Staff Handbook

Camp Walden
Staff
Handbook
Updated 2014
CONTENTS
HOW THE CAMP IS ORGANIZED (pg 3-5)
■ What/Who is Walden? ■ Your Campers ■ Sessions ■ Places
■ Cabin and Unit Groups ■ Who’s Who at Camp
COUNSELOR RESPONSIBILITIES and EXPECTATIONS (pg 6-13)
■ Your Job at Camp ■ Daily Cabin Coverage ■ Cabin Counselor Rounds ■ Sack-In
■ Rest Hour ■ Living with Kids ■ Meals ■ Food in the Cabins ■ Health and Wellness
■ Medication/Food Allergies ■ Preparing for Your Campers ■ Creating the Right
Environment ■ Enforcing Rules ■ Cell Phones and Electronics ■ Camper Letters Home ■
Discipline vs. Punishment ■ Being on Time ■ Thinking Outside the Box ■ Sportsmanship ■
Rainy Days ■ Dressing Appropriately ■ Music/Singing/Talent Shows ■ Being Flexible ■
Personal Relationships ■ Online Behavior ■ Harassment ■ Equal Opportunities ■ Grievance
procedure ■Never... ■ A Word About Feedback
A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP (pg 14-16)
GENERAL EMPLOYEE INFORMATION (pg 17-21)
■ Salary & Benefits ■ Time Off ■ Switching Assignments ■ Off-Camp Conduct
■ Transportation ■ Valuables ■ Staff Lounge ■ Staff Snack ■ Curfew ■ “All-Staff On” ■
Burnout ■ Drugs and Alcohol/Smoking ■ Camp Vehicles ■ Parking ■ Visitors ■ Private
Residences ■ Announcements ■ Requisitions for Supplies ■ Staff Meetings ■ Evaluations
■ End of Camp Awards ■ Suggestions
COMMUNICATING WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD (pg 21)
■ Telephones ■ Mail ■ Camp Address ■ Email and Internet Access ■ Making after-camp
travel arrangements
WALDEN’s A/B PROGRAM (pg 22-23)
■ What is the A/B Program ■ How Does it Work? ■ Why do we do this?
■ How do we Assign Staff? ■ How Campers Change Activities
MORE ABOUT “ROUNDS” (pg 23-24)
Additional Information
 Out-of-Camp Trip Protocols (pg 25)
 Basic Health and Safety Rules (pg 26)
 General Infirmary Rules (pg 26)
 General Waterfront Rules (pg 26)
 Emergency Procedures: Fire, Electrical
and Wind Storms, Lost Camper
Unauthorized Visitors (pgs 27-28)
 Walden Terminology (pgs 29-30)
 Tree Nut allergies (31)
 Map of camp (32)
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HOW THE CAMP IS ORGANIZED
WHAT and WHO is CAMP WALDEN?
Camp Walden is a traditional overnight camp, founded in 1959 by Neal Schechter and Larry Stevens. Neal
retired in 1991. Larry and his wife Ina continued to own and run camp until their retirement in 2008, when
Larry’s daughter Liz and her husband Scott assumed the position of directors. Walden serves a co-ed (boys
and girls) population and has no organizational affiliations. Although we are not equipped for special-needs
populations, a few of our campers have learning differences and/or fall on the autism spectrum. We offer a
largely wide-ranging activity program and an emotionally supportive, fun environment where children learn
to live together as a community; build social skills; and gain self-confidence and responsibility.
YOUR CAMPERS
Camp Walden accepts applications for children and teens between the ages of 7 and 16. The majority of
campers come from communities in suburban Detroit, with the second largest group coming from the
Cleveland area. But we also host campers from all over the United States (see our Demographics Profile,
attached) as well as international campers. Walden has no underlying religious or political philosophy, and
while many of our camp families happen to be Jewish, we also have campers and staff from a diversity of
other backgrounds.
SESSIONS
The camp season runs for eight weeks: one Seminar (training) week for the staff, a four-week First Session
and a three-week Second Session. We also offer two two-week Mini Sessions and a three-night Mini-Mini
Camp for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. The dates for the 2012 Sessions are as follows:
 Staff Seminar: Sun., June 17, to Sun., June 23
 First Session: Sun., June 24, to Sat., July 21
 Mini Sessions: Sun., June 24, to Sat., July 7/Sun., July 22, to Sat., August 4
 Second Session: Sun., July 22, to Sat, August 11
 Mini-Mini Camp: Wed., August 1 to Sat., August 4
The bulk of Walden campers come for First Session, and camp will be at its biggest during its first two
weeks—when both the First Session and Mini Session campers are in residence. Second Session consists of a
smaller group of campers. Parents may drive campers to camp and pick them up from camp, so expect to see
parents on camp grounds on those beginning and end dates.
PLACES
Walden proper covers approximately 100 acres: a generous expanse of lakefront; meadows, woods and
fields; and a horse stables and pasture. Camp is divided into a Boys Side and a Girls Side. Most of the facilities
are somewhere in the middle. Boys are not allowed on the Girls Side! Girls are only allowed on the Boys
Side if they are traveling to some of the facilities that are on the Boys Side (e.g. The Rec Hall). They
may not “loiter.” Each side is also sub-divided into ‘front’, ‘middle’ and ‘back’. ‘Boy’s Front,’ for instance,
refers to the youngest boys cabins near the lake; ‘Girl’s Back’ is far from the lake, adjacent to the B-field. The
enclosed map will help familiarize you with camp’s layout. We have several off-camp properties, as well.
Walden II is a lakefront lot that is approximately 10-15 minutes from camp by canoe. Our trippers and
programmers use Walden II for cookouts, special evening programs and the occasional overnight for our
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youngest campers. Walden III is another lakefront property that is just down from the directors’ house. This
serves primarily as our Outdoor Cooking “classroom.”
CABIN and UNIT GROUPS
The Directors assign campers to cabins based on school grade and age. Cabins are grouped together into
larger “Units.” There are four girls units and four boys units. The two youngest units are often combined and
work as one. The units are:
 Unit 1: Grades 2-3 (ages 7-9)
 Unit 3: Grades 6-7 (ages 12-13)
 Unit 2: Grades 4-5 (ages 10-11)
 Unit 4: Grades 8-10 (ages 14-16)
WHO’S WHO AT CAMP?
 DIRECTORS: Liz and Scott. We oversee all aspects of the camp and work throughout the year to prepare
for the upcoming summer. We recruit campers and staff, manage camp’s finances, oversee maintenance,
and handle all other administrative concerns.
 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR:
Harvey Rubenstein. Harvey arrived at Walden in 1974. He has been a Walden
treasure ever since. Harvey runs the office, overseeing transportation, mail, Mackinac Island trips and
more. He also assists in programming and acts in place of the Directors when they are not available.
 AREA HEAD: Each Area Head oversees a major area on camp. Below are their names and areas, followed
by the number of summers, including 2014, they have spent at Walden:
 Ann Bosenbark—Waterfront (33)
 Mark Goodine—Media, Camp Photographer (26)
 Neal Levin—Walden Pond editor (29)
 Jean Rakey—Outdoor Life (11)
 Peggy Rose—Athletics (26)
 Karen Spreen—Horseback Riding (30-something)
 Cheri Topper—Health and Wellness ( 9)
 Annie Jewett—Arts & Crafts director (3)
 PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Robyn Berlin. Robyn grew up at Walden; she’s been spending summers here
since 1989. She oversees the day-to-day running of camp and works closely with the Unit Programmers
to create and coordinate Special Day and Evening Programs. Robyn assigns and supervises cabin staff, as
well as helping the Directors manage cabin life and camper/counselor concerns.
 KITCHEN MANAGER:
Christina Barrette. Christina oversees all aspects of the Mess Hall food service,
including ordering the food and assuring that the needs of our food-allergic campers are met.
 AREA DIRECTOR: Some of the larger areas of camp are broken down into more manageable sub-areas
headed by Area Directors. Waterskiing, Sailing, Swimming, Basketball, Tennis and Drama are some of the
areas in which the Directors may assign Area Directors.
 ARTIST-in-RESIDENCE: This summer, we welcome back our former Arts & Crafts director, Martin Beek,
as Artist-in-Residence. Martin, who spent 20 summers at Walden in the 80s and 90s, is a professional
painter from Oxford, England. He will oversee special projects and teach classes during First Session.
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 UNIT PROGRAMMER: AKA the “UPs.”
Each UP supervises a unit of staff and campers; often Units 1 and
2 will combine under a single UP. The six Unit Programmers are camp’s head counselors and the most
visible staff members—on stage, at the microphone, etc. They plan and run evening and Special Day
programs, as well as handling cabin and unit concerns. UPs live in cabins and act as counselors.
 COUNSELOR: Most staff members are cabin counselors. This guide explains the counselor's role at camp.
 NIGHT DUTY: Every night, two senior staff—one male, one female—oversee Rounds. Home base for
Night Duty is in the office, but each takes turns walking through his/her side of camp to check in with
Rounds.
 KITCHEN and OFFICE STAFF: Support staff who help run these two important camp areas. Kitchen and
office staff lives in the Staff House and not with campers.
 TRIPPER: Trippers plan, pack and lead overnight trips out of camp for groups of campers.
They also
assist with Special Day programs, build campfires, and clean and care for the tripping vans. Trippers
generally do not live with campers, as their schedules are erratic and they are often out of camp.
RESPONSIBILITIES and EXPECTATIONS
YOUR JOB AT CAMP
Your primary job at camp is to provide a safe, meaningful and fun summer for campers. By doing so we hope
you will have a similar experience yourself! As a counselor, you have two important roles to play: Cabin
Counselor and Activity Instructor. But wherever you are on camp, your primary job at all times is to keep
campers safe! This means not only being aware of ALL campers’ physical safety but also being aware of
their emotional wellbeing.
CABIN COUNSELOR: As a cabin counselor, you will live with a group of children. The age group you live
with will be based primarily on camp’s needs, taking into account the preferences stated on your
application and the discussions we have with you prior to camp. These campers will be your “brood,” so
to speak, and you are legally (in the eyes of the State of Michigan) acting “in loco parentis,” meaning in
place of their parents. But you’re even better than parents in the kids’ eyes: younger and much cooler.
The campers will look to you for all kinds of cues as to how to behave, talk and even dress. Be kind, be
sensitive, be FUN, be consistent and set limits. We’ll talk A LOT about how to work with campers and
handle various situations during Seminar Week.
ACTIVITY INSTRUCTOR: As an activity instructor, you will teach campers specific skills: how to knead
clay, how to rig a sailboat, how to hit a backhand. The activities you teach are also based on the
information on your application, but again, will also be based on where we need you and where you fit
best in the camp environment. You may be placed as an assistant staff in areas other than your first or
second priorities. We try to provide you a varied schedule and opportunities to learn new skills as well.
Good activity instructors are good teachers: they make sure they are on time to their class periods; they
have a “lesson plan” and the necessary resources to make it happen; they teach EVERYONE in the class;
and they’re aware of ALL the safety rules and procedures for that area of camp.
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DAILY CABIN COVERAGE:
Each morning, your Unit Programmer will visit your cabin’s breakfast table for a very important reason: S/he
needs to know who will be in charge of your cabin during Rest Hour and Evening Program and who will be
“covering” the cabin at 12:15 a.m. Generally speaking, the Directors do not dictate this schedule. It is the
responsibility of you and your co-counselors to come up with a fair rotation that does not place an excessive
burden on any one staff member. You and your co-counselors should already know, when you arrive for
breakfast, who will be “on” during each of these three assignments. Robyn collects and collates the
information and posts the assignments in the office for our reference that day.
CABIN COUNSELOR ROUNDS: Once a week, each cabin counselor will have Rounds duty in the evenings.
You may also be assigned to Rounds during a Special Day program. Basically, Rounds requires you to watch
over a group of cabins or particular area of camp (e.g. playground Rounds, dock duty). Staff on evening
rounds are in charge of a group of cabins from 10 p.m. until 12:15 a.m., or when all cabins are “covered” by a
counselor. Evening Rounds are particularly important, as it is this system that allows the rest of the staff to
take some time off! Rounds is discussed in much greater detail later in the Staff Handbook.
SACK-IN
If you are “sacking-in,” it means that following Evening Program, you will remain in your cabin with your
campers for the remainder of the night. All counselors will sack in ONCE A WEEK, the night after their Day
Off. For example, if your Day Off is Saturday, you will have Friday night and Saturday night off and you will
sack-in on SUNDAY night. If one of your co-counselors is also off Saturday, then BOTH OF YOU will sack-in on
Sunday night. Please use your sack in night as an opportunity to get a good night’s rest, to relax, and to spend
quality time with your campers! Plan ahead to do something special—play cards, throw a dance party, or tell
stories. We will assign a roving ROUNDS person on these nights, and will also have NIGHT DUTY in case you
need them.

If you are the counselor who is sacking in, you must STAY IN THE CABIN unless there is
an emergency and until someone else has come to relieve you.
REST HOUR
Rest Hour runs from after lunch until the Third Period bell at 2:15. Campers do not have to rest, but are
expected to be at or very nearby their cabins (i.e. they might be playing tether ball or basketball within a
dozen or so yards from the cabin.) Cabins should be quiet for those who do want some down time. One
counselor from each cabin is “on” at Rest Hour. We ask that you sit on the cabin porch—awake!—so that we
can easily check to make sure that the cabin is covered. This also allows you to monitor what is taking place
outside as well as listen for any problems inside. If you are not “on” during Rest Hour, you can consider it
your free time.
LIVING WITH KIDS
You have taken this job with the understanding that you will be living with children this summer. And that
means living with! There are no physical boundaries between where counselors sleep and where campers
sleep in Walden cabins. You might have a camper sleeping above or below you in a bunk bed. It should go
without saying that creating artificial boundaries (i.e. “tenting” or setting up counselor “apartments” within a
cabin) is the antithesis of good counselling. We understand that, as an adult, you are accustomed to more
privacy and that you may be concerned about campers getting into your “stuff.” The best way to prevent this
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is to help your campers come up with cabin rules pertaining to other people’s property and individual
privacy.

If you are on your free period in the cabin and need some “space,” gently remind the campers of
this and let them know you’ll be available a little later in the day.

Some parents will request that their camper sleep on a bottom bunk, for a variety of reasons. On
occasion, this may mean that you have to give up your bottom bunk.
MEALS
Counselors eat all Mess Hall meals with their campers. Each cabin is assigned the same one or two tables for
the entirety of the session. Counselors should divide themselves between the tables. By all means, AVOID
sitting in a counselor “clump” and talking amongst yourselves. Instead, make it a point to sit with different
campers at each meal and encourage your campers to do the same. Mealtime offers you the chance to
reconnect with your campers: ask them about their day so far, gauge their states-of-mind, talk about the
night’s Evening Program, etc. Several times a week, we eat picnic meals in the meadow in front of the Mess
Hall. Campers are free to eat with whomever they choose, as are counselors, though we ask that you sit
within earshot of most of your campers and keep an eye on them throughout the meal.

Your own socializing should take a back seat at meal time.
FOOD IN THE CABIN/PINES PIZZA
Campers are prohibited from keeping food in the cabin. Food attracts bugs and causes conflicts between
campers. Plus, these covert snacks are usually unhealthy. Likewise, you are not to bring food back to the
campers from your days and/or nights off (this is also due to food allergies; see below). For many years, the
camp administration has turned a blind eye to counselors bringing back Pines pizza for their campers. But
this is a fattening and expensive tradition that has transformed from a one-time special event into a regular
midnight feast in some cabins. If you and your co-counselors would like to treat your cabin once or twice a
session, that’s fine, but you MUST OKAY it with the Directors.

The campers don’t need to know that we know.
In fact, it’s more fun if they think you’re sneaking it. But don’t.
HEALTH and WELLNESS
Campers, especially young ones, often ignore or hide minor medical issues—sores and rashes, in particular.
But these conditions can, at the very least, make a camper uncomfortable and, at most, turn into more
serious health problems. Parents would not let oozy sores or caked-on dirt go unattended, and neither
should you. As soon as you see something like this, take your camper to the Infirmary at the next sick call and
have the doctor or CHOs look at the problem. Counselors MUST see to it that campers are brushing their
teeth daily, changing their clothes and showering regularly. For instance: Small kids may need help applying
sunscreen effectively (always do so in the presence of another counselor), and little girls need help getting
the tangles out of long hair.

Don’t impose your adult hygiene habits on your campers—i.e. do NOT require that your
campers shower daily, unless they are obviously filthy. Most elementary-school kids (7- to
10-year-olds) bathe every two or three days at home. If they WANT to shower daily, that’s
fine. Most middle- and high-school age campers have established a hygiene routine at home
and know when it’s time to clean up.
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MEDICATIONS and SPECIAL DIETS/FOOD ALLERGIES
Many campers require daily medication. It’s your responsibility to see that they get and take them. The Camp
Health Officers deliver morning meds directly to campers at breakfast, but campers must visit the Infirmary
after Evening Program for evening meds. Younger campers will need you to escort them. Campers who are
feeling unwell may visit “sick call” at the Infirmary after breakfast or after dinner. Campers who sustain
minor injuries during activities should be escorted by a counselor to the Infirmary to see the doctor or CHO
on-call. Similarly, food allergies are increasingly common at camp. Some campers’ allergies are LIFE
THREATENING. For that reason...
Walden is a NO-NUT ZONE!!!
That means no peanuts, no tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, etc.), no sesame seeds. NEVER bring food
you buy in town back to your cabin! The Directors and CHOs will make you aware if any of your campers
have allergies and how to assure that those children remain safe. Likewise, at every meal, watch your
campers to make sure each has enough to eat and each is eating a varied diet. Discuss any apparent change in
appetite with the UP, CHO, Program Director or Director. Never force a camper to eat.
PREPARING FOR YOUR CAMPERS
Even before your campers arrive, you will have an opportunity to learn a little bit about them. Toward the
end of Seminar week, cabin counselors will meet with either Liz or Scott to discuss the campers in their
cabin—the children’s individual interests, social or medical issues, personalities, etc. We’ll also have a
picture submitted by their parents. Try to memorize something about them even before they arrive! Once
they are at camp, learn names as soon as possible (we’ll provide name tags). Find out interests and goals.
SMILE A LOT!!! Always be prepared to talk to a parent about any camper's adjustment to camp in case he or
she should call.
CREATING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
As a Counselor, it is imperative that you create a friendly, supportive environment in which campers can
build their self-esteem and self-efficacy. What’s the difference? “Self-esteem is about feeling good about
yourself,” according to psychologist Dr. Karen Reivich. “Self-efficacy is the belief that you have skills that you
can rely on to help you navigate life, cope with adversity and reach your goals. Self-efficacy is built on...
beliefs that say ‘I can do this. I am capable.’” The Working with Children handbook deals in depth with camper
concerns such as this.
ENFORCING RULES
Your campers will follow your lead when it comes to respecting camp rules and, by extension, respecting the
camp administration. Obviously, you’re expected to follow all rules as well as enforce them with your
campers. But you also need to do so in a POSITIVE manner. If you’re obeying a rule while complaining about
it, your campers will use your attitude as an excuse to break that rule later on. For example, a counselor says
to her campers: “Yeah, I know. It’s really stupid that you guys have a 10 p.m. curfew, but if I don’t get you
back to the cabin, I’ll get into trouble.” The next night, the same group of campers breaks curfew. What’s their
excuse? “Well, even our counselor Susie thinks it’s a stupid idea that we have a 10 o’ clock curfew.” Capiche?
CELL PHONES and ELECTRONICS
You may bring a cell phone to camp and use it during your free time sparingly, discretely and out-of-site of
campers (e.g. in the parking lot, the edges of the A-field, B-field, G-field, at Rest Hour, Twilight or any other
period that you have OFF). You may not use your phone in the cabin areas, meadow or other places on camp
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where campers can readily see you. NEVER loan your phone to campers, under any circumstances!
Walden is “SCREEN FREE” where campers are concerned. Campers are NOT allowed to have cell phones,
DVD players or video games at Walden, nor are they allowed to watch TV shows, movies, music videos,
YouTube videos, etc. on anything with video capability. If you bring one of these items to camp, use it
discretely during your personal time and out of sight of campers. DO NOT loan it or share it with campers
under any circumstances!
CAMPER LETTERS HOME
Under normal circumstances, Walden campers may not use the phone to call home unless it is their birthday,
nor can they email. But this doesn’t mean that parents aren’t desperate to hear from their campers! It’s hard
enough on mom and dad that they are not able to phone or text their kids as usual. But when a week goes by
without a letter, parents can grow positively frantic. Walden has two official Letter Days each week. Make
sure your campers are writing—even if it’s just one line on a postcard. (Walden will even supply the selfaddressed postcard!).
DISCIPLINE vs. PUNISHMENT
Discipline, according to parenting expert Jody Pawel, teaches children to learn from their mistakes.
Punishment, on the other hand, makes them suffer for those mistakes. “In fact, imposing suffering actually
shifts the focus from the lesson that needs to be learned to who is in control,” Pawel writes. “As a result,
punishment focuses on the [adult] being responsible for controlling a child's behavior, rather than the child
controlling his/her own behavior, which is the focus of discipline.” We talk in detail about the differences
between these two in Working with Children.
The most important thing to remember is to NEVER impose a punishment on your campers. For one thing, it
doesn’t work to change the behavior, and for another, you do not have that authority at camp. For example,
“That’s it! Since you refused to make your bed, you’re NOT going to Mackinac Island!” or “Since you were late
for curfew, you have to clean the bathroom for the next three days!” Those things are just not going to
happen. More importantly, yelling at campers is a sure way to lose their respect. If a camper is continually
disruptive/rude/oppositional, follow these steps:
1) Take the camper aside and privately discuss his/her behavior and how it needs to change. If the
behavior continues…
2) Remove the camper from the program/activity (i.e. give a “time out” off to the side of the activity). If
the behavior continues…
3) Bring the camper to the office.
BEING ON TIME!
We expect counselors to be at their assignments on time and ready to work. This includes A/B activities,
evening and Special-Day assignments, meals, Rounds, covering and the nightly curfew.
ACTIVITIES “OUTSIDE THE BOX”
Do your campers enjoy their outdoor-cooking class? Why not arrange a special evening cookout! Do they
enjoy hiking and swimming? Talk to the trippers about an overnight. Do you have a special talent—baking,
pottery, rugby, music? Arrange to share it with your cabin or Unit for an Evening Program. Think creatively
when it comes to activities for your group of campers!
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RAINY DAYS / STORMS
On rainy days, the usual program is often suspended and indoor activities planned. On such days, you will
remain “on” even if it is scheduled to be your free period or your classes are cancelled. Your UP will visit
your cabin with the day’s new schedule. Electrical and windstorms constitute an emergency situation and we
will sound the siren. During this time EVERYONE is required to remain in a building until the all-clear bell
rings. (See Emergency Procedures.)
SPORTSMANSHIP
As a counselor, it is your job to support the Walden philosophy of prioritizing fun over competition. Certainly
there are times when spirited competition plays a role at camp, but it should not come at the expense of
positive attitudes and good sportsmanship. When you are involved in athletic competitions or games, always
support the decisions made by the person refereeing the game or event. Arguing with a perceived “bad call”
only makes a counselor appear petty and sets a terrible example for the campers. THIS IS NEVER SO
IMPORTANT AS DURING THE 4TH OF JULY “USA vs. THE WORLD” STAFF SOCCER GAME. Our goal is to have a
good time! NO camp competition is so important that it should necessitate moping, fits, shouting or verbal
insults.
DRESSING APPROPRIATELY
In General: We expect you to wear clothing suited to a children’s camp. Slogans on t-shirts must be free of
swear words, references to alcohol and sexual innuendo. In the Mess Hall, you must wear a shirt, shorts and
shoes; please remove hoods and sunglasses, as well. Some activities and areas at camp require particular
clothing. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required for the stables, and most athletic activities need
sneakers, tennis shoes or similar—no flip flops on the A-Field! Teaching dance classes in the meadow
requires shorts, not just bikini bottoms. We expect our staff to wear clothing and footwear appropriate to
their activity and to set a good example for the campers.
On the Waterfront: Camp Walden’s policies for staff attire are in line with American Camp Association and
State of Michigan guidelines, other camps, and public pools. Staff assigned to the waterfront, whether they
are a lifeguard or not, will be expected to wear swimwear appropriate to both working with children and
doing an effective job in and out of the water. Generally, men are expected to wear swimming shorts, while
women should either wear a one-piece suit or a substantial two-piece. Pictures of acceptable swimwear are
available in your CampInTouch “Forms and Documents” section.
MUSIC
It is increasingly difficult to find popular music that DOESN’ T INCLUDE sexually explicit lyrics, swearing or
references to drug and/or alcohol use. Many of your campers (with the possible exception of the 2nd and 3rd
graders) have heard and like these songs. But music with explicit lyrics is antithetical to camp’s mission: to
remove campers from the cacophony and hyper-sexuality of popular culture. Don’t let your campers play
music with explicit lyrics in the cabin and certainly avoid playing it yourself. Introduce them to some of your
favorite bands (as we know that your musical tastes extend beyond Ke$ha). Use the same discretion when
choosing music for camp programs and events, in dance classes and the like.
SINGING
We SING at camp! The more singing, the better, in fact. We sing at campfires, during after-meal “messages,”
and on the bus to Mackinac Island. Singing is an integral part of camp life, but if your campers see you
standing there mute, they’ll do the same. So please prepare to participate enthusiastically no matter how
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poor a crooner you are. If you have songs you would like to introduce to the group during staff week or ANY
time over the summer, speak up! We’ll be teaching a bunch to you, too.
CAMP TALENT SHOWS/SKITS
You will have lots of opportunities to show off your talents—and we expect you to! Our all-camp talent show,
Walden Under the Stars, showcases dancers, singers, actors, musicians and comedians during both First and
Second sessions. Your participation makes or breaks the show—the campers LOVE to see you up on stage—
so please plan on contributing in a serious or silly fashion. The first night of Second Session opens with a
Counselor Show, with skits and songs by “area” (i.e. horseback riding staff, arts & crafts staff, etc.) Skits filled
with “inside camp jokes” or veiled-references to other staff are baffling and boring for the kids, as well as
hurtful to those who are mocked. Your audience is your campers—not your peers. Make it memorable for
them!
PREPARE TO BE FLEXIBILE!
The Walden administration makes every attempt to keep the lines of communication open between
ourselves and the counseling staff. But “camp happens!” Schedules change, emergencies arise, the weather
chooses not to cooperate. As much as we try to keep you abreast of what is happening, “texting” the day’s
latest revision to everyone’s cell phones is not an option. You may be pulled from an activity to accompany a
trip out of camp; you may be asked to cover at Rest Hour at the last minute; we might have to move you to a
different cabin in the middle of a session. These changes are never ideal, but they keep camp functioning
smoothly and safely. Your ability to “roll with the punches” is a MUST!
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
It is vitally important that you are discrete in both what you say and how you act while on camp and around
campers. Public displays of affection between couples are inappropriate for camp grounds, as are
conversations about your personal life within earshot of campers. Kids will want to know everything about
whom you are dating or what you did on your Day Off. Politely brush off those questions by changing the
subject, using humor to deflect further discussion or, as a last resort, pretending that you suddenly don’t
understand English!—anything to avoid engaging campers in conversations about your personal life. We
have another golden rule at camp: NCCR. It means “no counselor-camper relationships.” In other words,
counselor relationships with campers are strictly prohibited and a firing offense.
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STAFF ONLINE-CONDUCT POLICY
As a hired Walden staff member, you will be representing camp in all of your public behaviors.
Your online presence—be it on Facebook, YouTube, or any other public or semi-public internet
site—should reflect the values and policies of Camp Walden. Online references to drinking,
drug use or sexual activity, or any other inappropriate topic, may be cause for your
dismissal. This includes discussions of individual campers or other staff members. You may
also want to disassociate yourself with “friends” whose profile pictures or online content reflects
poorly on you.
It is Walden’s policy that staff DO NOT “friend” campers or their parents on Facebook or any
other social networking site. Please politely decline any invitation to be a camper’s or parent’s
“friend” when camp ends. Blame it on us, and suggest that you communicate on the wall of the
WALDEN FAMILY Facebook site. Our group is a place where campers, parents and staff can
converse with each other WITHOUT having access to each other’s profiles.
HARASSMENT
We expect all staff members to help create a friendly, supportive atmosphere for children and adults alike.
Bullying, verbal abuse, harassment—sexual, racial or otherwise—will not be tolerated at Camp Walden.
Bullying will be discussed in detail in your Working with Children handbook. Sexual harassment includes:
 Unsolicited verbal sexual comments
 Subtle pressure for sexual activity
 Sexist or sexually graphic remarks or jokes
 Patting, pinching or unnecessary touching

Sexually graphic or inappropriate posters, pictures, etc.
 Physical assault
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Camp Walden to afford equal employment opportunity to all individuals,
regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status,
disability, medical condition, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Our employees, as well as applicants and others with whom we do business, will not be ubjected to sexual,
racial, religious, ethnic, or any other form
subject to unlawful harassment and/or discrimination.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Every camper should have the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate activities, regardless of his or
her ability or gender. We will have some campers with developmental differences—mild autism, hearing loss
and learning differences. Be patient and kind and always make a special effort to include them.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Any grievance based on the policies described in this document may be submitted in writing to the camp
administration and will be evaluated in a timely manner.
NEVER…
Deprive campers of food, force them to eat, deprive them of sleep, place them alone without adult
supervision, subject them to threat, ridicule, abusive physical exercise, corporal or abusive punishment!
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…AND A WORD ABOUT ‘FEEDBACK’
We understand that it is only natural to want to know HOW you are doing at your job and to be
acknowledged for good work. We certainly ENJOY catching you in a moment of inspired counseling and we
make an effort to thank individual staff who you do an outstanding job. BUT… working at camp is not like
working at the leisurely pace of an office job. Camp moves much faster and more intensely during its eight
weeks. We have hired you because we feel that you are mature individuals who know when you’re doing a
good job and when you’re slacking off or need help. The best rule of thumb is this: If we don’t come to you,
you’re doing fine. On the other hand, if you have a legitimate concern or question about your job
performance, please feel free to schedule a visit with Scott or Liz or your Area Head.
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A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP
Five days a week are referred to as A-Days or B-Days (they alternate). Campers attend the classes that they
have signed up for at Registration, and unit programs are held in the evening. The other two days, Saturdays
and Tuesdays, are Special Days. These are staff Days Off, and since only half the staff is on duty on each day,
special programs are held. Here is a general outline of a typical day at camp (A-Day/B-Day):
8 a.m. WAKE-UP BELL
Awake with your campers and ensure that they are up and ready for breakfast. Many of us arrive at the Mess
Hall in our pajamas! You have half an hour until the breakfast bell.
8:30 a.m.BREAKFAST
Attend breakfast in the Mess Hall, and make sure all your campers are on time. If it is a Letter Day, campers
should bring a stamped letter or postcard to be mailed home. Monitor manners and appetites. Hoods and
sunglasses are prohibited in the Mess Hall. Announcements (a.k.a. “messages) will be made at the end of the
meal. See that your campers whose jobs are to clean the table do so. Please make sure no one leaves until
dismissed.
After Breakfast CLEAN-UP
Everyone back to the cabin! Counselors will assist and supervise the clean-up of your cabin and surrounding
grounds. Each camper and at least one counselor should have a specific duty each day: the best way to rotate
these duties is by using a “work wheel” or “work chart.” Campers and counselors are also responsible for
cleaning their own area of the cabin. The INSPECTION CZARs will inspect the cabins during 1st or 2nd period
and post scores by lunch. The Infirmary is also open during this time for sick call.
9:45 a.m. FIRST PERIOD
Please arrive at your activity on time to meet your campers and, very important, take attendance! If a camper
is missing, tell the Area Head/Area Director immediately so someone can go look for her/him. (If the camper
cannot be found within a few minutes, it becomes a very serious matter: The office must commence the “Lost
Camper” protocols, including a water search and rescue.) If no campers show up (due to a trip or other
special event, for instance), you must still remain there until dismissed by your Area Head/Area Director.
Most of the time, however, your “students” will be ready and waiting. Your main responsibility now is to
teach! Carry out the “lesson plan” that you have created for that day; engage the campers by being energetic
and fun. Give individual attention to each camper. Periods run for one hour and 15 minutes. You will
sometimes “wrap up” the day’s activity a few minutes prior to that, but campers must remain with you until
the bell. Play a game, have a group discussion or debrief the lesson, but do not let them wander off. Make
sure your area is clean before you leave.
11 a.m. SECOND PERIOD
Second period is the same as the first period. Be on time and ready to go.
12:15 p.m. WASH-UP
If you have time, go back to your cabin and wash up, while making sure campers do the same. It’s vital that
campers wash their hands before eating! Germs spread at camp “faster than a scalded cat,” as we say in Texas.
Hand sanitizers are, unfortunately, a poor substitute for warm water and soap.
12:30 LUNCH
Same as breakfast. Remember, you must wear dry clothes including a shirt and shoes in the Dining Hall.
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After lunch REST PERIOD
One counselor must be on duty at each cabin, seated on the porch. All other counselors have time off unless
they have been asked to attend meetings or to help out in other areas. Campers should stay in or around
their cabin, always within earshot of the counselor on duty. The playground is closed during Rest Hour.
2 p.m. THIRD PERIOD
Same as first period.
3:15 p.m.PUNCH AND COOKIES
Meet with your Unit at the designated area in or near the meadow. Unit Heads will conduct an informal
meeting, including information about evening program, and hand out mail. See that your campers clean up
after themselves; cups, envelopes, wrappers often get left behind by campers engrossed in letters from
home!
4 p.m. FOURTH PERIOD
Same as the other periods.
5:15 p.m. WASH-UP
Go back to your cabin and prepare for dinner. This wash-up period is half an hour and is a good time to
catch-up with your campers. Dinner wash-up is also a popular time for showering in the middle and upper
Units. Setting up a fair showering system—so that the same person doesn’t get stuck with no hot water day
after day—should be part of the cabin rules you and your campers come up with in the first few days of
camp. (One good idea is to put showering order on the work wheel. For instance, whoever has to clean the
bathroom that day also gets 1st shower; table grunger gets 2nd; etc.)
5:45 p.m. DINNER
Same as the other meals.
7-8 p.m. TWILIGHT (5th period)
This is a non-instructional activity period. During Twilight, campers may choose to go to any of the open
activities—tubing or arts & crafts, for example—or they may hang out at the playground or in the meadow.
Most counselors will be assigned one Twilight period, on A or B day. Counselors are expected to remain at
their assignments for the entire period, even if no one shows up (your Area Head or Area Director will
probably send you to another activity). There is a 15-minute break between the end of Twilight and Evening
Program.
8:15 p.m. EVENING PROGRAM
Each evening, your Unit will have a special activity, most often planned by your UP. (Your UP will provide
you with a schedule of Evening Programs and Special Day events written on a two-week calendar block, so
that you have an idea of what is coming up in the days ahead. However, the schedule is ALWAYS subject to
change!) You may or may not be “on” Evening Program, but if you are “on,” your UP will enlist your help in
organizing and running the program. Your first responsibility is to make sure all of your campers are
present. Your second responsibility is to assist the UP in any way that you can. In addition to the two
evenings associated with your Day Off, your UP will provide you with one other evening off each week. You
are encouraged to suggest new ideas for programs and volunteer to run them!
9 p.m. EVENING SNACK
Your Unit Programmer will assign one counselor per unit to pick up snack at the “snack shack” at 9 p.m. and
deliver it to the other cabin groups in the unit. Depending on when evening program ends, campers eat snack
at the program or back at the cabin.
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9-10 p.m. AFTER SNACK
Unit I, II and III campers will head directly back to their cabins after Evening Program. Unit IV campers will
have free time following evening snack. However, they are to remain in the triangular area between the Mess
Hall, Pavilion and Playground. Your UP will assign staff to stay in this area for supervision until it is time to
head back to the cabin. If you are not assigned to the playground area, you are still on duty. Generally, you
should be wherever your campers are. Your time off does not begin until ALL of your campers are back at the
cabin and Rounds is in place at, or shortly after, 10 p.m.
9-10 p.m. BEDTIME
Make sure all of your campers are back in the cabin, that they have washed up and that they are out of their
daytime clothes. This is a good time to go over the previous or next day's activities or to debrief the day’s
events with one of the debriefing activities we will teach you during Seminar. Before leaving the cabin for the
evening, you MUST report to the person on Rounds, inform them of any potential concerns (a camper who
feels ill or who has been homesick) and tell them who will be covering the cabin that night.
10 p.m.-12:15 a.m. ROUNDS
If you are on Rounds, you are to report to your post no later than 10:00. You must remain there until every
cabin you are watching is covered. Counselors who are covering must check in with Rounds no later than
12:15 p.m. Checking in late is a major infraction!
Times are always approximate. Go by the bells, not the clock. On rainy mornings and Special Days,
breakfast is a half hour later. On Special Days there is a separate schedule (see attached).
NOTES: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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GENERAL EMPLOYEE INFORMATION
PAY & BENEFITS: Your eight-week salary will be divided into four equal parts, but the first pay date will be
approximately three weeks after your arrival at camp. Make sure you arrive with enough cash to see you
through that time period. The final paycheck, handed to you on your last day, will include any
reimbursements (travel, lifeguarding). Here is the payday schedule for this summer, using as an example a
salary of $1,600 for a staff member who is being reimbursed for a lifeguard certification course.




July 4—1/4 pay or $400 gross (International staff will not have U.S. taxes taken out of
their pay checks; non-Michigan residents will not pay state taxes.)
July 18—1/4 pay, $400
August 1—1/4 pay, $400
August 9—1/4 pay, $400, plus $250 for lifeguarding, plus any other reimbursements
(for travel, etc. These will be added to your gross pay and subject to taxes.)
BUNAC staff can cash their checks in Cheboygan. International staff MUST obtain U.S. Social Security
numbers early in the summer. We will provide applications and transportation to the regional Social
Security office during Seminar week.
Opportunities to earn additional money: A few times during the summer, we will ask for volunteers to
perform jobs at camp while the rest of the staff is “off.” For instance, we usually need volunteers to remain at
camp to answer the phones and/or chaperone campers the day before camp begins (which is a Day Off for
staff) and on Visiting Day (a half-day off for staff). In return we offer additional pay or extra time off.
Do not accept money or gifts from parents of campers.
Walden has a no-tipping policy
DAYS OFF : Days Off are Saturdays and Tuesdays. Each week half the staff takes Saturday off and half takes
Tuesday. You will have a total of six Days Off during the summer, plus one day at the end of Seminar Week
(June 21) and a half-day between 1st and 2nd sessions (July 19). At least one counselor from each cabin must
be “on” during Special Days/Days Off. Most weeks, you and your co-counselors will decide which of you will
take Saturday off and which will take Tuesday off. However, the directors have the ultimate authority to
determine which counselors camp needs at camp on a particular Special Day. For instance, if a water
carnival is planned for Tuesday, we might require that certain lifeguards take Saturday off so that they are
working on Tuesday. Please don’t make prior arrangements to be off on a certain day this summer. You
may be disappointed.
LEAVING FOR A DAY OFF…



A typical Day Off begins the evening before your actual day.
If you do not have a Twilight assignment (from 7-8 p.m.) you may begin your Day Off at 7 p.m.
If you have a Twilight assignment, your Day Off begins after Twilight, when all children have left your
area, and the area is clean.
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
As on Nights Off, you must attend dinner with your cabin, remain on camp and be prepared to work
until at least 7 p.m.

Before departing, you must check out at the office, by signing the check-out book and turning over
your hanging tag.
UPON RETURNING…


Day-Off staff must be back on camp and signed in at the Office by 11:30 p.m.

Alternative Days Off (other than Saturday or Tuesday) will be granted only through permission of the
Directors. An extended leave-of-absence (college orientation, weddings, etc.) should be worked out
with the Directors before the summer starts.

Days off are not cumulative: You can’t save them up. If one is missed during a given period, then we
will find a way for you to take an alternate day.

You are expected to stay in the Northern Michigan area during your Day Off. Going farther than a
couple hours away compromises your rest and can result in “driving tired” or driving too fast in
order to be back on time.

We STRONGLY encourage staff members with transportation to offer rides to those without!
ALL DAY-OFF STAFF must check in with Rounds and retire to their cabins by 12:15 a.m.
OTHER TIME OFF: Nights Off begin at 7 p.m. or after your Twlight assignment. Staff curfew for those not on
a Day Off is 1 a.m. We also give you additional down-time at Rest Hours and during your one free A/B
period each day. Those who are covering must be back at their cabins by 12:15 a.m., including staff coming
back from a Day Off.
SWITCHING ASSIGNMENTS
There may be times during the summer when you wish to switch your Rounds assignment or your Twilight
assignment. For instance, if you are assigned Tuesday night Rounds, but your Day Off is Tuesday one week,
then you will likely want to find someone who will switch Rounds assignments. It is your responsibility to
find a replacement BEFORE asking for permission. Both you and the person filling in for you should
approach the Rounds Coordinator or your Area Head/Area Director to request the switch. Please make sure
that you have very clear verbal permission from the AH or AD to commence with the switch. Remember, if
your assignment requires a particular skill or certification (lifeguard), your replacement must have that, too.
YOUR CONDUCT OFF CAMP
For more than 50 years, Camp Walden and Cheboygan have been good neighbors. We have established a
friendly and mutually beneficial affiliation with the businesses and residents in town, and it is essential that
this amiable relationship continues. Your actions/attitude in town (at The Pines, Wal-Mart, the movie
theatre, etc.) are a direct reflection on camp. Comport yourself in a polite and respectable manner. This goes
for Days Off spent in Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Charlevoix, on Mackinac Island and anywhere you travel in
Northern Michigan.
 Many of our camp families vacation “Up North” in the summer,
and parents will often stop you on the street or in a restaurant if someone in your group
is wearing a Walden t-shirt. Impress them!
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TRANSPORTATION
Staff without vehicles are responsible for finding rides on days and nights off. On most nights, camp provides
van transportation to The Pines, a couple miles away. Staff board and exit the van at the small pavilion in
front of the office. When possible, camp will offer transportation to Cheboygan for laundry, Wal-Mart trips,
dinner and possibly movies.
VALUABLES
Cash, passports, plane tickets and other valuable items should not be left in the cabin and the camp cannot be
responsible for their loss. Lock boxes in the Staff Lounge are available for safekeeping valuables. Keys can be
obtained in the office. Personal sports equipment should be stored securely in the cabin or kept in the
storage facility at the relevant activity. Camp Walden is not responsible for loss of personal belongings.
STAFF LOUNGE
Because we want to give you an attractive alternative to The Pines, the staff lounge has been updated and
expanded. It encompasses two rooms, both equipped with sofas, and TV/DVD players and other distractions.
The lounge is available for use during your time off, in the day and evenings (the directors and UPs will meet
in one of the rooms every 1st period A-B day.) Campers are NOT allowed in the staff lounge, unless they have
the directors’ permission.
Please do your part to keep the staff lounge clean and in good working order. Threat the electronics and
furniture as you would at your parents’ home (or, even better, your GRANDMOTHER’S home!). To maintain
the lounge as a comfortable place in which staff WANT to hang out, we’ll be setting up a rotating Lounge
Clean-Up Crew. During just one clean-up period this summer, you will be responsible for cleaning the lounge.
Cleaning supplies and a small vacuum will be provided!
In addition, camp provides a large selection of movies, as well as books, that we try to keep somewhat up to
date. You may borrow books, but please do not remove the movies, games, furniture or other items that are
clearly meant to remain in that building.
STAFF SNACK
Instead of sitting Rounds, the Kitchen Staff take turns serving and cleaning up Counselor Snack each night.
Staff snack is open every evening between 10:00-11:00 p.m. in the Mess Hall and usually features the days
leftovers, as well as cold cuts and “sunflower butter” (NO NUTS!!) and jelly. Coffee, tea and milk are available
until the dining room is locked at midnight. Staff snack is also open to L.I.T.s .
CURFEW
Curfew for all staff is 1 a.m. The Directors reserve the right to change the curfew, either individually or
collectively, if behavior, performance or burnout warrants it.
“ALL STAFF ON”/”NO OFF-GROUNDS”
During the summer, there are times when we need the whole staff to work Evening Program or to remain
sacked-in for the remainder of the evening. “No Off-Grounds” means just that: You may not leave camp. The
first and last nights of First and Second sessions are “No Off-Grounds” nights. “All Staff On” usually applies to
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the Evening Programs that are all-camp activities or events (e.g. Walden Under the Stars, 4th of July) and
means that all counselors are required to work the program, but may go off-grounds afterward if they are
not on Rounds.
BURNOUT
Sleep, and plenty of it, is an essential component of being a great counselor. If you “burn the candle at both
ends,” so to speak, it will reflect in your deteriorating relationships with campers, inability to teach activities
well and inattention to safety details. Walden campers need counselors who are energetic and focused. Your
days will be LONG, and it is tempting to forgo sleep in favor of a couple hours at The Pines. Be smart. Get
seven to eight hours of shut eye every night.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
Drugs and alcohol have no place on camp property. This includes items in your car. Using or possessing
drugs or alcohol on camp grounds will warrant immediate dismissal. Underage drinking is a CRIME
and, if discovered by the directors, will cost you your job. (The drinking age in Michigan is 21.)
 We require no physical evidence to dismiss a counselor. Word from a reliable source
that a staff member flouted the rules is all it takes to end that person’s contract.
SMOKING
Cigarette smoking is forbidden on camp grounds.
WEAPONS/ FIREARMS
Firearms of any kind are strictly forbidden on camp grounds. Knives, other than those used for camp
purposes are forbidden. Knives (Swiss army etc.) should be stored appropriately and out of the reach of
campers. Any other item that is designed to be a weapon must be declared and cleared by the administration
before being brought onto camp.
PETS/ANIMALS
Staff are not allowed to bring pets or any live animal on camp without the express permission of the
Directors
CAMP VEHICLES: Campers may only be driven in camp vehicles; never in staff’s personal vehicles.
Counselors who drive campers must be at least 21 years old, will attend a vehicle orientation during Seminar
and must be approved by both the camp Directors and the camp’s insurers. Even counselors who drive staff
ONLY must also attend a vehicle orientation and be approved by the camp’s insurers. Either the Directors or
Assistant Director must approve all journeys and vehicle requests.
PARKING: Counselors who bring their own vehicles to camp will park them in the lot by the entrance. A
camp parking permit is required (you’ll receive it the day you arrive). Driving in camp is positively
forbidden. For example, you may not drive to your cabin to pick up your laundry bag. Staff cars may not be
loaned to anyone under 18.
VISITORS: Most of the time, your friends and relatives are welcome to stop by camp for a short visit.
However, you must have advance permission from the directors and limit your visitors’ stay on camp to a
couple hours. The visit must not interfere with your camp duties so please schedule visits around your off
time. Visitors MUST CHECK IN at the office and wear a VISITOR PASS at all times. Do not allow visitors to
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enter cabins or wander through camp without you. Visiting hours end at 7 p.m. THERE ARE NO OVERNIGHT
VISITORS at camp. The directors reserve the right to deny visitor requests for any reason.
STAFF HOUSE, WHITE HOUSE, TRAILERS & INFIRMARY RESIDENCES
Some members of staff, including the kitchen and office staff, live out of cabins. Doctors, CHOs and some
camp administrators live in the Infirmary building. Area heads live in the trailers adjacent to the B-field and
in the White House on South River Road, which abuts the stables. All of these residences should be treated as
private and are off-limits unless invited in. The Staff House: This building in particular is out-of-bounds to
non-residents, unless accompanied by a resident. Non-residents must vacate the Staff House by midnight.
Also, non-residents may not sleep in the Staff House, except with the permission of the Directors.
CAMP ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements are made after every meal. Please write out any announcement you want made (e.g. “All
campers going on the nature trip this afternoon, please meet at the office at 1:45!”) and place it on the
clipboard by the microphone. Announcements that you want published in the camp newspaper should be
put in the Walden Pond Box in the office a couple days prior. (FYI: At Walden, we call announcements
“messages.” Call them “announcements” and you will trigger the dreaded “Announcement Song.”)
 Use of the Mess Hall microphone during meals is limited to the Kitchen Manager, Program
Director and Unit Programmers. If you have a “message” that you want to deliver personally to
the entire camp, you must first run it by Robyn, who will approve or deny the request.
REQUISITIONS
If you need special equipment or supplies for your classes or a program, please notify your Area or Unit
Head. Any food requisitions for campfires or trips must be made well in advance. Remember, we are a NO
NUT camp! You must be sure that anything purchased for a program has been okayed by the Infirmary
and/or Program Director. Nuts hide! Plain M&Ms, for instance, are not entirely safe for nut-allergic kids. See
the attached information on food allergies.
STAFF MEETINGS
Apart from Seminar week, unit and all-staff meetings will be held regularly to update you on important
information, for filling out camper evaluations and for writing letters home to parents. These mandatory
meetings are sometimes called for Rest Hour, which can then end up as “Rest Half Hour.” Remember what we
said about being flexible?!
STAFF EVALUATIONS
Unit and Area Heads will evaluate counselors on their performance in the cabin and A/B activities every two
weeks. We will hold individual meetings only with staff whose evaluations raise concerns or questions. No
news from the Directors or Program Director is good news when it comes to evaluations. You will also have a
chance to evaluate the administration at the end of each session. All evaluations will be confidential and must
be signed.
LAST NIGHT OF CAMP/AWARDS
On the last night of First and Second sessions, the oldest campers and their counselors transform the Mess
Hall for our “Hallowalden” Halloween-themed banquet. Campers and staff wear kid-friendly Hallowalden
costumes to dinner. After dinner, the entire camp proceeds to the Rec Hall for the slide show, awards
ceremony, and final campfire in The Pit. We encourage you to create certificates/awards that recognize
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EXCEPTIONAL campers who have exhibited a special effort or achieved a special goal in your area. Your Area
Heads/Area Directors will help you in doing so.
SUGGESTIONS
We welcome suggestions and comments on any aspect of camp. They may be informal or written. Please do
not hesitate to talk to us about any problems you may be experiencing at any time or areas you feel need
improvement. That is how many of these guidelines develop over time!
COMMUNICATING WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD
TELEPHONES: Our office phones are kept very busy with camp business. Please plan to do the vast majority
of your communicating with friends and family by mail or email. If you must make a phone call, you will have
to use a pre-paid phone card (available at stores in town) and arrange a special time with the Directors or
office staff. PERSONAL CALLS ARE LIMITED TO 10 MINUTES. Dissuade friends and family from calling camp
unless it is an emergency.
MAIL: Incoming counselor mail and packages will be distributed with camper mail and packages during Punch
and Cookies (approximately 3:15 pm). The mailroom is out of bounds to all but the office staff and
administration. As counselors, you are special… but not special enough to get your mail before campers! So don’t
place the office staff in an awkward position by asking for it early. The office collects outgoing mail from the
white mailbox next to the bell immediately following breakfast. It is mailed that morning from the Cheboygan
post office. Stamps may be purchased in the office.
CAMP ADDRESS, PHONE and FAX: The camp’s main number is 231-625-2050. The fax number is: 231-6252600. Once you know your permanent cabin number, it helps our office staff if you have the people writing
you include it in the address after your name. (Girls cabins begin G, as in G-8; likewise, boys cabins begin
with B.) Also, personal mail received at camp after August 13 cannot be forwarded to you. Please make sure
that friends and family know when camp ends! Your address for the summer will be:
YOUR NAME (CABIN B-# or G-#)
Camp Walden
5607 South River Road
Cheboygan, MI 49721
E-MAIL and INTERNET USE
Walden offers internet use to staff on computers in the staff lounge, available between 10 p.m. and midnight.
In addition, the Cheboygan Public Library provides free high-speed Internet access and has numerous
computers. The office phones, computers and wireless network are off limits to staff for personal use, unless
the Directors give permission.
INTERNATIONAL STAFF--POST-CAMP TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
IMPORTANT! Booking post-camp flights and other travel reservations online or by phone almost always
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requires a credit card. In years past, we have been swamped with requests from staff to “borrow” camp
credit cards in order to complete these transactions (and then deduct the amount from their last paycheck).
We can no longer accommodate these requests and recommend that, if you are planning to travel in the
U.S. after camp, you either bring your own credit card or make your reservations before arriving at camp.
WALDEN’s A/B ACTIVITY PROGRAM
WHAT IS THE A/B PROGRAM?
The A/B Program refers to the activities that the campers sign-up for. It runs for five days each week,
alternating between A-Days and B-Days. This gives campers the opportunity to register for eight activities
(four on A-Day and four on B-Day). Twilight is our fifth period each evening, when campers may choose to
join one of a dozen or so activities that are open. You will be assigned to four of the five periods each day (in
other words, you might have 2nd period “off” and be assigned to Twilight). The other two days at camp—
Tuesdays and Saturdays—are Special Days, when we run all-camp or large Unit programs.
HOW DOES THE A/B PROGRAM WORK?
Campers sign-up for the activities they are interested in during “registration” in the Mess Hall. Prior to
registering, the campers will take a tour of camp and hear about the different activities offered at each area.
Younger and first-time campers will need your help and guidance in creating their schedules (we provide a
“practice card” for them to write down their preferred activities). Encourage a varied schedule and recall any
preferences that parents may have written in their camper’s profile (e.g. “Please make sure Brad signs up for
a water activity.”) Campers are expected to attend all the activities they sign up for. During First Session
campers register for activities at the beginning of each two week block. Second Session campers usually keep
the same schedule for the entire three weeks, but we allow them more flexibility to change their schedule in
the last week.
WHY DO WE DO THIS?
Since we offer such a wide variety of activities, and the campers all have their own interests, it makes sense that
they should choose their A/B activities. We also believe that campers will not only gain experience in making
decisions for themselves, but also be will be happier and better motivated. Some outside observers have
questioned whether this arrangement dissuades strong bonds between campers in the same cabin. Indeed,
compared to camps whose campers participate in most of their daily activities as a cabin group, it may appear
that Walden campers experience a less team-oriented experience. Not so. You will see for yourself that cabinmates spend an enormous amount of time with each other (many will register for some of the same activities)
and become a very close-knit group. Our set-up also allows for more inter-cabin connections: a radio class may
have several 9th grade girls and a bunch of 5th grade boys, for example. We think it makes for an integrated camp
“family” and promotes a big-brother/big-sister relationship between older and younger campers.
HOW DO WE ASSIGN STAFF TO TEACH ACTIVITIES?
Every counselor has an A/B teaching schedule for each two-week period. Here is how the schedule is made up:
1. We look at what you were hired to teach: if you
have other skills or interests, be sure to let the
appropriate Area Head know.
2. After campers have chosen the activities they
want, the Area Heads hold a “Scream Session” to
assign the staff to teach each activity. The number
of staff assigned at each activity is determined by
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the number of campers who have signed up. In
some activities, the camp is legally required to
have specific staff-to-camper ratios.
3. Sometimes we need to assign you to an activity which
is not what you may have expected. If this causes a
special problem, tell the Area Head, and we will try to
accommodate you. Otherwise, look at it as an
opportunity to expand your own skill set!
4. Teaching schedules will be revised every two weeks.
5. If you are unable to attend an assignment (because
you are sick, will be out of camp, etc.) it is crucial to let
your Area Head/Director know as far in advance if
possible, so we may assign someone else to cover your
area.
HOW CAN CAMPERS CHANGE ACTIVITIES?
Campers can switch out of an activity during each two-week period, but they must have attended it at least once.
To sign out they must go to the office to retrieve a form and to find out what activities have room. The form
should be signed by the Area Head/Director responsible for the NEW activity first (to guarantee that there is
space). The form is then signed by the AH/AD of the OLD activity (so they know the camper won’t be coming in
future). The form should then be returned to the office.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT A/B DAYS?
Copies of each camper's final schedule are kept on file in the office. You should also post them in the cabin, as
campers sometimes forget their schedules. Remember: You must take attendance at each period and report
missing campers immediately!
MORE ABOUT ROUNDS
Campers are smart. If they’re going to misbehave, then they’re most likely going to do it when counselors are
NOT around. The hours between 10 p.m. and midnight can be particularly busy, which is why your presence
and awareness while on Rounds is vital. Have your radar up for bullying, pranks and swearing, in particular.
Enter cabins every 20 minutes. If you see or sense that something is wrong, alert Night Duty (if they are not
in the immediate area, then have another Rounds person cover your area while you go to the office).
Most of the time, your Rounds duty will be uneventful. You should attempt to resolve any minor issues that
may arise among campers and reports ALL those issues, no matter how trivial, to the two senior staff on
Night Duty. The Directors and Program Director review this Night Duty log every morning. At least one cabin
counselor must check in with Rounds no later than 12:15 a.m. and “cover” the cabin. When all cabins are
“covered” by at least one counselor, Rounds is then off-duty.
Generally speaking, the night you are on Rounds, you will probably also be “covering” your cabin at 12:15
a.m.: This means you will be the person responsible for the cabin after Rounds departs. Counselors who are
covering MUST REMAIN in their cabin for the rest of the night! Leaving a cabin uncovered after checking in is
a firing offense. Here are a few more important facts about Rounds:
1. On the day that you have evening Rounds, you must SIGN UP on the Rounds Sheet in the Mess Hall. This is
so we know that you REMEMBER!
2. If you need to switch your Rounds duty with someone else, you must have a good reason for doing so
(“Because it is my night off” is not a good reason) and clear it with Robyn. It is your responsibility to find a
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replacement before going to Robyn. Finally, both you and your replacement should sign the Rounds sheet
that day to confirm the switch.
3. If you cannot be at your Rounds bench by 10 p.m. due to an emergency, get word to Night Duty
immediately!
4. Know which counselor will be covering each cabin that night. Counselors must check out with you before
they leave for the evening, and those who are covering must check in when they return. Remind them of this!
Many a Rounds person has sat at his/her bench waiting for a “late” counselor, only to find that that person
was in the cabin the whole time! The list of who is covering is also posted in the office.
5. Patrol cabins every twenty minutes. Go inside! Check to see that all campers are in, that lights are out and
that there are no problems. On warm nights, see that windows are cranked open.
6. A Rounds person must accompany sick children to the Infirmary.
7. One counselor should be covering the Rounds post at all times.
REMEMBER to:
 Report any problems or unusual incidents to Night Duty.
 Leave the headphones in the cabin.
 Remain at your post until all cabins are covered.
 Report to the office to let Night Duty know you are finished.
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OUT-OF-CAMP TRIPS
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR TRIPS: Organized activities out of camp include day trips, cabin overnights, and
extended trips such as backpacking excursions. Trips can be organized for whole cabins or through individual signup. Trips are planned and organized by the Trip Director, Detailed tripping and transportation rules, procedures and
standard forms are available from the office. In general, all camp rules and expectations on the part of campers and
staff apply while out of camp. In addition, this is what EVERY counselor should know:
BEFORE THE TRIP
 The Directors must approve all trips in advance in advance.
 Campers are strongly encouraged, but never forced, to go on trips.
 Prior to departure, trip staff must file with the office a form listing all campers and staff, their full itinerary,
cell phone numbers and any other pertinent information.
 All trips should be cleared with the Infirmary. CHOs will provide a first aid kit, copies of camper medical
forms, as well as any camper medications and relevant instructions.
 Trip staff must have at least one, and preferably two, cell phones with them.
 Food requisitions must be made in writing at least 48 hours before the trip.
 Trippers will meet beforehand with the group to introduce themselves, ask for suggestions, and work out
a menu and any other special plans or preparations.
 Staff and campers packing for overnights need sleeping bags, a change of clothes, flashlights and
appropriate footwear (water shoes for waterfalls/rivers; sturdy shoes for hiking). When necessary, camp
will supply backpacks.
DURING THE TRIP
 Trip staff must call camp at least once a day to check in with an administrator.
 Campers must never be left unsupervised.
 Assign each camper a buddy. The buddy’s job is to know where his partner is at all times.
 Count heads often!
 Swimming or other aquatic activity is never allowed unless a Certified Lifeguard or equivalent is present.
Lifeguards who accompany day or evening trips that involve swimming must be pre-approved by the
Waterfront Director. Life jackets must always be worn for all watercraft activity.
 Male counselors are prohibited from entering the tents of female campers, and vice versa, except in an
emergency. Trip staff of the same sex must sleep adjacent to the campers’ tent or shelter.
 Only approved drivers may drive camp vehicles.
 No night driving. All journeys should be completed by nightfall. Driving should be suspended in heavy
rain, fog or poor visibility. Trips will not leave in poor weather conditions.
 The ‘ultimately responsible adult’ (usually a Tripper) is the final authority on all decisions while on the trip,
including safety, food, campsite and vehicle issues.
IN GENERAL
 Use of alcohol or drugs during a trip is cause for DISMISSAL. Traffic violations may also result in
termination of employment
 You may request to go on a trip, and we will do our best to get you out on one. But camp administrators
must take into account your A/B responsibilities and many other factors when deciding trip staff.
 Co-ed trips must have co-ed staff.
 No meals at restaurants without prior arrangements or emergency situations.
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BASIC HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES
1. Each activity (e.g. Waterfront, Fencing, Riding) has its own safety rules. Make sure that you and your
campers know what they are.
2. Dry clothes, shirts and shoes must always be worn in the Mess Hall.
3. Campers must be supervised during all A/B activities, Evening or Special Day programs.
4. Direct campers to wash their hands before every meal.
5. Report any skin rashes, open sores or other camper health problems to the Infirmary.
6. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun: Always wear sunscreen and make sure that campers do, too.
7. Drink plenty of liquids on hot days and make sure campers do, too.
8. Encourage campers to eat a balanced diet.
9. Avoid burnout by getting enough sleep.
10. Watch out for delivery trucks in camp, especially as they are backing up.
11. Do not drive in camp.
12. You must have administrative permission to start a campfire; use only fire pits at prepared sites.
13. Incense, candles or any open flames are prohibited in ANY building!
14. Report any safety concerns to the office: broken steps, hanging branches, exposed nails, etc.
15. Report any faulty electrical connections or devices immediately, as well as broken or cracked windows.
16. Dangerous materials and equipment such as firearms, knives, hatchets, explosives (e.g. firecrackers)
are prohibited.
17. Use electrical appliances, such as hair dryers and straighteners, with caution and make sure to turn off
when done. Hot pots, mini grills, popcorn poppers and similar items are prohibited in cabins.
GENERAL INFIRMARY RULES
1. All campers and staff must have a signed physician’s exam, immunization record and online health
history form on file in the office and/or Infirmary.
2. All medications, except for Epi Pens and some inhalers, should be stored in the Infirmary and not in the
cabins.
3. Pills and other regular medicine will be distributed at breakfast. CHOs will pass out night-time meds at
the Infirmary between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. A counselor should accompany campers from Units I and II.
4. The Infirmary is open for non-emergency treatment (a.k.a. “sick call”) after breakfast and dinner only.
This is when the doctor is formally on duty to see campers and staff.
5. One CHO will be on call at all times for emergencies. If s/he is not in the Infirmary, a sign on door will
tell you where s/he can be found. Use the Infirmary or office phone to contact her/him.
GENERAL WATERFRONT RULES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Only an Aquatic Supervisor may open the waterfront
A certified lifeguard must also be on duty in order for any waterfront activities to occur.
All staff and campers must pass a swimming test in order to participate in waterfront activities.
Campers who choose not to take the swim test may not register for water activities.
All campers will be assigned Buddy Numbers.
During a “general swim”(at V-Pack or Twilight, for instance) campers must pair up with a Buddy before
going in the water and sign-in (by Buddy Number) with the check-in guard.
7. The swim-area supervisor will call regular Buddy Checks.
8. Everyone must wear life jackets on all boats at all times.
9. The Waterfront Director has the final say on all decisions pertaining to the use or rules of the
waterfront.
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FIRE PROCEDURES
WARNING SIGNAL:
ALL-CLEAR SIGNAL:
FOUR Long blasts of the siren (repeated)
Several long blasts of the siren or bell
If You Discover a Fire, immediately inform the office via the phone intercom system (#13) or in person. If
the office is closed, report the fire to the Infirmary (#19). State the nature and location of fire.
WHAT TO DO:
Campers and Cabin Counselors: Report to nearest safe area. The safe areas are:
PIT
BEACH
ATHLETIC FIELD
PASTURE
The evacuation of the Kitchen, Rec Hall/Gym, A&C, Stables and Infirmary should be reported to the office
by the Area Head or lead counselor on site. Main camp roads should be clear of all pedestrians and vehicles.
Office and Infirmary Staff: Report to the office. Call the Fire Dept. and then go to the front camp entrance to
direct and slow down the volunteer fire fighters as they enter camp.
Extinguisher Squad: Kitchen and Maintenance staff on squad will assemble in front of the office for
instructions. If fire is in kitchen or dining room, or is visible nearby, roll large extinguisher directly to the
fire.
Remaining Kitchen Staff & Unit Programmers: Check all cabins and buildings to ensure that they are clear
of people and report to office. Program Director reports directly to office.
Fire during Rounds
Night Duty should call the Fire Department. Rounds should evacuate cabins and ensure their designated
cabin groups go to the nearest safe area. Before leaving each cabin, turn on lights to signal that they are
empty. All other staff should report to the office for instructions.
Fire at Night
Cabin counselors should evacuate their cabin, checking ALL beds, and lead their cabin group to the nearest
safe area. Before leaving, turn on cabin lights in empty cabins. Non-cabin staff should report to the office or
nearest safe area. If office is locked, Infirmary staff should call the Fire Department.
ELECTRICAL OR WIND STORM
We are extremely cautious when it comes to storms. Thunder will always trigger the siren.
WARNING SIGNAL:
ALL-CLEAR SIGNAL:
10 short blasts of the siren
Several long blasts of the siren or bell
WHAT TO DO:
All Campers & Staff:
 End all activities immediately
 Everyone must go indoors
 Turn off all electrical appliances
 Forbid showers during storms
In general, report any dead tree limbs or rotten trees near trails or cabins immediately! On windy days,
keep campers on main paths through camp and do not linger in wooded areas.
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LOST CAMPER PROCEDURE
If a camper fails to show up for an activity period, evening/special day program, meal or is absent
during rest hour...
FIRST—Check the camper’s cabin and the Infirmary. If not there, advise office immediately. If office is
closed, contact senior staff member. Intercom numbers are:
Camp director
Asst. Director
#
#
Area Director
Program Director
#
#
THEN—
1. Recheck camper’s cabin and activity. Camper’s A/B schedules, as well as evening and special day program
information, are filed/posted in the office.
2. Establish where camper was last seen.
3. Organize search party. Send staff to all outbound areas: Pasture, G-Field, A-Field, Walden Hills, Campcraft.
Initiate Lost Swimmer plan. Director or Asst. Director will use camp emergency vehicle to drive South River
Road in both directions, as well as into Michikewa Shores.
4. After 30 minutes has elapsed, Camp Director will notify sheriff’s dept on 627-3155 or 911.
5. Camp Director will contact camper’s authorized person.
6. Continue search until camper is found.
UNAUTHORIZED VISITORS
Authorized camp visitors who have checked in at the office will receive a Visitor Pass on a Camp Walden lanyard.
This section pertains to individuals who do not display a Visitor Pass.
Camper Response
1. Report strangers or unauthorized visitors to a counselor or other staff member immediately.
2. Do not approach strangers. If you feel threatened or the intruder appears dangerous, go to a place that has
a staff member present. REMAIN VISIBLE TO OTHER CAMPERS and STAFF.
Counselor Response
1. During the day: If you see someone you don’t recognize, ask him or her “May I help you?” They will
probably explain themselves and will be grateful for the assistance. If they are not wearing a visitor’s
badge, direct them to the office to get one. If the intruder appears dangerous or you feel threatened, tell the
office or a senior staff member immediately. If another staff member is present, they should keep the
intruder in sight.
2. After 10pm: report strangers or unauthorized visitors to Night Duty or the senior staff member who is “On
Call” immediately. If another staff member is present, they should keep the intruder in sight.
3. In the event that an unwanted visitor does not leave upon request or appears potentially dangerous, the
Camp Director, Assistant Director or senior staff member will contact the local police.
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WALDEN TERMINOLOGY
A-FIELD: The athletic field bound by the staff parking lot, the archery range and the tennis courts.
A/B Day: The regular daily schedule, as opposed to a Special Day schedule.
ADOPT-A-HORSE: A club for campers who have a special interest in riding.
ALL-ON: Times when all counselors must be on duty.
B-FIELD: The athletic field by the stables.
BANQUET: A special dinner at the end of each session.
BIRTHDAY BINGO: A game played at lunch on B-Days, hosted by Mr. Bingo, aka Harvey
BLUEGILL: A person who is considered a non-swimmer, did not take or pass the swim test.
BUNAC/CAMP AMERICA: British Universities North America Club: an organization that helps British students find
summer jobs in American camps. Camp America is a similar cultural exchange program for international staff.
CAMP CRAFT: A section of camp property behind the Rec Hall used for teaching outdoor skills.
CHICKEN TRAIN: Train taking chickens away.
CINNAMON TOAST: The unhealthiest and yet best breakfast ever.
COVERED: A term used to mean that there is at least one counselor in each cabin or at each activity area that needs
supervision.
DITTERIZED: If you have been Ditterized (and you will be), you will have watched, read or listened to child
psychologist and camp consultant Bob Ditter discuss how to work with children. His suggestions really do work!
FLAMINGO PARK: The community of trailers behind the Infirmary and Staff House, where camp administrators
live.
G-FIELD: The field located behind the girl’s side.
GAME ROOM: A building with ping pong tables, air hockey and foosball games; located behind the trip shed.
GRUNGING: The process of separating wet, mucky left-over food from the rest of the camp waste at meal time.
HAPPY-GRAM: A message sent between two people in camp either through the mail or the camp newspaper.
LAGOON: The section of the lake that curves inward by the flagpole and is generally used by paddleboats.
LETTER DAY: A day which all campers are required to write home: happens twice a week.
MEADOW: The grassy area outside the dining room that is used for recreation, camp meetings, and picnics.
MUSKIE: A person who has passed the swim test of 12 lengths and has demonstrated other basic swimming skills.
NIGHT DUTY: When two administrators—one male, one female—patrol the camp during the evening.
NIGHT LOG: A written record of any problems or unusual incidents that occur after bedtime.
NEW OLD ARCHERY: A campfire pit adjacent to the stables and B-field, where the archery range used to be.
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OLD ARCHERY: Where the archery range is once again located, on the A-field.
OPTIONAL: A Special Day activity period that campers go to on a voluntary basis.
PINES: A restaurant and bar near the camp.
PIT: The dip in front of the Rec Hall. A popular spot for campfires. Waterski and wakeboard classes meet here.
PUNCH AND COOKIES: A short mid-afternoon snack in the meadow, often consisting of fresh fruit, “bug juice” and
water. Snack is followed by mail call and brief Unit meetings.
REC HALL: A building on the boy’s side of camp that houses the theatre, music room and gymnastics room.
REGISTRATION: The process by which campers sign up for activities.
ROUNDS: When counselors watch over a group of cabins between 10:00 pm and 12:15 am.
SICK CALL: When the infimary is open for non-emergency treatment, after breakfast and dinner.
SNACK DUTY: Setting up and cleaning up counselor snack in the evening; counselor snack is held every night.
SPECIAL DAY: A day that is not part of the A/B program; used for trips, Days Off, and special activities.
SWEET SPOT: A campfire pit located between the B-field and G-field
TUBE: A large inflatable thing that you lay on while being pulled by a boat
TRIP SHED: A building where trips are planned and equipment is stored; located behind the arts and crafts.
TWILIGHT: An early evening activity period.
TWO-WEEK BLOCK: A two-week calendar created by your Unit Programmer. It lists the planned evening and
special-day programs for your unit. Your UP should post a two-week block in your cabin.
UNIT: A group of cabins containing campers of similar ages.
WALDEN HILLS: The hills near the B-Field.
The WALDEN POND: Or, simply, the Pond. The camp newspaper, published daily and delivered at breakfast.
WALDEN II: A piece of camp property down the lake, not connected to the main camp; used for overnights,
cookouts and special programs
WALDEN III: A piece of property two over from the director’s house; used for outdoor cooking class.
WALDEN UNDER or WUTS: Short for 'Walden Under The Stars": an all-camp outdoor talent show held toward the
end of First Session and Second Session.
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TREE NUT ALLERGIES
An estimated 1.8 million Americans have an allergy to tree nuts. Allergic reactions to tree nuts are among the
leading causes of fatal and near-fatal reactions to foods. Tree nuts include, but are not limited to, walnut,
almond, hazelnut, coconut, cashew, pistachio, and Brazil nuts. These are not to be confused or grouped together
with peanut, which is a legume, or seeds, such as sunflower or **sesame.
Like those with peanut allergies, most individuals who are diagnosed with an allergy to tree nuts tend to have a
lifelong allergy. As you’ll see below, tree nuts can be found as ingredients in many unexpected places.
Some Unexpected Sources of Tree Nuts






Salads and salad dressing
Barbecue sauce
Breading for chicken
Pancakes
Meat-free burgers
Pasta





Honey
Fish dishes
Pie crust
Mandelonas (peanuts soaked in
almond flavoring)
Mortadella (may contain pistachios)
Keep in Mind
 Many experts advise patients allergic to tree nuts to avoid peanuts and other tree nuts because of the high
likelihood of cross-contact at processing facilities, which process peanuts and different tree nuts on the
same equipment. Further, a person with an allergy to one type of tree nut has a higher chance of being
allergic to other types.

Tree nuts may be found in a wide range of unexpected foods for flavor or consistency. If ingredient
information is not provided for a particular food or you question its accuracy, avoid the food completely.

Younger siblings of children allergic to tree nuts may be at increased risk for allergy to tree nuts. Your
doctor can provide guidance about testing for siblings.

Tree nuts can cause severe allergic reactions. If your doctor has prescribed epinephrine, be sure to always
carry it with you. Learn more about anaphylaxis.

Most experts advise patients who have been diagnosed with an allergy to specific tree nuts to avoid all tree
nuts.

Avoid Coconut
**Importantly, if you are allergic to an allergen other than one of the major allergens (such as sesame seeds or
poppy seeds), your allergen is not required to be identified in the “Contains ” statement that will appear on
some packages — you must read the full ingredient statement.
Walden will have two campers during Second Session 2011 with life-threatening allergies to sesame
seeds.
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Camp Walden MAP
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