Summer Camp Resources
- Packing Lists
- Pick-Up Authorization Form
- Registration information page
- Campwise (online registration service)
Health Profiles
Due 2 weeks prior to the start of the camper’s session
A FULLY COMPLETED Health Profile is an absolute requirement for every camper, including adults. The Health Profile does not require a physical exam, but must include current medical information, immunization dates, details about medication and an authorization for treatment. Complete Health Profiles ONLINE! Parent/Guardian signature is required.
Family Share of the Camp Fee
Due 2 weeks prior to the start of the camper’s session
Some churches and organizations pay a portion of the camp fee. The part of the fee to be paid by the family (Family Share) is the amount due a minimum of two weeks prior to the camp session. Early payments are welcome.
Medications
We stock a number of over-the-counter medications, so it is not necessary to send these items. A list of stock medications can be found on the Health Profile.
Be sure to fully complete the medication sections of the Health Profile in detail. ALL medications brought to camp must be in ORIGINAL PACKAGING or PRESCRIPTION CONTAINER. Prescription containers must include the camper’s name, dosage, frequency, and times of administration. All medications, including ibuprofen, vitamins, etc., must be turned in to the Health Care Staff when checking in on the first day of camp. Medications are administered regularly at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack/bedtime and irregularly as needed.
Do not pre-pull medication or pack it in the camper’s luggage. Put all medications in a gallon-sized zip-lock bag labeled with the camper’s full name.
Exceptions are granted for emergency medications, rescue inhalers, etc under certain circumstances – even if you anticipate this exception to be made for your camper, please arrive prepared to submit medications for inspection at the healthcare check-in station.
Camper Accommodations
If your camper requires special accommodations for a successful camp experience, please contact DuBois Center a minimum of three weeks in advance of the first day of your camper’s session. This allows time for us to strategize together.
We make every effort to serve campers with special needs who are within the scope of our training and staffing capabilities. Because we are a “general” camp, as opposed to a “specialized” camp, we do not have the benefit of extra staff to serve as accommodation specialists or one-on-one chaperones.
Within our cabin and activity groups, we maintain a minimum of one leader per six younger campers, and one leader for each seven or eight older campers. To have a successful summer camp experience at DuBois Center, campers must be able to function within this type of staffing structure.
The sooner we have information about the circumstances, the better able we are to provide appropriate support.
Camper Mail
Campers love to receive mail. Please send cheerful, upbeat notes. Avoid mentioning how much you miss your child. Statements like this can cause worries and amplify some of the challenges of being away at camp. Try rephrasing “we can’t wait for you to come home” into “we’re looking forward to hearing all about your time at camp!” It is tempting to send notes for every day of camp – or more! This can be tough on campers who receive little or no mail. One or two letters through a week is usually more than enough. Camper mail can be cards or letters in a sealed envelope, and a sheet of paper folded in thirds and firmly taped shut is also acceptable. Please address your camper mail clearly with the camper’s name and session name.
- Please address your camper mail clearly with the camper’s name AND session name.
- Letters may be left at the “Mail Station” while checking in on the first day of camp. You will have the chance to place your letter in a box for delivery at lunchtime on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Mail for campers not deposited during check-in may not be delivered. We cannot guarantee delivery of camper mail sent through other methods.
PLEASE – NO CARE PACKAGES!
Packages from home are intended to be symbols of love. For DuBois Center they create problems. Eating and storing food in the cabins and cottages attracts insects and critters. In addition, campers not receiving such treats can feel left out. Please send letters instead. If packages are sent, in most cases, they will be held until the end of the session and sent home with the camper. Do not include food, candy, money, or glitter in any camper mail.
LETTERS HOME
Don’t be alarmed if letters home are brief and sporadic or don’t arrive at all – campers are busy while at camp, and it is unlikely a letter mailed during their week at camp will make it to you before they are back home. You are more likely to receive mail from your camper if you pack pre-addressed, stamped postcards or envelopes.
Many campers feel more comfortable writing, drawing or pasting scraps into a journal or notebook rather than feeling pressured during rest/bedtime to complete and submit an entire letter or postcard. Sending along a small blank notebook with a marker set and a roll of scotch tape can result in a charming and unique camp memento you can review together – and add to through the years!
