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Camp Laurel Resident Camp and Mini Camp Parent Information 2020

laurel@gsofct.org (860) 423-8461*

*Any questions or concerns prior to June 10 and after August 10 should be directed to 20 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT 06473 (800) 922-2770 or email camp@gsofct.org

Welcome campers and parents! Our camp staff is so excited that your camper will be joining us this summer! Our staff is carefully selected and trained to help provide your camper with a great summer camp experience. We want you to know what camp is going to be like and this packet of information is designed to provide you with lots of information and answers to your questions. Every summer is special and different, so even if your camper has been to camp before, we ask that you look over this information so she can be prepared. Join our camp community on Facebook, Camp Laurel - Girl Scouts of Connecticut, and also be sure to visit our council Facebook, Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Inc., and (@GSOFCT), to see photos of camp. Contained in this handbook is information for your camper’s stay at camp. We have a few new items for this year that are important for checking in, program descriptions and what you need for Mini Camp. Should you have any questions, reach out to us and we will be more than happy to answer your questions.

American Camp Association Accreditation Girl Scouts of Connecticut is proud that all of our summer camps are accredited by the American Camp Association. ACA Accreditation means that your camper’s camp cares enough to undergo a thorough review of its operation (up to 300 standards) — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association standards reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

Open House at Camp

Camp info and registration nights Stop in at one of our camp info and registration nights at several locations in CT! Meet our camp staff. Have your questions answered and see a slide show of our camp programs and facility. You will have the ability to register for any of our camps that evening and apply for financial aid if needed. All info nights are weather permitting. Should we need to cancel, information will be at gsofct.org. Waterbury Service Center Thursday, Feb. 13, 6pm-8pm North Haven Service Center Thursday, Feb. 27, 6pm-8pm Manchester Library Thursday, Mar. 19, 6pm-8pm Camp Aspetuck Thursday, Mar. 26, 6pm-8pm Camp An-Se-Ox Thursday, Apr. 9, 6pm-8pm Camp Laurel Thursday, April 30, 6pm-8pm All Camp Open House dates Join us at our camp open houses on Thursday, May 7, 4pm-7pm and Sunday, May 17, 12-5pm. Clatter Valley open house is on July 19, 4 pm-7 pm.

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New for 2020 Older Girl Program! Girls going into grades 9 and above can attend camp for a week and enjoy a program designed by them, for them! For the girl who wants to attend camp and not be in a leadership program, she can benefit from the “Older Girl Program” to impact her own camp experience by encompassing skill building, confronting new challenges and building peer relationships. Activities such as syncro swim, outdoor cooking using no utensils, an overnight just for you, advanced crafts, archery, wilderness survival, media and camp blogging are all here at resident camp, with a night owls program for activities after dark.

Daisy Try It A one, half day program at all of our summer camps. Calling all pre-registered Daisy Girl Scouts going into the Daisy program for the first time in the fall 2020! Come and try summer camp with us this summer! Each of our summer camps is offering a (1) half day program this summer for your pre-registered Daisy and an adult over the age of 21 to come and spend a half day of camp with us. Daisy’s will come for a scheduled half day program (dates, rates and time frame are on our web site under the Camps tab) and enjoy a taste of summer camp. From hiking, to crafts, eating your lunch and a marshmallow toast, come and experience all the splendor of summer camp! This program is offered once at all of our camps. A Daisy in this program will receive her first camp patch at the end of the day. POP in 2020 (NOT AVAILABLE FOR MINI CAMP) What’s POP? POP is Laurel’s new and exciting program. POP is a girl led experience. Pick your Own Program! POP! Girls get to choose their own camp experience this summer by choosing what they want to participate in. POP is girl led, girl choice, building upon skills, as well as, meeting new girls outside of their unit. On Sundays, our camp staff will deliver “infomercials” on the programs that they lead during the week. Girls will then select what programs they would like to participate in during the program times during the day. Laurel also has new and expanded programs. Drama, dance, multi-media, rocketry, advanced crafts, syncro swim, and outdoor living skills, to name a few. Please note: Horseback is excluded as this is a separate program selected prior to coming to camp that will include some of the POP program. NEW: All campers will have a swim assessment prior to waterfront activities. All campers going into grades 1-5 will have one period per day scheduled for swim lessons. For campers going into grades 6 and above, families have the option to opt out of swimming lessons. There will be three different program tracks based on Girl Scout levels: Daisy & Brownies level 1, Juniors & Cadettes level 2 and Seniors & Ambassadors level 3.

Driving directions are in this packet and also on gsofct.org. Not able to join us during Open House? Not a problem – self-guided tours are available. Contact us at camp@gsofct.org to make arrangements.

Need More Information?

For questions about registration or spaces left in a program: Email: customercare@gsofct.org

For more information about camp and camp programs: Call Girl Scouts of Connecticut at (800) 922-2770 or email: customercare@gsofct.org

Once camp begins for the summer, please contact your camp: Camp Laurel: (860) 423-8461 or laurel@gsofct.org These phone lines are in use from June 10 until August 10

Parent Email Address GSOFCT requires a current family email address for every camper. You will be contacted by camp and Girl Scouts of Connecticut with updates and communications. Please make sure that your email is on file and current. Camp Health Forms For the summer of 2020, we are using paper for all our health information required for your daughter to attend camp. We are no longer using Camp Doc for health form information. Our health forms have been reviewed and updated for 2020. The health and safety of our campers is our primary concern. Health History/Health Examination Starting in February, within two weeks of registering for camp, your health forms with a physical form, health history, and other forms necessary for your camper’s well-being will be sent to you to return back to Camping Services at 20 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT, 06473 within one month of receipt. Any one registering after June 1, will receive their forms via

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email and will then have to bring their health forms with them directly to camp. We are unable to accept any forms that are faxed or sent by email in the format of a JPEG. We will accept mailed and scanned health forms. Any forms that are sent to us missing information, signatures or dates will be returned to you for you to fill in the missing pieces. The Health History is the parent’s portion of the health information and should be completed by the parent and updated every year. The Health Examination (physical) is the Health Care Providers portion of the health form. This portion is valid for 24 months from the date of the actual physical not the physicians signature date. We will accept the State of CT Health Examination form that you may already have for your camper’s school as long as it includes an immunization record, including current tetanus with date of immunization and signature of your health care provider. Medications Should your camper be required to take medications during your campers stay or have an “as needed med”, ie. inhaler, epi-pen, etc., you will then need to fill out the Authorization of Medication form.

All medications (over the counter or prescription) must be supplied by the family and require a medication administration

form filled out by your camper’s doctor. These medications will be stored in the Health Center and returned at the end of

the week. Inhalers and Epi-pens also require a medication administration form, but will be carried in a med bag by the

counselor assigned to your camper. Please note: CT State law requires the label to be attached to the inhaler or epi-pen

NOT THE BOX. Ask your pharmacist to do this for you. If medications arrive without the proper documentation, they will

be sent home at the end of the day. Girl Scouts of CT staff cannot administer medications without the appropriate

documentation.

Medical Administration Form (one form per medication) – Completed by physician and parent/guardian and mailed

in with your Health information packet. Should your camper need to take any medication prior to their start of camp, then

the Administration of Medication form can be filled out and sent with the meds on her first day of their camp session.

Medications Returns: On the last day of the session for each camper, medications will be sent home with the camper

on the bus or given to the person picking up the camper. Parent will need to sign that the medication was recieved.

Medications will be held for one week after the camper has left and then it will be disposed of.

Plan of Care As we start the 2020 season, the State of CT Youth Camp Licensing department, which all of our camps are licensed through, has set a regulation for all camps to adhere by this summer. This regulation affects your camper and their Plan of Care they receive while at camp, should your camper have a Plan of Care in place already by your health care provider, or will require one at camp. If your camper requires an IEP or 504 plan for attendance at school, we will require a Plan of Care. What is an Individual Plan of Care?

It is a written plan of care for an individual camper

It documents specific needs or concerns for that camper

It includes specific approaches to be used to prevent, minimize or eliminate the concerns identified for this camper

It brings together the camper’s parent(s) and the camp staff in developing these approaches so that all are using the same agreed upon approaches taking into consideration any guidance specified by the health care provider

How do I know if my camper needs an Individual Plan of Care? A written individual Plan of Care is required when a camper has a special health care need or disability and it is necessary that special care be taken or provided while the camper is at camp. The special health care need or disability which necessitates the individual plan of care typically documented by your health care practitioner on the camper’s physical examination record or on a medication order may be supported by accompanying documentation. You may also use the Plan of Care that you may already have for your camper to attend school. Should you have questions on your child’s Plan of Care, its best to contact your health care provider for clarification.

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Illness/Injury The Director of First Aid has advanced first aid and CPR Pro and Medication Certified or is an EMT licensed in the State of CT who is CPR Pro and Med Certified and is stationed at the camp should your camper need care. We do not call you for every bump or scrape, but parents will be contacted at the discretion of the Director of First Aid or EMT for the following:

Fever and/or vomiting

Unresolved asthma attack

An injury that requires stitches

Injuries that result in broken bones

Head injuries

A bee or wasp sting

Tick bite

If they spend more than two hours in the health center.

For any professional medical care needed outside of camp.

Code of Conduct Please review our Code of Conduct with your camper. You and your camper are expected to agree and sign this document. The document is located in your health care information. Balance Payments If you did not pay your camp fee in full at the time of registration, please remember that balance payments are all due June 1.

Getting Ready

Come to your camp’s open house.

Talk about camp ahead of time! Discuss what the following things will be like: group living, taking care of oneself, noises at night, new activities, making new friends, living outdoors. Assure your camper that camp is fun and safe.

Make sure your camper knows you are glad they will be having fun at camp and that you will be excited to hear about all that they have done while at camp.

Practice for camp! Let your camper live out of a duffle bag for a few days, address envelopes to mail to friends and relatives, count down the days to camp, go over the packing list, and change flashlight batteries.

Camp Friends/Bunkmates Whenever possible we will honor a camper’s request to be with a friend if both request each other on the application and both are in the same program/age level in the same session. Campers may only choose one buddy. Multiple buddies have been known to cause exclusion of other campers. We all benefit from making new friends and camp is the perfect atmosphere to do so.

Camp Clothing and Packing for Camp We play hard at camp and we get dirty! Please do not bring an expensive or favorite outfit to camp. A packing list is included with this packet. There are no laundry facilities available to campers. Please be sure your camper has enough clean clothes, towels, and washcloths to last the length of their stay. It is a good idea to include a laundry bag for dirty clothes. The campers will be able to rinse out swimsuits and hang them on the clothesline. Do not pack clothing that could be offensive to others, has imprints of illegal substances, or exposes too much. Shorts must be fingertip length. If you are participating in the horse program, you must have long pants to ride in daily.

All Counselor in Training campers (CITs, CIT 2s, CIT 3s and WITs) must go home for weekend breaks between the two-week sessions.

Campers should only bring what is needed as space is very limited and there is no room for a large footlocker. The footlocker, plastic under the bed bin or duffle may be no larger than 12 inches high so it fits under the cot. Please label all personal gear, as well as luggage, to avoid loss. Leave valuables, food, pets, cell phones, and all electronics at home. Girl Scouts of Connecticut is not responsible for campers’ personal possessions. All lost items will be donated to a charity at the end of the summer camp season. Please make sure all of your camper’s clothing and equipment is labled with their first and last name in waterproof writing.

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Please be sure to check the lost and found area before leaving camp on check-out day. Labeled items will be returned to their owners. If we find labeled items after camp we will contact you for pick-up. All unmarked items will be placed in the lost and found and held until one week after camp closes for the season.

Check-in Day Helpful Hints to Make Check-in a Breeze!

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather – including campers, adults, and siblings.

Keep all medications, money, and paperwork separate from luggage.

Leave pets at home. Girl Scouts of Connecticut’s policy states that no pets are allowed at any of the program areas/camp properties except for service animals.

Please do not bring food into camp, but water bottles are a great idea on a hot day.

Campers must leave electronics, including cell phones, at home. Electronics and cell phones discovered during camp will be turned in to the camp office and returned to campers on the last day of camp, at check-out.

NEW FOR 2020! Check-In Days and Times

To ease the congestion of traffic and making arrival more effective, for 2020 we ask our families of the following:

FOR REGULAR RESIDENT CAMP. NOT FOR MINI CAMP Check-in begins at 2:00 p.m. to 3: 00 p.m. for families that are first time campers to Laurel. Check in begins at 3: 00 p.m. to 4: 00 p.m. for families that have stayed with us before. Please plan your arrival accordingly. When arriving to camp, you will follow the directions from the staff in the parking lot, go to the main camp for Health Care check in if need be, Trading Post and general check in. After General check in, you will then proceed to the assigned unit to assist your camper in setting up her bedding. All campers should be at camp by 4:00 p.m. We have found that many families are so eager to get to camp they arrive before 2:00 p.m. We are excited too, but PLEASE wait until 2:00 p.m. to begin check-in. Our staff are preparing right up to the last moment for your arrival. Our property profiles on gsofct.org list places to eat close to camp if you are interested in going to lunch before check-in. Mini Camp Check In Check in begins at 4 p.m. Please plan your arrival accordingly. When arriving to camp, you will follow the directions from the staff in the parking lot, go to the main camp for Health Care check in if need be, Trading Post and general check in. After General check in, you will then proceed to the assigned unit to assist your camper in setting up her bedding. All campers should be at camp by 6 p.m. We have found that many families are so eager to get to camp they arrive before 2:00 p.m. We are excited too, but PLEASE wait until 4:00 p.m. to begin check-in. Our staff are preparing right up to the last moment for your arrival. Our property profiles on gsofct.org list places to eat close to camp if you are interested in going to lunch before check-in. Upon Arrival: Please be sure to follow these steps:

Check in with the greeter at our entrance and she/he will guide you to the parking lot and give you instructions about the check-in stations, including luggage handling.

Staff will direct the parking.

Please be sure to visit EACH station for check-in. Registration, health check, infirmary (if you have meds), trading post (shop), and kitchen (should you have food sensitivities and/or allergies).

Visit the Trading Post to window shop and/or make purchases.

The living units are a fair distance from the parking lot. We use our camp carts to move luggage from the gathering spot to the units and then back out again on check-out day, so please leave large luggage for us to move at Camp Laurel. You are responsible for bringing up your soft luggage, bedding, and bathing suit with you to the unit.

Have the Following Items with you for Check-in:

All prescription medications must be in their original containers.

All over-the-counter medications (vitamins, Tylenol, etc.) must be in new, unopened containers.

One Medication Administration Form per medication.

Camper mail for us to deliver during her stay at camp if you wish to leave some.

Funds for Trading Post and camp picture (cash or check; we are unable to process debit or credit cards)

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Trading Post – Camp Store During each camp session, campers have the opportunity to purchase T-shirts, stuffed animals, autograph pillows, and other souvenir items at our Trading Post. When you arrive you will be able to open a “Trading Post Account” for your camper. Apparel is at the expensive end of what is available. Bracelets, stationary, and patches are at the lower end of the spectrum. At check-out, unspent funds will be refunded. You will be asked to sign for receipt of the funds.

How much money should I put in my camper’s Trading Post account? This is a personal family decision. Most campers find $20-$40 to be adequate for smaller items. Additional monies may be needed to purchase clothing. The Trading Post will be open at check-in and check-out. At these two special times we are able to accept credit cards, but only for the exact amount of the purchase.

Official Camp Photos (NOT AVAILABLE FOR MINI CAMP) During each camp session, a photographer will take unit photos. The photo is a nice way to remember both her camping experience and her new friends. Photos are 8x10 inches and can pick up upon check out at Trading Post. Photos must be ordered and paid for during check in. Photos are $10 each.

Birthdays at Camp If your camper is celebrating a birthday while at camp, please let our camp staff know on check-in day so that we can help make her day special.

Session Lengths We offer six-night to six-week opportunities and many different themes. Campers who will be at camp for four weeks must be out of camp after their two-week session. Contact the camp director if you have any questions.

Camp Activities Our camp program is balanced with traditional camp activities, theme-based activities, and specific areas of skill building. Girls of the same age are grouped together in “units” and participate in small group activities, as well as all-camp festivities. When a camper signs up for a particular program, plans are made to include those activities in her schedule. In order to keep ALL participants safe and healthy we must be flexible in our daily offerings and may need to adjust activities due to weather. Rest assured that your camper will continue to participate in a fun and challenging camp program, rain or shine.

Campers may work on specific badges during camp and may even complete some of them. They will participate in many activities that can be applied toward badges and Journeys. Campers will go home with a list of badge steps (requirements) completed. There will be three different program tracks based on Girl Scout levels: Daisy & Brownies level 1, Juniors & Cadettes level 2 and Seniors & Ambassadors level 3. Campers will have the opportunity to earn badges at camp. Should a camper complete all of the requirements, the badge she earned will be given to her at camp. Campers will take home a checklist of those badge requirements completed at camp so she can finish them on her own at home or with her troop. Kapers Camp kapers is a Girl Scout tradition for dividing up camp responsibilities. A kaper is a job or chore that needs to be done to keep our camp site tidy, clean and organized. Girl Scouts always leave a place cleaner than they found it. The following is an example of camp Kapers (chores) your camper could participate in.

Camp Kapers All campers are asked to take responsibility for their camp. The following is a list of typical chores that campers may be asked to do.

Girls who deliver messages and pick up

items from the camp office.

Girls who are in charge of water

containers.

Girls who are responsible for flag

ceremony.

Girls who make sure that the site is clean

by sweeping floors, porches or decks,

picking up and disposing of litter, emptying

small waste baskets from common use

areas including handwashing stations,

wiping down work surfaces such as crafts,

picnic tables, cooking stations, etc.

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Swimming Swimming and boating are a big part of camp and all campers must demonstrate their swimming ability within 24 hours (weather permitting) of arriving at camp. This helps the waterfront staff determine each camper’s comfort level in the water and swimming abilities. Campers also learn important safety guidelines. Swimming levels are assessed during the first day of each session. Campers receive a color coded bathing cap which designates their swimming level and will be worn at the lake when they are participating in swimming. NEW Campers going into grades 1-5 will have one period per day scheduled for swim instructions. Campers going into grades 6 and above, families have the option to opt out of swimming lessons. This option is posted on our registration process.

Horseback Riding Program Only campers who have registered for specific horseback riding programs will ride horses. Horseback riding requires proper attire. Long pants, a close fitting shirt (T-shirts are acceptable, sleeveless shirts are not), and boots or laced shoes with a minimum of a one-inch heel and hard, smooth soles, are required. Each rider is asked to complete our “Horseback Riding History and Skill Level Questionnaire” before camp. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approved helmets will be provided by camp. Campers may bring their own ASTM approved helmet if an equipment liability waiver (available on our web site) is signed by the parent/guardian.

Leadership Programs Campers in our advanced leadership programs (CIT, CIT 2, CIT 3 and WIT) go home every other weekend for a short break.

Camp Theme Days and Special Events Camp theme days and special events help to make camp even more special. They encourage camp spirit, generate excitement, and offer campers something to look forward to.

Sample Daily Schedule* *Subject to change

7 a.m. Wake Up 8 a.m. Breakfast & Morning Flag Ceremony 8:45 a.m. Kapers (Chores) 9 a.m. 3 Activity periods 12:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Turtle Time (rest, quite games, unit time) 2:00 p.m. 2 Activity periods 4:00 p.m. Optional Rec 5:00 p.m. Unit activity 6 p.m. Dinner & Evening Flag Ceremony 7 p.m. Evening Program 8 p.m. Unit Closing Activity

9 p.m. Taps (Bedtime)

Religious Services We do not participate in religious services at camp. We may participate in Scout’s Own Ceremonies. Please contact camp with any questions.

May we visit our camper during the camp session? We ask that parents/guardians only come to camp on the check-in and check-out days of their camper’s session to avoid disrupting her enjoyment of and adjustment to camp.

Healthy Camping Camp takes place on fields, in the woods, and at the water during the summer with sun, rain, heat, and bugs. This is part of what makes camp so great! Teaching your camper preventative care will help minimize unpleasant health issues. Coach your camper in the proper use of the following items, and send them with her to camp:

Sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater (no aerosol cans): Teach her to put it on the right away in the morning and to

reapply it frequently. Show her how to put it on and practice before camp to avoid an allergic reaction while at camp.

Bug repellant (no aerosol cans): As with sunscreen, teach her about its importance and application and practice before camp to avoid an allergic reaction at camp.

Rain jacket or poncho: This can be a matter of both health and comfort! Camp goes on in the rain. Refillable water bottle: Because we are so active at camp, we can get dehydrated faster. Each person should drink at

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least three large bottles of water per day, in addition to water at meals. Please send your camper with a large bottle, preferably one with a strap for easier carrying.

Ask her not to share these items with other campers. While it seems generous and kind, other campers may have sensitivities, allergies, or share communicable disease.

Healthy Habits: Please also talk to your camper about these healthy habits. Ticks: GSOFCT camps remind campers to perform “tick checks” on one another and themselves at various times

throughout the day including after hikes, during showers, and any time changing clothes such as for bedtime and swimming. Remind your camper that if she sees a tick or spot that she has not seen before, or feels a small bump, she should tell her counselor. Any ticks removed from your camper will be noted and the bite location monitored while she is at camp. You will be given an info sheet at check-out letting you know when and where a tick was removed.

Showers: Girls will shower daily. If your camper is not accustomed to taking a shower or washing her own hair,

please teach her how, and let her practice before camp. Community living: Our campers will be sharing living space with other girls and this requires all of us to be sensitive

to each other’s differences. With this in mind, discuss how to dress and change in a room with other campers and to use community spaces such as shower buildings and dining areas. Talk with your camper about how to keep her area neat. Help her understand that she may not always agree with her bunk-mates and how to ask her counselors for help when needed.

Swimwear: Most campers swim and rinse every day. It is important to tell your camper that she should wear her

swimsuit only when she is swimming. Wearing it all day can cause health problems. Please bring a one-piece or two-piece tankini-style suit.

Menstruation: Please send supplies if your camper has ever had her period or is about to start (sometimes physical

activity and heat can cause girls to begin). Our staff are prepared should a camper get her very first period at camp. Encourage your camper to talk to her counselor or the health care staff if she has any problems or needs supplies.

Health screening: Girls will participate in a health screening as part of their check-in. This includes general questions

about their health and a lice check. At this time medications are given to Health Center Staff. Lice, No Nit Policy: On the first day of each session, campers will be screened during the check in process by a staff

member trained in head checks. If lice or nits are present, the camper will not be allowed to stay at camp. Parents

must treat their camper and she may return to camp once she is nit-free. Campers who come to camp from a

distance may be treated by the nurse at camp.

Sleeping Accommodations Accommodations at camp vary, depending on the camp. Some are platform tents and others are rustic cabins. Campers will be given unit assignments upon arrival. Assignments are made based on age, program, and number of participating girls. It is recommended that each girl bring a twin-sized fitted sheet.

Use of a mosquito net is a personal choice. But please note that the net must be free standing. It will require a frame that can be secured to the cot with zip ties, string, or long wire twist ties. Please do not use duct tape to attach to cot frame. Homemade frames work well when using PVC pipes or four wooden dowels. Poles that are 4-feet long and ¾ inch in diameter work well. Placing tennis balls on the ends help to prevent tearing the netting. The internet has many options for making or purchasing the netting and frames.

Meals at Camp We believe in providing a well-balanced diet of kid-friendly food for all of our campers. Please, let us know if your camper requires a special diet, such as allergen-free, vegetarian, pork-free, etc. We can accommodate most special dietary needs. Water is available all day and snacks are provided, usually in the afternoon. Experience has taught us that “trying on” a new diet regime while at camp is not the best idea because of all the changes our bodies are already dealing with: a different bed, full days in the outdoors, different water, different food, different schedule, and new bunk-mates and friends! Health and Accident Insurance Health and accident insurance is the responsibility of the camper family. Girl Scout insurance is secondary coverage and,

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when needed, forms are available from the Health Center staff.

Missing Home Despite the fun, adventure, and new friends at camp, some girls do become homesick. Campers and counselors are supportive when this happens. The homesickness usually passes quickly once she becomes involved in the fun of camp, or she makes it through the first night away. Your help before camp to set the stage to avoid homesickness is a great help. Talk about the fun of camp, the chance to learn new things, try new activities, and make new friends. Let her know that her counselors will be there for her. Be careful not to talk too much about how you will miss your camper. Campers sometimes feel guilty about leaving people or pets behind. Send cheerful mail to camp for her. If she does become homesick, counselors and camp staff will work with her. If her homesickness does not pass quickly or interferes with her camp activities, the camp will call to touch base with you and let you know what they are doing to help her. Please don’t suggest she just telephone home for you to come get her if she gets homesick. Since talking with parents on the phone may make homesickness worse for many campers, the camp procedure for handling homesickness generally does not include phone calls between parents and campers. Parents with concerns are encouraged to call the camp director before and during her camp stay.

Don’t worry if your first letter from camp talks about missing you. Many campers send letters home the first night requesting that you come pick them up immediately when they haven’t even tried camp. Don’t assume your camper still wants to be picked up days later when the mail arrives at your home. Usually, by the time you receive your camper’s letter, she has already adjusted and is having a great time. If you are unsure, feel free to call the camp. Calls to camp and calls from camp During the day, we are busy with our campers hiking in the woods, swimming, crafts, archery and all of the other fun we have on a daily basis. At times, you may need to contact the camp about your camper or we may have to contact you. Since we are busy at camp during the day, we typically return calls to parents (unless it is a medical issue) early morning before breakfast, after meals, late afternoon or after 9 p.m. We have our camp office staffed daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and check our answer machine frequently throughout the day.

Mail Frequent, cheerful, and supportive letters are important to campers. If using the postal service, please allow enough time (multiple days) for delivery. We recommend writing letters to your camper in advance and dropping them off at camp in the box provided on check in day. Letters can also be mailed the week prior to her camp session. Your camper’s name, and the desired delivery date should be written on the outside of each envelope. If you are sending mail from home, please address it as shown below. Please note: The USPS in Lebanon is slow at delivering mail from us to you and you to us. We do not hold onto mail, open it, read it or wait to give it to campers. All mail is sent out daily to the mail box and delivered to the office during the weekdays and on Saturdays. We discourage packages mailed from home. If you feel you need to send your camper something during a one week stay, please remember that it could arrive after her stay at camp. It’s best to leave the package with the office at drop off with her name and date to give it to her. We are not responsible for sending out mail or packages after a camper has left camp.

Camper’s Name Camp Laurel 175B Clubhouse Rd. Lebanon, CT 06249

Helpful hint for getting mail from camp – pre-addressed, stamped envelopes to home can help speed the process of receiving mail from your camper.

Check-out Day INCLUDES MINI CAMP

Check-out is 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, closing day. If you need to arrange another time, please do so prior to camp or at check-in.

When you arrive, staff will direct you where to park and where your camper and their luggage can be picked up.

Adults, please be sure to have a photo ID with you.

The campers will be with their unit counselors.

You must sign each camper out of camp with her counselor. At that time you will also collect her medications/vitamins, camp photos (if you ordered one), and other important items.

Visit the Trading Post for last minute purchases and to settle your account.

Check the lost and found before leaving camp.

Let your camper say good-bye, then head back to the parking lot.

Have your camper look at all of her luggage before leaving to be sure nothing is missing and that she hasn’t collected someone else’s belongings. Remember, no one ever sends a laundry bag full of dirty clothes to camp, but almost every girl has one to take home.

Parent Evaluation - after camp. A Survey Monkey link will be emailed to you. We appreciate your feedback.

Refunds/Cancellations

Girl Scout membership fee is non-refundable.

Cancellations and refunds must be requested in writing and sent to camp@gsofct.org

Cancellation refunds will be made minus the $25 non-refundable deposit per week.

Should you cancel camp for any reason, Cookie Credits are not returnable.

Any cancellations made within two weeks of camp attendance will not receive any refund.

Due to limited space in Saddle up, Horse Savvy and Horse Fun, any cancellations within two weeks prior to arrival at camp, will not be refunded.

Summer Resident Camp Packing List PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS WITH CAMPER’S NAME

Clothing and Supplies

Pajamas 1-piece swimsuit or 2-piece tankini.(2 preferred) Sunscreen: SPF 15 or higher Insect repellant (no aerosol) Hat/bandana Underwear (1 per day, plus 2 spare) Socks (1 per day, plus 2 spare) Sturdy shoes/sneakers (closed toes and closed heels) 2 pairs recommended 1 pair of wet shoes (for boating) Jeans, long pants, or sweats Raincoat or poncho (camp is rain or shine) Toilet articles (soap, shampoo, toothbrush/paste, floss, comb, hair ties, deodorant, etc.) Shorts T-shirts 1 white 100% cotton T-shirt to tie-dye Sweatshirt or summer jacket Shower shoes (these can be flip flops, but are only to be worn in the shower) Fitted twin sheet Flat twin size sheet Sleeping bag or blanket and sheets (bed-roll) Pillow Laundry bag for dirty clothes Plastic bag for wet or soiled items 2 Bath towels and washcloths Beach towel Flashlight and extra batteries (camp gets dark at night!) Reusable water bottle Day pack (backpack) Unbreakable plate, cup, bowl or a “mess kit”

If Attending Horseback Riding Program Long pants for riding Riding boots or tie shoe with hard smooth sole and 1-inch heel.

Optional Stationary and stamps Address book Inexpensive camera and supplies Mosquito netting Leave at Home Cell phones Duct tape Electronics (personal music players, video games, etc.) Food (snacks and meals will be provided) Pets Pocket knives or hazardous materials (such as matches, glass containers) Personal sports equipment Weapons The above items are prohibited and will be confiscated. Bring to Check-In (Do Not Pack in Luggage.) Medication/vitamins in original containers (for both prescription and over-the-counter) OTC’s must be in original, unopened containers. Medication Administration Authorization Form (one per medication)

and flatware/silverware

Directions to Girl Scout Camp Laurel Your Summer Home Away from Home!

Driving Directions to Camp Laurel 175 Clubhouse Road, Lebanon, CT 06249 860-423-8461 Note: If you use a GPS you will be guided to the camp entrance. The route may be a bit different than above. Cell service is unpredictable near and at camp. From Route 6 Westbound: Take a left onto Route 87. Follow Route 87 to Route 207. Take a right onto Route 207. Take a right onto Clubhouse Rd. Camp is 2 miles on the left. From Route 2 Westbound: Take exit 18 in Colchester. Take a right onto Route 16 and follow Route 16 to Route 207. Turn right onto Route 207 and take first left onto Clubhouse Road. Camp is 2 miles on left. From Hartford and Route 2 Eastbound: Take exit 13 in Marlborough. Take a left onto Route 66. At Route 85 in Hebron, go right. Take a left onto Route 207. Take a left onto Clubhouse Road just past the junction with Route 16. Camp is 2 miles on left. From Route 9 or Route 66 in Middletown: Follow Route 66 over the bridge into Portland. Continue on Route 66 into Hebron. At Route 85 go right. Take a left onto Route 207. Take a left onto Clubhouse Road just past the junction with Route 16. Camp is 2 miles on left.

PARENT CHECKLIST FOR RESIDENT CAMP

The following checklist will assist you and your camper as you prepare for camp and help her to

have a positive camping experience!

Read Parent Handbook and share info with your camper(s).

Balance payment due by June 1, if not paid in full with registration.

Make appointment for Camp Health exam with physician/health care provider or get copy of exam within 24 months of camper’s stay

A completed and mailed in health form information prior to June 1.

Label all clothing and equipment with camper’s first and last name!

Talk with your camper about healthy habits: ticks, showers, community living, swimwear, menstruation and health screening

BRING TO CAMP

All clothing and equipment from list (labeled with name).

Keep these items separate from packed luggage:

o All prescription medications (in their original containers) in a zip lock bag with camper name.

o Any over-the-counter medications if needed, in new, unopened containers in zip lock bag.

o Health Form information if registered after June 1.

o Camper Mail for us to deliver during her stay at camp (if desired).

o Spending money for trading post and camp photo (if desired).

Be ready to provide information:

Will camper have a birthday while at camp?

Does camper have any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or sensitivities?

Any changes/updates to health history, or concerns?

Is she currently healthy, or had any recent illness/injury?