Preparing For Camp Eagle Ridge!
As summer approaches, we all start thinking about preparing for camp! Here are some helpful tips and information to help you prepare:
Read Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Camp Eagle Ridge to learn about Camp Communication, Health Information, Camp Store Accounts, Check In and Check Out and more.
Packing
Download our 2012 Packing List.
Camp Communication
Www.bunk1.com is a service that we work with to provide our camp families with two major services: a daily online photo gallery and a one-way emailing system. Families can email their camper at anytime and they will be delivered before breakfast the following day. Regular mail is delivered at lunchtime.
Homesickness
"I'm often asked 'Do you work with a lot of homesick children?' My answer is 'No, but I do work with a lot of childsick parents.'" - Kelly Byrnes-Rossebo, Director
Homesickness is a natural part of separation. Everyone (even the staff) feels it to some extent. Small homesick feelings don't bother most kids much. There are things you can do to prevent stronger homesick feelings that might get in the way of having a great time.
1. Learn about your camp! Use this website and watch our DVD to get a sense of what camp will be like. Its generally the fear of the unknown that makes most of us anxious. Next, relax. We have the greatest kids and staff at our camp - everyone will welcome you with open arms!
2. Encourage each other! Kids, you need to reassure your parents. They did a good job of raising you and you can do this. You're going to have a great time. Parents, don't make deals with your kids about picking them up early...you're setting them up for failure when you do that. Instead, let them know how proud of them you are and that you know they'll have fun. Look forward to hearing about their adventures when they get back!
3. Practice being away from home. Have sleepovers at friends' homes. Spend the weekend at a relative's house. Try not to call during your time away. Also, practice self-care skills. At camp, you'll be making your own bed, sweeping a floor, wiping a table, getting yourself dressed and ready, etc. Finally, practice walking outside with a flashlight at night. At camp, without the glow of city lights, the night sky seems much darker. The good news is that it makes the stars seem to shine much brighter!
4. Problem solve. Before going to camp, think through some possible situations that could arise. For example, "What would you do if your flashlight's batteries didn't work?" "What would you do if you got a headache?" "What would you do if you ran out of clean socks or your shoes were sopping wet?" "What would you do if you forgot to pack something important?"
By practicing, campers find out that all of these situations are very easily handled. There is a whole staff of people at camp eager to help them. If you're not sure of the answers to these questions or others, please feel free to call or email the camp. We want to ease your worries.
"I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do at camp. Its my favorite place in the world. I think camp is an amazing place to meet new people and have fun. You and the staff made it an awesome and caring place to be. Its almost like heaven there!"
-Gabby G., age 11, 5th year camper
A Perspective From A Future Camp Eagle Ridge Parent...
"Camp Eagle Ridge gives kids the socialization skills they need to make new friends in any environment they will encounter in the future.
Camp builds relationships. Camp also gives kids the confidence to try new things that they thought they could never do.
Camp gives kids a place to be loved no matter what type of personality they have.
Camp develops character by showing kids how to be kind and respectful and how to treat others.
Camp shows kids how to play a meaningful role in their family and community with clean cabin awards and daily chores...this is my perspective as a parent.
Ice cream. Capture the flag and Aqua Mountain...
this is my 4 year old daughter's perspective as a future camper"
-Kristi (McKowen) Thompson, former counselor and future camp parent (Kristi's daughter Ella has visited camp every year of her life since she's been born and is talking us into letting her start at age 6, since she has an August birthday)
