When it comes to the summer camp experience, one of the most oft asked questions is with regard to the communications policies. While most parents worry about their child being homesick, the need for contact is usually more for the parents than for the kids.
It is important to remember that campers – especially first-timers -- will need time to adjust to the new environment. The constant communication during the first few days of camp may slow down their progress at developing socialization skills and fully enjoying camp life.
At Camp Tamarack, we count on parents to be partners in camping. First and foremost, we hope you can help by ensuring that our cell phone/PDA policy is properly followed. We understand that campers love receiving mail, so communication lines are still open for this.
Here is a quick guide of what you can expect regarding communication:
• All campers must write a letter home the first day of camp. So set your worries aside, you’ll hear from your kids as soon as they get to camp. Please send stationary and pre-stamped and self-addressed envelopes. At this point, you may be concerned that your child is not having a positive experience in camp. By the time the letter has arrived, they will have adjusted to camp life.
• Letter writing day is part of camp life. All campers are required to write home twice a week. They can also write a letter whenever they wish and place it in the mailbox.
• Personal communication devices such as cell phones and PDAs are not allowed in camp. Any device brought to camp will be confiscated and not returned to the camper until the last day of camp. Any camper who breaches this policy may negatively affect their chances of return to Camp Tamarack in subsequent years.
• Bunk1 email service allows parents to purchase an email plan. This is a great tool for parents to send emails to their kids, which are then downloaded, printed and distributed to campers the following camper mail day.
• Camp Tamarack also offers campers the opportunity to write a letter home and have us fax the letter directly to a fax number provided. This service will take place once a week.
• Parents of new campers will be contacted by Camp Tamarack to let them know how the kids are adjusting to camp life. One of our leadership team members will be in touch with you within 48 hours of their arrival at camp.
• Online photo galleries and newsletters are free to all parents via Bunk1. Pictures are updated several times throughout the week and we try to make sure we get pictures of everyone.
• While receiving packages can be exciting for any camper, it can also be a source of jealously and even disappointment for the recipient. Please do not send food or candy packages. Only flat packages measuring 9 x 12 inches are allowed – you can use this to send comics, newspapers or other reading materials. We will not receive courier envelopes, large packages or boxes at camp. These will be donated to charity.
• Birthdays are a special time at camp. Campers will be allowed to phone parents on their own birthday only. Calls can be made after breakfast.
If you’re not hearing from your child as often as you’d like them to write or email you, you can be at peace with the fact that your child is adjusting well and is probably enjoying himself/herself. For other communication concerns, you can always reach out to our camp staff by phone or email.
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