable $20.00 camp store voucher).