LIONS BEAR LAKE CAMP
ParentHandbook
3409 North Five Lakes Road
Lapeer, MI 48446
Phone: 810.245.0726 • Fax: 810.245.0750
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.bearlakecamp.org
AD
Table of Contents
PREPARING FOR CAMP
Packing Tips
1
Preparing your Child for Camp 2
Tricks of the Trade
3
Arrivals and Departures
4
While your Child’s at Camp
5
Camper Internet Policies
6
Camper Internet Consent Form 7
Adult Release Consent Form
8
Path to Camp 2015 Checklist
9
Directions to Bear Lake Camp
10
Map to Bear Lake Camp
11
L I O N S
B E A R
L A K E
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Guide for Camp Preparation
Packing Tips:
On the “Path to Camp 2015 Checklist” you will find suggestions of things to bring. You
can use this as a guide and not as gospel. However, I would like to make the following
suggestions, as must considerations.
•
We do have laundry facilities at camp. If a child runs out of certain types of
clothing, we have the ability to launder them on camp premises.
•
Your child will be outside and active. It is not necessary to buy new clothes to
come to camp. Comfortable, clean and presentable clothes are fine. If you send your
child to camp with new shoes, make sure you have taken the time to break them in and
they fit comfortably.
•
Be sure to include some self-addressed post cards or envelopes. We encourage
campers to write home during their stay (it helps if you put them in a zip-lock bag).
•
A small duffel bag will help campers carry and keep track of essentials such as
soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, comb and brush. It is also helpful if you include
an extra pillowcase or laundry bag for dirty clothes.
•
Towels should not be the best towels that you have in the house since they will be
used for swimming and other waterfront activities as well as for showers.
•
There are some things that you DO NOT want to include in your packing; Radios,
CD players, stereos, televisions or portable video games, CELLULAR PHONE, IPOD’s or
MP3 players, food, expensive clothing, jewelry, personal sports equipment, animals or
money. We do not allow any weapons or illegal substances such as alcohol and drugs.
Any of these items will be confiscated upon arrival and returned with the camper upon
departure. Food items are a popular thing to be sent with the camper. It can cause a
rodent or insect problem if stored in the cabins and is not allowed. We may choose to
hand out food at appropriate times that will not affect meals and can be shared by all.
•
Note: Lions Bear Lake Camp is not responsible for lost or broken valuables. The
camp reserves the right to search camper’s belongings for suspected weapons, illegal
substances or stolen items.
•
Preparing to pack for camp should be a joint venture, keeping in mind your child’s
maturity. If your child feels a part of the decision-making process, his/her chances of
having a positive experience will improve.
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L I O N S
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Preparing your Child for Camp:
This summer may be the first camp experience for you and your child. It also may be the
first experience with homesickness. According to a study of boys in a resident camp done
by University of California Psychologist Chris Thurber, homesickness is the norm rather
than the exception. A whopping 83% of the campers reported homesickness on at least
one day of the camp. The prescription for homesickness is preparation and patience.
Here are some tips for you to help your child deal with homesickness.
•
Encourage your child’s independence throughout the year, practice separations, such
as sleepovers at a friend or relative’s house.
•
Involve your child in the process of preparing for camp. Suggest a pre-camp visit to
see the facilities and ask questions of the director. The more the child owns the decision
of coming to camp, the more comfortable the child will feel being at camp.
•
Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves.
anticipated situations.
Consider role-playing
•
Reach an agreement ahead of time on calling each other. We have a no phone call
policy for campers, but we entertain phone calls from parents inquiring on how their child
is getting along. If your child has some concerns, let him/her know you will be calling to
check up on them. Ask the Director to let your child know that you have called.
•
Send a note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp.
Acknowledge in a positive way, that you will miss your child.
•
Don’t bribe. Linking a successful stay at camp to a material object sends the wrong
message. The reward should be your child’s new found confidence and independence.
•
Pack a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal.
•
Don’t feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp. For many children,
camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and
development. Think of camp as a learning experience, an opportunity for you and your
children to practice “letting go”.
•
Understand that separation is natural and necessary; recognize that separation from
your child may be just as difficult for you as for your child, maybe even more so.
2
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Tricks of the Trade:
As much as we would all hope that things stay right in one person’s cubby the entire time they
are at camp, accidents happen. Things get left on the porch to dry or campers rush around
and throw things in the wrong place. To help our staff and your child ensure your child returns
home with all of the things he/she was sent with it is important to label clothing and towels.
Labeling is also important so your child can identify their clothing. Here are a few tricks you
can try. Use what is best for your camper to be most independent!
Personal Identification:
o
o
o
Try safety pinning or sewing a piece of scrap fabric to each of the clothing items.
Joann’s often has a basket full of scrap fabric that they cannot sell at regular price!
This way if your child’s counselor says, “Whose shirt is this?” Your child can look/feel
for this fabric to identify if it is theirs or not.
Fabric paint is another great tool. You do not have to make anything fancy, a simple
dot or shape to make it unique from someone else’s clothing.
Braille labels are also a choice. You can Braille a letter/initials/name, etc. and sew or
safety pin it to your child’s clothing.
Putting the ‘identifier’ close to where the tag on a shirt would be also helps your
children identify the back of their clothing.
Making outfits:
If your child is not yet ready to dress themselves a rubber bands may be your best
friend. Simply make an outfit at home (include: shirt, shorts, underwear, socks, etc.)
Wrap a rubber band around the entire outfit and pack it in the suitcase. Clothes that
you are packing as extras, sweatshirts, pants, etc. can be in a bag so that your child
can keep them separate from their everyday clothing.
o After making the outfits you can even label a piece of paper for what day to wear it.
o Is your child learning Braille? Braille labels are a great tool! This way you can label
what the clothing item is and your child can work on dressing themselves
independently.
Having a specific place for your child to put their dirty clothes is also extremely helpful for your
child. This will help ensure their bag/suitcase does not become over flowed and mixed with
clean and dirty clothing.
o
Remember to practice whichever system you will be using with your child prior to them
coming to camp. This way they are familiar with your system and know how to use it! The
systems aren’t full proof and don’t work for everyone. You know your child best, so work
together to figure out what will help your child feel most successful! We hope these tools
have helped.
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Camp Arrival and Departures:
The camp will accept campers or release campers only from the Parents/Guardians. If,
for some reason you intend to have someone else drop off or pick up your child it is
necessary for you to complete a “Camper Release Form” (included in the parent
handbook). Please send the form to us in advance or bring it with you. If you are picking
up or dropping off your child at a time other than scheduled times, it will be necessary for
you to have made arrangements in advance and to sign your child in or out.
Arrivals:
Please plan on arriving at camp on Sunday July 5, 2015 between 2 p.m. and no later than
3:30 p.m. to check your child into camp. To check your child in, you will follow these
steps:
1.
You will be greeted in the parking lot and given your child’s cabin assignment.
Place your luggage by the appropriate sign depending upon your child’s cabin
assignment. The luggage will be transported to your child’s cabin by staff members.
2.
At Station 1 inside the lodge, your child’s application file will be reviewed for
completeness and then continue on to Station 2 to visit the Health Safety Officer; she will
review your child’s health form and current health condition, turn in medications and check
for lice.
3.
At Station 3 your child will get a T-shirt and be escorted to their cabin by a staff
member. We encourage parents to accompany their child to his/her cabin, meet the
counselors and help the child settle in. However, make your visit quick, so the campers
and counselors can focus on developing relationships with each other.
Departures:
Please plan on arriving at camp on Saturday July 11, 2015 between 9.30 a.m. and 10:30
a.m.
1.
Visit the lost and found area to see if your child has any belongings they may have
misplaced.
2.
Pick up your medications from the Health Center.
3.
Bring your child to the check out desk before leaving camp. An authorized person
other than a parent or guardian will need to sign out your child
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While your Child is at Camp:
• Give your child time to settle into his new setting. It is our policy not to let campers call home.
It allows the campers to focus on being independent and involved in his/her new surroundings.
We encourage parents to call camp to talk with the Director to inquire about your child’s adjustment
at camp. But allow a day or so to go by before calling. It may take a couple days for them to begin
the adjustment.
• Communicate in writing. Write as often as you want. It is a special thing for campers to get
mail at camp; it is their connection to home and family. Your letters should be upbeat and
supportive of their being at camp. It is better to ask specific questions in your letter about your
child’s activities, bunk life, friends, etc. This will help him organize his/her letters home to you.
• Packages are appreciated every now and then. But do not send food. It is disruptive to camp
if some campers receive food packages and others receive nothing. Receiving food packages is
contrary to our policy. If your child asks you to sneak food packages please don’t. Even if you
think the rule is silly, breaking a camp rule might interfere with your child’s sense of right and
wrong. It is better to send postcards, cartoons, newspapers and magazine articles, comics, game
books, puzzles and other items that can be shared with friends.
• Don’t make major changes at home. This is not the time to reconfigure your marital
relationship, move to a new neighborhood, sanitize or gut and redecorate your child’s room or get
rid of his fossilized frog collection. When most kids return from camp, they like to find things
exactly as they had left them.
• Help your child cope at camp. Most kids need a few days to adjust to life at camp and being
away from home. During this time, kids miss their parents, pets, friends and familiar surroundings.
Most kids cope with these concerns and with the help of camp staff are able to build support
systems. If your child’s letter contains urgent pleas for you to bring him/her home, resist the
temptation to rush to camp. Avoid making deals, such as Give camp one more week. If you’re still
unhappy, we’ll bring you home. It is better to support your child’s efforts to work out problems with
the help of the Director and the camp’s staff. Communicate your love and confidence in your
child’s ability to work through problems. Remind him, if necessary, that he/she has made a
commitment for the summer. Overcoming a longing for home, dealing with upsets in the cabin and
learning to care for oneself are important challenges to be faced at camp. If you sense legitimacy in
your child’s complaints, talk candidly with the Camp Director. Allow the Director and staff an
opportunity to apply their expertise in helping kids adapt to the routines of camp life. Follow up with
another call a few days later. Most adjustment difficulties can be worked through.
• It is the camp’s policy to communicate to the parents when there is a sudden alteration in your
child’s health status such as an accident or illness or when your child’s health and/or situation is
not progressing as expected. We will let you know when your child’s behavior is such as to
significantly disrupt the harmony and safety of all in camp or when a homesick condition becomes
a concern (usually lasting 2-3 days).
• West Nile Virus is known to be spread via mosquitoes. It may cause serious illness to children
and adults but the actual likelihood of infection is low. This year we are taking preventative steps to
assure the safety of your child. On site we will take measures to minimize mosquito population
and avoid known areas of mosquito at its heaviest time of occurrence. Staff will be oriented to;
notice insect bites, enforce proper dress, insect repellent application and to take other steps to
avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
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Camp Policy for Campers and the Internet:
Parents Please Review with your Child.
We have asked your parents to go over some policies we have developed about the Internet and other
important issues so that everyone has the best experience at camp as possible.
1) We view e-mail, IM and social networking sites, like Facebook.com and MySpace.com, as positive
ways for you to express yourself and keep in touch with your friends. As a camper you have the
right to exchange emails or IMs with other campers and invite other campers to be on your “friends”
list in any way that you and your parents see fit.
2) When it comes to exchanging contact with anyone on our staff, however, your parents must take
full responsibility for you to do that. This includes giving or getting an e-mail, or IM address, cell
phone number, social networking profile, weblog or any other Internet contact. We also inform our
staff on this rule during their orientation. It is not that we don’t think your relationships with your
counselors are important. They are! It’s just that, once they leave camp, we can’t take
responsibility for what happens between you and them-only your parents can. We have enclosed a
parent communication permission form which your parents must sign before a counselor can give
you any contact information or take any contact information from you. We recommend you look it
over with them so you aren’t surprised by what it says.
3) Regarding e-mails, IMs and comments you might make to other campers on their social networking
site, we ask you;
a) To keep what you say positive and respectful of staff and campers alike.
b) Not to use obscenities, vulgar or sexual language.
c) Not to say mean or threatening things to or about other campers or staff.
d) Not to post pictures online that would embarrass or violate anyone’s privacy.
e) Not to pose as another camper online or spread false information about anyone or say
damaging or threatening things to or about anyone.
f) Not to use a website, blog or e-mail to talk about things that is against camp policy, like using
drugs, alcohol, bullying or sexual things.
4) Most Internet communications is positive, and that’s great! In the rare case where there might be
any negative messages to other campers or staff, our policy is to call the parents of campers who
send those messages and share the content with them.
5) We will use any legal means available, including contacting the police and the FBI, to track the
source of any offending or threatening Internet communication if we need to.
6) Any camper who violates any of our policies regarding the Internet or other communication might
have to leave camp, might not be able to come back to camp and might even have to answer to the
police or other law enforcement authorities.
7) We want you to be safe on the Internet. If you receive a threatening e-mail, IM or message on
your personal website-one that is mocking, uses vulgar or harassing language- here is what
you should do:
a) Do not respond to the message or retaliate, because it might encourage the sender or get you
into trouble.
b) If possible, record the message onto your hard drive.
c) Print out a copy of the message, then close it but do not delete it.
d) Tell your parents about it and have them notify the local police or if necessary, contact your
Internet service provider (like Yahoo, AOL, Earthlink, G-mail, etc).
e) If you suspect that the sender is from camp, call us immediately.
f) You or your parents can also contact Pedowatch (www.pedowatch.com) or the National Center
for Missing and Exploited Children (www.nemec.org).
Camp is meant to be a fun, safe and happy place for all of us. We need your help to keep the way
people from camp communicate with one another positive and in the spirit of Lions Bear Lake Campaway that makes everyone feel safe.
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Camper-Staff Contact Information
We recognize that campers and counselors develop close, trusting relationships with one another at
camp and that these relationships are healthy, wholesome and beneficial to campers and staff alike.
We also recognize that it is natural for campers to want to keep in touch with their favorite counselors
after camp. As a camp we do not encourage or sanction the exchange of contact information between
campers and our staff, nor do we take responsibility for what may occur as a result of such contact.
Therefore, our policy is to forbid the exchange of contact information of any kind between campers and
our staff, whether paid or volunteer. If a parent or legal guardian wishes their child to exchange such
information with a camp staff member, the parent or legal guardian must sign a written form expressly
granting this permission and accepting full responsibility for whatever may occur as a result.
Parent Permission Form
As the parent or legal guardian of: _______________________________________,
(Camper’s Name)
□
I hereby grant permission for my child to exchange contact information with his/her
counselor(s). I understand that by granting this permission I as the parent or legal guardian
take full responsibility for any action, behavior or situation that may arise from any contact
online, in person or otherwise that may occur between my child and a camp staff member as
a result. I recognize fully that the camp discourages their staff from having contact with
campers after camp; that the camp does not recommend their staff as baby-sitters, Nannies
or child companions outside of camp; and that the camp does not take responsibility for the
behavior of their staff off-season. I also understand that this permission must be renewed for
each camp season.
□
I do not grant permission for my child to exchange contact information with his/her
counselor(s). I recognize that the camp discourages their staff from having contact with
campers after camp; that the camp does not recommend their staff as baby-sitters, Nannies
or child companions outside of camp; and that the camp does not take responsibility for the
behavior of their staff off-season.
_________________________________________________
(Signed by Parent/Legal Guardian)
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_________________
(Date)
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RELEASE OF CAMPERS
Parents have entrusted us with their most precious possession – their children. We must do all we can
to provide them the best care while they are our responsibility. Therefore, the following guidelines are
intended to avoid any problems on visiting days, incoming or outgoing days, etc.
1. All campers are to be released only to an authorized person. Parents/guardians must complete
and sign a form (see below) authorizing release of the camper to anyone other than the custodial
parent or legal guardian. Identification will be required for release of campers to authorized
persons.
2. Authorized persons are to be directed to the camp director to sign their camper out.
3. If a custodial parent requests that a camper not be signed out to a noncustodial parent, such a
request must be in writing.
4. When a last-minute change occurs in who will be picking up a camper, the new instructions are to
be verified with the camp director from an authorized person.
5. No camper may leave camp at any time without prior authorization from the custodial parent and
the camp director.
No-Shows/Absentees
To be sure that campers have not unexpectedly disappeared, the following procedures will be
implemented if a camper does not appear at camp when expected:
Resident Camp – Campers who are registered for resident camp sessions are expected to arrive within
the designated time frames for camps where parents are dropping off. Calls will be made to
parents/guardians and/or emergency contacts to determine if/when absent campers will be brought to
camp. No refunds will be given if camp is not notified in time to fill the slot with a camper on the waiting
list – generally within 48 hours of the designated start time.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Authorized Release of Camper
Camper: __________________________________________________ Session: ____________
I hereby authorize the following persons to pick up my child for visiting day and/or at the end of the
session:
Name: _____________________________________Relationship: _______________________
Name: _____________________________________Relationship: _______________________
Signature of Custodial Parent: ____________________________ Date signed: _____________
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P ath to Cam p 2015 Checklist
Visually I m paired & Blind Level 1 session
CAMP SESSION IS JULY 5 TO JULY 11, 2015
Several weeks before your scheduled arrival to camp, begin preparations to pack for camp.
(Make sure you have already sent us your Health Form’s)





Get refills on any medications your child will need.
Set out the items your child will need for camp. Please see below.
Label all clothing.
Plan to arrive at camp between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday July 5,
2015. Make sure you have medication with you in the original containers.
Make sure you have the following items when you arrive at camp.
o
o

Camper Release Form (if needed).
Medications in original containers.
Plan to pick up your child between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on, Saturday
July 11, 2015.
THINGS TO BRING TO CAMP
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Towels (two large and one wash cloth)
Comb or Brush
Soap, Shampoo, Deodorant (in unbreakable bottle)
Shower Sandals
Insect Repellent (at least 30% DEET)/Sunscreen
Cap or Hat to Prevent Sunburn
Laundry Bag (for dirty clothes)
Eyeglass Strap (if needed)
Flashlight
Pencil and Paper
Canteen/Water Bottle
Underwear (5 to 6 pairs)
Socks (4 to 5 pairs)
Shorts (4 to 5 pairs)
Shirts (4, include long and short sleeve, t-shirts)
Slacks/Blue jeans (1 pair)
Jacket or Sweater for Cold Evenings
Raincoat or Suitable Wet Weather Outer Wear
Shoes (2 pairs; tennis and hiking with one being
closed toe)
Swimsuit
Pajamas
Camera
Pre-Addressed, Stamped Postcards or Envelopes
BEDDING: Bring pillow, sheets, blanket or pillow and sleeping bag.
NOTE: Due to the active nature of the camping program, we suggest NOT sending your child to
camp with new or expensive clothing or electronic devices, THIS INCLUDES CELL PHONE (this
does not include hearing aid devices). The campers are provided with three nutritious meals a day
and an evening snack. We discourage sending candy and snack materials with your child to
camp. Any food that is brought to the camp will be collected by the counselors and given at
appropriate times or kept until the campers return home.
9
HOW TO GET TO LIONS BEAR LAKE CAMP:
From Detroit:
•
Take I-75 NORTH to M-24 NORTH-exit number 81- toward LAPEER.
•
From the intersection of I-69 and M-24 proceed NORTH 4.5 miles to DALEY ROAD and follow directions on
next page.
From Ann Arbor:
•
Take US-23 NORTH to I-69.
•
Take the I-69 exit- exit number 117A- toward LANSING/PORT HURON/FLINT.
•
Merge onto I-69 EAST toward FLINT/PORT HURON. (21.85 miles)
•
Take the M-24 exit- exit number 155 toward LAPEER/PONTIAC.
•
Turn LEFT onto S. LAPEER RD/M-24. Proceed NORTH on S. LAPEER RD./M-24- 4.5 miles to DALEY
ROAD and follow directions on next page.
From Kalamazoo:
•
Take I-94 EAST.
•
Take the I-69 NORTH/US-27NORTH exit- exit number 108- toward LANSING.
•
Keep left at the fork in the ramp. (.45 miles)
•
Merge onto I-69 NORTH. (115.36 miles) Note: I-69 NORTH becomes I-69 EAST north of Lansing.
•
Take the M-24 exit- exit number 155- toward LAPEER/PONTIAC.
•
Turn LEFT onto S. LAPEER RD/M-24. Proceed NORTH on S. LAPEER RD/M-24- 4.5 miles to DALEY
ROAD and follow directions on next page.
From Grand Rapids:
•
Take I-96 EAST proceed to the I-69 exit.
•
Take I-69 NORTH toward CLARE/LANSING. Note: I-69 NORTH becomes I-69 EAST. (73.7 miles)
•
Take the M-24 exit- exit number 155- toward LAPEER/PONTIAC.
•
Turn LEFT onto S. LAPEER RD/M-24. Proceed NORTH on S. LAPEER RD./M-24- 4.5 miles to DALEY
ROAD and follow directions on next page.
From the North:
•
Take I-75 SOUTH to MI-46 exit toward E. HOLLAND AVENUE.
•
Proceed on MI-46 to M-24 intersection.
•
Turn Right on to M-24 toward LAPEER.
•
Proceed to the intersection of BURNSIDE ROAD. (see next page for map)
•
Turn LEFT onto BURNSIDE ROAD and proceed to the intersection of FISH LAKE ROAD.
•
Turn RIGHT onto FISH LAKE ROAD and proceed to the intersection of KINGS MILL ROAD.
•
Turn LEFT onto KINGS MILL ROAD and proceed to the intersection of FIVE LAKES ROAD.
•
Turn RIGHT onto FIVE LAKES ROAD and go 1 mile to our entrance.
From Port Huron:
•
Take I-69 WEST.
•
Take the LAKE PLEASANT ROAD Exit- exit number 163.
•
Turn RIGHT onto SOUTH LAKE PLEASANT ROAD/CR-11 to the intersection of KINGS MILL ROAD. (9.10
miles)
•
Turn LEFT onto KINGS MILL ROAD. Proceed to the intersection of FIVE LAKES ROAD.
•
Turn LEFT onto FIVE LAKES ROAD and go 1 mile to our entrance.
10
MAP TO LIONS BEAR LAKE CAMP
Bear Lake
Camp
City of
Lapeer
To
Flint
To
Port
Huron
To Oxford
DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of I-69 and M-24 proceed North 4.5 miles to Daley Road. Turn right (East)
onto Daley Road and go 3 miles to Fish Lake Road. Turn left (North) onto Fish Lake Road and go 3.2 miles to
Kings Mill Road. Turn right (East) onto Kings Mill Road and go 1 mile to Five Lakes Road. Turn right (South) onto
Five Lakes Road (dirt road) and go 1 mile. Bear Lake Camp will be on your right with a big sign to greet you.
LIONS BEAR LAKE CAMP IS LOCATED ON FIVE LAKES ROAD ONE MILE
SOUTH OF KINGS MILL ROAD
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