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Following are some questions frequently asked by parents:
Q. What training do counselors receive?
A. Counselors are college students or professionals in the areas
of medical, special education, recreation, or related fields. Staff spend one
week in training, learning about daily living in camp, emergency
procedures, behavior management, child abuse prevention, program
activities, and characteristics of specific disabilities. All are
trained in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR.
Q. What are the ages of the counselors?
A. All counseling staff are 18 years of age or older.
Counselors-in-training are at least 15 years of age.
Q. What if my child is on medication?
A. All medications should be brought to camp in original
bottles or packaging, with the dosage instructions attached. The
camp nurse will collect, document, and dispense all medications
during the child’s stay at camp. All medication bottles should be put into
a large zip-lock bag with your child's name.
Q. Are all of the activities structured, or will my child have time to just have fun and
play with other children?
A. While all activities are planned and have a degree of
structure, there is time for casual interaction with other campers
or staff. Activities take place in small and large groups. Fun is a
primary component of the Dream Oaks Camp mission.
Q. Are campers in a group with a counselor all day, or are
they free to go to activities by themselves?
A. Campers are always accompanied by two or more counselors or
CITs.
Q. How are
behavioral and disciplinary issues handled?
A. Staff are trained to provide positive reinforcement and
role modeling, as well as encouragement of a sense of fair play.
Behavioral management guidelines and camp rules regarding safety are
followed at all times. On occasion, a short, “time-out” is enough to
modify inappropriate behavior. Parents or guardians sign a Camper
Code of Conduct prior to the child attending camp.
Q. Where will
my child sleep?
A. Campers sleep in their own bed – a top or bottom bunk – in a room
with 4 or 5 other campers and staff. Cabins have bathrooms, are air
conditioned, and have a common activity room.
Q. What kind
of meals are served?
A. All meals are provided during the camper’s stay. Family-style
meals and snacks are nutritious and well-balanced.
Q. Can
parents come to camp to visit during the session?
A. It is not advisable for parents to come to camp during a
session. There are special programs such as the Talent and Slide
Show at the conclusion of the camp session that provide
opportunities for parents to share in the child’s camp experience.
Families can visit camp during off-season visits or at the Open
House events. Parents, if concerned about their child, may contact
the camp office by telephone.
Q. If my
child is not enjoying camp, is homesick, or is not adjusting to the
experience, can he/she come home?
A. Every effort will be made to encourage the child to remain at
camp. Parents will be consulted prior to any recommendation to have
a child go home.
Q. Can I talk
with the Camp Director or Nurse about my child?
A. Please contact the camp staff at any time that you have a
concern about your child.
Q. What should I pack?
A. A packing list will be sent with the confirmation packet
for your child’s camp event. Include a favorite stuffed animal or
toy so that your child has something familiar for reassurance. Do
not send radios, cell phones or portable stereos. Names should be written with permanent
marker on all items brought to camp. Any belongings that are not marked and
left at camp will be donated to a charity if not claimed within 2 weeks.
Q. What is a
good age to send my child to camp?
A. Every child is different and will adjust to the camp based on
their past experiences. Generally, younger children can adapt well
to the day or weekend events. As they gain confidence and a sense of
security, children will adjust to longer, overnight stays.
Helpful Tips:
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Do not tell you child you will "rescue" him/her from camp if he/she doesn't like it.
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Discuss what camp will be like well before your child arrives, acknowledging his/her feelings.
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Send a letter to your child before camp begins so he/she will have a letter waiting for his/her arrival. Please address the mail to: Dream Oaks Camp, 16110 Dream Oaks Place, Bradenton, FL 34212, ATTN: Child's name.
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Allow your child to pack a favorite stuffed animal or picture so that your child will have a reminder of home.
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Support your child's efforts to work out the problems with the help of the camp staff.
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Encourage your child's independence throughout the year. Practice separations, such as sleepovers at a friend's house, can simulate the camp environment.
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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.
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Discuss all of the different activities in which the camper will be involved and encourage participation.
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