Questions and Answers

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How do you prepare for a successful experience at the Colonial Camp? Our Summer Programs are like none other -- they provide an authentic introduction into Eighteenth Century life by letting you live it firsthand.

Following are many of the typical questions, and their answers, about our daytime Summer Programs.

Our Program and Mission

Read the Questions and Answers about our general program.

Summer Programs

What ages may come to a daytime summer program?

The program is designed for participants from the 1st Grade through the 7th Grade. Parents may send participants from other ages; however, the program is age-appropriate for the aforementioned ages.

How do you divide the groups?

We create multiple teams of about 10-15 participants. Each team has more than one counselor. They go through all activities together. The teams are mixed by age and gender.

Can parents come?

This program is typically for the participants, not parents. However, parents may visit with the prior approval of the director. If you are interested, please contact us.

We conduct events for all ages year-round, including daytime Field Trips and overnight Encampments. You may also register your school or group for a Colonial-America Program at some other time.

Fee Policies

Do we offer scholarships?

We offer a limited number of scholarships based on financial hardship. Scholarship applications must be received by March 1.

What is the refund policy?

You are responsible for paying all fees in order to attend the Colonial Camp. You are not entitled to any refund of fees paid if you cancel your registration. You are not eligible for a refund for any reason. The Colonial Camp may elect to offer refunds for specific circumstances, solely at the discretion of the program director.

Arrival

When should I arrive and depart?

Arrival is from 8:45 to 9:00 am each day. Departure is at 3:00 pm each day.

We will begin registration at 8:30 on the first day. We will begin checkout at 2:30 pm on the final day.

Is the clothing provided for Participants?

Yes. They will receive the clothing on the first day. You must return all clothing at the same time immediately after the program concludes. You will be financially responsible for any clothing unaccounted for or any clothing that is damaged.

What else do I need to bring?

Nothing. Please do not bring backpacks, water bottles, or food. Everything is provided.

Character Discussion

What topics are covered during the Character Discussions?

The topics emphasized may include: the benefits of hard work (Proverbs 6:6-10), the need to seek wisdom, obedience to parents (Proverbs 1:8-9), seeking good friendships (Proverbs 27:17), personal integrity, and other similar subjects.

Why do you read the Bible during the Summer Program?

The mission of the Colonial Camp is to develop the character of Participants in an authentic, historic context.

We discuss character topics from the Proverbs of Solomon and other documents. Examples include the importance of hard work (Proverbs 6:6-9), obedience to parents (Proverbs 1:8-9), developing good relationships (Proverbs 27:17), and integrity (Proverbs 12:17).

We also use the Rules of Civility, the School of Manners, and other period resources.

We hope to encourage Participants to become responsible citizens in the community. We hope they compare what type of person they currently are with what type of person they want to become.

Health and Safety

What happens if my child becomes ill?

The directors take all injuries and illnesses seriously. There are certified in First Aid and CPR by the Red Cross, and have a First Aid kit at hand. If a more serious condition exists, the staff will contact the nearby emergency medical response team, or take the Participant to an emergency medical facility.

The family is always contacted immediately when a Participant is injured or ill.

Isn't the program hot?

Hot is a relative term -- hotter than what?

We work to ensure that Participants are safe. We make sure that everyone drinks plenty of fluids. During the day, we conduct calmer activities in the shade. We do strenuous activities in the cool of the morning and evening. We are always on the lookout for Participants who are stressed, tired, or dehydrating.

In the air conditioning age, it is not just an entitlement to enjoy atmospheric control, but the absence is presumed dangerous.

Humans survived, and even thrived, prior to the age of air conditioning. They have not lost that capability. Children are particularly adaptive. (Remember when your mother told you to go outside and play? Remember when she didn’t want you to come back inside until dinner time?)

So, then: No, it is not hot. Living outside will not harm, and perhaps benefit, your child.

What happens if my child is homesick?

We will immediately contact you as soon as any sign of homesickness appears.

We will communicate the exact message the Participant wishes to send. It is usually our recommendation that the Participant be given some time to acclimate to the Summer Program experience. However, it is always the parents’ decision how to proceed.

We stay in constant communication with you until the Participant acclimates.

It is normal for some Participants to become homesick at the beginning of any summer camp experience. The staff will reassure the Participant. It is usually caused by anxiety from being separated from parents, and the stress of working with strangers. As the Participant starts having fun experiencing Colonial life and building friendships with peers, the desire to leave usually diminishes.

If, after a couple of days, the Participant is still fairly unhappy, we then defer to the parents.

May my child contact me by telephone during the Summer Program?

No. It is our policy of not to permit Participants to use the telephone during the Summer Program. It is too distracting from our principal mission, to care for Participants and keep them safe, to provide telephone services at a primitive encampment.

What happens in the event of severe inclement weather?

We have a formal Emergency and Evacuation Policy. If required, we evacuate to a more secure location.

What about snakes, bugs, ticks, and poison ivy?

Contact between snakes and humans is not likely.

The Directors recommend that all Participants bring insect repellant to prevent irritation. We also encourage Participants to check themselves regularly for ticks.

We instruct each Participant about identification and avoidance of poison ivy.

What type of security is available for camp facilities?

All Participants are under the constant care and attention of trained Colonial Camp Staff.

If necessary, do you have access to medical facilities?

We are familiar with local medical facilities for 24 hour care.

Staff

What do you do to ensure that all interactions between staff and participants are appropriate?

We have a Three-Person Rule -- no person may be away from the main campsite unless they are in a group of three or more people. No counselor, adult, Participant, or other individual may be alone with another individual for any reason. This is justification for immediate dismissal.

How do you insure that employees are suitable to work with children?

All staff must complete an employment application and are interviewed face-to-face. All their personal and employment references are called.

We perform a criminal background check for all employees.

We are committed to make every reasonable effort to prevent inappropriate persons from having access to Participants.

Food Handling and Sanitation

Is a meal provided during the program?

The participants get a meal each day. They cook, prepare, and serve the meal over an open fire. The meal is made entirely from scratch.

What is the source of water?

We use potable water sources for all drinking water.

Why does the food taste so good?

Everything is made from fresh, wholesome products and the food is prepared from scratch.

The cast-iron cookware also seasons the food and cooks the food slowly, making it more tender and flavorful.

What is a typical meal?

Breakfast might be composed of:

Are you hungry yet?

What type of wash areas are available for Participants?

Soap and water are always supplied at the drinking barrels.

A hand washing station is located at the bathroom facilities.