Summer 2013 Day Camp Guide

Table of Contents
Registration Process 2 Our Promise & What is Camp Fire 3 Camp Fire Experience 4 ACA Accredidation 5 Family Meet & Greets 6 Important Times & Dates 7 Parent Letter 8 Staff Bios 9 Types of Camp Offered 10 & 11 Facility Location 12 Camp Policies 13 Camp Sessions by Date 14 Detailed Camp Listing 15-19 Overnight Camp Listing 20 Discovery & Horizon Camp 21 Dash/CIT Training Information 22 Dash/CIT Placement Information 23 Questions & Answers 24-29 Tips for Preschoolers 30

Fast & Easy Online Registration

Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo uses a Fast and Easy Online Registration System for all our Camp Programs, making signing up for camp a breeze and Eco Friendly. So sign up today, just click on the link below or copy and paste it into your internet browser https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/Form.aspx?IDTD=4307595&RF=3709104& mode=0 If you have any questions or concerns about the new online registration process please email info@campfiresdi.org or call 619-291-8985. Also please visit our new improved website at www.campfiresdi.org

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Our Promise
Young people want to shape the world. Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. In Camp Fire, it begins now. Light the fire within

What is Camp Fire

At Camp Fire, we Light the fire within Camp Fire was created to guide young people on their journey to self-discovery. Camp Fire helps youth dig deep inside and discover their sparks, their personally defined nuggets of potential. The founders of Camp Fire felt strongly that young people need experiences that teach them to care for themselves, their environment, and the people around them.

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The Camp Fire Experience

Discover your spark. Do you want to discover yourself? Do you want to make an impact? With Camp Fire, you can. At Camp Fire, staff, volunteers, and people like you are exceptional role models. Our programs encourage you to discover your passionyour spark. Inclusiveness. Camp Fire is open to everyone. The uniqueness of every individual and family is embraced and celebrated every day. At Camp Fire, you will build lasting relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds. Participant Driven. Camp Fire is led by youth. Camp Fire is about creating new opportunities for you. As you work with others you gain self-confidence, lift your voice, and become a better citizen. It happens now. Camp Fire helps you develop skills, now. Together we build a strong foundation which empowers you to take initiative today.

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ACA Accreditiation
Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo is proudly accredited by the American Camp Association. Camp provides children with a community of caring adults, who nurture experiential education that results in self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the outcomes: self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and self-respect; build personal competencies. These personal competencies are reflected in the four Cs of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character! For years, campers parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right and are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that will help build a successful nation and a civil society. (ACA Publications)

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Family Meet & Greet

Wednesday, March 6th 12:00pm - 7:30pm Come by our location in Balboa Park on March 6th drop by anytime between 12:00pm to 7:30pm and become familiar with our facility. Koa and Staff will be at the facility for On-site registration, tours, and to answer all questions you might have.

Family Meet & Greet Picnic

Saturday, May 25th 11:00am - 2:00pm (check website for info) New and Returning Camper Families pack a picnic and enjoy a day at Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo, come see what makes us so great on Saturday, May 25th between 11:00am to 2:00pm. Koa and Staff will be at the facility for On-site registration, tours, and to answer all questions you might have. There will also be a special arts & crafts project for your campers to enjoy.

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Important Times & Dates Important Times

7:30a.m. Morning care drop off begins 8:30a.m. Camp Counselors arrive 8:30a.m. Campers begin to be dropped off 9:00a.m. Camp begins 10:30a.m. Snack time provided by Camp 12:00p.m. Lunch time 3:00p.m Camper Pick up begins 3:30p.m After care begins 6:00p.m. Camp Closes

Important Dates

March 28th & May 25th Parent Meet & Greets May 25th or June 1st Dash & CIT Training Date June 12th First Day of Camp July 4th & 5th Camp CLOSED due to Holiday June 24th - June 28th Teen Discovery & Horizon Camp June 27th Overnight for 2nd Grade and Up for Muddy Buddies July 11th Overnight for 2nd Grade and Up for Pirates of CaHiTo July 22nd - July 26th Teen Discovery & Horizon Camp July 25th Overnight for 2nd Grade and up for Gold Rush August 8th Overnight for 2nd Grade and up for Treasure Hunters August 22nd Overnight for 2nd Grade and up for Amazing Race August 19th - August 23rd Teen Discovery & Horizon Camp August 30th Last day of camp

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Parent Letter
Dear Parents, We are very happy that your child will be joining us at Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo. We have an outstanding staff team, and amazing programming that is sure to make this summer an unforgettable one for your campers. Our staff team goes through a rigorous screening and selection process with interviews, reference checks and fingerprinting. All of our staff are required to go through a training program, including First Aide, Child Abuse Prevention and inclusion. Please be aware that we are located at 3101 Balboa Drive on the west side of Balboa Park. The official day camp hours are 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Drop off begins at 8:30 am and pick up needs to be by 3:30 pm. Campers must be signed in and out by a parent/guardian or other adults listed in the camper packet or specified in writing. The camp gate will be closed to all vehicle traffic at all times. Parking is limited to on the street. A sign in table will be stationed within the gates on the right hand side. You must come in to camp to sign in and out your camper. Please be ready to show identification, this is for the safety of your campers. For extended hours, camp is open at 7:30 am and will close promptly at 6:00 pm. There is a fee schedule for this program, please see registration packet for details. A snack will be provided during the pm extended hours. We are dedicated to running a safe, high quality program that serves over 6,000 children each year. We continue to be American Camp Association accredited. This symbol of achievement represent our adherence to high quality standards and an assurance of our commitment to the safety of your children. We hope to provide an amazing experience for your camper whether they be a returning camper or attending for the first time. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon. Jewels Interim Executive Director Camp Fire San Diego jpetty@campfiresdi.org www.campfiresdi.org 619-291-8985

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Our Staff
Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo takes pride in quality, well trained and ethical staff. Jewels Julie Petty aka Jewels Interim Executive Director jpetty@campfiresdi.org Jewels is a San Diego native growing up in the Camp Fire San Diego program, she has been involved with Camp Fire for over fifteen years working her way through the CIT program, to being a Counselor, and eventually becoming Director of Marketing & Outdoor Education. She joined Camp Fire full time the summer of 2009 with tons of energy and enthusiasm, and has grown Camp Fire two hundred and forty percent in that short time. She recently has been appointed as the Interim Executive Director and will continue Camp Fires promise to help young people shape the world, by providing the opportunity for youth to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. Kamarra Chamberlain aka Koa Club Program and Outdoor Education Associate kchamberlain@campfiresdi.org Koa is a San Diego native who grew up out in nature on the stage! She has worked with both the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Shows, Education and Camps. She loves all things outdoors but is a water baby at heart. You can find her paddling with the US First Place Champions San Diego Outrigger Canoe Club. Koa is extremely happy to be a part of the Camp Fire family and if youre looking for her just listen for a loud laugh!

Koa

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Types of Camps Offered Half-Day Camps (Campers ages 3 - 5) If your 3-5 year old is
potty-trained but not quite ready for the full day camp experience, these camps are for them. Half-Day Camp runs from 9:00am to 12:30pm daily. These camps are ideal for the parent who would like their child to learn some new skills with the Camp Fire curriculum and still have the second half of the day to spend that important quality time together.

Traditional Day Camps (Campers ages 4-18 years old) These whole-

some and fun camps are set in Balboa Park at Camp CaHiTo there are various themes to choose from and different activities each day. Camp Fire builds caring, confident youth and future leaders, these camps use the Camp Fire curriculum to facilitate outdoor games, songs, skits and self growth. Activities include hiking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, signing, swimming and much more.

Discovery & Horizon Camps (Campers ages 12-16 years old)

There will only be 11 openings for each session so make sure you sign up today to reserve a spot. These camps are a chance for our seasoned CaHiToites to try something new and different, and an opportunity for our DASHers and CITs to kick back, relax, and enjoy a week of just being campers! A unique and adventurous Camp Fire experience! Campers will take three field trips througout the week, and during the other two days, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities, at a higher difficulty and skill level. One of our day trips will be to WoLaHi, our resident camp near Lake Cuyumaca that is in the rebuilding phase; for fishing and hiking. One week prior to each week a schedule will be sent out to parents with details for the week.

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Types of Camps Offered Cont. DASH (Campers 15-16 years old) Director and Staff Helpers
(DASH) the program is specifically designed for our future leaders. This two phase program first sends your teen through a full training, learning how to work with 4-11 year olds, learning leadership skills, camp songs, games and crafts. After successfully completing training and achieving Dash Status, participants will then be assigned to assist our talented day camp staff with the daily operation of camp. This program provides an excellent opportunity for teens to obtain hands on job experience and learn leadership responsibilities, while still under the supervision of our camp staff team. All DASH must go through the training session.

CIT (Campers 17-18 years old) Counselors in Training (CIT) the program is

specifically designed to further develop our future leaders. CITs are required to attend a training session, learning how to work with 4-11 year olds, further developing their leadership skills, leading camp songs in the morning, implementing games and crafts with the campers. Preferably CITs should have gone through the DASH program or a similar program/training. CITs will be assigned to assist our talented day camp staff with the daily operation of camp; creating and consulting on program ideas with their assigned counselor. This program provides an excellent opportunity for teens to obtain hands on job experience, learn leadership responsibilities, and gain more job responsibility; while still under the supervision of our camp staff team. All CIT must go through the training session.

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Camp Location Facility Drop Off & Pick Up

Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo is located at 3101 Balboa Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 on the west side of Balboa Park. The official traditional day camp hours are 9:00 am 3:00 pm. Drop off begins at 8:30 am and pick up needs to be by 3:30 pm. We do offer extended hours for an additional nominal fee, morning extended hours start at 7:30 am and afterhours end promptly at 6:00 pm. A snack will be provided during the pm extended hours.

Attention: Thursday morning is Street Sweeping Day in the park. We do our best

to make the process of dropping off campers smooth & fast, however we cannot guarantee you will not get a ticket if you park on Balboa Dr. We have a 10-15 minute Drop Off Zone on Thursdays, if the Zone is Full we recommend parking on Sixth Ave and walking across the park to sign your campers in. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Road Closures If for some reason the city closes the gate to Balboa Drive, please park on 6th Avenue and walk your child in. We can not control road closures, but do apologize for any inconvenience.

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Camp Policies Deposits & Payments A $107.50 deposit per session is required to
hold a campers spot in any session. If you select to pay with a deposit the remaining due will need to be paid out 2 weeks prior to the session start date through our new online registration system. Before camp starts we pay our vendors, buy supplies and hire our staff according to the enrollment numbers. These are the reasons for our policy.

Refund Policy A request to cancel your enrollment in a camp is required

in writing (forms are located in the office) 14 days prior to the first day of camp. You will receive a CaHiTo Voucher minus your deposit good for 6 months. There will be no Vouchers or Refunds due to illness. Full refunds will only be issued if Camp CaHiTo cancels the camp.

Session Transfer A session transfer request will be accepted 14 days prior

to each camp session. There will be no transfers processed after the 14 day deadline. All transfers are subject to availability.

Last Minute Registration Fee Please note that last minute regisFinancial Assistance Camperships

trations are subject to an additional fee. Registration prices will go up 5 days in advance to the start of camp programs. The fee for last minute registrations is an additional $25. Camperships are available on a first come, first serve basis. A family must meet the required guidelines in order to receive funding, Financial Assistance applications are available online. Required Documents: First 2 pages of your 2011/12 Federal Income Tax Form & W2 (Incomplete applications will not be processed. & additional documentation may be required)

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Camp CaHiTo Sessions by Date

June 12th - June 14th* Wild & Crazy Days June 17th - June 21st* Medieval Times June 24th - June 28th Muddy Buddies** July 1st-July 3rd* Extreme Forts July 8th - July 12th Pirates of CaHiTo** July 15th - July 19th Olympic Games July 22nd - July 26th Gold Rush** July 29th - August 2nd Circus Circus August 5th - August 9th Treasure Hunters** August 12th - August 16th Water Daze August 19th - August 23rd Amazing Race** August 26th - August 30th Bugs & Slugs
*Pro Rated Weeks and Options **Overnight Option Available, see page 20 for more information Every week at Camp campers get to do all of the awesome activities Camp CaHiTo has to offer; including hiking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, singing, forts, organized games, swimming and much more. Each week is also themed to engage your camper throught the entire summer. For more information about the theme weeks, look through our Detailed Camp Listing.

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Detailed Camp Listing Wild & Crazy Days

Its time to get Crazy! During this week campers will play some of the zaniest games and wackiest contests. Each day will be themed differently; from Crazy Shirt Day to Backwards Day. Week: June 10th - June 14th or June 12th - June 14th Pro Rated Week Fees: $100/175 Little Stars Half Day $130/215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Though many tried for the sword with all their strength, none could move the sword, nor stir it. Travel back in time with Camp CaHiTo. Where you will learn the ancient art of Archery, maybe you will become the next Robin Hood or you already are a Master Archer. Learn to win at Noodle Jousting and create your own penant with your family name and colors! This week is sure to be full of Magic, Mystery and Adventure for all! Week: June 17th - June 21st or June 19th - June 21st Pro Rated Week Fees: $100/175 Little Stars Half Day $130/215 Little Stars Full Day/ Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Medieval Times

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Detailed Camp Listing Cont. Muddy Buddies*

Itt time to get MUDDY! During this week campers will have the opportunity to get wild and dirty. Kids will have mud wars, play Muddy Buddy games, participate in muddy relay races, Capture the Flag, build mud castles and so much more. Dont worry though if you dont want to get Muddy, there will be plenty of other activites to particpate in. Week: June 24th - June 28th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Extreme Forts

stand up to a hurricane! Pounding rain? What about an angry troll! Hopefully youre team has built a Fort that can stand up to anything! You will use lots of different materials to create different and amazing Forts each day. At the End of the week you will be able to show your parents what amazing architects you are and how Extreme Forts can get! Weeks: July 1st - July 3rd Fees: $100 Little Stars Half Day $130 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Pirates of CaHiTo*

Arrgh! Join us for Pirates of CaHiTo. Explore the many adventures of pirates, and dress up in your favorite pirate gear daily. Campers will go on treasure hunts, play games with a pirate twist, sing sea-shanties (pirate songs), make pirate hats and partake in many other swashbuckling activities. Week: July 8th - July 12th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery
* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Detailed Camp Listing Cont. Olympic Games

Campers will be having fun with crazy Olympic games and relays. They will be creating their own flags to represent themselves and teams. Activities will included Wacky Three Legged Races, Capture the Flag, Crabwalk Soccer, Water Relays and more. Camp will end with a closing Olympic Ceremony. Week: July 15th - July 19th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Gold Rush*

Welcome to the Gold Rush! During this week campers will be having fun learning how to dress and talk like a Cowboy or Cowgirl. All campers will get to participate in the Gold Rush! Activities also include making Dream Catchers, various western challenges like lassoing and horseshoes, panning for gold and new adventures around every corner. Week: July 22nd - July 26th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/ Starflight/Adventure/Discovery
* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Detailed Camp Listing Cont.

Come one! Come All! Theres a new Circus in Town at CaHiTo! Learn to juggle, tumble, walk the tight rope and clown around. Every day is a new skill leading up to a silly and exciting show on Friday for your family and friends to watch. You will learn some real circus skills and have some serious fun!. Week: July 29th - August 2nd Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Circus Circus

Treasure Hunters*

I start with an E and end with an E and I usually contain one letter? What am I? Youll need to work together to solve riddles and search for things unseen in this week of treasure hunting. We have hidden clues to follow and riddles to solve. Will they lead you to Treasure? Come and see! Week: August 5th - August 9th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight /Adventure/Discovery

Water Daze

Campers will be wet and wild escaping the summer heat. They will be keeping cool with water-balloons, games galore, extended swim time, sliding down a slip n slide and so much more! Week: August 12th - August 16th Fees: $165 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery
* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Detailed Camp Listing Cont. Amazing Race *

Campers will be having fun competing in different challenges from country to country every day. Activities include making Cahito Passports, making individual and team flags, various challenges, and new adventures around every corner. Week: August 19th - August 23rd Fees: $175 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Bugs & Slugs

Campers wont think bugs are so icky, especially after this week of camp! Campers will have fun playing Bug Bingo, Bug in your Shirt and plenty more buggy games. Kids will have a chance to eat Scary Edible Bugs and a few more fun edible surprises. Bug and Butterfly Crafts which include: a Swarm of Tumble bugs, Bug Catchers and lots, lots more! Week: August 26th - August 30th Fees: $175 Little Stars Half Day $215 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery
* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Overnight Camps Overnight Camps

Overnights are a way to make your campers experience at Camp CaHiTo one of a kind. For $60 campers get an experience of a lifetime, while sleeping and playing under the stars, activities correlate to the weeks theme. Overnights begin Thursday at 3:00pm right after a traditional day at camp, campers are provided an afternoon snack, dinner, breakfast and lunch the following day. Campers should bring a change of clothes for the next day, a mess kit (including a plate, bowl, utensils, and cup), sleeping bag, and toiletries Fees: $60 for campers 8 -16 years old $50 DASH & CIT

Available Dates:

June 27th Muddy Buddies July 11th Pirates of CaHiTo July 25th Gold Rush August 8th Treasure Hunters August 22nd Amazing Race

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Discovery & Horizon Camp Discovery & Horizon Camps

(for campers 12-16 years old)
A chance for our seasoned CaHiToites to try something new and different, and an opportunity for our DASHers and CITs to kick back, relax, and enjoy a week of just being campers! A unique and adventurous Camp Fire experience! Campers will take three field trips, during the other two days, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities, at a higher difficulty and skill level. One of our day trips will be to WoLaHi, our resident camp near Lake Cuyumaca that is in the rebuilding phase; for fishing and hiking. One week prior to each week a schedule will be sent out to parents with details for the week. Available Weeks: June 24th - June 28th July 22nd - July 26th August 19th - August 23rd Fees: $255 Discovery & Horizon ONLY

Potential Field Trips & Volunteer Opportunities:

Torrey Pines Scenic Hike World Famous San Diego Zoo or Safari Park Visiting local Conservation Gardens; Mission Trails Regional Park Point Loma Tides Pools Beach Clean Up Habitat for Humanity Helen Woodward Animal Center Kayaking or Snorkeling La Jolla Coves

* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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DASH & CIT Training

Director and Staff Helpers (DASH) & Counselors in Training (CIT) is our teen programs specifically designed for our future leaders. This program first sends your teen through a week of training, teaching your teen how to work with children, camp songs, games and crafts. After successfully completing training and achieving DASH or CIT status, participants will then be assigned to assist our talented day camp staff with the daily operation of camp. This program provides an excellent opportunity for teens to achieve hands on job experience and responsibilities, while still under the supervision of our camp staff team.

(for campers 15-16 years old)

DASH & CITs

DASH & CIT Training

New* and Returning DASHers and CITs are required to attend one of these trainings, in order to be a youth leader at CaHiTo for the 2013 summer season. In years past, we have required that each teen helper attends a week of training, but we want them trained EARLY so they will have the tools to begin as leaders on our very first day of camp! Teens will learn leadership skills, working with 4-12 year olds, learning game leading, camp songs, and child supervision. The training will prepare them to be placed at Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo assisting the staff with the daily operation of camp. Being a DASH and CIT is a an amazing fun experience. Poten-tial DASH and CIT must first successfully complete the training course before they are eligible for participation in DASH or CIT placement weeks. Fees: $85 DASH & CIT Includes Lunch

Training Dates:

Saturday, May 25th, 2013 or Saturday, June 1st, 2013 (Please check the website for more information)

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DASH & CIT Placement DASH & CIT Placement

(for campers 17-18 years old)
Placement is an opportunity for DASH and CITs who have successfully completed our training course to use their leadership skills in the field of camp and enjoy the rewards of working with Camp Fire Camp CaHiTos incredible staff team and campers. DASH and CITs will experience various camp programs, assist in the daily operations of camp, and receive valuable on-the-job experience that will help build strong leadership skills. Our DASH and CIT coordinator will be making placements into age appropriate groups the Friday of the week prior to camp. If you sign up over the weekend, your placement will be made Monday morning by 8:30am. Teens will have a blast learning and making a difference in the lives of our campers at Camp CaHiTo. Fees: $110 DASH & CIT

Placement Dates:

June 10th - June 14th* Wild & Crazy Kids June 17th - June 21st* Medieval Times July 1st - July 3rd* Extreme Forts July 8th - July12th Pirates of CaHiTo** July 15th - July 19th Olympic Games July 29th - August 2nd Circus Circus August 5th - August 9th Treasure Hunts** August 12th - August 16th Water Daze August 26th - August 30th Bugs & Slugs

*DASH and CIT are allowed to attend overnights for an additional discounted rate of $50 per session, see page 20 for information on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Questions & Answers Why Camp?

There is so much competition for our childrens time in the summer sports practices, summer school, well-deserved vacations. But camp is a gift. If ever our society needed a generation of future leaders who understood the intricacies of living in a community, having tolerance, and being open in nature that time is now.

Why a Camp Fire Camp?

Camp Fire has always recognized curious youth exploring their world need a secure place to grow up. And since 1910 weve provided that place, through in-and-out of school programs and camps. Camp Fire believes when youth get the chance to be outdoors, to work with others in community, and learn to respect nature they better respect themselves. Were proud of the role we have playedand continue to play in guiding young lives to an appreciation of their own lives and the world we all live in.

Camp Staff

Camp Fire counselors are carefully chosen and trained. All meet the standard program requirements of Camp Fire. Most camp staff are college students majoring in recreation, education, or child development. All staff is required to participate in a week long pre-camp training session, in addition to regular daily and weekly staff meetings.

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Physical Requirements

While at camp, children will be involved in a variety of physical activities in the outdoors. Camp Fire requires parents to fill out a current health history for every camper. Campers without signed health history forms will not be allowed to stay. Campers with special needs may be required to obtain a doctors release to attend camp.

Health and Safety

Safety is our top priority at camp. All staff members are trained in First Aid and CPR procedures. In the event of illness or injury, parents will be notified immediately by phone. The camp health supervisor holds and dispenses all medications while campers are in our care.

What if my camper has medications?

If your camper takes medication, please check in medications with the camp health supervisor on the first day. Please make sure all directions for medications are on the Health History Form.

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What campers should bring to Camp

A lunch. Refrigeration is not available, so do not send perishable foods. A small snack will be provided everyday or you can bring your own. A Water bottle with your campers name on it. Comfortable play clothes, as campers WILL get dirty. Closed toed shoes and socks are required. No sandals or open back shoes. A hat or cap and sunscreen. Parents are required to apply lotion before camp for their childs protection. The camp counselors are not allowed to help apply.

What campers should not bring to Camp Please keep

valuables, electronic equipment, toys, personal sports equipment etc. at home. All program supplies will be provided. Camp Fire is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property.

Camp camper to staff ratio?

Little Stars: 1:6 Camper to staff ratio. Starflight: 1:8 Camper to staff ratio. Adventure: 1:10 Camper to staff ratio. Discovery: 1:10 Camper to staff ratio.

How do I communicate with the Staff?

Camp staff will be available everyday before and after camp starts to answer any and all questions or concerns you might have about your child. All information between parent and Camp Staff is confidential.

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Questions & Answers Cont. Can staff babysit?

Although Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff work well with children, our policy states that our staff are not permitted to babysit for families involved in our programs.

Can staff accept presents?

Although our staff work long, challenging hours, our policy states that employees are not to accept gratuities. If you wish, we would encourage you to make a donation to our Camp Fire programs to continue to help children. If interested please contact Camp Fire at 619-291-8985 for more information.

What if I need to speak with my camper?

If you ever need to reach your child while she/he is in camp, please call the office at 619-291-8985. Someone in the office will take your message and get the information to your child.

Can I make friend request for my camper to be in the same group?

We do our best to accommodate all friend requests, at times it is not possible due to ages and grades of the children. Please note that the friends requested must request your camper and be in the same grade in school.

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Questions & Answers Cont. What happens if my camper has a discipline problem at camp?

Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff is trained and is expected to resolve behavior problems in a positive manner. Our staff speak with the child, allowing him/her to take time out to think about the problem, discuss the problem/solution with the child, then let the child return to the activity. In more severe cases, the child will be kept out of the activity and the parent will be asked to pick up their child. Together, parents and Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff will work out a custom-designed behavior modification method depending on the severity of the problem,. In the event the problems persists, the child may be suspended or expelled from the program. Some acts may result in immediate suspension or expulsion including but not limited to; fighting, intentionally harming others, theft, and possession of weapons or drugs. Camp does not grant refunds or credits for missed days due to a behavior program.

Do you have a Lost and Found?

We know that sometimes things get lost, please label all of your childs belongings. Our camp Lost and Found is located at the sign in/out desk. Please feel free to check for your childs lost and found items. Items left for over three weeks with be donated to charity.

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Questions & Answers Cont. What is Camp Fire Camp CaHiTos bathroom procedure?
All campers must use the buddy system, no camper is ever alone. All campers will take trips to the bathroom with the entire camp and/or camp groups escorted by camp staff. Campers will only use bathrooms inspected for safety by camp staff.

How old do you have to be to go swimming at Camp?

If your camper is in Adventure, Discovery, DASH or CIT he/she can go swimming at the Boy Scouts of America pool, each camper will need a release form filled out prior to going, the release form can be found in the Application Package. Swimming is an hour long, campers will leave camp at 10:30am and return at approx 12:30pm, with the exception of the Water Daze Week when campers will possibly have extended swimming.

What if it rains?

Camp runs rain or shine. If weather conditions require it, we will move inside for indoor activities.

Is there closing ceremonies each week for my camper?

Yes, every Friday we have closing ceremonies for campers starting at 2:00pm. We invite parents or guardians to watch their child receive an award, meet the staff and the new friends your child has made throughout the week

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Tips for Preschool Campers Tips to Help Preschool Campers have Smooth Transitions
Camp is a great place for preschoolers to learn how to interact with other kids, share, take turns, follow rules and appreciate and respect the outdoors. Camp can also prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond. However, we do recognize that there are many emotions that can accompany leaving your child at camp. Fears and anxieties are to be expected, however to make sure that you and your child get the most out of the experience below are a few tips. Spend time talking with your child about camp even before it starts. It is necessary for you to recognize this is a pivotal step you and your camper are taking. However, too much emphasis on this step may worsen anxiety and fears. Young children can sense the worry so the more calm and confident you are in your choice of sending your child to camp, the more at ease your child will be. When you enter Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo on the first day, allow the counselors introduce themselves and set the tone and form a relationship with your camper. If you show that you are comfortable with that counselor, your child will form a better bond. If your camper cries or clings to you, dont let it upset you. The counselor will take the right steps to comfort and ease your child into the camp. We realize that leaving your child is very hard, but once you do it, it is very helpful if you leave promptly. Make sure to say your good-bye and then tell them you will see them at lunch and then depart. Long farewells and language such as if you dont like it here, you let your counselor know only reinforces the campers anxieties and makes it harder on the camper, counselor and you. A consistent predictable goodbye ritual is also helpful and eases the whole process. Keep in mind that most campers do just fine once their parents leave.

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