Jane Says…

Welcome to my “Jane Says” blog… it’s like “Dear Abby”, but Camp George style. And stay tuned for next week’s blogs where I’ll be covering how to pack for camp and where to buy camp supplies and how our staff deal with homesick campers.

Until then- 16 days and counting,

- Jane HK

Dear Jane,

My child tends to be forgetful, what happens if my child forgot something  (example; toiletries, flashlight etc.) at home?

Sincerely,

A panicked packer

Jane Says:

Happy to be at camp! First session 2011

Have no fear, all our staff understand the reality of forgetful campers! Our awesome camp staff help our campers to unpack their bags, and take note of anything that’s missing! If it’s a toiletry item, like a toothbrush,  we make sure to get that to them A.S.A.P – from our camp Mir Pa’ah (Infirmary). For other items like flashlights, campers can share with their cabin mates. Our bunk staff and unit heads work together to make sure every camper has just what they need!

Dear Jane,

My child doesn’t have any close friends going to camp. How will we know what bus they will be on/ who they will be with?

Sincerely,

Hoping for a bus buddy

Jane Says:

Campers on the ride up to camp 2011

We know that camp begins as soon as the buses pull away and for that reason– our bus staff make sure to pair up campers on the bus! They also spend lots of time getting to know the campers on the bus, and helping the campers to meet each other. 

A few days before the session begins, you will receive an email informing you what bus your child will be on, and it will also tell you who else will be on the bus, for example you may find out you’re your child is on Bus 1 which is for boys and girls finishing grades two and three. Generally, the buses are divided by age and gender, but it does vary year to year.

Personally, I have always loved the excitement of the bus ride up to camp! As a staff member, it’s great to watch campers meet new friends and of course nothing can beat the excitement of pulling into camp and being greeted by cheering camp staff!  

Dear Jane,

My child has never been on a long bus ride before, what should I send my child with for the bus ride to camp?

Sincerely,

A nervous traveler

Jane Says:

Awaiting the arrival of their campers! First Session 2011

We recommend you send a back-pack with magazines, a book and a bottle of water.  This will give your child(ren) something to do—and potentially something to discuss with the friend in the next seat.  Who knows…a shared love of Archie Comics could spark a brand new friendship!

Please don’t pack snacks for your child(ren).  Due to allergies- we could accidentally injure a fellow friend.  The bus staff will serve a typical camp snack—fruit!!

If your child(ren) is prone to being car sick- please give them something to help them have a ride where they can enjoy making friends.  Please inform the staff so we can check on them.  And don’t worry…we pack supplies to clean up just in case!

Dear Jane,

I have two children going to camp this summer. I am wondering, can siblings keep track of each other on the first day? And when do they have time to get together?

Sincerely,

Sibling bonding enthusiast

Jane Says:

Camp is the perfect place for sibling bonding! Having gone to camp with my own siblings for many years, I can tell you that camp creates a wonderful environment for siblings to get along , have shared experiences, AND have space to be on their own – what could be better?!?!

On the first night of camp- at dinner- the whole camp community comes together. Although campers sit by cabin group, this is a chance for siblings to check in with one another.

Siblings will see each other on a daily basis, but our formal time for sibling/ family bonding is on Shabbat.  Every Saturday we have what we call “ Brother Sister Lunch” where campers get to choose who they sit with – it’s a great time to catch up with siblings, cousins and friends in other cabins!

Dear Jane,

How do we know that my child has arrived safely at camp and is doing ok?

Sincerely,

Wanting an update

Jane Says:

The whole cabin is finally together! Opening day 2011

We’re so glad you asked! Thanks to the magic of technology we are able to immediately share this information with you! As soon as our buses arrive at camp, we will be posting on Facebook and Twitter which bus has arrived – so be sure to go online! 

   All families will receive an email from camp within the first 24 hours telling you what cabin your child(ren) is in, so that you can include this when addressing your mail to them.  And of course campers get right into the swing of letter writing – so keep your eyes peeled on those mail boxes and fax machines for letters written within the first few days of camp! If you would like a more specific update, you are welcome to call us at camp and your child’s unit head will be more than happy to get back to you!

For our new campers in Grades 2-5, parents/ guardians will receive an opening night phone call from the camp letting you know how your child is doing.