18USC707

• Will my child be safe at camp?

• Can my child's special needs be met?

• What should my child bring?

• What about food?

• How are campers supervised?

• Where is the camp located?

• How do we apply for camp?

• I am worried that my child will become homesick!

The Center has trained and qualified staff that serve as lifeguards, swimming instructors, ropes course facilitators, and boating instructors. All Center counselors and program staff are carefully screened and receive 2-3 weeks of pre-camp training. If an injury or sickness should occur, we have qualified medical and emergency help on call. Our counselors and some staff are also trained to handle a variety of emergencies. 

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about camp safety. Please contact chase_luker@ncsu.edu or call 252-797-4800.

• comfortable shorts & shirts for 6 days
• underclothing for 6 days 
• socks for 6 days (required when not at the pool or waterfront)
• 2 pair of closed-toe shoes (required when not at the pool or waterfront)
• 2 single sheets and a blanket, or a sleeping bag
• 1 pair of long pants, jeans or sweat pants
• sweater or sweatshirt
• 1 pair of comfortable closed-toe shoes
• 1 pair  "water" shoes or sandals
• pillowcases
• 2 bath towels and washcloths
• 1 pool/waterfront towel
• toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste & brush, deodorant, comb or brush & hair dryer)
• swimsuits (please bring more than one)
• rain gear or jacket
• flashlight and batteries
• insect repellant
• sunscreen
• single bed sheets or sleeping bags
• pillow with pillowcase & light blanket

TIP:  Put your name on clothes and gear with permanent marker.

Medications
All prescribed medications must be given to the camp nurse in its original container stating the camper's name and the dosage requirements.

• Radios, CD players, tape decks, or other musical electronics
• Game Boys/Playstations, Computers, cell phones
• Expensive items, especially jewelry
• Weapons or controlled substances of any kind

The Center cannot be responsible for campers' personal items.

• paper, pen, envelopes and stamps for letters home
• disposable camera with your name in permanent ink
• spending money*- no more than $25.00. Spending money can be used during your camp session to purchase snacks, souvenirs, T-shirts, etc. All money will be collected during camp registration. A camp store card system will be used while you are at camp. Any money remaining at the end of the week will be returned to you.

Involve your child in planning for a camp experience—from choosing the camp to packing for the trip.

Encourage your child to talk about ALL the feelings he/she has relating to camp. Don't belittle his/her concerns or try to pass them off by saying "It'll be o.k."  Simply acknowledge all the emotions shared. Be realistic and talk about how natural it is to feel homesick or sad sometimes and happy and excited at other times. Give your child a "homesickness toolkit" that can help him/her deal with these emotions. Encourage the child to expect the sad moments to pass and help him/her understand how to help them pass more quickly: tell your counselor or a friend how your feel, then deliberately focus on something that makes you feel better. 

Depending on the age, your child may want to take a special reminder of home, like a family photograph, a favorite stuffed animal or other reminder.

Visiting the camp facility beforehand can be comforting to some children (and parents).

If your child is old enough to write home, help your child pre-address some stamped postcards to take with them for mailing to friends and family members while he/she is at camp. 

Do not tell your child that you will come and get him/her if he/she becomes unhappy. Neither tell them that they will have to stay there, no matter what.  If your child becomes concerned before leaving, tell them that counselors there will be able to help them with any problems they have, including feelings of homesickness.

Try and arrange for your child to attend camp with a friend so that the two can support each other. 

Send an encouraging letter to your child at camp and have it waiting for him/her before arrival. Express your confidence in his/her ability to handle this new and exciting  experience. Tell them you are looking forward to hearing all about the fun they will have during the week. You may want to tell them you are planning a special homecoming meal to celebrate this milestone.

PLEASE DO NOT call your child to tell him/her that you miss them. Neither should you tell the child what fun things you are doing while they are away.  If your child calls you asking to come home early, talk honestly with the counselor and ask for his/her evaluation of your child's situation. Always acknowledge your child's feelings with respect. You may want to give them an option such as seeing how they feel in 24 or 48 hours before considering an early departure. Go over the items in his/her "homesickness toolkit".

If you are upset or disappointed by your child's feelings, please do not let your child know. Some children are ready for a camp experience sooner than others. Some may never be entirely comfortable. It is best not to make a "big deal" over it.

Remember, camp can be a positive experience in your child's maturing process. It can increase confidence and self-esteem, help your child "learn how to learn" as well as develop specific skills, encourage the development of new relationships, and provide memories for a lifetime! 

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