Going to Camp
SUMMARY - Answers to parents' frequently asked questions about going to summer camp.
IMAGE CAPTION - What a view! What a summer! Come join us at Timberlake!
Frequently Asked Questions about going to summer camp at Timberlake & Merri-Mac.
- What ages go to your camp?
- What is the deadline for registration?
- Do you have a 1 week session?
- What should I bring to camp?
- How many campers are in a cabin?
- How do I pick activities?
- When will my camper get his clothing order?
- What is your refund policy?
- How does your waiting list work?
- How do campers do their laundry?
- Are phone calls allowed? What is the best way to communicate?
- What kind of trunk should I bring to camp?
- How is lost and found handled?
- Can my child be in a cabin with his friend?
- Can I bring a bike to camp?
- Does my child need any spending money at camp?
What ages go to your camp?
Timberlake takes ages 7-16. Merri-Mac accepts ages 6-16 in all sessions.
What is the deadline for registration?
IMAGE CAPTION - Glad to be at Timberlake? You know it!
We have no deadline. Both our camps are on “rolling” admissions; we take new campers after the close of our last session in August and continue taking applications until camp is full. Please apply as early as possible in the year, but never hesitate to check on availability. The easiest way to check, and to get other questions answered, is to call us in the office at 828-669-8766.
Do you have a one week session?
Kind of, and yet not really. While we offer a six day starter camp, we prefer two week and longer sessions. Particularly at the two week level, most children ready to be away for one week will prosper even more from two weeks. Longer lengths minimize the adjustment phase and emphasize the best parts of camp. A few of those parts are: progress in their activities, life-long friendships, fun out-of-camp trips, feeling as though camp is one large "home," and new skills absorbed, tested, and demonstrated. We can begin all of these things in a shorter session, but it is always looking forward to the next summer when they will come longer.
What should I bring to camp?
A list of items is included in our camper packets released in April.
How many campers are in a cabin?
Our cabin size ranges from 6 - 16 and our overall staff to camper ratio is 1 to 3.5.
How do I pick activities?
An activity selection sheet is included in our camper packet that is released on the web each April. Select nine (9) activities, ranking them for 1 to 9 by preference, and return the sheet to us.
When will my camper get his clothing order?
Your camper should receive his clothing no later than the first week of camp.
What is your refund policy?
IMAGE CAPTION - A boy stands in front of the tribal shields. Each camper is a member of a tribe. The tribal system gives campers an opportunity for both competition and camaraderie.
A $400 deposit is required to reserve a spot for your child.
The deposit is applicable to the tuition and is, in the event of withdrawal, refundable (less a $100 processing charge) if written notice is received by the camp office by March 1. No refunds will be made after March 1, whether for withdrawal or session changes, except in the event of documented physical illness of the camper, and that in such event, 50% of the unused portion of the tuition will be refunded.
The balance of the camp fee is due by April 1, and the horseback riding fee is to be paid at the time of registration.
How does your waiting list work?
Our waiting list is first-come, first-served by date in time and years in camp. No deposit is required to be on the list, and you will be notified when a spot becomes available. At that time you will have to put down a deposit. We fill early each year.
How do campers do laundry? How often?
Campers bring their laundry to our in-camp laundry service once a week at breakfast. They pick it up later in the day. It is very important that every item be permanently labeled with your camper's name.
Are phone calls allowed? What is the best way to communicate with my child?
IMAGE CAPTION - It's hard to find time to answer the phone when you're out in a kayak!
Phone calls are strongly discouraged. We will never prevent you from communicating with your child. We will, however, encourage you to speak with a director or your child's counselor first, and all phone communication must be initiated by the parent. The best way to communicate is with encouraging letters and email.
What kind of trunk should I bring to camp? Do I have to mail it ahead of time?
You should bring a large, foot-locker sized trunk to camp. This will serve both as luggage and as storage space. Texas Case makes trunks that we have found hold up very well. Though the ideal trunk is lockable, various Rubbermaid trunk-like containers can be found at Wal-Mart and they also work well.
You do not have to ship the trunk ahead of time, unless your camper is flying, though many parents choose to ship us their trunk to lighten the load in the car.
How is lost and found handled?
We work very hard to send campers home with all they brought. Whatever a camper brings to camp is his own responsibility to keep track of; we are not liable for items that remain lost at camp. We regularly police our grounds and return items to campers while they are still in camp. When something is found after camp, we return it to the camper COD.
Can my child be in a cabin with his friend?
IMAGE CAPTION - Cabin life is great fun - and it's a good place to make new friends.
Usually. Campers of the same age can request to be in the cabin with each other. You must express this preference on your application. We honor as many of these requests as possible, but cannot guarantee you will be in a cabin with a particular person.
If you have not listed this information on your application and want to request a cabin mate, the information. The earlier we receive a request, the more likely we are to be able to honor it.
Can my camper bring a bicycle?
No. If you have a camper in the Timberlake mountain biking program, camp provides quality front suspension trail bikes. You are welcome to bring clipless pedals, gloves, and a helmet.
Does my child need any spending money at camp?
No. The camp fee plus the camper bank will cover all expenses in camp. Any extra clothing ordered will be billed to you directly. Even so, if you choose to send extra money with your camper, $20 is more than enough.
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