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Sample Response Letter and Packet:
Here's an example of the packet you'll receive in the mail upon registering for Camp Bethel: Note, this packet displayed is for Elementary Resident Camp 1. Your response packet will include specific dates and different pack lists for Adventure camps.
Dear Camper and Parent,
Thank you for signing up for a week of summer camp. We have received your registration and are now confirming your spot in Elementary Resident 1, Sunday, June 17 at 4:00pm through Friday, June 22 at 6:30pm.
Please plan to arrive at Camp Bethel at or before 4:00pm, Sunday, June 17. Check-in begins at 4:00pm, Sunday in the Deer Field Gym. Please park in the Ark parking lot or in the Deer Field grass lot. Parents should accompany their camper through check-in and meeting their group’s counselors. The camp’s Trading Post will be open from 3:00-4:00pm. Dinner will be served to campers on Sunday evening after check-in.
Pick up time is 6:30pm, Friday June 22. Families who reserve Friday dinner with their campers may arrive at the Ark Dining Hall at 5:20pm. You must reserve your dinner(s) in advance at Sunday’s check-in. At Friday’s dinner, please consider a donation to offset the cost of your meal(s). Families wishing to join in our singing and closing celebration may come at 6:00pm to the front of the Dining Hall. Please allow your camper to experience our closing celebration with their camp friends; please don’t leave early. Campers will be dismissed at 6:30pm to their parents’ care, and the Trading Post will be open from 6:30-7:30pm.
Enclosed with this letter are check-in procedures, information about your camp week, suggestions for camp preparations, and a list of items to bring with you. Please write your name on every item you bring to camp. Carefully read all the enclosed information.
Post-mail can be sent to campers (c/o Camp Bethel) at the camp mailing address above, and daily e-mail can be sent with Bunk1 paid-services through our web site, www.campbethelvirginia.org. Post-mail should be sent early in the week to ensure contact. In case of extreme emergency, contact Susan Chapman, Program Director, or Barry LeNoir, Camp Director, at (540) 992-2940.
The balance of your camp fee is $_____________. The balance of your camp fee must be PAID IN FULL by Saturday, June 2. This includes signed Good-As-Gold Certificates, if they are part of your payment. A $20 processing fee will be added to your balance if the complete balance of your camp fee is not received or postmarked by JUNE 2.
We have an exciting camp week planned for you. Our summer theme is “ONWARD WE GO!”: we’ll study the journeys of God’s people, and we’ll explore how our own seemingly ordinary faith journey can transform into an extraordinary life in Jesus Christ. This year, you’ll see many familiar faces and meet several new friends. Be ready for an active week packed with your favorite camp activities and plenty of new fun and adventure as we live and learn together in this blessed place.
If you have questions about any aspect of your week at camp, call Susan, the Program Director at (540) 992-2940 or e-mail at camp.bethel@juno.com. If you have any questions about fees, forms or your registration, call our Registrar at (540) 992-2940.
We look forward to seeing you at camp!
Onward We Go!
Peace,
The Camp Bethel Staff
10 PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR TIME AT CAMP:
#1: What to pack: 2007 Camper’s Gear List:
Please put camper’s name on ALL items! Pack lightly enough so that the camper can easily carry all gear by herself/himself. If sharing a cabin with a friend, consider sharing toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, etc.
• Light-weight, small, carry-able sleeping bag or blanket/sheet for cabin bunk & camp-out.
• Small pillow for cabin bunk or camp-out use.
• Bath towel(s), washcloth & beach/pool towel.
• Hygiene items: toothbrush/paste; soap; etc.
• Clothing (for 6 days) including: 1 pr. long pants; long sleeved shirt; shorts; tee shirts; swim suit(s); underwear; socks & extras; light jacket; sleepwear; (Remember, hot days & cool nights.)
• Everyday dry shoes (closed-toe active shoes for running, hiking, games).
• Pair of strap-on sandals, water shoes or old shoes to get wet (for creek play, rain hikes or pool; NO flip-flops).
• Large plastic bag for dirty clothes & wet shoes.
• Daypack/fanny pack for carrying water bottle & sack lunch on a hike or gear for camp out.
• Rain jacket/poncho with hood; no stop for rain!
• Hat (with brim to block sun) or bandana.
• Small flashlight & extra batteries.
• Sunscreen (waterproof and at least 30 SPF).
• Small or old Bible, small notepad, pen or pencil; (Need a Bible? Tell your counselor; we have extras.)
• Water bottle: quart-sized, non-glass, screw-top (Available in our Trading Post).
• Signed forms/waivers, if applicable.
• Summer offering money to be placed in the Offering Box at check-in.
Optional to bring: • watch • swim mask • fan • sleeping pad • bug repellent • camera (inexpensive)
Camp Bethel provides all necessary program, camping, first aid & safety gear.
Please consider donating new and gently-used supplies. We’re always in need of items listed above and:
- mountain bikes - bike helmets - canoes & paddles - kayaks & paddles - lifejackets - tents/tarps
- music instruments - tools - backpacks - S’mores supplies - new 1st aid kits & supplies
Things NOT to bring:
X loose money, jewelry, valuables of any kind
X food, drinks, candy, snacks, gum
X phone, walkman, i-pod, mp3-player, radio, TV, CDs/DVDs, tapes, video games, “blackberry”, pets, toys, any electronics
X alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, knife, fireworks, matches, lighter
X cologne, perfume, scented products, hairspray
X flip-flops, skateboard, hair dryer, curling iron
#2: Camp rules and policies:
Camp Bethel programs are open to everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or disability.
Camp Rules to teach your camper:
1. Wear shoes always (except bed, shower, pool).
2. Do not throw or kick anything.
3. Walk on paths, pavement or gravel.
4. No rough play.
5. Stay with your family unit.
6. Obey your counselors.
Behavior Policy:
All campers, staff and guests at Camp Bethel are expected to behave in a manner conducive to Christian programming and appropriate to child and youth development. Behavior deemed dangerous, inappropriate, intolerable or unmanageable by the Program Director or Camp Director is grounds for dismissal from camp, (ex: fighting; possession of illegal or harmful item; constant misbehavior; etc). Parents will be called as needed.
Camper Medications:
All camper medications must be checked in to our Medical Director upon your arrival at check-in. Contents and dosage must be properly labeled, and you should include written directions. Medications should be in their original containers. Certified staff will administer all medications.
Cancellations:
Please notify the camp office (540) 992-2940 or camp.bethel@juno.com in advance if your camper will not attend this session. The $50.00 registration fee is non-refundable. Campers are expected to attend this camp in its entirety. Late arrival and early departure is discouraged, but allowed in case of illness, family emergency or conditions beyond control. No refunds for no-shows, early departure or cancellation on the first day of camp, because staff, food and supplies have already been purchased.
#3: Preparing for camp living away from home:
Each counselor is trained to help guide your camper safely and successfully through each camp day. Also, good parent preparation can give campers the knowledge they need to fully succeed during their camp week.
Physical expectations:
1. No bathtubs here, only individual showers. For some younger campers, this might be their first experience taking a shower. Prepare your camper for showering on their own.
2. We have several bathrooms around main camp. Campers should come to camp able to use the bathroom and clean-up on their own. Let your camper know that she/he can ask her/his counselor to use the bathroom ANY TIME. Hikes on camp property often venture away from bathrooms, so encourage your camper to “go” before they go; counselors will also remind campers.
3. Living in a cabin with 11 other persons might challenge our need for individual privacy. Knowing what your camper is used to, discuss how she/he might adapt to a week of rooming with others.
4. We walk everywhere, and we’re on-the-go most of each day. Comfortable (dry) shoes & socks are very important. Teach your camper about foot care, and prepare your camper for a highly active week.
5. On hot summer days it’s important to drink lots of water and apply sunscreen. Pack your water bottle: quart-sized, non-glass, screw-top (available in our Trading Post), and remind your camper to hydrate often and apply sunscreen 20 minutes before outdoor activity.
Social/Behavioral/Spiritual expectations:
1. Group living: We’ll experience all our daily activities together as a family unit, including completion of our daily group duty and eating meals together.
2. Make new friends: Even if coming with a cabin-mate, encourage your camper to be friendly, courteous and helpful to others in the group. Family units are co-ed, unless we need to create an all-male OR an all-female group because one sex of campers registers more than the other. Family units are grouped by age. Otherwise, your camper should expect to share their group with children of different backgrounds, gifts and abilities. We believe Jesus’ message of life, hope, love and unconditional acceptance, and at camp, “Love your neighbor” is part of daily living.
3. Learning and following the Camp Rules (on page 2) is essential to a safe and fun week. Most of each day is active and boisterous. Also there are times and events during the day when we’re expected to listen and participate calmly & quietly, (Bible study/worship, meals/announcements, bed time stories).
4. Try new things: Camp is a great place to taste different foods, sing different songs, try and practice new skills, play new games, and grow in our relationships with God, with each other, and with Creation.
A sample Camper day:
7:30am Morning Watch at the Spring
7:45 Unit 1 sets tables & hosts meal
8:00 Breakfast in the Ark
8:30 Singing/Announcements at Hillside
9:00 Cabin & bathhouse clean-up, duties
9:30-12:30 Unit activities, Bible Study, Nature
12:15pm Unit 2 sets tables & hosts meal
12:30 Lunch/songs/announcements
1:30-6:00 Unit activities: swimming, hiking, games, creek-play, crafts, etc.
5:45 Unit 3 sets tables & hosts meal
6:00 Dinner/songs/annoucements
7:00 Unit activities: Games, etc.
8:00 All-camp activity or special program
9:00 Campfire vespers: worship & songs
10:00 Lights out for Elementary Campers
11:00 Lights out for Jr/Sr High Campers
Questions? Check our web site for photos, answers to FAQs and more at www.campbethelvirginia.org.
If you have questions about your week at camp, call Susan at (540) 992-2940 or camp.bethel@juno.com. If you have any questions about fees, camperships or your registration, call our office at (540) 992-2940.
#4: Preventing homesickness:
Good parent preparation is essential to give campers the confidence needed to fully enjoy a camp experience:
1. Set realistic camp expectations based on our information and the activities listed in the brochure. Reinforce positive camp aspects; encourage new learning.
2. In the months before camp, practice overnight sleep-overs with friends and relatives.
3. Don’t force a child to camp who has no desire to go. Only send a willing child to multiple camps.
4. Don’t tell campers how much you will miss them.
5. Don’t tell campers they can call home; if a camper is sad, the Director WILL call home.
Camp Bethel will never force a camper to stay at camp who does not want to stay.
Our counselors are thoroughly trained in methods to prevent homesickness, and the nature of our program keeps campers active and engaged in camp activities and interpersonal relationships. If, however, your child becomes homesick:
1. All staff will do everything possible to address the cause and to encourage the camper.
2. If symptoms persist, the Director will call home to discuss options before you speak with your child.
3. If all determine the best option is to pick up your child, we will have the camper ready. There are no refunds for campers who leave early, because staff, food and gear are already secured.
Learn more about preparing your camper at http://www.campparents.org/.
#5: Driving directions to Camp Bethel:
1. I-81 to Exit 156: At end of exit ramp turn towards Brughs Mill Store onto Route 640, Brughs Mill Road, and go .2 mile to stop sign at Route 11.
2. Turn left (North) onto Route 11; go approx 2 miles.
3. Mill Creek Church on left; just across from the church turn right onto Route 606, Blue Ridge Turnpike.
4. Go 1.6 miles on Blue Ridge Turnpike to stop sign at T-intersection.
5. Turn right onto Nace Road (640) and go less than 1/10th mile to left onto bridge at Bethel Road (606).
6. Drive under rail-road trestle. Entrance to Camp Bethel is .3 mile straight ahead along Bethel Road on the right. Follow signs and park in Ark lot or Deer Field lot.
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#6: Trading Post open Sunday 3-4:00pm & Friday 6:30-7:30pm ONLY:
NEW POLICY! Parents can shop with campers from 3:00-4:00pm on Sunday prior to check-in and 6:30-7:30pm on Friday after dismissal. Camp Bethel t-shirts cost $8, $10, $12, $17; hats $10; hooded sweatshirts $25; carabiners $2, and other items range from 25¢ to $35. Trading Post earnings directly support the programs and ministries of Camp Bethel. Mid-camper-week shopping just didn’t fit well with our efforts for intentional small-group Christian living, especially in such diverse group situations, so we prefer campers and parents to make shopping decisions together. No more camper accounts for mid-week shopping.
#7: Summer Offering 2007: “Every 30 Seconds: Fighting Malaria in Sudan”
Every summer, our campers, families and staff give generously to a worthy cause. Through our summer offering, we’ll remove a major stumbling block from the life journeys of the poorest of our sisters and brothers.
Malaria kills as many as three million persons annually worldwide, with 90% of deaths occurring in Africa. Most who die are children: 3000 per day in Africa; one child dying on average every 30 seconds.
There is currently no widely-available vaccination for malaria, and anti-malarial drugs are becoming less effective as the parasite becomes more resistant. One of the most effective anti-malarial methods is the use of insecticide-dipped mosquito nets over sleeping children's beds.
Camp Bethel is working with New Community Project (www.newcommunityproject.org) and partners in the African nation of Sudan to fund the production of mosquito nets by women's groups in affected communities. Our offering will directly purchase material for nets, sewing machines and provide training and life-long skills for seamstresses in affected communities. Moreover, our offering will directly save lives, so please give generously.
Life-saving mosquito net: $10; Sewing machine: $150; www.campbethelvirginia.org/offering.htm
Please pray for the families for whom your gift will help. Place all offering donations into the OFFERING BOX on the registration table at Sunday’s check-in in the Gym, (checks payable to “Camp Bethel Summer Offering”).
#8: Sunday Check-In Procedures:
1. Check-in begins promptly at 4:00pm Sunday at the Deer Field Gym. Registration does not begin until 4:00, and cabin entry is not allowed without your counselors. The Camp Trading Post will be open from 3:00-4:00pm on Sunday. Families should park in the paved Ark parking lot or in the grass Deer Field lot beside the Deer Field Gym. Follow directional signs; 5mph; drive cautiously and watch for pedestrians.
2. Girls: Carry your gear inside the Gym and place your gear on the girls’ luggage wagon behind the tractor.
3. Boys: Carry your gear inside the Gym and place your gear in the boys’ luggage corner of the building.
4. Please tag or label all luggage/gear with your name. We will have markers & tags available in the Gym. PLEASE pack lightly enough so that the camper can easily carry all gear by herself/himself.
5. Proceed to the check-in tables in the Deer Field Gym (there may be a line). Check in with the registrar, and turn in offering donations to the registrar.
6. At the check-in table you will receive your Family Unit number, your counselors’ names, your cabin name, and where to meet your counselors and your group. You will receive a CAMPER PICK-UP CARD for use at Friday’s camp closing and pick-up. Keep this card and bring it with you Friday evening, OR pass it on to the person you have designated to bring your campers home. Also, you may reserve your place(s) in Friday’s dinner for our closing celebration. Consider a donation to offset the cost of your Friday meal(s).
7. Give any medication to our Medical Director and provide any updates to your Health History Form.
8. Parents and Campers will then walk to meet your Family Unit in the Deer Field. Parents: Take time to meet the counselors and other campers in the Family Unit, and then say your good-byes as your campers begin a great week at camp with their counselors.
9. Parents: Drive slowly as you leave, watch for pedestrians, and follow One-Way Loop signs to the exit road.
10. Once the entire Family Unit has arrived and after a few “get-to-know-you” games, the boys will carry their gear from the Deer Field Gym to their cabin (Daleville, Forest Lodge, Friendship Haven, Pleasant View, or Stone-HOP). The girls will walk across camp to find the girls’ luggage wagon outside their cabin (Bethel Lodge, Blue Bird’s Nest, Carolina Haven, Whispering Pines, Wildwood, or Willoro).
11. These procedures were established to ensure camper safety and supervision, to reduce vehicle traffic through camp, and to ensure the security of staff and campers’ belongings. Thanks for understanding!
#9: Communicating with your camper during the camp week:
Since cell phones are NOT allowed at camp, here are our suggestions of how to keep in touch:
1. Provide your camper with a pack of home-addressed, stamped postcards (or envelopes and a notepad).
2. Write and send your camper hand-written letters or postcards. Mail these early (or even before their camp week begins) so they reach your camper while she/he is here.
3. Send your camper daily one-way e-mail through Bunk1’s paid e-mail service described below.
Bunk1’s secure, easy to use, paid e-mail services let you write to your camper every day of their camp week! If you had an account last year, there’s no need to re-register; use the same username and password, but use our new registration code below. Sign in at the link below. The first time you visit the site you will be prompted to update your contact information and re-activate your account. Note new Reg Code in #4 below.
TO GET STARTED TODAY: To set up a new account:
1. Go to our website at www.campbethelvirginia.org
2. Click the flashing “Camper Email” button in the left column.
(If you can’t find the button, go to www.campbethel.bunk1.com instead and continue on to the next step)
3. Click the “Register Now” button.
4. Enter your Pre-Approved Registration Code: XXXXXXX
5. Fill out all the required information.
6. Purchase Bunk Note credits (you will need a credit card; $1 per Bunk Note credit).
7. Send an email to your camper! Send it before 8:30am for same-day delivery.
For your camper’s safety, please do not share this code. If you cannot find the Camper E-mail Button, go to www.campbethel.bunk1.com instead and continue on to the next step.
NOTICE: Unless you really want magazine subscriptions, be careful of the “free” or “sponsored” sign-ups.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BUNK NOTES:
How do I send a Bunk Note (one-way email) to my camper?
Follow the instructions above except, after registering, simply sign in and click on the Bunk Notes button. Enter your camper’s name, select the correct cabin, type your message, and hit the “Send” button. (You will learn the name of your camper’s cabin at check-in.)
Why do I have to pay to send Bunk Notes (one-way email)?
Each morning, the Bunk Notes system bundles and sorts the messages for us to print out and distribute to campers. It also protects us from computer viruses and allows us to easily manage these e-mails. Your payment helps us cover the cost of the system, paper, ink, and labor and, more importantly, frees us to do what we do best – be with your kids! Bunk Note credits cost $1 each and are purchased in packs of various sizes. Send your Bunk Notes by 8:30am. Notes are printed and delivered to campers at lunch.
Can other relatives use these services?
Yes. Once you have set up your account, you may invite friends and family to send notes to your camper.
What do I do if I lost my username and password?
You can get it online by going to www.Bunk1.com and clicking on the link "Lost Your Password?" (to the left of the page below the sign in button). You’ll get an e-mail with your username and password within minutes.
Who do I call if I have questions or problems? Please call Bunk1 at 1-800-216-9472 or go to www.bunk1.com/contact.asp
#10: Friday Camper Pick-Up Procedures:
1. Pick-up is Friday at 6:30pm. Bring your CAMPER PICK-UP CARD. Meet campers and staff at the Ark.
2. Park in either the Ark parking lot or in the grass Deer Field lot beside the Deer Field Gym. Follow directional signs. Camp speed limit is 5 mph; drive cautiously and carefully.
3. Families who reserved Friday dinner at the Ark with their campers may come at 5:20pm. You must reserve your dinner(s) in advance at Sunday’s check-in. Please consider a donation to offset your meal cost.
4. To join in our singing and closing celebration (from 6:00-6:30pm) arrive at 6:00pm to the Dining Hall.
5. Campers are dismissed at 6:30pm to their parents’ care. Please allow your camper to experience our closing celebration with their groups; DO NOT plan to leave before 6:30.
6. To “claim” your child, present your CAMPER PICK-UP CARD to your child’s counselor at 6:30pm.
7. Campers whose parents are not present after 6:30 will be with counselors in the Gym until parents arrive.
8. After 6:30pm dismissal, campers and parents will find their luggage in the Deer Field Gym. Girls’ luggage on the wagon; Boys’ luggage in their designated corner of the gym. The Trading Post will be open from 6:30-7:15pm. Families are welcome to enjoy Camp Bethel until sundown.
9. Parents: Drive slowly as you leave, 5 mph; watch for pedestrians; follow One-Way Loop signs to exit.
10. These procedures were established to ensure camper safety and supervision, to reduce vehicle traffic through camp, and to ensure the security of staff and campers’ belongings. Thanks for understanding!
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since 4.11.07