Camp CaHiTo Parent Guide Book 3.16.12 Updates

Summer 2012Camp Guide

www.campfiresdi.org 619-291-8985Page

Registration Process 1Family Meet & Greets 2ACA Accredidation 3What is Camp Fire USA 3 Important Times & Dates 4Parent Letter 5Staff Bios 6Types of Camp Offered 7 & 8Facility Location 9Camp CaHiTo Policies 10Camp Sessions by Date 11Detailed Camp Listing 12-16Overnight Camp Listing 17Discovery & Horizon Camp 18Dash/CIT Training Information 19Dash/CIT Placement Information 20Questions & Answers 21-24Tips for Preschoolers 25

Table of Contents

Camp CaHiTo is pleased to announce that we use 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

If you have any questions or concerns about the new online registration process please email [email protected] or call 619-291-8985. Also please visit our new improved website at www.campfiresdi.org

Fast & Easy Online Registration

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Wednesday, March 28th 12:00pm - 7:30pm

Come by our location in Balboa Park on March 28th or in Maybetween 12:00pm to 7:30pm and become familiar with our facility. Jewels and Staff will be at the facility for On-site registration, tours, and to answer all questions you might have.

Family Meet & Greet

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Saturday, May TBD 11:00am - 2:00pm(check website for info)

Come in May TBD between 11:00am to 2:00pm and bring a picnic to enjoy with your family at CaHiTo. Jewels and Staff will be at the facility for On-site registration, tours, and to answer all questions you might have.

Family Meet & Greet Picnic


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)

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What is Camp Fire USA

Camp Fire USA is one of the nation’s leading not-for-profit youth development organizations. Founded in 1910, Camp Fire’s outcome-based programs include youth leadership, self-reliance, after school groups, camping and environmental education and child care. Serving youth from birth to 21, Camp Fire helps boys and girls learn and play, side by side in comfortable, informal settings. Camp Fire takes pride in its long-standing commitment to providing fun programs and services to all children and families in America. We are inclusive, open to every person in the communities we serve, welcoming children, youth and adults regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity. Camp Fire USA’s mission is to build caring, confident youth and future leaders.


Important Times 7:30a.m. Morning care drop off begins 8:30a.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 DatesMarch 28th & May TBD Parent Meet & Greet May 12th or May 19th Dash & CIT Training DateJune 11th First Day of Camp July 4th Camp CLOSED due to July 4th Holiday June 25th - June 29th New Discovery & Horizon CampJune 28th Overnight for 2nd Grade and upJuly 12th Overnight for 2nd Grade and upJuly 23rd - July 27th New Discovery & Horizon CampJuly 26th Overnight for 2nd Grade and upAugust 9th Overnight for 2nd Grade and upAugust 23rd Overnight for 2nd Grade and upAugust 27th - August 31st New Discovery & Horizon CampSeptember 5th Last day of camp

Important Times & Dates

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Dear Parents,

We are very happy that your child will be joining us at 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 7:30 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.

JewelsDirector of Marketing and Outdoor [email protected]

Parent Letter

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

Katie Zolezzi, Executive DirectorPaka has a long history and dedication with Camp Fire San Diego and Imperial counties council. She has been a member of the Camp Fire Council since she was 8 years old, she went through the CIT program, was a Counselor, Unit Director, and she also was the Director at WoLaHi, our resident camp in Julian. She served on many Camp Fire Committees over the last 35 years and was a Club leader of 5 separate Camp Fire Clubs for 15 years. Katie was a former Board of Directors for three years, and has been the Executive Director for three years.

Julie Petty, Camp DirectorJewels is a San Diego native growing up in the Camp Fire San Diego and Imperial counties council, she was a camper at both CaHiTo and WoLaHi, she worked her way through the CIT program, to being a Counselor and eventually Directing Camp Programs. She joined Camp Fire full time the summer of 2009 as the Director of Marketing & Outdoor Education with tons of energy and enthusiasm. She has an infinity for creativity and can often be found elbows deep in paint at the art shack.

Lauren Drew, Assistant Camp DirectorPinecone has been with Camp Fire for the past 3 years as our Assistant Camp Director, Outdoor Educator, and Club Programming Coordinator. She developed her love for nature growing up in Idaho, and is happy to be a part of our little slice of wilderness in the city. Pinecone is a credentialed K-8 teacher, a volunteer club leader, tennis player, art enthusiast, and kid at heart.

Alison Windsor, AccountantSweet Pea is our accountant and has been with us since 2006. She is also a mother of a camper, who has enjoyed the last several years here at Camp CaHiTo. She enjoys hearing stories of the “Wood Elf ” and her daughter’s adventures in “forts”, as well as hearing the sounds of laughter and giggles while she works! She can help you with any registration or billing issue. The best way to get a hold of her is by email at [email protected].

Our Staff

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Jewels

Pinecone

Sweet Pea

Paka


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 - 8th Grade) These wholesome 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.

Types of Camps Offered

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Discovery & Horizon Camps (Campers 6th - 12th Grade) 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 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 througout the week, and 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.


DASH (Campers 9th - 10th Grade) Director and Staff Helpers (DASH) is a young teen program for high school students entering 9th & 10th grade in Fall 2012, the program is specifically designed for our future leaders. This two phase program first sends your teen through a week of training, working with 4-12 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.

CIT (Campers 11th - 12th Grade) Counselors in Training (CIT) is a teen program for high school students entering 11th & 12th grade in Fall 2012, the program is specifically designed to further develop our future leaders. CIT’s are required to attend a week of training, working with 4-12 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.

Types of Camps Offered Cont.

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Facility Drop Off & Pick Up 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 7:30 am and afterhours end promptly at 6:00 pm. A snack will be provided during the pm extended hours.

Attention: You cannot park on Balboa Drive on Thursday mornings due to street maintenance. We will do our best to make the sign in process quick. Please do not leave your cars. Camp Fire is not responsible for parking tickets.

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

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Camp Policies

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Deposits & Payments A $107.50 deposit per session is required to hold a campers spot in any session. If you select to pay with a deposit the remaining due will need to be paid out 2 weeks prior to the session start date through our new online registration system. 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.

Refund Policy A request to cancel your enrollment in a camp is required in writing (forms are located in the office) 14 days prior to the first day of camp. You will receive a CaHiTo Voucher minus your deposit 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 camp.

Session Transfer A session 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.

Financial Assistance/Campership Info Camperships are available one 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 2010/11 Federal Income tax Form & W2 (Incomplete applications will not be processed. & additional documentation may be required)


Camp Sessions by Date

June 11th - June 15th* Crazy DaysJune 18th - June 22nd* Time TravelersJune 25th - June 29th Muddy Buddies**July 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th* “Name your Theme” ContestJuly 9th - July 13th Pirates of CaHiTo**July 16th - July 20th Olympic GamesJuly 23rd - July 27th Wild Wild West**July 30th - August 3rd “Name your Theme” ContestAugust 6th - August 10th Superheros**August 13th - August 17th Water DazeAugust 20th - August 24th Amazing Race**August 27th - August 31st “Name your Theme” ContestSeptember 3rd - September 5th* Mystery Week

*Pro Rated Weeks and Options **Overnight Option Available, see page 15 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.

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Detailed Camp Listing

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: June 11th - June 15thJune 13th - June 15th

Fees: $105/165 Little Stars Half Day$135/215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Time TravelersStep back in time during this fun week. Each day Campers will jump back and forth through time. One day they will jump back to prehistoric times

and go on adinosaur hunt, the next day they might travel to the 50’s for a sock hop, then

jump forward to the 80’s; all destinations will be announced prior to camp.

Week: June 18th - June 22ndJune 20th - June 22nd

Fees: $105/165 Little Stars Half Day$135/215 Little Stars Full Day/

Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

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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.

Week: June 25th - June 29th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day

$215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

“Name Your Theme” Contest WeeksDon’t miss out on the “Name Your Theme” Contest, help your camper sign up today. Your child’s imagination and creativity could win them the honor of having their own Theme for a Week at Camp CaHiTo. They will also win huge savings at Camp for them and their friends and so much more. All children are eligible, to participate you will need to Like Us on Facebook and enter the Contest Form. Winners and Themes will be Announced on March 13th, 2012, check our website for the themes.

Weeks: July 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6thJuly 30th - August 3rd

August 27th - August 31st Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day


* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 15 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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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.

Week: July 9th - July 13th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day


Olympic GamesCampers will be having fun with crazy Olympic games and relays. They will be cre-ating their own flags to represent themselves and teams. Activities will included Wacky Three Legged Races, Capture the Flag, Crabwalk Soccer, Water Relays and more. Camp will end with a closing Olympic Ceremony.

Week: July 16th - July 20thFees: $165 Little Stars Half Day



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Wild Wild West*Welcome to the Wild Wild West! Yeeha! During this week campers will be having fun learning how to dress and talk like a Cowboy or Cowgirl. All campers will get to participate in the Gold Rush! Activities also include making Dream Catchers, vari-ous western challenges like lassoing and horseshoes, square dancing and new ad-ventures around every corner. At the end of the week we will even have a Hoedown closing ceremony.

Week: July 23rd - July 27th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day


Superheros*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: August 6th - August 10thFees: $165 Little Stars Half Day



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Water DazeCampers will be wet and wild escaping the summer heat. They will be keeping cool with water-balloons, games galore, extended swim time, sliding down a slip n slide and so much more!

Week: August 13th - August 17thFees: $165 Little Stars Half Day$215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

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.

Week: August 20th - August 24thFees: $165 Little Stars Half Day


Mystery Week Shhhh! We’d tell you more but….It’s a mystery! Campers will be participating in ev-erything fun, exciting, challenging and silly; it’s all fair game. Be prepared for adven-tures both large and small!

Week: September 3rd - September 5thFees: $105 Little Stars Half Day




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Overnight Camps

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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, camp-ers are provided an afternoon snack, dinner, breakfast and lunch the following day. Campers should bring a change of clothes for the next day, a mess kit (including a plate, bowl, utensils, and cup), sleeping bag, and toiletries

Fees: $60 for campers entering 2nd Grade & Up$50 DASH & CIT

Available Dates:June 25th - June 29th Muddy BuddiesJuly 9th - July 13th Pirates of CaHiToJuly 23rd - July 27th Wild Wild WestAugust 6th - August 10th SuperherosAugust 20th - August 24th Amazing Race


Discovery & Horizon Camp

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Discovery & Horizon Camps (for campers entering 6th-12th grade in the fall 2012)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: June 25th - June 29th* July 23rd - July 27th*

August 27th - August 31st Fees: $255 Discovery & Horizon ONLY

Potential Field Trips & Volunteer Opportunities:Torrey Pines Scenic HikeWorld Famous San Diego Zoo or Safari ParkVisiting 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 15 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.


DASH & CIT’s(for campers entering 9th-12th grade in the fall 2012)

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 2012 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 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: $85 DASH & CITIncludes Lunch

Training Dates: Saturday May 12th or May 19th (Please check the website for more information)*NEW DASH and CIT applicants must contact Jewels for a pre-training interview, where we will meet, ask questions, and familiarize our new helper with our camp environment, policies, and procedures. Please call 619 291 8985 or email [email protected] to schedule your interview.

DASH & CIT Training

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DASH & CIT Placement(for campers entering 9th-12th grade in the fall 2012)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 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: $110 DASH & CIT

Placement Dates:June 11th - June 15th* Crazy DaysJune 18th - June 22nd* Time TravelersJuly 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th* “Name your Theme” July 9th - July 13th Pirates of CaHiTo**July 16th - July 20th Olympic GamesJuly 30th - August 3rd “Name your Theme” August 6th - August 10th Superheros**August 13th - August 17th Water DazeAugust 20th - August 24th Amazing Race**September 3rd - September 5th* Mystery Week

*DASH and CIT are allowed to attend overnights for an additional discounted rate of $50 per session, see page 15 for information on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

DASH & CIT Placement

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What should my camper bring to camp everyday?

• 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 shouldn’t my camper bring to camp?Please keep valuables, electronic equipment, toys, personal sports equipment etc. at home. All program supplies will be provided. Camp Fire USA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property.

What if my camper has medications?If your camper takes medication, please give it to the director in their original container on their first day. Please make sure the directions are on the Health History Form.

What if my camper becomes ill/injured at camp?If your camper becomes ill while at camp, our staff will contact you to pick him/her cup. If your child is injured the staff will take the appropriate steps necessary toobtain medical care for your child.

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

Questions & Answers

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What is Camp CaHiTo’s 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.

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

How do I communicate with the Camp 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.

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.

Questions & Answers Cont.

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Can I make friend request for my camper to be in the same group?We do our best to accommodate all friend requests, at times it is not possible due to ages and grades of the children. Please note that the friends requested must request your camper and be in the same grade in school.

What happens if my camper has a discipline problem at camp?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 CaHiTo staff will work out a custom-designed behavior modification method depending on the severity of the problem,. In the even 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.


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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 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.

Is there closing ceremonies each week for my camper?Yes, every Friday we have closing ceremonies for campers starting at 2:00pm. We invite parents or guardians to watch their child receive an award, meet the staff and the new friends your child has made throughout the week

How old do you have to be to go swimming at Camp CaHiTo?If your camper is in Adventure, Discovery, DASH or CIT 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, with the exception of the Water Daze Week when campers will possibly have extended swimming.


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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 neces-sary 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 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

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Camp CaHiTo Parent Guide Book 3.16.12 Updates

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Transcript of Camp CaHiTo Parent Guide Book 3.16.12 Updates