camp cahito parent guide book 2014

2015Day Camp Guide

www.campfiresd.org 619-291-8985

Registration Process 2Our Promise & What is Camp Fire 3Camp Fire Experience 4ACA Accredidation 5Family Meet & Greets 6 Important Times & Dates 7Parent Letter 8Staff Bios 9Types of Camp Offered 10 & 11Facility Location 12Camp Policies 13Camp Sessions by Date 14Detailed Camp Listing 15-19Overnight Camp Listing 20Discovery & Horizon Camp 21Dash/CIT Training Information 22Dash/CIT Placement Information 23Questions & Answers 24-29Tips for Preschoolers 30

Table of Contents

Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo uses a Fast and Easy Online Registration System for all our Camp Programs, making signing up for camp a breeze and Eco Friendly. So sign up today, just click on the link below or copy and paste it into your internet browser https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/Form.aspx?IDTD=4307595&RF=3709104&mode=0

Fast & Easy Online Registration


What is Camp Fire

At Camp Fire, we Light the fire withinCamp Fire was created to guide young people on their journey to self-dis-covery. Camp Fire helps youth dig deep inside and discover their “sparks,” their personally defined nuggets of potential.

The founders of Camp Fire felt strongly that young people need experiences that teach them to care for themselves, their environment, and the people around them.

Our Promise

Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. In Camp Fire, it begins now. Light the fire within


The Camp Fire Experience

Discover your spark.Do you want to discover yourself? Do you want to make an impact?With Camp Fire, you can.At Camp Fire, staff, volunteers, and people like you are exceptional role models. Our programs encourage you to discover your passion—your spark. Inclusiveness.Camp Fire is open to everyone.The uniqueness of every individual and family is embraced and celebrated every day.At Camp Fire, you will build lasting relationships with people of all ages and back-grounds.

Participant Driven.Camp Fire is led by youth.Camp Fire is about creating new opportunities for you. As you work with others you gain self-confidence, lift your voice, and become a better citizen.

It happens now.Camp Fire helps you develop skills, now. Together we build a strong foundation which empowers you to take initiative today.


Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo is proudly accredited by the American Camp Association. “Camp provides children with a community of caring adults, who

nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the

outcomes: self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect; build personal competencies. These personal competencies

are reflected in the four “C’s” of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character! For years, campers’ parents have reported that when

their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right and

are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that will help build a successful nation and a civil society.” (ACA Publications)

ACA Accreditiation


TBDCome by our location in Balboa Park on April 5th drop by anytime between 12:00pm to 6:00pm and become familiar with our facility. Koa and Staff will be at the facility for On-site registration, tours, and to answer all questions you might have.

Family Meet & Greet

TBD (check website for info)

New and Returning Camper Families pack a picnic and enjoy a day at Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo, come see what makes us so great on Saturday, May 25th between 11:00am to 2:00pm. Koa and Staff will be at the facility for On-site registration, tours, and to answer all questions you might have. There will also be a special arts & crafts project for your campers to enjoy.

Family Meet & Greet Picnic

Family Sunday Funday - Perfect for 3-6 yr old campers & families

TBD Join us at Camp CaHiTo for a Little Stars Extravaganza, May 18th from 11:00am-1:00pm. Starting with Story time at the main stage, we will then move on to a Nature Scavenger Hunt in Mini Forts and end with a take home craft. This is a wonderful opportunity for your young ones to experience Camp CaHiTo before the summer. Don’t miss out on all the fun and family time.

Pricing: $15.00 for one parent and one child. (For children 3-6 years old) Camp Fire Annual Membership Required for each child


Important Times 6:00a.m. Morning care drop off begins 8:00a.m. Camp Counselors arrive 8:30a.m. Campers begin to be dropped off 9:00a.m. Camp begins 10:30a.m. Snack time provided by Camp 12:00p.m. Lunch time 3:00p.m Camper Pick up begins 3:30p.m After care begins 6:00p.m. Camp Closes

Important Times & Dates


Dear Parents,

We are very happy that your child will be joining us at Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo. We have an outstanding staff team, and amazing programming that is sure to make this summer an unforgettable one for your campers.

Our staff team goes through a rigorous screening and selection process with interviews, reference checks and fingerprinting. All of our staff are required to go through a training program, including First Aide, Child Abuse Prevention and inclusion. Please be aware that we are located at 3101 Balboa Drive on the west side of Balboa Park. The official day camp hours are 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Drop off begins at 8:30 am and pick up needs to be by 3:30 pm. Campers must be signed in and out by a parent/guardian or other adults listed in the camper packet or specified in writing. The camp gate will be closed to all vehicle traffic at all times. Parking is limited to on the street. A sign in table will be stationed within the gates on the right hand side. You must come in to camp to sign in and out your camper. Please be ready to show identification, this is for the safety of your campers. For extended hours, camp is open at 6:00 am and will close promptly at 6:00 pm. There is a fee schedule for this program, please see registration packet for details. A snack will be provided during the pm extended hours.

We are dedicated to running a safe, high quality program that serves over 6,000 children each year. We continue to be American Camp Association accredited. This symbol of achievement represent our adherence to high quality standards and an assurance of our commitment to the safety of your children.

We hope to provide an amazing experience for your camper whether they be a returning camper or attending for the first time. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon.

Jewels

Julie PettyExecutive Director Camp Fire San [email protected] 619-291-8985

Parent Letter


Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo takes pride in quality, well trained and ethical staff.

Julie Petty aka JewelsExecutive [email protected] is a San Diego native who grew up in the Camp Fire San Diego program, she has been involved with Camp Fire for over fifteen years. She was Director of Marketing & Outdoor Education for Camp Fire San Diego from 2006-2012 and appointed as Executive Director in Fall 2012. She strongly believes in Camp Fire’s promise to help young people shape the world, by providing the opportunity for youth to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are.

Kamarra Chamberlain aka KoaClub Program and Outdoor Education [email protected] is a San Diego native who grew up out in nature on the stage! She has worked with both the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Shows, Education and Camps. She loves all things outdoors but is a water baby at heart. You can find her paddling with the US First Place Champions San Diego Outrigger Canoe Club. Koa is extremely happy to be a part of the Camp Fire family and if you’re looking for her just listen for a loud laugh!

Our Staff

Jewels

Koa


Half-Day Camps (Campers ages 3 - 5) If your 3-5 year old is potty-trained but not quite ready for the full day camp experience, these camps are for them. Half-Day Camp runs from 9:00am to 12:30pm daily. These camps are ideal for the parent who would like their child to learn some new skills with the Camp Fire curriculum and still have the second half of the day to spend that important quality time together.

Traditional Day Camps (Campers ages 4-18 years old) These whole-some and fun camps are set in Balboa Park at Camp CaHiTo there are various themes to choose from and different activities each day. Camp Fire builds caring, confident youth and future leaders, these camps use the Camp Fire curriculum to facilitate outdoor games, songs, skits and self growth. Activities include hiking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, signing, swimming and much more.

Discovery & Horizon Camps (Campers ages 12-16 years old) There will only be 11 openings for each session so make sure you sign up today to reserve a spot. These camps are a chance for our seasoned “CaHiToites” to try some-thing new and different, and an opportunity for our DASHers and CITs to kick back, relax, and enjoy a week of just being campers! A unique and adventurous Camp Fire experience! Campers will take three field trips througout the week, and during the other two days, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities, at

Types of Camps Offered

a higher difficulty and skill level. One of our day trips will be to WoLaHi, our resident camp near Lake Cuyumaca that is in the rebuilding phase; for fishing and hiking. One week prior to each week a schedule will be sent out to parents with details for the week.


DASH (Campers 15-16 years old) Director and Staff Helpers (DASH) the program is specifically designed for our future leaders. This two phase program first sends your teen through a full training, learning how to work with 4-11 year olds, learning leadership skills, camp songs, games and crafts. After successfully completing training and achieving Dash Status, participants will then be assigned to assist our talented day camp staff with the daily operation of camp. This program provides an excellent opportunity for teens to obtain hands on job experience and learn leadership responsibilities, while still under the supervision of our camp staff team. All DASH must go through the training session.

CIT (Campers 17-18 years old) Counselors in Training (CIT) the program is specifically designed to further develop our future leaders. CIT’s are required to attend a training session, learning how to work with 4-11 year olds, further developing their leadership skills, leading camp songs in the morning, implementing games and crafts with the campers. Preferably CIT’s should have gone through the DASH program or a similar program/training. CITs will be assigned to assist our talented day camp staff with the daily operation of camp; creating and consulting on program ideas with their assigned counselor. This program provides an excellent opportunity for teens to obtain hands on job experience, learn leadership responsibilities, and gain more job responsibility; while still under the supervision of our camp staff team. All CIT must go through the training session.

Types of Camps Offered Cont.


Facility Drop Off & Pick Up Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo is located at 3101 Balboa Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 on the west side of Balboa Park. The official traditional day camp hours are 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Drop off begins at 8:30 am and pick up needs to be by 3:30 pm. We do offer extended hours for an additional nominal fee, morning extended hours start at 6:00 am and afterhours end promptly at 6:00 pm. A snack will be provided during the pm extended hours.

Attention: Thursday morning is Street Sweeping Day in the park. We do our best to make the process of dropping off campers smooth & fast, however we can-not guarantee you will not get a ticket if you park on Balboa Dr. We have a 10-15 minute Drop Off Zone on Thursdays, if the Zone is Full we recommend parking on Sixth Ave and walking across the park to sign your campers in. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Road Closures If for some reason the city closes the gate to Balboa Drive, please park on 6th Avenue and walk your child in. We can not control road closures, but do apologize for any inconvenience.

Camp Location


Camp Policies

Camp Fire SD Membership All campers are required to become a Camp Fire SD member for $25. Benefits include Member Only Discounts, Newsletters, Event Notification and optional Club Programming. Each child in the family will need a Membership and it is good for the 2015 Season.Street Sweeping Policy on Thursday AM Thursday morning is Street Sweeping Day in the park. We do our best to make the process of dropping off campers smooth & fast, however we cannot guarantee you will not get a ticket if you park on Balboa Dr. We have a 10-15 minute Drop Off Zone on Thursdays, if the Zone is Full we recommend parking on Sixth Ave and walking across the park to sign your campers in. We are sorry for the inconvenience.No Cell Phone Policy Camp CaHiTo is a CELL PHONE FREE ZONE. Please do not send a cell phone with your child. If we find any cell phone that is in use by a child, the phone will be taken away until the end of the camp day and a warning will be issued to both the parents and to the child. A second infraction to adhere to the “NO Cell Phone Policy” could be cause for my child’s dismissal from our summer program without a refund. Staff have cell phones for any and all emergencies and therefore, a phone is available at all times in the event that one is needed.Payments & Refund Policy A request to cancel your enrollment in a program is required in writing 14 days prior to the first day of camp. You will receive a Voucher minus 50% of the total price of the program good for 6 months. There will be no Vouchers or Refunds due to illness. Full refunds will only be issued if Camp CaHiTo cancels the program. Vouchers/deposits cannot be applied or transferred to outstanding balances.Transfer Policy A program transfer request will be accepted 14 days prior to each camp session. There will be no transfers processed after the 14 day deadline. All transfers are subject to availability, the 1st transfer is free, each additional transfer is $25 per session being transfer. Before camp starts we pay our vendors, buy supplies and hire our staff according to the enrollment numbers. These are the reasons for our policy. Please note coupons are non transferable, if transferring a week where a coupon has been used the coupon will become invalid and the value/discount will be lost.AM & PM Care AM Care is from 6:00am-9:00am for an additional $50 a week, PM Care is from 3:00pm-6:00pm for an additional $50 a week. Day of Extended Care Registration will be $15 per session per child. If your child is not picked up by 6:00pm you will be charged $1 for every minute.Little Stars Half Day Late Pickup If your child is not picked up by 12:30pm you will be charged $1 for every min-ute, up to 20 min. If your child is not picked up thereafter your child will roll into the Full Day program and you will be charged the Little Stars Full Day Add On Rate of $20.Last Minute Registration Fee Please note that last minute registrations are subject to an additional fee. Registration prices will go up 3-5 days in advance to the start of camp programs. The fee for last minute registrations is an additional $25.Coupons & Discounts Coupons cannot be applied to previously purchased Programs/Camps, and cannot be used after their expiration dates. Coupons are non transferable, if transferring a week where a coupon has been used the coupon will become invalid and the value/discount will be lost.Military Discounts Camp Fire San Diego proudly supports our Military and offers discounts to Active Military families. Please contact the office for more information.Camp Groups & Friend Requests All groups are made based on the ages of your camper at the start of each program. Camp Groupings: Little Stars Half Day: 3-5 years old, Little Stars Full Day: 4-5 years old, Starflight: 5-7 years old, Adventure 8-10 years old, Discovery 11-13 years old. Friend requests are not guaranteed, and can only be made for up to 3 friends. Friend Requests need to be reciprocated from all parties. Please note that we can-not drop your camper down into another camp grouping, or move campers up camp groupings.

Please see our website for more Policies at http://campfiresd.org/our-camps/policies/


Camp CaHiTo Sessions by Date

Summer Dates Coming Soon

*Pro Rated Weeks and Options **Overnight Option Available, see page 20 for more information

Every week at Camp campers get to do all of the awesome activities Camp CaHiTo has to offer; including hiking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, singing, forts, organized games, swimming and much more. Each week is also themed to engage your camper throught the entire summer. For more information about the theme weeks, look through our Detailed Camp Listing.


Detailed Camp Listing

Wild & Crazy Days It’s time to get Crazy! During this week campers will play some of the zaniest games and wackiest contests. Each day will be themed differently; from Crazy Shirt Day to Backwards Day.

Week: TBDFees: $55 Little Stars Half Per Day

$65 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery Per Day

Superhero’s Week Up, up and away! This week is all about Superheros. Campers will get to learn all about different Superheros from Batman to Fire Men. During the week campers will create masks, capes, wands and more, they will go on a Superhero hunt for Ms.

Freeze who froze Batman and Robin in ice, and participate in a Super Obsticale Race.

Week: TBDFees: $185 Little Stars Half Day

$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery


Detailed Camp Listing Cont.

Muddy Buddies* It’t time to get MUDDY! During this week campers will have the opportunity to get wild and dirty. Kids will have mud wars, play Muddy Buddy games, participate in muddy relay races, Capture the Flag, build mud castles and so much more. Don’t worry though if you don’t want to get Muddy, there will be plenty of other activites to particpate in.



Extreme Fortsstand up to a hurricane! Pounding rain? What about an angry troll! Hopefully you’re team has built a Fort that can stand up to anything! You will use lots of different materials to create different and amazing Forts each day. At the End of the week you will be able to show your parents what amazing architects you are and how “Ex-treme” Forts can get!

Weeks: TBDFees: $150 Little Stars Half Day


Pirates of CaHiTo* Arrgh! Join us for Pirates of CaHiTo. Explore the many adventures of pirates, and dress up in your favorite pirate gear daily. Campers will go on treasure hunts, play games with a pirate twist, sing sea-shanties (pirate songs), make pirate hats and par-take in many other swashbuckling activities.



* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.



Survivor KidLearn survival skills and understand the elements. Campers will learn how animals adapt to different environments, examine creepy crawlies, birds of prey, and animal footprints. Activities range from scavenger hunts, making their own map, and so much more!



Wacky Sports*During this week campers will be having fun competing in wacky sport games and races. Each day campers will participate in activities such as Crab Walk Soccer, Water balloon relay, Soft Doge ball, Two Ball soccer, and much more. Campers will also get a chance to create, play and teach their own wacky game!

Week: TBD Fees: $185 Little Stars Half





Mission ImpossibleCampers will complete various missions every day, missions will be age appropriate

ranging from low ropes courses, decoding morse code, spy missions, swinging on the nitrous swing and much more! All missions are aimed at teaching campers

teamwork in a fun way, campers will be working together towards a common goal, allowing them to appreciate different values that they can bring home with them.

Week: TBDFees: $185 Little Stars Half Day$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Treasure Hunters*I start with an “E” and end with an “E” and I usually contain one letter? What am I? You’ll need to work together to solve riddles and search for things unseen in this week of treasure hunting. We have hidden clues to follow and riddles to solve. Will they lead you to Treasure? Come and see!





Adventure TrekAdventure Trek is going to keep you moving! During the week we will be trekking

through Balboa park, doing some Geo-caching which is an outdoor recreational activity, in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, anywhere in the world. Groups will create their own trails,

using GPS as well as finding and hiding their own geo-cache treasure! Campers will have to think quick to figure out where the trails will lead.



Amazing Race *Campers will be having fun competing in different challenges from “country to country” every day. Activities include making Cahito Passports, making individual and team flags, various challenges, and new adventures around every corner.



Bugs & Slugs Campers won’t think bugs are so icky, especially after this week of camp! Campers will have fun playing Bug Bingo, Bug in your Shirt and plenty more buggy games. Kids will have a chance to eat Scary Edible Bugs and a few more fun edible surprises. Bug and Butterfly Crafts which include: a Swarm of Tumble bugs, Bug Catchers and lots, lots more!






Overnight Camps

Overnight CampsOvernights are a way to make your campers experience at Camp CaHiTo one of a kind. For $60 campers get an experience of a lifetime, while sleeping and playing under the stars, activities correlate to the weeks theme.

Overnights begin Thursday at 3:00pm right after a traditional day at camp, campers are provided an afternoon snack, dinner, breakfast and lunch the following day. Campers should bring a change of clothes for the next day, flashlight, sleeping bag, and toiletries

Fees: $65 for campers 8 -16 years old $55 DASH & CIT

Available Dates:TBD


Discovery & Horizon Camp

Discovery & Horizon Camps (for campers 12-16 years old)A chance for our seasoned “CaHiToites” to try something new and different, and an opportunity for our DASHers and CITs to kick back, relax, and enjoy a week of just being campers! A unique and adventurous Camp Fire experience! Campers will take three field trips, during the other two days, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities, at a higher difficulty and skill level. One of our day trips will be to WoLaHi, our resident camp near Lake Cuyumaca that is in the rebuilding phase; for fishing and hiking. One week prior to each week a schedule will be sent out to parents with details for the week.

Available Weeks: TBDFees: $280 Discovery & Horizon ONLY

Potential Field Trips & Volunteer Opportunities:Torrey Pines Scenic HikeVisiting local Conservation Gardens; Mission Trails Regional ParkPoint Loma Tides PoolsBeach Clean UpHabitat for HumanityHelen Woodward Animal Center Kayaking or Snorkeling La Jolla Coves * Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.


DASH & CIT’s(for campers 15-18 years old)

Director and Staff Helpers (DASH) & Counselors in Training (CIT) is our teen programs specifically designed for our future leaders. This program first

sends your teen through a week of training, teaching your teen how to work with children, camp songs, games and crafts. After successfully completing training and

achieving DASH or CIT status, participants will then be assigned to assist our talented day camp staff with the daily operation of camp. This program provides an

excellent opportunity for teens to achieve hands on job experience and responsibilities, while still under the supervision of our camp staff team.

DASH & CIT TrainingNew* and Returning DASHers and CITs are required to attend one of these trainings, in order to be a youth leader at CaHiTo for the 2013 summer season. In years past, we have required that each teen helper attends a week of training, but we want them trained EARLY so they will have the tools to begin as leaders on our very first day of camp! Teens will learn leadership skills, working with 4-12 year olds, learning game leading, camp songs, and child supervision. The training will prepare them to be placed at Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo assisting the staff with the daily operation of camp. Being a DASH and CIT is a an amazing fun experience. Poten-tial DASH and CIT must first successfully complete the training course before they are eligible for participation in DASH or CIT placement weeks.

Fees: $95 DASH & CITIncludes Lunch

Training Dates: Session 1: TBD Session 2: TBD

(Please check the website for more information)

DASH & CIT Training


DASH & CIT Placement(for campers 15-18 years old)Placement is an opportunity for DASH and CIT’s who have successfully completed our training course to use their leadership skills in the field of camp and enjoy the rewards of working with Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo’s incredible staff team and campers. DASH and CIT’s will experience various camp programs, assist in the daily operations of camp, and receive valuable on-the-job experience that will help build strong leadership skills. Our DASH and CIT coordinator will be making placements into age appropriate groups the Friday of the week prior to camp. If you sign up over the weekend, your placement will be made Monday morning by 8:30am. Teens will have a blast learning and making a difference in the lives of our campers at Camp CaHiTo.

Fees: $120 DASH & CIT

Placement Dates:TBD

*DASH and CIT are allowed to attend overnights for an additional discounted rate of $55 per session, see page 20 for information on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

DASH & CIT Placement


Why Camp?There is so much competition for our children’s time in the summer — sports practices, summer school, well-deserved vacations. But camp is a gift. If ever our society needed a generation of future leaders who understood the intricacies of living in a community, having tolerance, and being open in nature — that time is now.

Why a Camp Fire Camp?Camp Fire has always recognized curious youth exploring their world need a secure place to grow up. And since 1910 we’ve provided that place, through in-and-out of school programs and …camps. Camp Fire believes when youth get the chance to be outdoors, to work with others in community, and learn to respect nature they better respect themselves. We’re proud of the role we have played—and continue to play—in guiding young lives to an appreciation of their own lives and the world we all live in.

Camp StaffCamp Fire counselors are carefully chosen and trained. All meet the standard pro-gram requirements of Camp Fire. Most camp staff are college students majoring in recreation, education, or child development. All staff is required to participate in a week long pre-camp training session, in addition to regular daily and weekly staff meetings.

Questions & Answers


Physical RequirementsWhile at camp, children will be involved in a variety of physical activities in the outdoors. Camp Fire requires parents to fill out a current health history for every camper. Campers without signed health history forms will not be allowed to stay. Campers with special needs may be required to obtain a doctor’s release to attend camp.

Health and SafetySafety is our top priority at camp. All staff members are trained in First Aid and CPR procedures. In the event of illness or injury, parents will be notified immediately by phone. The camp health supervisor holds and dispenses all medications while campers are in our care.

What if my camper has medications?If your camper takes medication, please check in medications with the camp health supervisor on the first day. Please make sure all directions for medications are on the Health History Form.


What campers should bring to Camp• A lunch. Refrigeration is not available, so do not

send perishable foods. A small snack will be provided everyday or you can bring your own.

• A Water bottle with your campers name on it.• Comfortable play clothes, as campers WILL get dirty.• Closed toed shoes and socks are required. No sandals or open back shoes.• A hat or cap and sunscreen. Parents are required to apply lotion before camp for

their child’s protection. The camp counselors are not allowed to help apply.

What campers should not bring to Camp Please keep valuables, electronic equipment, toys, personal sports equipment etc. at home. All program supplies will be provided. Camp Fire is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property.

Camp camper to staff ratio?• Little Stars: 1:6 Camper to staff ratio.• Starflight: 1:8 Camper to staff ratio.• Adventure: 1:10 Camper to staff ratio.• Discovery: 1:10 Camper to staff ratio.

How do I communicate with the Staff?Camp staff will be available everyday before and after camp starts to answer any and all questions or concerns you might have about your child. All information between parent and Camp Staff is confidential.


Can staff babysit?Although Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff work well with children, our policy states that our staff are not permitted to babysit for families involved in our programs.

Can staff accept presents?Although our staff work long, challenging hours, our policy states that employees are not to accept gratuities. If you wish, we would encourage you to make a donation to our Camp Fire programs to continue to help children. If interested please contact Camp Fire at 619-291-8985 for more information.

What if I need to speak with my camper?If you ever need to reach your child while she/he is in camp, please call the office at 619-291-8985. Someone in the office will take your message and get the information to your child.

Can I make friend request for my camper to be in the same group?All groups are made based on the ages of your camper at the start of each program. See Camp Groupings below. Friend requests are not guaranteed, and can only be made for up to 3 friends. Friend Requests need to be reciprocated from all parties. Please note that we cannot drop your camper down into another camp grouping, or move campers up camp groupings.Camp Groupings (Age of Camper at start of Camp)Little Stars Half Day: Campers ages 3-5Little Stars Full Day: Campers ages 4-5Starflight: 5-7 years oldAdventure: 8-10 years oldDiscovery: 11-13 years old

Questions & Answers Cont.


What happens if my camper has a discipline problem at camp?Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff is trained and is expected to resolve behavior problems in a positive manner. Our staff speak with the child, allowing him/her to take time out to think about the problem, discuss the problem/solution with the child, then let the child return to the activity. In more severe cases, the child will be kept out of the activity and the parent will be asked to pick up their child. Together, parents and Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff will work out a custom-designed behavior modification method depending on the severity of the problem,. In the event the problems persists, the child may be suspended or expelled from the program. Some acts may result in immediate suspension or expulsion including but not limited to; fighting, intentionally harming others, theft, and possession of weapons or drugs. Camp does not grant refunds or credits for missed days due to a behavior program. Please see our Camper Code of Conduct at http://campfiresd.org/our-camps/policies/camper-code-of-conduct/

Do you have a Lost and Found?We know that sometimes things get lost, please label all of your child’s belongings. Our camp Lost and Found is located at the sign in/out desk. Please feel free to check for your child’s lost and found items. Items left for over three weeks with be donated to charity.



What is Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo’s bathroom procedure?All campers must use the buddy system, no camper is ever alone. All campers will take trips to the bathroom with the entire camp and/or camp groups escorted by camp staff. Campers will only use bathrooms inspected for safety by camp staff.

How old do you have to be to go swimming at Camp?If your camper is 8 years or older at the start of camp he/she can go swimming at the Boy Scouts of America pool, each camper will need a release form filled out prior to going, the release form can be found in the Application Package. Swimming is an hour long, campers will leave camp at 10:30am and return at approx 12:30pm.

What if it rains?Camp runs rain or shine. If weather conditions require it, we will move inside for indoor activities.

Is there Financial Assistance “Camperships”? Camperships are available on a first come, first serve basis. A family must meet the required guidelines in order to receive funding, Financial Assistance applications are available online. Required Documents: First 2 pages of your 2013/14 Federal Income Tax Form & W2 (Incomplete applications will not be processed. & additional documentation may be required)



Tips to Help Preschool Campers have Smooth Transitions Camp is a great place for preschoolers to learn how to interact with other kids, share, take turns, follow rules and appreciate and respect the outdoors. Camp can also prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond. However, we do recognize that there are many emotions that can accompany leaving your child at camp. Fears and anxieties are to be expected, however to make sure that you and your child get the most out of the experience below are a few tips.

• Spend time talking with your child about camp even before it starts. It is necessary for you to recognize this is a pivotal step you and your camper are taking. However, too much emphasis on this step may worsen anxiety and fears. Young children can sense the worry so the more calm and confident you are in your choice of sending your child to camp, the more at ease your child will be.

• When you enter Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo on the first day, allow the counselors introduce themselves and set the tone and form a relationship with your camper. If you show that you are comfortable with that counselor, your child will form a better bond. If your camper cries or clings to you, don’t let it upset you. The counselor will take the right steps to comfort and ease your child into the camp.

• We realize that leaving your child is very hard, but once you do it, it is very helpful if you leave promptly. Make sure to say your good-bye and then tell them you will see them at lunch and then depart. Long farewells and language such as “if you don’t like it here, you let your counselor know” only reinforces the campers anxieties and makes it harder on the camper, counselor and you. A consistent predictable goodbye ritual is also helpful and eases the whole process. Keep in mind that most campers do just fine once their parents leave.

Tips for Preschool Campers

camp cahito parent guide book 2014

Documents

camp fireat camp

camp cahito

camp community

camp programs

day camp

camp sessions

types of camp

camp policies