2013 Parent Handbook - Teton Valley Ranch Camp

Dates and Contact Information.....................................2
Top 10 Facts and Reminders for 2013..........................3
Travel - To and From TVRC...........................................4
Packing Instructions........................................................8
Shipping Instructions......................................................11
Parent Visits to the Ranch............................................13
CampMinder: New Online System..............................15
Registration at TVRC...................................................16
Camper Accounts............................................................18
Communication..............................................................20
Infirmary.........................................................................24
Camper Behavior and Food........................................26
Accommodations.............................................................31
Meet the Management Team......................................33
Glossary..........................................................................37
You’re invited to celebrate
TETON VALLEY RANCH CAMP’S
Anniversary
Ranch Day
Friday, July 12
Anniversary Celebration Party
Saturday, July 13
Activities Day
Sunday, July 14
For more information on the events please visit
our website at tvrcamp.org/75 or call our Jackson
office at 307.733.6122.
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We hope this handbook answers many of your questions and
helps prepare you and your child for the summer. We believe it is
a useful tool and reference guide for you while your child is away
at camp. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any
questions!
Arrival Day - June 13
Final Rodeo - July 11
Departure Day - July 12
Arrival Day - July 15
Final Rodeo - August 12
Departure Day - August 13
August 15 - August 20
July 15 - August 3
Friday, July 12 - Sunday, July 14
Jackson Office (before June 1):
Ranch Office (after June 1):
Teton Valley Ranch Camp
290 E. Broadway
PO Box 4915
Jackson, Wyoming
83001
Teton Valley Ranch Camp
4340 US Highway 26
Dubois, WY
82513
307-733-2958 (Jackson office)
307-733-0258 (Jackson fax)
[email protected]
307-455-2885 (Dubois office)
307-455-2938 (Dubois fax)
[email protected]
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1. TVRC is celebrating 75 years of camp programming between the Boys’ and Girls’
seasons. We would love for your family to join us! For more information please visit our
website at www.tvrcamp.org/75.
2. Taylor McCurdy will be at the Jackson Hole Airport on Arrival Day to serve as the liaison for Unaccompanied Minors. See page 5 for more information about this service.
3. NEW IN 2013! We have a new online system called CampMinder, through which you
will register your camper, fill out camper forms, receive invoices, update your contact
information and find the daily news and photos during the summer. See page 15 for more
information about CampMinder.
4. NEW IN 2013! Instead of every camper bringing their medications to camp, we will
have you send them to CampMeds. CampMeds is a service that will package your
camper’s medications and then send them to the ranch. See page 24 for more information
about this service.
5. On your camper’s Confidential Questionnaire you will be able to let us know the maximum amount you want your camper to spend in the Trading Post (camp store). See page
18 for more information about this process.
6. We realize how long mail can take to arrive in Dubois, WY during the summer. Therefore, we invite parents to send emails to their camper through your CampMinder account.
You will be able to buy “camp stamps”, one camp stamp is the price to send one email. See
page 20 for more information about this service.
7. Email cabin requests to Jackie Barrett - [email protected]. We will do our very best
to meet cabin requests, but due to the high volume of requests, we are unable to guarantee
them.
8. All food sent to camp, including homemade baked goods and drink mixes, will be
confiscated.
9. If you have other children who hope to attend TVRC, we recommend you sign them up
early with our pre-registration process. See page 16 for more information.
10. Contact us during the summer (June 1 - August 20) at the ranch:
Teton Valley Ranch Camp
4340 US Highway 26
Dubois, WY 82513
307-455-2885 (phone)
307-455-2938 (fax)
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Driving:
From Jackson:
Camp is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Jackson! To reach the ranch,
follow Highway 89 north out of Jackson. This road will take you up and
over Togwotee (Toe-gah-tee) Pass towards Dubois. The total distance
from Jackson is approximately 70 miles and the drive will take about 1.5
hours. Once you are over the pass, you will see Lava Mountain Lodge on
the right side of the road. TVRC is 6.2 miles past Lava Mountain Lodge
on the right (south) side of the highway. There is a large ranch gate with a
“Teton Valley Ranch Camp” sign at the road along with a small cabin and
some old corrals. Follow this road approximately 4 miles back to the main
campus of the ranch. Here you will be greeted by the TVRC staff!
Teton Valley
Ranch Camp
From Dubois:
TVRC is located about 20 minutes from the town of Dubois. If you are
coming from Dubois, look for the ranch between mile markers 42 and 43 on
the left hand (south) side of the road. There is a large ranch gate at the road
along with a small cabin and old corrals. Follow this road approximately 4
miles back to the main campus of the ranch. Here you will be greeted by the
TVRC staff!
To Camp by Air:
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Approximately half of our campers fly to Jackson Hole without their
parents each summer. Usually there are many campers on each flight, so
they get to know each other before they have even landed in Wyoming!
Please make sure that every piece of luggage your camper brings to the
ranch (including all carry-ons) is labeled with a yellow TVRC luggage
tag - including first and last name. This way they will be able to spot other
TVRC campers during their travels!
To help make travel as smooth as possible, please send us your child’s
flight itinerary so that we can be at the Jackson Hole Airport to provide
the final leg of transportation to the camp. If your child is traveling as an
Unaccompanied Minor, Taylor McCurdy will be at the Jackson Hole
Airport as our camp representative. NOTE: Taylor is only the Unaccompanied Minor for travel to the ranch, NOT from the ranch.
If you are nervous about your camper flying to camp alone, we would
suggest utilizing the Unaccompanied Minor service provided by the
airlines. Please call the office with any questions or concerns, and we can
walk you through this process.
Once your child arrives in Jackson Hole, they will be welcomed by several
staff members from TVRC, including Taylor McCurdy who will be at the
airport all day signing for Unaccompanied Minors. You will receive a
phone call from the ranch as soon as your child is at the airport to inform
you of their safe arrival. The staff will help campers retrieve their baggage before boarding our 15-passenger vans for the trip to the ranch. The
drive from the airport to the ranch is about 60 miles and can take about
1.5 hours. There will be snacks for your child in the van to tide them over
until they arrive at the ranch.
From Camp by Air:
About 10% of our campers fly home after the Final Rodeo without their
parents. If your child will be flying home after Final Rodeo, they will be
taken to the airport with other campers and TVRC staff. Staff members
will ensure that your child is checked-in, through security, and has taken
off before they leave the airport. Please ensure that your child’s flight is
scheduled to leave Jackson Hole by noon on departure day. Many
parents choose to use Unaccompanied Minor service for the flight
home and if you choose to use this service you must list yourself or whoever will be picking up your camper from their final destination.
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Arriving Late or Leaving Early:
TVRC offers a month long program. In order for your child to experience
all the exciting opportunities available at the ranch, it is important that
they are at the ranch for as much of the season as possible. Occasionally,
we do have campers that arrive late or leave early. While we will do our
best to accommodate these plans, we highly discourage campers missing
any of their camp session. Please call the office for more information or to
discuss questions and concerns.
Before Heading to Camp, Remember:
1. Double-check that each piece of luggage your camper is bringing
(including his/her carry-on) is marked with a yellow TVRC luggage tag
(included in the mailer) - first and last name required. These tags will
be used by our baggage team at the airport to make sure that your child
receives their luggage promptly after arriving at the ranch.
2. Make sure that all luggage is checked through to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (airport code: JAC), your child’s final destination.
3. Make sure your child has their baggage claim checks securely with their
boarding passes. In case of a lost item, the airline will need this baggage
claim check.
What to Pack?
1. Minimal Cash: To purchase snacks during travel. Money is not allowed once your camper arrives at the ranch, so be sure to instruct them
to give any remaining money to the office for safe-keeping until they
depart camp.
2. Carry-on Baggage: Even though it’s summer camp, Wyoming can have
some unpredictable weather! Be sure to pack a warm layer (sweatshirt,
jacket, etc.) in your carry-on. This is especially important for campers arriving in the late afternoon and evening - it can be chilly!
3. Personal Medications: This summer we are using a service provided by
CampMeds to organize all medications. For more information on this
service, please see page 24. Please do not send your child with their medications to camp. Also, please do not send over the counter medications
with your child; the infirmary has these in stock and space is limited.
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4. Cell Phone & Electronics: We understand that many parents like their
campers to travel with a cell phone. Please instruct your camper to hand
their cell phone over to the staff as soon as they arrive at camp. All
electronics are strictly prohibited at the ranch and will be
held in the office for safe keeping until your child departs.
5. Camper Envelope: This envelope (which is included in the mailer)
will be kept in the office during the summer with your camper’s valuable
items. Return travel tickets, cell phones, wallets, passports, etc. should be
kept in this envelope. These envelopes will be collected by the staff when
your child arrives at camp to be kept in the office for the camp session.
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Duffel Bag:
Campers will need a duffel bag with a clip closure for their pack trip. The
duffel bag should be no larger than 38”x24”. The Trading Post (store.tvrcamp.org) sells a duffel bag that fits these specifications. If you choose not
to buy your camper the camp duffel bag they will be able to share with
their cabinmates on their pack trip.
Footlocker/Trunk:
Campers should bring a trunk that is no higher than 13.5” in order to fit
under bunks. Campers will have access to dressers in their cabins, but it
is easiest to leave the majority of their personal belongings in their trunk.
Please note that trunks can be checked on the airplane for a fee. While
it may be easier to ship your camper’s trunk (pg. 11), they can be easily
damaged in transit. For this reason, it may be best to send the trunk on
the airplane. The American Camp Association recommends that trunks
be purchased through www.everythingsummercamp.com.
Miscellaneous Equipment:
Nightly campfires are a wonderful place for campers to showcase their
talents. We encourage your camper to bring their musical instrument
with them to the ranch. Fishing equipment and bows are also acceptable items to bring to camp. Please call the Jackson office (307-733-2958)
before June 1st or the Dubois office (307-455-2885) after June 1st with
specific questions regarding special items.
Knives:
Campers may bring knives to camp if the blade is no longer than 2.5”.
Knives MAY NOT be purchased on town trips while at camp, or used
for whittling or carving. Knives can be used at camp as tools and only as
tools. Campers not abiding by these rules will have their knife confiscated
until the end of the camp season.
Laundry Service:
Laundry service is offered to campers several times a week at the ranch.
Counselors will help campers keep their clothing clean and ready for
whatever adventure awaits! Because the laundry room is a very busy
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place, it is essential that you clearly label EVERY item (inlcuding bedding and sleeping bag) your child brings to camp. This helps to ensure
that your camper comes home with everything that they left home with!
We suggest using Stuck On You Labels (flyer enclosed in this mailer) or a
permanent marker to label your child’s items.
Important: Electronics Policy
Campers MAY NOT bring electronic devices to camp. After many discussions with camp parents and careful consideration, we do not allow
campers to have any electronic devices at Teton Valley Ranch Camp.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Music Players (iPods, MP3s, etc.)
- Handheld Games (DS, PSP, etc.)
- Cell Phones
- Electronic Readers (Kindles, iPads, Nooks, etc.)
- Radios
As electronic devices have grown increasingly more complex (with features like video, internet access, etc.), we believe they disrupt the cabin
environment and have the potential to negatively impact the TVRC experience. If a camper brings a device for their travel to and from the ranch,
we will store these devices in their camper envelope in the office and they
will be returned at the end of the camp session. Cameras will be
allowed, although we recommend a disposable camera.
Wyoming Weather:
The beautiful mountains of Wyoming are full of unpredictable weather. In
order to make sure that your camper is prepared, please ensure that he/she
has adequate bedding and warm layers. It is not uncommon to wake up to
frost and go to sleep to snowfall in June. While days will be warm and sunny,
mornings and nights require a jacket, warm socks, a hat, and mittens!
Packing List:
Online, through your CampMinder account you will find a packing list
for your camper. Please feel free to call the office with any questions you
may have regarding the items listed. To answer a few commonly asked
questions:
-Capeline is a type of fabric made by Patagonia®. This fabric keeps you
warm while wicking away moisture to keep you dry. It’s a wonderful layer
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to have in the backcountry for sleeping, to wear under a sweatshirt at the
campfire, or even wear under jeans on a crisp morning ride. Capeline is
just one specific type of long underwear but any brand of synthetic or
wool will work just fine!
-Gaiters are usually a Gortex® layer worn to cover or protect the ankle
and lower leg. Gaiters are worn to keep snow, rocks, and dirt out of boots
when hiking on the trail. Older campers (Wranglers and Trailblazers)
will need Gaiters for their backpacking trips. It is required that ALL boys’
season campers purchase gaiters, as snow levels can be high at the beginning of the boys’ season. Check out Outdoor Research’s Rocky Mountain
Gaiters if you’re looking for a quality, affordable pair!
-It is a necessity that all Boys’ Season campers have a 0-degree sleeping
bag with them at camp. A 15-degree sleeping bag will be sufficient during
Girls’ Season. All sleeping bags must come with a compression sack. Both
down and synthetic sleeping bags are acceptable.
Packing for the Backcountry:
Before your child heads out on a backcountry trip, they will meet with a
TVRC Trip Leader and their Counselor to review a packing list. TVRC
will provide sleeping pads, backpacks, and all group gear (tents, stoves,
cooking utensils, etc.) for backcountry trips. All items that your child will
need to provide are included on the packing list enclosed in this mailer.
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To Camp:
Most campers bring a duffel and a trunk to the ranch with them. Some
campers ship their items to the ranch while others bring their luggage
with them on the airplane. UPS, FedEx, and USPS all deliver to the ranch
address. If you decide to ship luggage, please ensure that a yellow TVRC
luggage tag is on each piece of luggage. Once we receive your luggage at
the ranch, you will receive a confirmation phone call. When your child
arrives at camp, their luggage will be waiting for them in their cabin.
Please allow 10 days for your child’s luggage to make it
to the ranch.
From Camp:
You will receive a phone call towards the end of camp confirming the
method of getting your camper’s luggage home. You will have already
specified this information on the Baggage Information Form (pink form
included in this mailer) but we find it helps to double check with parents
before the end of the season. Your child can either take luggage with them
on the airplane or have their luggage shipped home via FedEx Ground.
If you choose to have your luggage shipped, your camper’s Trading Post
account will be billed according to the size and weight of your package.
Please allow 10-14 days for delivery of your camper’s luggage.
**Please note that it is extremely common for trunks to be damaged or
destroyed during shipment. While they can be insured through the shipper, TVRC accepts no responsibility for damaged or destroyed luggage.
Because of the large volume of luggage that is shipped from the ranch at
the end of each season, it is impossible to meet specific needs (i.e. placing
each trunk in a trunk box). If you are concerned about the condition of
your trunk, it is best to check it on the airplane with your camper.
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Weekly Rodeo:
We invite parents to visit the ranch each week during the Rodeo at the
ranch. This is a wonderful time to see your camper and enjoy the camp.
Rodeos typically happen each Sunday afternoon and are followed by a
BBQ. Please be sure to call in advance to make sure that your camper
will not be out on a backpack or pack trip. When you arrive at the ranch
it is imperative that you proceed immediately to the office to check-in
before finding your camper. If you would like to take your camper off
ranch property, please call in advance to make arrangements. As a rule,
you are allowed to take only your son/daughter out of camp. While we are
not able to provide overnight accommodations, we would be more than
happy to recommend hotels in Dubois or Jackson. Please note that if you
have a first-year camper or camper who is prone to homesickness, weekly
visits from parents can often make the separation more difficult. If you
are nervous about this, please give us a call in the office.
If you will be visiting Jackson/Dubois during a time when there is not a
Rodeo, you are still more than welcome to visit the ranch. Just give us a
call in the office and we will help arrange a nice time for you to see your
camper!
Arrival Day:
About half of our parents will bring their children to camp on Arrival
Day. The schedule for this day is as follows:
12:00pm - First campers arrive
12:00pm-2:00pm - Buffet lunch available in the Dining Hall for campers, friends, and family
12:00pm-5:00pm - All campers are required to check-in at the infirmary immediately upon their arrival at the ranch. This can be a crowded area and we appreciate your patience!
12:00pm-5:00pm - Games on the Green. Parents and staff help campers get settled in their cabins, take a tour of the ranch, and meet other campers
5:00pm - The last parents leave the ranch
6:00pm - Dinner in the Dining Hall
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7:30pm - Campfire!
9:00pm - Back to your cabin to talk with your counselor and fellow cabin mates
10:00pm - Lights out - Goodnight!
Some parents will choose to stay for the majority of the day while others will leave rather quickly. Sometimes it is easiest for the child if their
parents do not linger for too long, while others prefer to have them stay
later in the day. Early arrival for first year campers can be difficult as they
spend the day waiting for the rest of their cabin mates to arrive. We suggest a mid-afternoon (2-3pm) arrival for new campers to help ease the
transition.
Final Rodeo:
About 90% of our parents make it out to the ranch for Final Rodeo. The
schedule for this day is as follows:
11:30am - Lunch is served for friends and family
12:15pm - Campers meet at the Rodeo Arena
12:30pm - Final Rodeo begins!
3:30pm - BBQ on the Green
4:30pm - Final Campfire - presentation of Adventure Group Patches
5:15pm - Slideshow in the Dining Hall
6:00pm - Departure from the ranch
m
I
didn’t realize that
most every camper left
with their parents after Final
Rodeo. Next year I will plan our
family trip differently knowing
that information!
pa
rent
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ts
p
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gh
Campers have the ability to choose whether they will stay at the ranch
after Final Rodeo, to be picked up the next morning by 9am, or leave
with their parents after Final Rodeo. It is essential that you check-out
your camper before you take them; whether that is at Final Rodeo or the
morning after Final Rodeo. Campers flying home without their parents
will fly out of Jackson Hole the day
a current c
after Final Rodeo.
a
rom
:
IN 201
NE
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This past year TVRC took the leap and we now have an online
system called CampMinder. Through CampMinder you can:
-Register your camper for the summer
-Pre-register your child for 2014
-Fill out a Future Rough Rider card (for campers
who want to attend TVRC in 2015 and beyond)
-Fill out your camper’s summer forms
-Check the daily photos and news articles throughout
the summer season (formerly known as eCamp)
-Access invoices for camp tuition and Trading Post accounts
-Update parent contact information
You should have already received an email with instructions on how to
fill out your camper’s online forms. To log in into your CampMinder
account, navigate to our website (tvrcamp.org) and click on the “log in
information” icon in the upper right hand corner. From there you will
see the CampMinder login.
Every year the following paperwork is due by May 1st:
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IN 201
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-Acknowledgement of Risk and Release Form
-Health form (to be filled out by the parents/gaurdians)
-Physician’s Form
-Immunization Records
-Copy of Camper’s Health Insurance Card
-Baggage Information
-Travel Information
-Confidential Questionnaire
-Emergency Medical Authorization Card
All forms are now digital and available on CampMinder. They can
be accessed through your CampMinder account. For more information about camper forms call the Jackson office at 307.733.2958.
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Both boys’ and girls’ season at Teton Valley Ranch Camp fill up very
quickly. In an attempt to provide the camp experience to as many children as possible, there are several different registration options.
Returning Campers:
Each fall, we give returning campers the opportunity to register for the
following summer. On September 15, registration opens to new campers
so it is important that returning campers register BEFORE SEPTEMBER
15 in order to guarantee them a spot.
Payment Schedule:
A $1000 deposit is due with each application submitted to Teton Valley
Ranch Camp. Billing for the remainder of the payment will occur in the
spring. All payments are due to TVRC by May 1, before the start of camp.
Pre-Registration (for new campers):
If you are interested in sending your camper to TVRC in 2014, we suggest
you utilize our pre-registration option. Due to high retention rates and
interest in pre-registering campers, we can no longer guarantee preregistered campers spots at TVRC. Pre-registration will close May 31,
2013 (you cannot submit a pre-registration card after 5/31/13 for 2014)
and registration will reopen for new campers on September 16, 2013. If
you pre-register your camper, we will be in touch with you by June 1st
with their enrollment status for the 2014 summer. Pre-registering your
camper will place them in line before new families who register in September. In order to pre-register, you need to complete a pre-registration
card (which can be found at tvrcamp.org) and submit it to our office
along with a $200 deposit. If your camper decides not to attend camp in
2014 as originally planned before September 15th, you will be refunded
your $200 deposit in full.
Future Rough Rider:
If you are interested in sending your child to camp sometime after 2013,
you may decide to fill out a Future Rough Rider card. These cards are kept
on file to alert the office team of your interest in camp. When the correct
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year for your camper rolls around, we will contact you about registration
before it is too late. Filling out a card does not require a deposit. To fill out
a Future Rough Rider card, please contact the office!
Waiting List:
There is often a waiting list for enrollment at Teton Valley Ranch Camp.
The office team will update wait listed families throughout the winter with
the movement of camp spaces available. If a spot does become available
to your child, you will have the ability to accept or decline the spot. If
your child does not receive a spot, or declines a spot that opens, you will
receive your deposit back in full. Campers on the waitlist for 2013, who
do not receive a spot for 2013, will be pre-registered as a camper for 2014.
See above for information on pre-registration at TVRC.
Financial Aid Applicants:
Financial aid applicants are required to submit a $200 deposit with each
application to Teton Valley Ranch Camp. Once a camper is registered
at TVRC, please call the office to inquire about the financial aid process. Campers not registered for camp are ineligible for financial aid. If a
financial aid applicant does not receive sufficient aid or chooses to decline
registration at TVRC, the application deposit will be refunded in full.
Financial Aid Application Due - December 1
Financial Aid Decisions Announced - Early February
Non-Profit Status:
Please note that Teton Valley Ranch Camp is a 501(c)(3). We rely on the
generosity of our families and friends and ask that you please keep us in
mind for your annual giving. For more information, please call our office
at (307) 733-2958.
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IN 201
Trading Post (camp store):
NE
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Throughout the summer, campers will have a Trading Post account available to them at the camp store. Every day when the
camp store is open, campers have the opportunity to buy snacks as well as
camp apparel and backcountry gear. Each camper will be billed for purchases made at the Trading Post at the end of the season. This summer
you will be able to see your camper’s account balance through our new
online system, CampMinder, at the end of the season. Other charges to
Trading Post accounts include fishing licenses, return flight travel money,
checked baggage charge, town trip money, and FedEx shipping charges.
Through CampMinder you will find a place to indicate the maximum
amount your camper can spend during the season, EXCLUDING FedEx,
fishing license and other miscellaneous charges. If your camper reaches
his or her maximum amount, you will be notified by phone.
A Look Into the Trading Post:
We wanted to give new parents a better understanding of what your
camper will need from the Trading Post, as well as other items they may
like to purchase. Every day, except Sundays, campers are able to purchase
a “guzzle” (snack or drink item) from the Trading Post, which are each
$1.50. Additionally, the Trading Post has many essential items available
to campers such as toothpaste, stamps, batteries, water bottles, and headlamps. The store also has a wide variety of apparel such as sweatshirts,
t-shirts, sweatpants, western shirts, and Mountain Khakis®.
Below are some prices of highly recommended items from the Trading
Post, as well as other items your camper may want to purchase:
Lariat: $47
Roping Gloves: $12
Nalgene: $15Sweatshirt: $50
T-Shirt: $20Sweatpants: $25
Crazy CreekTM (camping chair): $46
Below are some prices of other charges your camper might accumulate
during the summer:
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FedEx Charges: $40-$70
Fishing License: $14
Town Trip (does not apply to trailblazers):
Towards the end of the summer, every camper will have a chance to go to
Dubois for a town trip. Campers, along with their counselors and other
staff members, will spend a few hours enjoying the sights and sounds of
the “big city.” Each camper will be given $20 for the town trip. Trading
Post accounts will be charged this amount.
Please note, NO ADDITIONAL MONEY will be given to campers (who
are not Trailblazers) from their camper envelope or wallet. Therefore, any
money left in the camper envelope will not be returned to campers until
their return trip home. Dubois is a very small town and other than an ice
cream cone or a milkshake, there are not many places to spend money.
Trailblazer Town Trip:
Trailblazer’s take a town trip to Jackson sometime during the summer.
This is a much anticipated event and a lot of fun! Usually the campers like
to go out for lunch and wander around the Town Square shops. Trailblazers will receive $20 from the camp for this town trip. If you would like
to send additional money, please place it in the Camper Envelope and
note on the front of the envelope “Town Trip Money” and the amount
enclosed. The camp is unable to provide more than $20 for Trailblazers.
If you would like your camper to have additional money for the Jackson town trip, you MUST leave additional cash, NOT CHECKS, in their
camper envelope.
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Birthdays:
Camp is a very exciting place to celebrate a birthday! Our staff will be
sure to bake a delicious cake and sing a rousing round of “Happy Birthday” to each camper on their big day. Parents are welcome to call the
office to speak with their birthday child. Please call the office a day or two
before the big day to set up a time to call and ensure that your camper
will not be out of camp on a trip. If you would like to send your camper a
birthday package, please remember that we do not allow ANY food; this
includes gum, mints, soda, cookies, gatorade powder, etc.
Letters to your Camper: Campers do not have access to tele-
phones (with the exception of special circumstances) during their time at
the ranch. Mail is delivered to the ranch each day and placed in camper’s
mailboxes. Because of our remote location, it can take up to 10 days for
letters to reach us. Please keep this in mind when writing to your camper.
Emails to your Camper:
As mail can take over a week to arrive at the ranch, parents can now write
emails to their campers through CampMinder. In order to send your
camper an email you will need to buy CampStamps, each camp stamp
buys one email. It will cost $10 for a package of 10 CampStamps. This
service will be available through your CampMinder account closer to the
start of the summer season.
Letters from your Camper:
Your camper will be required to write one letter per week to family and
friends. If you do not hear from your camper regularly, please let us know
and we will be sure to urge him/her to write home! Also, please note that
when something goes wrong, a young and/or new camper will typically
write a dire and frightening letter home immediately, sending you running to the nearest telephone! Typically, by the time you receive such a
letter and call us, your child cannot remember why they wrote it. We do,
however, encourage you to communicate with us if you sense the need.
A series of unhappy letters is much more significant than one dramatic
letter.
20
Thou
gh
pa
didn’t realize as
p
Correspondence with
Camp:
a current c
am
rom
f
ts
“I
t ca
m
“A look
in the eye with a
wide, welcoming smile and a
firm handshake - that is the connection made at a Roundup, or airport, or
camp drop-off, or Final Rodeo with you
and your child - and it continues with
each bit of correspondence you
receive from TVRC.”
Parent Coordinator:
p
pa
Thou
gh
m
fro
s
t
rent
a first year parent that
We make it a priority at Teton Valley
it takes at a least a week to
Ranch Camp to keep in touch with
receive mail from TVRC! I had
parents and we will be in touch sevto adjust and realize that I was
always hearing week-old
eral times over the session to let you
news!”
know how camp is running. We are
available at any time for questions,
concerns, or just a check-in. Please
never hesitate to give us a call or drop
us an email. Please note that if you would like to talk to someone on the
management team, it is best to call between 9:30am-5pm MST, Monday
through Saturday.
a curren
rent
Each summer, TVRC hires a Parent
Coordinator whose sole purpose is
to keep parents updated throughout
each season. The Parent Coordinator will be available via email or
phone to answer questions or concerns throughout the summer. Their
email address at camp is [email protected] and will be up and running by June 6th.
Summer News & Photos:
NE
3
Our Parent Coordinator, will update our News and Photos tab on CampMinder everyday with photos and a summary of the previous day. At the
beginning of the summer, we will contact parents wth more information
about this service. However, this will be available through your CampIN 201
W
Minder account. Due to our remote location, there are times
when we will lose our internet connection. We will do our very
best to have the CampMinder news and photos posted each day by
lunchtime, but please understand that internet interruptions can sometimes delay this process. Also, if you do not see your camper in photos for
several days at a time, chances are they are out on a backpack or a pack
trip. Wait a couple of days until they have returned to camp and pictures
from their trip are posted. We are excited to announce that we
will have digital downloads this summer. NOTE: You will only be
21
able to purchase and download photos from the 2013 summer through
Decemeber 31, 2013.
Correspondence with Counselors:
Your camper’s Cabin Counselor will contact you within the first week
of the season to introduce him or herself and update you on your child.
While it may be difficult to reach Cabin Counselors when calling the
ranch, as they are ususally with campers participating in different program areas, mealtimes are often a good time to call if you need to speak
with a Cabin Counselor.
Corresponence with Infirmary Staff:
You may hear from the Infirmary staff before camp to clarify information on your child’s health form. Please call us if anything changes in your
child’s health or prescriptions between turning in the forms and the start
of camp. During camp, the Infirmary staff will call you if: your child is ill
and needs prescription medicine, there is a question about your child’s
health or medicine, your child needs a refill of prescription medicine he/
she takes during camp, your child is being transferred for care to Dubois
Medical Clinic, a specialist, or the Emergency Department, your child
misses a trip due to illness, your child stays overnight in the Infirmary,
your child is having any issues the medical team feels are significant and/
or need to be clarified, or should be followed up on at home. You may
also receive a call if your child loses a tooth, has issues with braces, breaks
or loses their glasses, etc.
The direct phone number for the Infirmary is: 307-455-3021
Packages:
Receiving a package at camp is always very exciting for campers but
please use restraint and good sense when sending a package. In recent
years we have become inundated with an unusually large quantity of
packages. Please limit packages to no more than TWO per season per
camper. Packages can easily become a point of contention when some
campers receive many and others do not receive any, or when campers
become more excited about opening packages than they are about hiking,
riding, and being with friends. Also, please remember that we DO NOT
ALLOW food, gum, bottled water, or anything edible to be sent to camp.
Please inform relatives and friends of this policy. Recommendations for
items to send: pictures from home, 4th of July items (for boys’ season),
cards, books, comic books, stickers, games, etc.
22
Facebook:
Want to stay in touch with TVRC year-round? Check out our Facebook
page at www.facebook.com/TVRCamp. “Like” our page and frequent
updates will appear in your newsfeed!
23
W
IN 201
CampMeds:
fr
ts
am
“My
son caught the
stomach bug and spent
3 days in the infirmary. I was
contacted immediately and given
daily updates. The staff was so
kind, compassionate and
competent.”
p
Note: If your camper takes an “as
pa
NE
Thou
gh
3
This summer, TVRC has implemented a new procedure for administering medications at camp. Camp families are required to
register for the service CampMeds, a pre-packaged medication program,
to dispense ALL of your camper’s medicine for camp. All pills for the
duration of the summer will be individually packaged in sealed packets
labeled with your camper’s name, medicine, dosage, date and time to
be given. Medication not in pill forms will be dispensed as well. After
sending prescriptions to CampMeds all medicine will be shipped to camp
prior to your camper’s arrival. This service will cost $50 per camper,
which you will pay directly to CampMeds when you register. All prescriptions will need to be sent to CampMeds 30 days prior to the start date of
camp in order to not incur a late fee. If your camper arrives to the ranch
with medications (depending on the medication), in most circumstances
we will send the prescription to CampMeds. Directions on how to use
CampMeds are included in the
u
r
c
r
e
a
n
mailer.
tc
om
rent
needed medcine” that also needs
to be sent through CampMeds.
Please note that the Infirmary is
stocked with many over the counter medications, including but not
limited to allergy pills (i.e Claratin,
Benedryl, Zyrtec), Tylenol, Ibuprofen, topical antibiotic creams,
topical anitfungal cream, Sudafed, etc, which can be given to your camper
on an as needed basis. If you have any questions about a certain over the
counter medication stocked in the Infirmary or have questions about
CampMeds, please feel free to give us a call!
In-Camp Support:
At the ranch, the Infirmary is staffed with two Registered Nurses, a Family Nurse Practitioner, and a nurse’s assistant. This medical staff is on call
24-hours a day to help with any situations that may arise at camp or in the
24
backcountry. Your child receives medications and health and injury care
at the
Infirmary.
Backcountry Trips:
All TVRC Trip Leaders are trained in Wilderness First Aid or are Wilderness First Responders. Trip Leaders carry medical kits along with radios
and a satellite phone. Satellite phones are not 100% reliable but often
provide a good line of communication between the ranch Infirmary staff
and the backcountry trip. Trip Leaders are briefed on emergency evacuation routes prior to each backcountry trip.
Dubois Clinic:
The Dubois Clinic is located approximately 30 minutes east of the ranch.
During the summer we will utilize this clinic if campers are in need of
medical attention above and beyond that which the Infirmary is set up to
handle. You will be notified immediately if your camper is taken to the
Dubois Clinic.
St. John’s Medical Center, Jackson, Wyoming:
The hospital in Jackson is located approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes
from the ranch. If your camper requires medical attention while on a hike
or trip in Grand Teton National Park, Targhee National Forest, or Bridger-Teton National Forest, they will be taken to the hospital in Jackson
due to its proximity. If your camper requires medical attention above and
beyond what the TVRC Infirmary or Dubois Clinic can provide, they will
be taken to the Jackson hospital. You will be notified immediately if your
camper is taken to a hospital.
In Case of an Emergency:
In case of an emergency at the ranch requiring immediate evacuation
(i.e. wildfire), campers and staff will be taken to the Dubois Elementary
School. Please check our website for updates if such an emergency were
to occur.
25
camper
behavior
and
food
Homesickness:
Homesickness and anxiety are natural reactions to a new experience or
environment. The cure lies in our sensitivity to the situation and in good
communication between you, your child, and the camp staff. Some campers display their homesickness vividly while others hide it and only tell
their parents. In this situation, it is vital to alert us. Also, please know that
you can count on the camp staff to describe the reality of the situation as
we and our staff see it. We will work with you to create a plan that will
help your child feel more comfortable with this important developmental
challenge. And remember, parents get separation anxiety too!
To help your child adjust to life at camp, please consider sending your
child to camp with a good dose of confidence. Reassure your camper that
they will have lots of fun at camp, meet many new and interesting friends,
and always have staff around they can trust and talk to in case of a problem. Remind them to talk with their counselors or any staff member they
feel comfortable with if they are having a problem while at camp.
Bullying:
At Teton Valley Ranch Camp, bullying is inexcusable and we have a firm
policy against all types of bullying. Our philosophy is based on our mission statement that ensures every camper has the opportunity to enjoy
excellent camp programming in an enriching western envirnoment. We
work together as a team to ensure that campers are supported, gain selfconfidence, make new friends, and go home with unbelievable memories.
Our camp leadership team addresses all incidents of bullying seriously
and trains staff to promote communication with their campers so both
staff and campers will be comfortable alerting us to any problems during
their camp experience. Every person has the right to expect to have the
best possible experience at camp, and by working together as a team to
identify and manage bullying, we can help ensure that all campers and
staff have a great summer at Teton Valley Ranch Camp.
Lost and Found:
We attempt to have as few lost items as possible at the ranch. While we try
our best to reconnect all lost items with their owner, please do not send
26
anything irreplaceable with your child to camp! To help us manage the
lost and found, be sure to LABEL EVERY ITEM that your child brings to
camp (including headlamp, boots, sleeping bag, Crazy Creek® chair, etc.)
with their full name.
Meals at Camp:
We have three delicious family-style meals each day at the ranch. Our
meals are balanced and nutritious to keep our campers healthy during
their time with us. Campers are given 2-3 servings of fruit, 3-4 servings
of vegetables, 3 servings of dairy and sufficient servings of protein and
carbohydrates per day. Catherine Holland, a registered dietitian and part
of the management team, reviews menus to make sure we are meeting
these guidelines daily. There is always fruit out for campers if they need
to snack during the day. Most of our meals are served in the Dining Hall,
with the exception of the Sunday BBQ, which is served on the green.
Kitchen Staff:
The kitchen staff at Teton Valley Ranch Camp prides itself on providing
delicious meals each and every day. The kitchen is staffed with culinary
experts and creative cooks. This summer with the kitchen staff working
alongside Catherine Holland, a registered dietitian, we can promise the
food will taste great to your camper and please parents as well!
Food Allergies:
Please alert the office to any allergies your camper may have. Allergy
notifications are distributed to the kitchen, infirmary, counselors, and trip
foods. The kitchen staff will work with you before the camp season to ensure that your camper has appropriate food during the summer. Depending on the allergy in question, parents may be asked to provide some food
for their child during the camp season. TVRC is not a peanut free
camp. If your child has an Epi-pen, please check the expiration date and
send your allergist’s plan of care for allergic reactions with the Epi-pen.
Daily Schedule:
Below is the general schedule for camp. This schedule may vary depending on special activities (such as a Rodeo), trips, weather, etc.
8:00am Wake-Up Bell
8:15am Warning Bell
8:30am Breakfast
9:15am Cabin Clean-up
27
9:45am Fence Meeting
10:00am-12:15pm Morning Activity Period
12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm-2:30pm Rest Hour
2:30pm Fence Meeting
2:45pm-5pm Afternoon Activity Period
5:00pm Guzzles
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm-8:30pm Games on the Green
8:30pm-9:30pm Campfire
10:00pm Lights Out!
Adventure Groups:
At the ranch, campers are divided into five Adventure Groups:
Yearlings - First year campers and 11 years old
Rough Riders - First year campers and 12 years or older, or returning
Yearlings
Top Hands - Returning Rough Riders
Wranglers - Returning Top Hands
Trailblazers - Returning Wranglers
Adventure Groups were created to arrange campers together according
to their age and experience. Several cabins generally make up an Adventure Group. For returning campers, each summer builds on the previous
summer’s experience, providing new challenges and adventure each year.
Many campers return for up to five summers.
Cabin requests are solicited at the end of the summer through our parent and camper surveys. We work our hardest to match campers with
their requested cabin mates, but cannot guarantee this in every instance.
Due to the fact that cabin groups are established several months prior to
the start of camp, last-minute requests often can not be accommodated.
Please email Jackie Barrett at [email protected] with requests.
Trips Program:
During the summer, every camper will go on at least one backpacking trip and one horse pack trip. Teton Valley Ranch Camp is unique in
that we have permits to go in many of the most beautiful and wild areas
in northwest Wyoming. Our trips travel to Shoshone National Forest,
Bridger-Teton National Forest, Targhee National Forest, and Grand Teton
28
National Park.
Backpacks vary from 3 to 6 days in length, with the oldest campers
spending the most time in the backcountry. At the beginning of each
season, campers have the opportunity to select the backpack that interests
them the most. All of our backpacks offer exciting elements. Some trips
include fishing or summiting a Teton, while others will wander to waterfalls or seek out snow fields. We do our very best to place each camper on
the backpack that they are most excited about!
Yearly Calendar of Events:
Summer Season
Camp
Expeditions - High School Program
Family Camp
th
75 Anniversary Celebration Weekend
Fall
Registration for returning campers due by 9/15
29
Registration opens to new campers on 9/16
Winter
Wrangler Newsletter
Roundup Tour
Annual Appeal Campaign
Spring
Spring Mailing 3/15
Billing due on 5/1
Annual Report
Rendezvous Newsletter for campers
Completed camper paperwork due
30
There are three car rental agencies that have cars available at the Jackson
Hole Airport. They are Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty. There are other rental
agencies in town that have in-town pick-up with shuttle service from the
airport.
If you would like to make plans to visit, below is a list of a few of the accomodations in Dubois and Jackson. For more detailed information on the
area and for recommendations on other lodging and activities, please give
the Chamber of Commerce a call or visit their website.
Dubois Chamber of Commerce - 307-455-2556
Jackson Chamber of Commerce - 307-733-3316
Motels
Stagecoach Motor Inn
800-455-5090
www.stagecoachmotel-dubois.com
Trails End
888-455-6660
www.trailsendmotel.com
Twin Pines Lodge and Cabins
800-550-6332
www.twinpineslodge.com
Branding Iron Inn
888-651-9378
www.brandingironinn.com
Ranches/Lodges/Bed&Breakfasts
CM Ranch
800-455-0721
www.cmranch.com
Jakey’s Fork B&B
307-455-2769
www.frontierlodging.com
Brooks Lake Lodge
307-455-2121
www.brookslake.com
Triangle C Ranch
800-661-4928
www.trianglec.com
31
Togwotee Mountain Lodge
800-543-2847
www.togwoteelodge.com
The Hatchet Resort
877-543-2413
www.hatchetresort.com
Grand Teton Lodge Company
800-628-9988
www.gtlc.com
Hotels/Motels
49er Inn and Suites
800-451-2980
Rusty Parrot Lodge
888-458-2004
www.rustyparrot.com
The Wort Hotel
800-322-2727
www.worthotel.com
The Four Seasons
307-732-5000
www.fourseasons.com
Ranches
Triangle X Ranch
307-733-2183
www.trianglex.com
Lost Creek Ranch
307-733-3435
www.lostcreek.com
R Lazy S Ranch
307-733-2655
www.rlazys.com
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Tom and Catherine Holland
Since becoming a member of TVRC’s summer staff in 1999, the education of
children has been a major priority in Tom’s life. A political science major and
secondary education major from Washington University in St. Louis, Tom
worked for Kirkwood School District in St. Louis for three years before coming to TVRC full-time as Managing Director. At TVRC, Tom has worked as a
counselor, Discovery Director, and trip leader. When not organizing the activities for the summer or telling
tall tales of the
American west
at campfire, he
and Catherine
enjoy spending time with
their daughters,
Madeleine,
Maggie and
Lydia. Tom is a
national board
member for the
American Camp
Association, a member of the Fund’s Development Committee and is also an
active member of the Western Association of Independent Camps.
Catherine Holland is a registered dietitian and an active part of the Health
Center at St. John’s Hospital in Jackson. Catherine is also a certified Diabetes
Educator. She has worked at the ranch since 2005 in various positions, including head chef and operations manager.
The Hollands move to the ranch each summer, along with other management
team members, Jacqueline Barrett and Rob McCary.
Email Tom at [email protected] or Catherine at [email protected]
33
Jackie Barrett - Program Director
Jackie started off her TVRC career as a Rough Rider in 2001. She grew up in
Needham, MA, a suburb of Boston. After graduating
from St. Lawrence University in 2010, Jaakie moved
out west to spend the summer at TVRC. After an
amazing summer, Jacqueline packed up her stuff and
moved to Jackson to join the TVRC team full time.
At St. Lawrence, Jackie was an art history major and
played for the varsity squash team for four years.
When not at camp, Jackie loves being outdoors with
her dog Yeti. Email Jackie at [email protected].
Rob McCary - Trips Director
Rob first arrived to the ranch as a Rough Rider counselor for boys’ season 2008
and returned for the summers of 2010 and 2011 as a trip leader. Originally from
West Hartford, CT, Rob graduated from Colgate Univeristy in 2010 with honors in philosophy and a minor
in economics. During his four years at Colgate, Rob
was a member of the men’s squash team, as well as the
Sigma Chi fraternity. Since graduating, Rob has been
living in Jackson and is thrilled to be the Trips Drector
for Teton Valley Ranch Camp. Email Rob at rmccary@
tvrcamp.org.
Ryan Combs - Financial Controller
Ryan first came to TVRC in 1997 as a counselor. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Ryan joined Merrill Lynch as a private client advisor before the
lure of the west drew him back to Jackson Hole. In 2005, Ryan rejoined the
TVRC family. Following that summer, Ryan went to work for Aman Resorts
in Jackson, where he worked as Assistant Financial Controller. Ryan enjoys the
Jackson Hole lifestyle with his wife, Sue and their
daughter, Caitlin. Email Ryan at [email protected].
34
Liz King - Development Coordinator
Liz is originally from Boston, MA
and is a TVRC alum (Trailblazer
‘86). She was a geology major from
Carleton College in 1994 and PhD
from the University of Wisconsin
in 2001. Liz spent seven years on
the Geology faculty at Illinois State
University. Geology brought her
west for research and field camp. In
2003, she rediscovered Jackson Hole
on a vacation. Eventually vacation time wasn’t enough, so in 2007 she traded the
corn fields for the mountains and moved to Jackson. Liz joined the staff of TVRC
in 2009. She loves living here with her husband, Andy, and three boys, Colby,
David, and Bradford, exploring all the mountains have to offer. Email Elizabeth
at [email protected].
Bruce and Karlyn Doty - Maintenance Foreman and Nurse Practitioner
Bruce and Karlyn joined the TVRC seasonal team in the summer of 2006. Karlyn, a nurse practitioner, has been running the Infirmary for the past 7 summers, while Bruce keeps
the ranch running smoothly as the maintenace
foreman. They are excited to announce that they
have a new addition to their family this winter,
Garrett Doty! This team from Bloomington, IN
packs up their truck every summer and heads to
one of their favorite destinations, TVRC. When
not at TVRC, Bruce and Karlyn love the outdoors:
hiking, camping, fishing and snowmobiling. They
are also pretty busy with their little one and can’t
wait for eveyrone to meet him. During the school year, Karlyn works as an NP
at the University of Indiana in Bloomington, while Bruce uses his maintenance
skills to help fix anything that needs fixing in the great Hoosier state. Bruce and
Karlyn’s costume box is a powerful testament to their love of TVRC. They are
excited for another great summer at TVRC!
35
Thank you for choosing to send your child to Teton Valley Ranch
Camp this summer! We hope to see you and your family at our 75th
Anniversary Celebration in July. As always, do not hesitate to call
us, as we are here to help make this the best experience possible.
- The TVRC Team
Jackson Office Team from left to right:
Tom Holland, Liz King, Ryan Combs,
Rob McCary and Jackie Barrett
36
1st Degree - An introductory course where members of the camp community
learn the basics of horsemanship (how to approach a horse, saddle, bridle, ride,
etc.)
Absaroka Mountains - The mountain range just to the north of TVRC.
Black Bart - A villain who haunts TVRC, always stealing the camp horses.
Breakfast Ride - An early morning ride on camp property culminating with a
one-of-a-kind backcountry breakfast!
Camp Expo - Occurring on the second day of camp, this event is a way for the
campers to learn a variety of different camp skills while also getting to know different areas in camp.
CC Pack Trip - A pack trip that goes into the Gros Ventre Wilderness, near Crystal Creek.
Cowboy Overnight - The overnight at the beginning of camp for the Yearling
adventure group, which usually involves an effort to apprehend Black Bart.
Ceremonies - The culmination of every camper’s adventure group experience,
occurring at the end of the camp month. Ceremonies are designed to show a
sense of teamwork and pride.
Chapel - A non-denominational time of reflection and thought held by various
adventure groups each Sunday.
Disco - Shortened name for the camp activity, Nature Discovery. A naturalist
program that involves science, the outdoors, and creative fun!
Games on the Green - An activity held on the camp’s athletic field with a large
number of participants such as ultimate frisbee or soccer.
Gold Rush Day - Carnival that occurs at the end of girls’ season.
Guzzles - A snack or gatorade served in the afternoon at the Trading Post every
day with the exception of Sunday.
Gymkhana - Equestrian event for riders on horseback, most often referring to
the practice of rodeo events: pole bending, barrel racing, etc.
37
Hopper - The individual who supplies food to and clears items from the table at a
meal. Campers and staff take turns with this important job.
Horsemanship - The basics of learning how to work with a horse.
Infirmary - Where campers receive daily medication and health or injury care.
JD Pack Trip - Short for Jack Davis, these pack trips head into the Buffalo Wilderness.
JH Campfire - Occurring the second night of camp, this pageant presented by the
staff shows the history of the greater Yellowstone region.
Lapidary - The craft of working, forming and polishing stones done in the lapidary shop.
Mountain Man Day - One of the final days of camp during boys’ season. A
chance for each camper to excel at different camp skill sets.
Mountain Man Overnight - Rough Riders go on the Mountain Man Overnight to
get a feel for sleeping outdoors, learn how to use stoves and conduct the business
of a campsite.
Peace of the River - Camp song sung nightly following the Teton Serenade.
TB Vespers (Reflections) - The opportunity given to all Trailblazers to reflect
upon their experience at TVRC with the camp community.
Teton Valley Serenade - Camp song sung at the end of every campfire to close out
the day.
Wild West Night - A square dance that occurs at the end of Gold Rush Day in
girls’ season.
Wrangle - The act of turning horses out at night and bringing them in every
morning, done by Wrangler campers.
38