Frederick County 4-H Camp 2019 Camp Handbook

Includes: Packing List (Do’s and Don’ts)

Daily Schedule Camper Forms Checklist

AND MORE!

University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation,

physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.

Welcome to the Frederick County 4-H Camp. We hope you are excited about attending camp as we are about having you. The entire camp team has been working all year to ensure this year’s camp will be an amazing experience for you, full of fun learning experiences as well as opportunities for you to build self-reliance and independence.

This handbook will give you the information needed to help your family prepare for summer camp. Please read this handbook and discuss together as a family.

If you have any questions after reading through the handbook, please feel free to reach out to us! We look forward to meeting you soon. If you will need special accommodations during camp, please contact the Frederick County 4-H Office by June 1, 2019, at 301-600-1589.

You can reach a staff person during camp by calling 301-810-5038.

Rachel Bayer Sara Arnold Camp Director, 4-H Faculty Camp Program Director, 4-H Program Assistant rjbayer@umd.edu sarnold2@umd.edu 301-600-3583 301-600-3582

Welcome to Frederick County 4-H Camp!

2019 Camp Dates:

Day Camp (Ages 8-13): July 8 – 12 Residential Camp (Ages 8-13): July 15 – 19 Clover Camp (Ages 5-7): July 24 – 26 Must be correct age by July 1, 2019

Arrival and Departure Times:

Residential Camp: Drop Off – Monday 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. NO campers accepted before this time.

Pick Up – Friday 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Late fees of $10 per half hour will be charged for campers picked up past the pick-up time.

Day and Clover Camps:

Drop Off – Daily from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. NO campers accepted before this time.

Pick-Up – Daily from 5:15 to 5:30 p.m. Late fees of $10 per half hour will be charged for campers picked up past the pick-up time.

Camp Refunds

Refunds for camp fees are as follows: • Full refunds for camp cancellations

(minus a $10 processing fee) made before April 15, 2019.

• 50% refund for camp cancellations between April 16 and May 31, 2019.

• No refunds for camp cancellations made after June 1, 2019.

Getting Ready for Camp

Campers will have the opportunity to meet people and make friends with individuals from diverse backgrounds. We encourage campers to try new things and participate fully in the program. By talking about camp ahead of time, we hope your enthusiasm and interest for camp will increase.

Here are some tips to prepare for camp:

• Go over the daily schedule and camp activities in this handbook with your camper.

• Make sure your camper can take care of his/herself (shower, brush teeth, put on sunscreen, etc.). Talk about dressing for the weather as well as keeping your things picked up, making your bed, etc.

• Problem solve how to effectively deal with a variety of situations by asking “what if” questions. What if you don’t get along with another child? What if you don’t feel well? Brainstorm solutions and make sure your child knows who to go to with any issues they have.

• Discuss homesickness and how they can go to camp staff for help – our staff is trained to help campers go through their ups and downs while being away from home!

• Communicate with the camp directors. Let us know if there are any special circumstances or sensitivities regarding your camper’s well-being or behavior on the Health Form (pg 3).

• Prepare yourself for your child being away at camp. Your child will have an amazing experience and a ton of fun, making friends that will last a lifetime.

(Source: Sprout, 2017)

Camp Orientation

Join us for camp orientation in June (date and time sent to registered camers). We’ll tour the camp center, describe our daily schedule and activities, and answer your questions!

Let’s Pack for Camp!

Packing Checklist: Pack with your child so that you are both aware of what is being sent to camp. Please write your name on all your items in permanent marker to prevent being lost or mistaken for another camper’s item! NEW THIS YEAR: WATER BOTTLE (DAY

CAMP ONLY) Sheets/blankets for a twin size bed or a

sleeping bag that opens fully and a pillow

Shower Towels/washcloths*** Soap/Shampoo*** Toothbrush/Toothpaste*** Shower Shoes (in cabin use only)*** Personal hygiene articles (ex:

deodorant) Swim Suit that covers midriff for girls (2

for residential if possible) Swim Towels (2 for residential if possible) Comfortable hiking shoes Sneakers (pair for wet, pair for dry if

possible)*** Shorts/slacks/jeans (total of 5 pairs)*** T-shirts/ shirts (total of 5 pairs)*** Sweatshirt/sweater/light jacket Socks and underwear (at least 6

pairs)*** Pajamas/sleeping gear*** Comb/Brush*** Insect spray (labeled with name on tape) Sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher (labeled with

name on tape) Book for free time Caddy for toiletries*** Sunglasses and/or hat ***For Residential Camp Only

Prohibited Items: DO NOT BRING

If brought to camp, these items will be removed from the camper and appropriate actions taken (see the Maryland 4-H Youth Code of Conduct).

Clothing which shows alcohol, tobacco, or any illegal substance or any type of obscene language.

Open toed shoes (except for showering) Money Finger Nail Polish Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products Matches, lighters, fireworks Any items considered to be controlled substances (alcohol, illegal drugs)

Food, snacks, gum, candy, etc. Weapons including pocket knives, folding knives, sheath knives, hatchets

Water guns Any type of electronic device including hand-held video games, personal stereos (CD players, MP3 players, iPods’, etc), cell phones, cameras, hair dryers, curling/flat irons

Expensive jewelry Nail Polish Electric Fans Animals (the living kind – stuffed are ok for quiet time)

Toys, including fidget spinners Any item of high importance or of personal value.

Arrival Instructions

You will go through the following upon arriving at camp. Please note that registration will not begin until the scheduled time of 8:00 a.m.

Registration

• Station 1: check-in will make sure that all the paperwork on your camper is in order. We will ask each person who will be picking up their campers. If your plans change throughout the week, you must notify us. We will not release your child if the arrangements are not confirmed and cleared.

• Station 2: check ALL medications with the nurse and review any condition or special instruction that you may have. If the cabin staff must be alerted to certain conditions, we will ask for your permission to do so. This station will be set apart from others and we ask that you allow the persons in front of you time before you move on. ALL bug spray and sunscreen should be labeled and left with the nurse (use tape). Campers will not be permitted to borrow other campers bug spray or sunscreen.

Find a bunk

• Both day and residential campers will need a bunk for the week. You may go to the cabins to find your bunk. Bunks are first come first serve. You may save one bunk for a friend.

Report to Main Lodge

• After checking in all stations and finding a bunk, bring your campers back to the main lodge. They are to report to their pre-assigned groups. Parents may stay for the camper’s orientation or you can say your goodbyes quickly and quietly dismiss yourself from the main lodge.

A Day in the Life at Camp

Sample Residential Camp Daily Schedule 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. Arrive at Camp 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. Group Meetings and Crafts 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Flag Raising and Songs 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Activity Session 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Activity Session 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Cabins to Change Clothes 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Swimming & Sports 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Cabins to Change Clothes 3:00 – 3:50 p.m. Activity Session 4:00 – 4:50 p.m. Activity Session 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. Dinner 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Activity Session 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. Evening Program 10:00 – 10:30 p.m. Cabins – Goodnight! *Schedule varies on Friday due to pick up at 3:30

Sample Day Camp Daily Schedule 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. Arrive at Camp 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. Group Meetings and Crafts 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Flag Raising and Songs 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Activity Session 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Activity Session 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Cabins to Change Clothes 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Swimming & Sports 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Cabins to Change Clothes 3:00 – 3:50 p.m. Activity Session 4:00 – 4:50 p.m. Activity Session 5:00 – 5:15 p.m. Flag Lowering 5:15 – 5:30 p.m. Pick Up Campers

Duties All campers, counselors, and staff share in clean up at residential and day camp. This includes kitchen patrol, the cabins, bathrooms, grounds, etc. We take pride in the camp and do not litter. We are only temporary occupants of the Frederick 4-H Camp Center and aim to leave it cleaner than we found it. Cleaning up messes, even those that aren’t yours, is everyone’s responsibility!

Sample Weekly Activities Arts & Crafts Cooking/Canning Archery/Shooting Sports Outdoor Adventures Swimming Sports Photography Robotics/Rockets

Frederick County Camp Rules

Parents or guardians should read over these FREDERICK COUNTY 4-H CAMP RULES with the campers before camp to be sure that the campers understand the standards of behavior that each camper is expected to follow while at the Frederick County 4-H Camp. These rules are established to ensure the safety of the campers and to promote all aspects of a successful camp experience for everyone. Serious or intentional infractions of the rules, particularly in terms of camper safety, may result in campers being sent home early or not being invited back to camp in the future.

• Campers are not permitted to leave the camp grounds. Once leaving the camp grounds, no one is allowed to return prior to the assigned pick-up times unless previously approved by 4-H faculty or designee and signed permission from the parent/guardian is received.

• Valuables, including jewelry, money, cameras, electronics, cell phones, etc. should NOT be brought to camp. Water guns, silly string, personal sports equipment, and live animals are NOT permitted. Please review the prohibited items in this handbook for a complete list of items that should not be brought to camp.

• Running, except when participating in scheduled activities is not permitted. • Closed toe shoes or boots must be worn at all times out-of-doors; Flip-Flops or Crocs are

permitted to be worn at the Bathroom Showers and Swimming areas only. • Beds must be made in the morning and cabins are to be kept in order. • Girl’s swimsuits must cover their midriff; stomachs cannot be exposed. A t-shirt can be worn over

a swimsuit if needed or desired. • Campers and Counselors are to clear their table area once finished eating. Everyone must show

good table manners at all times. • Please do not throw litter in the camp area, in fact please pick it up and properly dispose of it.

Trash should be placed in trash cans; please do not damage any of the buildings, trees, shrubs, etc. • Illegal items and/or substances (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, fireworks, drugs, weapons, etc) are not

permitted on the camp grounds. If a 4-H Faculty member or designee has reason to believe a person has an illegal item or substance, the 4-H program has the right to inspect or search an individual’s possessions in the individual’s presence. Any item or substance will be confiscated and, as required by law, law enforcement personnel notified.

• The wearing of clothing, including hats, with literal or figurative references to or depictions of illegal activities, substances, sexual activities, or discrimination statements is prohibited.

• Visitors are permitted in camp only upon approval of the Camp Director in advance of the visit. • Any damage to camp facilitates or equipment or to personal property must be reported

immediately to a staff member. Attendees will be charged the cost for any physical damage to the camp facility he/she maliciously causes.

• Motor vehicles will not be used except in emergency transport or as directed by adult staff. • Causing physical harm to or endangering the life or safety of oneself or others, theft of property,

involvement in sexual relations, activities of harassment, immoral or indecent conduct, failure to comply with appropriate instructions, interference with or disruption of activity or programs,

failure to comply with direction of staff in performance of their duties, and inappropriate disclosure of confidential information is strictly prohibited.

• Following camp, lost and found will be held in the Extension Office, 330 Montevue Lane, Frederick, for 30 days following the end of each camp session. Items remaining will be given to charity or retained for program use.

• Camp is operated under the standards of the MD 4-H Code of Conduct, these rules, and all prevailing laws and regulations. Participants may be sent home prior to the end of camp in situations of breaking the rules of camp, extreme misbehavior, and/or illness/injury at the discretion of the 4-H faculty or designee. Parent/guardian will be responsible for timely transportation home in the event of dismissal for cause. There will be no refund issued of camp fees for campers dismissed from camp for cause.

(Sources: Rein, 2017 and Petkovsek, 2017)

Pool Rules

The Lifeguards at the pool will enforce the rules below, as well as other rules posted at the pool. These are for your safety, so please cooperate with them. The Rules, as listed below, should not be considered an exhaustive list. They will, however, give you a good idea of the conduct that is expected at the pool.

1. No one may enter the pool area without a lifeguard present. 2. All persons must use the facility in conformity with all rules and regulations. Any person may be

barred from the pool area for violation of rules and regulations at the discretion of attendant(s)/lifeguard(s) in charge.

3. Disrespect for the authority of the LIFEGUARD will not be tolerated. 4. No more than 40 campers and staff are permitted in the pool at any one time. 5. Camp staff are required to stay with their campers in the pool area. 6. Admission can be refused to anyone with skin abrasions, colds, coughs, inflamed eye infections or

wearing bandages. 7. No food or beverages may be brought in the pool deck area. 8. All swimmers are required to quickly shower in the pool house before entering the pool. This is to

remove sweat, dirt, etc. to maintain cleanliness in the pool. 9. Running, rough play, and conduct not conducive to safety are prohibited in the pool and pool area. 10. All campers will be tested at the beginning of camp to determine if they can swim in the deep

end. Campers who cannot swim the length of the pool will be required to wear a bracelet during camp, and will only be permitted to swim in the shallow end in the pool (up to 5 ft).

11. At the first sound of thunder or observed lightning, the pool will be evacuated and all participants will return to their cabins or the lodge. The pool will remain closed thirty (30) minutes after the last sound of thunder.

12. No diving will be permitted except at the middle of the 10 feet section, and only with permission and supervision of a lifeguard.

13. Flotation devices are not permitted unless part of a class activity (however non-swimmers may bring a life jacket.

Cabin Life

Each camper is housed in a cabin arranged for 25 people. Each cabin side has 10 bunk beds, multiple dressers, and around 4 single beds (only to be used by counselors or staff). Several counselors and at least one adult staff are assigned to each cabin. All cabin assignments are made before camp begins and are permanent. Alarm clocks are not needed for residential camp. Someone will see to it that everyone is up in the morning.

Food should not be brought into the cabins as it attracts wildlife!

Boys are not allowed in the girls’ cabins and girls are not allowed in the boys’ cabins.

During residential camp, lights out means quiet! Bathrooms and showers are located in the cabin and there is no need to be out of the cabin after curfew. Counselors and staff are in the cabin if a problem occurs.

Cabins are inspected daily. Each camper is responsible for the neatness and cleanliness of their area.

(Source: Petkovsek 2017)

Dining Hall/Snacks

All meals and snacks are provided. If you are on a special diet, complete details must be provided on your health form. If food allergies are a problem, they also must be specified on the health form. If special foods are required, contact the Extension Office prior to camp. Food should not be kept in your cabin. NO outside food is allowed at camp. Outside food will be confiscated and returned to camper at the end of the week.

Meals are served buffet style and seconds are almost always available. Everyone is expected to use good table manners. We encourage everyone to try all foods. Take a small portion if you are not certain about liking something. Please only take what you will eat. Everyone must eat something at every meal (bread and butter is always available).

(Source: Petkovsek 2017)

Camp Organization and Groups

The 4-H camp uses different themes for the week as the organizational structure. Camp is led by staff and each group is led by a team of counselors. The groups range in size from 15 to 20, with approximately 5 counselors and 2 staff. All are here to help all campers enjoy camp.

To help our campers meet new friends at Frederick County 4-H Camp, they participate in classes and activities as a small unit we call ‘Groups’. All campers are assigned to two different groups. The first, named for the bodies of water in our region, including Monocacy, Catoctin, Potomac, Chesapeake, etc, are used during competitions and the campfire and include all ages. The second group they are assigned to is their animal group. Animal groups are arranged by age and are used when rotating through classes. This group structure allows campers to meet a variety of other campers. Each camper is assigned to both groups before camp begins. It is not possible to change group assignments once they have been made. All groups are designed to be fun and active! All campers are expected to follow the daily schedule and participate in all activities.

All campers will participate in the same classes and rotate through the classes with their groups. Campers will enjoy exploring cooking, outdoor recreation, agriculture and crafts. Each day will present a new activity related to that project area. It is a great way to learn about 4-H Projects and learn through hands-on experiences.

The swimming pool, fields, and woods are off-limits except during scheduled activities.

General Notes

Please make sure to pack comfortable and casual clothing. Dirt, dust, and sweat abound at camp. Bring an extra pair of sneakers if possible. Open-toed shoes are not permitted except for in the shower and on the way to and from the pool.

Campers will be provided a name tag with their group names that is to be worn at all times. This helps campers to get to know one another and the staff to get to know the campers. Everyone is required to wear his or her name tag, and name tags should be left at camp overnight (for day campers).

A box will be marked for lost and found items and may be checked daily. Any lost property should also be reported to camp staff or counselors.

Each camper is encouraged to see an adult immediately if they have a problem or question. The job of our counselors and staff is to see that each camper has a safe and enjoyable time!

Frederick County 4-H Camp, as a University of Maryland Extension Program, is open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression. (Source: Petkovsek 2017)

Dealing with Homesickness

Most campers are too busy having fun at camp to get homesick. Though, for first time campers it’s not unusual. Frederick County 4-H Camp staff members are trained to be sympathetic and helpful to campers who seem to have difficulty adjusting. We strongly discourage campers from talking with parents when homesickness first occurs, as this typically makes the feelings worse. Typically the counselor is the first person to notice the camper who is homesick. The counselors will spend time with this camper, encouraging and reassuring them. If they continue to have symptoms of homesickness, the counselor will report the homesickness to the Camp Program Director. If symptoms do continue throughout the day: The Camp Director, or Camp Program Director, will call the parent/guardian with the camper NOT present to explain the situation. We will work together with the parents to determine if the camper should remain or go home. Unfortunately, there will be no refunds for campers who leave early due to homesickness.

(Source: Sprout, 2017)

Suggestions to prevent severe homesickness:

• Never bribe or coerce an unwilling child to go to camp. • Emphasize that your child is “going to camp,” rather than you are

“sending your child to camp.” • Avoid statements like, “I’m really going to miss you,” which may make

your child feel badly about going away. • Speak directly and honestly about homesickness. Make it clear that this

is a normal feeling. Then discuss coping strategies that your child can use when he/she gets homesick. Also, suggest they can speak to their counselor about it.

• Please don’t say, “If you don’t like camp, you can come home.” When children hear this they are less likely to give camp a fair chance.

• Write to your child at camp. You may want to mail the first letter 2 days before your child departs for camp so that it arrives on their first day.

• In your letters to your camper, be careful NOT to emphasize all the fun that’s happening at home and how much you miss them. Instead, ask the camper all about camp. Get them to share the happy memories they are making!

Health and Safety Guidelines

Please review the following health and safety guidelines:

Personal Grooming (residential camp only): Campers are expected to wash their face and hands and brush their teeth twice a day and to shower and change clothing daily. Showers are open in the morning before breakfast and in the evening before lights out.

Medications: All medications (including over-the-counter drugs signed off by a doctor, earplugs, sunscreen, etc.) must be given to the Health Care Provider upon arrival at camp at station 2. All must be in original containers labeled with the individual’s name. Dosage cups are helpful. Everything should be in plastic “Ziploc” bags with name written on medication and outside of bag. Medication must be included in the Health Statement. Health Information Update must be turned in at check-in. Frequently used over-the-counter medications (i.e. Tylenol, Advil, Midol, etc.) are available from the camp nurse. If a camper needs medical supplies available for emergency use (inhalers, Epipen), arrangements will be made by the camp nurse.

Sunscreen: The nurse keeps all sunscreen products, but everyone is responsible for applying their own unless noted on their sunscreen application form. Sunscreen will be applied in the morning, prior to swimming, and following swimming in the afternoon. Wearing a hat is encouraged for even more protection from the sun. Precautions are taken to avoid over exposure to the midday heat and sun.

Camper Accidents/Emergencies: Telephone contact is established with parents/guardians in an emergency. The camp director and/or health care manager or other appropriate staff member will use health forms to obtain contact information as well as designated alternate contacts if the parent/guardian cannot be reached. The general camp practice is to contact parents/guardians when there is concern about a camper’s health and/or when a situation is not progressing as expected. It is our policy that if deemed necessary, your child will be transported to Frederick Memorial Hospital by the Jefferson Fire Company. Please make sure that the emergency contact number and person are current and will be available during the time your child is at the camp. The emergency number that you can reach us at the Camp Center is 301-810-5038. Please keep this number with you while your child is at camp. If you have any questions prior to camp, please contact Lisa Strong at 301-600-1595.

Campers not following safety rules may be restricted from participating in activities. Refusal to follow rules or directions of camp staff may result in immediate dismissal.

(Source: Petkovsek 2017)

Internet Policy

We view e-mail, texts and social networking sites, like Facebook and Instagram, as positive ways for you to express yourself and keep in touch with your friends. As a camper you have the right to exchange e-mails or texts with other campers and invite other campers to be on your “friends” list in any way that you and your parents see fit.

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 address, cell phone number, social networking profile, weblog or any other Internet contact. (We tell this to the staff during orientation). It’s not that we don’t think your relationships with your teen leaders 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. If your family is interested in making contact after camp with a staff member, your parent must contact our office for permission at 301-600-1589.

Regarding e-mails, texts and comments you might make to other campers on their social networking site, we ask you:

• to keep what you say positive and respectful of staff and campers alike; • use language free of obscenities, vulgar or sexual language; • use language that is free from mean or threatening things to or about other campers or

staff; • do not to post pictures online that would embarrass or violate anyone’s privacy; • only represent yourself online with honesty and integrity. Refraining from spreading of

false or hurtful information towards others; • use websites or blogs or e-mails to talk about things that would be in support of camp

ideals and in the motto of mutual respect.

Most Internet communication 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.

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.

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.

Getting to Camp

The Frederick County 4-H Camp is held at the Frederick County 4-H Camp Center. Address: 3702 Basford Rd. Frederick, MD 21703 From Rt. 70 to Frederick, exit 70 at Rt. 340 West towards Harpers Ferry. ***Go approximately 6 miles on Rt. 340 and exit at Rt. 15 South towards Leesburg. Go approximately .2 miles on Rt. 15 South to Mountville Rd. Turn right on Mountville Rd. and make your first left onto Basford Rd. The 4-H Camp Center entrance is .7 of a mile on the right.

From Washington, D.C. and suburban Maryland. Take Rt. 270 North to the 340 West exit at Frederick (towards Harpers Ferry). Follow above from***

For specific directions from your location, we recommend using google maps.

References

Sprout, E. and Sprout, S. 2017. Parent/Camper Handbook: Welcome to Cecil County 4-H Summer Camp at the Rocks. Cecil County 4-H Camp. Rein, C. 2017. Camp Rules and What to Bring. Howard County 4-H Camp. Petkovsek, A. 2017. Camp Handbook. Carroll County 4-H Camp.