Camp Kanuga Parents' Page

Parents' Page

We are here to help you and your child have the best camp experience possible! On this page, you will find answers to common questions, explanations of some of our policies and advice for parents who are considering sending a child to camp for the first time. You may scroll down to read or use the links below.

Is My Child Ready for Camp?
Preparing a First-Time Camper: Before Camp
Preparing a First-Time Camper: Opening Day
Preparing a First-Time Camper: During Camp
Some of Our Policies: Cell Phones
Some of Our Policies: Phone Calls to Home
Some of Our Policies: Bathing Suits
Some of Our Policies: Cabinmate Requests

Is My Child Ready for Camp?

Good question! Although our counselors are always available to help your child, there are some things that your child should be ready and capable of doing by his or her self before you consider sending them to camp. Campers should be able to make their own bed, shower and use the bathroom without aid, make food selections during meals and get along fairly well with others. Please consider how mature your child is before you consider sending him or her to camp.

Also, it is important that you involve your child in making the decision to attend camp. Your child may be able to tell you whether he or she is ready.

Preparing a First-Time Camper

For many new campers, being at camp is their first time away from home. This can be a challenging and emotional experience because the child is away from family, friends and familiar surroundings. Helping your child understand why people go to camp and reviewing the benefits of going to camp can make the adjustment and separation from home a lot easier.

Before Camp

How you and your child spend time before camp can drastically reduce homesickness as well as ease the adjustment to camp life.

Many first-time camper parents offer to pick up their child or tell the child that he or she can call home if they do not like camp. DON’T DO IT! A statement like this might prevent your camper from fully engaging in camp life.
Talk with your camper honestly about the fun he or she is going to have, as well as the challenges. Camp by its very nature can be unpredictable and campers should be coached to be prepared for it.
Consider visiting ahead of time for a camp tour.
Look over the camp brochure or web site together so your camper can see the pictures and become familiar with what camp is going to be like.
Let your camper help pack for camp. This will help them remember where they packed their toothbrush, soap, etc. For young campers, this also will help them think critically about what they will need certain gear for (i.e. a raincoat is for rainy weather; a sweater is for when it is cold outside).
Get your camp paperwork (health forms, risk waivers) in one month ahead of time so you do not have to spend any time doing it on opening day.
Talk about camp as opening day nears. Start a calendar count-down. Get excited with your camper about the fun he or she is about to have!

Opening Day

Opening day is a very important time for your camper. For new campers, this is when a first impression is formed, so it is important that staff and parents work together to ease this transition.

Plan to stay until your camper gets settled. While we understand you may have travel plans, the camp cannot accept campers before 2:30 p.m.
Let your child make his or her own bed.
Try to meet some other campers and their families. This will help your camper meet some of his or her cabinmates.
Once your child is settled, try to avoid long goodbyes. Encourage your camper to get involved immediately so he or she can make new friends.
Pack a bathing suit, towel and bed sheets separate from the rest of your camper’s things (and carry them by hand from the parking lot). We deliver all luggage directly to your camper’s cabin, but we only have one truck, so this can take a while.

During Camp

Write letters or emails. Ask your child to write back about what they have done at camp. Try to avoid filling in your camper on what he or she missed at home.
Send a care package (no candy please).
Visit camp for lunch. Please contact the camp ahead of time to plan a lunch visit.

VERY IMPORTANT! Being away from your child for 10 or 14 days can be hard. It is important that you find another adult to share these emotions with rather than your child.

For additonal tips for parents, please read this article published by the American Camp Association.

Some of Our Policies

Cell phones: Cell phones are strictly forbidden at camp. Because camp is about creating new friendships and having a great time in the outdoors, we have decided that cell phones distract campers from fully embracing this idea. Campers must turn in cell phones to the Head Counselors on the first day; they will be returned on closing day. Phones found later will be confiscated and campers may miss activities as a result.

Phone calls to home: Campers are not encouraged to call home while at camp. Because one of the camp’s goals is to instill self-confidence while away from home, phone calls can discourage a camper’s connection with the camp and cabin group. If a phone call must be made (severe homesickness, doctor’s visit) or if there is a special request (birthday, family reunion, etc.), the camp director will call home first. If parents want to check-in with their camper, they are encouraged to send letters.

Bathing suits: All bathing suits should be one-piece. Please plan ahead to purchase a one-piece bathing suit if your camper does not already own one.

Cabinmate requests: Maintaining friendships are important part of camp, and Camp Kanuga does its best to honor cabinmate requests. Please remember that cabin assignments are based on gender, age and grade in school. The following criteria must be met before we can consider any cabinmate request:

Request must be received at least two weeks before the session.
Both campers’ parents must agree on request.
Campers’ ages are approximately the same.

You may request no more than two cabinmates. Please include cabinmates requests on your child's camp registration form.

Read on for more important information.