Adventure Bound Parent Handbook

YMCA CAMP MASON
ADVENTURE BOUND
TRIP SUPPLEMENT 2015
This handbook is designed to support the 2015 Parent
Handbook and provide specific information about Adventure
Bound Trips. The information in this supplement supercedes that
in the Parent Handbook. Please refer to this document for
arrival and departure times, packing lists, the itinerary and other
trip specific information.
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Greetings and welcome to the exciting world of adventure trips.
We hope you are looking forward to joining us this summer as much as we are looking forward to
having you with us. Being self-sufficient, living outdoors, and casting off such modern
inconveniences as television, stereos, and computers, allows you to get closer than you have
ever been to the real world. For many good reasons, it also gives you an unencumbered
opportunity to learn things about yourself, and dig deeper into your soul than you have ever
done before. Adventure trips are a lot of fun – and the activities can be totally pleasant – or
they can be physically and mentally tiring and challenging. It can be one single experience you
will cherish and remember the rest of your life- or it can be the start of a new life-long hobby or
pursuit. It can be merely an escape from the pseudo-civilized world of school, work, and media –
or it can be a true opportunity to reconnect with yourself and get in touch with your inner
feelings while uncovering your personal strengths. Most of all, tripping is, to a certain extent,
about facing a challenge you may have never previously contemplated – meeting it head on – and
being able to say “I can do that. I did that!”
This booklet is designed to help ensure that the adventure is one you will remember in the
fondest terms only. We ask that parents and participants read over this book and the packing
list(s) very carefully. After doing that, if you have any questions whatsoever, please do not
hesitate to call or e-mail Anna at [email protected] who will be happy to help. Good luckand have a great time!
Identity
Adventure Bound Trips are a program of YMCA Camp Mason. Camp Mason has been in this
business for over 115 years, is American Camping Association accredited, and licensed and
inspected by the State of New Jersey Division of Youth Camp Health and Safety. Participants
come from a number of different areas – including overseas – and from a number of local
community YMCAs. YMCA Camp Mason staff will lead the trips and Camp Mason will be your
primary contact. Trips will depart from and return to YMCA Camp Mason.
Forms
Like it or not – paperwork has to happen– even for wilderness types like us. All required forms
should be completed online as soon as possible. (If you require paper copies please let us know
and we can send them to you). Sooner is always better because this allows us time to digest the
paperwork and to prepare for your arrival. It also avoids any last minute errors and confusion
resulting from lost or forgotten forms.
Confirmation of final acceptance only occurs when we receive your signed Participant’s Personal
Conduct Contract. You will receive an email to confirm your place soon after this form is
completed.
Fees and Payment
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The balance of all fees are due to camp by May 1, 2015. You may pay by check or credit card.
Those enrolling after May 1 must submit payment in full at the time of registration.
Refunds and Cancellations
Registration deposits are refundable by written request before May 1st. Registration deposits
are not refundable after May 1st. Tuition fees are not refundable after May 1st except in the
case of verified medical restriction. Please notify the camp if you must cancel your registration.
No refunds are available for children sent home from camp for behavioral reasons. Campers
arriving late or leaving early due to parental decisions are not eligible for refund or prorated
tuitions.
Dismissals
Any trekker sent home for a violation of the Conduct Code or for health or personal reasons will
not be entitled to a refund of any amount and you remain responsible for the full fee. Further,
parent/guardians should be aware that “evacuations” requiring a child to be pulled from a trek at
any time, for any reason, are done at the expense of the family. You will be fully liable for all
costs. This hasn’t happened in years and we hope it never will – but please keep in mind that this
expense is yours, so such decisions should and will not be made lightly.
Check-In Day
All arrivals and departures are from Camp Mason. Report to the office area at the designated
time for check-in, health check by our nurse, and to give or get last minute instructions. Any
outstanding fees or forms must be resolved here before you drop off your child. Please call if
you are going to be late so we can let them know, as well as be available to greet you at the
office when you arrive.
Check-Out Day
You may pick-up your child between 9:30 – 11:00 AM on closing day. A staff member will greet
you at the front parking lot and direct you. You will find luggage under the tents by the office.
You will be able to sign out your camper at the dining hall. Photo ID is required to sign out your
child. Please bring it with you. Stop by the trading post to claim any money left in your child’s
account. Unclaimed trading post funds are added to our campership fund for tuition assistance.
Visit the camp nurse if there are medications that need to be retrieved.
Check-in Date
Drop-off time
July 19 2015
9.30am – 11am
Check-out
Date
July 25 2015
Pick-up time
9.30am - 11am
Overlaps with Summer Camp
We recognize that participants may be participating in resident camp at some point this summer.
Take a look at the 2015 Parent Handbook for resident camp dates and stay over weekend
options. By signing up for 2-week resident camp session you will receive a $50 discount on your
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Adventure Bound Trip. There are also discounts for signing up for multiple sessions, referring a
friend and for registering siblings.
Health and Medical Care
At least one of the two leaders on each group will be trained in American Red Cross First Aid and
CPR or higher. They will provide basic assistance and temporary emergency care until
participants can be seen by a doctor or nurse or other advanced medical personnel. Note that
when on the trail, complaints about a simple sore throat, stomachache, headache, etc. group
leaders will consult with the Camp Mason’s medical staff by cell phone, and he/she will determine
if the situation is serious enough to order a detour for medical attention or evacuation.
Emergency Plans
Our trips leaders are well-trained in what to do in an emergency situation. Their first step is to
call Emergency Services and then to call Camp Mason where we will contact Parents/Guardians
as soon as we are able. Our trip leaders carry local hospital information and emergency contact
information on their person at all times.
Prescription and Over the Counter Drugs
The trip leaders will carry the usual items – stomach remedies, non-aspirin aspirin, etc. and a
basic first aid kit. But, we cannot administer these without you or your doctor’s specific written
instructions on the health form we will be carrying with us. Participants themselves should pack
no over the counter medications. These will be taken away during packing and left behind. All
prescription drugs must be in their original container and must be specified by the doctor in
writing on the health form. Please be sure you do this. If an Rx is given after the health form has
been sent in, ask the doctor to write a short note specifying how and when to give the Rx. All
medications must be in the original container, with date, camper’s name, doctor’s name, and
identifications of the contents on it. Our leaders will hold and dispense them.
 Inhalers: If an inhaler is required for asthma or breathing difficulties a participant may
hold onto it themselves if a doctor has issued written permission or prescription to carry.
In the event that no carry order exists the trip leader will carry the medication.
 Medications needing to be injected (other than epi-pens for allergic reaction) or
refrigerated, will pose a problem and you should discuss it with your doctor and the camp
directors ahead of time.
All medical preparations will be overseen by the camp’s nurses and medical staff prior to the trip
departing camp.
Inherent Risk
Here we go with the waiver thing again. We must inform you one more time that hiking,
backpacking, camping, canoeing, biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and horseback riding
have inherent risks including but not limited to falls, bad weather, spills, rushing water, acts of
God, wild animals, insects, scared horses, falling trees, etc. You get the picture. By agreeing to
send your child, you are acknowledging and voluntarily sharing in these risks, and further, you
are certifying that your child is capable of understanding and obeying instructions given by the
leaders particularly for the purpose of protecting the participant’s health, safety, and welfare.
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Accidents caused by a child’s inability to do this or in the event they defy and refuse
instructions, will not be the responsibility of anyone but the child. Please be sure your child is
ready to understand such ramifications.
Swim Level
All participants will be tested for swimming ability prior to departure. We are not looking for
technical skills, but mainly for those who will be comfortable and safe in the water. If this is
going to be a problem, you should bring it to our attention now. The trip will have a
lifeguard/activities will be guarded where needed.
Conditioning and Preparation
The most important thing to bring on the trip is a good mental attitude. The trip is an
introductory one but it is still important to be in shape beforehand. There is no need for any
hard core training for this trip, just make sure you are prepared for day long rides on the trail
and rafting on the river. If you are on a sports team then you’re already in good shape, just
make sure to keep it up in the summer. If not, that’s okay, simple things like walking or jogging a
few times a week will be enough preparation. Any extra conditioning will make you feel better all
around anyway! As mentioned in the information brochure you must be a fairly strong swimmer
and be able to confidently ride a bike. This does not mean a great butterfly and marvelous
dolphin kick. It means if you fall in fast moving water you will be calm, able to swim to safety,
and have enough confidence not to get nervous until assistance arrives. If you have any
questions about any of the above information call camp and speak to Anna.
Telephone/Mail/E-Mail/Visiting
Obviously, due to the pace and style of these trips, visiting, writing, or communication with your
child is unlikely. Please keep in mind that no news is good news! Trip leaders carry cell phones
but these are for emergency use and/or necessary communication with camp. If we do receive an
update from a trip we will send out an email halfway through the week.
Spending Money
A lot of spending money is not required. On most treks all we recommend bringing is a maximum
of $20 in singles and other small bills for souvenirs or snacks. We are not responsible for any
cash carried by participants.
Valuables
YMCA Camp Mason is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings. These are the
responsibility of the participant. Therefore, NO jewelry, fine watches, expensive fancy cameras,
irreplaceable mementos, ipods, or cell phones are permitted on the trip. One of our goals of the
Adventure Bound Trip program is to disconnect from everyday tech-heavy world and instead
connect with nature. Cell phones and ipods hinder this and will be confiscated if found, to be
returned upon departure.
Laundry
There is no laundry service in the woods so send what is needed.
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Packing Lists
We have included a packing list for the trek(s) your child is enrolled in. Please review these and
pack accordingly. These are compiled from years’ worth of knowledge and experience from trek
leaders. You will be expected to bring your own personal items. The camp will provide community
gear. Community gear will include cooking gear, tents, food, first-aid equipment, and repair kits.
In the packing list we will discuss some of the gear needs for each trip specifically. Many people
already have most of the items on the list or can borrow them from a friend. You can find the
packing list at the end of this packet on pages 7-9.
Community Living
By now you should have read the “Trip Participant’s Personal Conduct Contract.” If not, please
do so now, and sign and return it. It is designed to ensure that everyone understands each other
during the trip, and that the ground rules are common to each of you, leaders included. You will
be living close and tight with up to 9 other people and even if you don’t end the trip loving all of
them like a brother or sister, at least you will be able to get along.
Every trip group will emphasize teamwork. The first rule of teamwork is: No matter how quickly
you finish your personally assigned task, you are never done until everyone is done. Everyone
will share in the work tasks of the group - whether it be cooking, cleaning up, fetching and
filtering water, tending the fire, putting up tents, assisting one of the leaders in helping a
struggling member of the group.
Contact Information
Anna Bilton, Summer Program Director
[email protected]
Jackson Patterson, Summer Camp Director
Shani Kately, Registrar
YMCA Camp Mason
23 Birch Ridge Rd.
Hardwick, NJ 07825
Phone 908-362-8217
Fax: 908-362-5767
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Jim Thorpe Adventure Sampler Packing List 2015
SLEEPING BAG
If you don’t own one, borrowing one should be fine. If you decide to buy a new one, here are some
considerations. For summer use we recommend a bag rated 35-40 degrees. If you use it in early or late
fall and spring, aim for a 20-degree bag. Down stuffing is nice but expensive and really unnecessary for
summer camping. Plus, you have to carefully upkeep it for it to remain nice. So look for bags with
artificial fibers and a nylon shell. These stay fluffier, dry much faster, can keep you warm even if wet, and
are lightweight. A good bag should not be folded and rolled but rather smushed into a small nylon “stuff
sack” and then tied tightly closed. Since we are car camping, you could bring a pillow if you wish.
SLEEPING PAD
This is the thing you lay under your sleeping bag to keep warm, dry, and prevent little stones from
digging into your back all night long. Various inflatables such as Therm-A-Rest are popular with serious
campers are very comfortable and save a lot of room when they roll up but the large foam-types are fine
too and much, much cheaper. A word of caution- you want closed cell foam only (available at most
outdoor and camping stores, precut or in large rolls by the foot). Open cell foam is like a sponge- it
absorbs water which is very bad!
RAFTING GEAR
For shoes, river sandals work best as they allow your toes to dry quicker than regular old shoes. But make sure they have Velcro
or buckle straps, not slip-ons or flip flops. Bring a bathing suit and easy-dry clothing you might like to wear over the top. We
will provide you with wetsuits on the water. On the water all trekkers will be required to wear approved life jackets. We will
provide these.
BIKE
We will supply bikes and helmets for the biking.
BIKING GEAR
Clothing that will help you be more comfortable is the key here. If you have special padded shorts that
you like to wear biking, feel free to wear them. If you don’t own these already don’t buy any as we will
only be biking for two days. Any comfortable, not too short shorts will be good for the day. You may
also want 1-2 tee shirts or tank tops made from some sort of wicking material such as Under Armor.
These keep you a lot cooler than cotton and dry quicker too. As for footwear, lightweight sneakers are
best. Lightweight wool blend socks with coolmax are nice but definitely not necessary.
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HIKING GEAR
Again, comfortable clothing is key. As for boots, if you have a nice pair of comfortable, already broken in
hiking boots or shoes bring them along. Otherwise, sneakers will be fine for the day. Wool or synthetic
wool blend socks are best. Just make sure they are for hiking or running, not winter sports or hunting.
Your feet will be moving and active, not sitting around trying to stay warm. If you never plan on using
these socks again, cotton will get you through the day. Otherwise, a good pair of socks is a nice treat for
your feet.
SOME THINGS NOT TO PACK
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Please do not bring matches, knives, hatchets, etc.- these will be carried by leaders.
Please do not bring any jewelry, except maybe a cheap watch.
Please do not bring any food or snacks. We will have plenty of these available.
Please do not bring an ipod or other music device- this is your week to get away from the
electronic world!
Please do not bring a cell phone. Again, this is your time to get away from it all-please don’t ruin
it for yourself and your fellow trekkers!
Please do not bring more than $10 spending money (singles and quarters are best) for snacks and
souvenirs
Please do not bring heavy bottles of shampoo, conditioner beauty products etc. Hey, you will be
sleeping on the ground! We will have some biodegradable soap to freshen up with at base camp.
Please do count out your prescription drugs. Bring only what you need, but make sure you bring the
original container from the pharmacy. The nurse at check-in needs to see any drugs in their original
containers then she will hand them over to the group leaders. This goes for over-the-counter and
vitamins too. The leaders carry OTC drugs anyway so don’t bring it if you don’t need it. Inhalers are the
only exceptions.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Our trip leaders will be taking photos and after the trip returns we will upload them to CampInTouch for
you to see. We do not recommend bringing a camera since it may get wet, dirty or lost.
PACKING LIST
The following items are selected for Adventure Bound trippers to consider. What you pack and what you
substitute for any of these items is up to you. Your personal needs and comforts come first. This is
merely a guideline. With several of the items we share some of our thoughts to give you some helpful
ideas. With others, it’s just straightforward. With all items, consider whether they can be used for
multiple activities. If you have any packing questions give us a call. Note that separate of your main bag
you should bring a light day pack such as a bookbag for packing stuff you’ll need for each day’s outing.
Basics
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Backpack/Duffel bag
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Small day backpack
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Sleeping bag
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Sleeping pad
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Clothing
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Underwear for each day
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3-4 pairs of socks for biking, climbing, and evenings
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1 pair of socks for hiking
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Hiking shoes/boots
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Lightweight sneakers for climbing, biking, and evenings
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River sandals
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Sweatshirt or fleece pullover
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Nylon shell jacket or lightweight windbreaker
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Rain gear- rain jacket and rain pants. If your windbreaker is waterproof it may double as a raincoat.
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Bathing suit(s)
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Pair of long pants (you never know if it will be cold!)
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Long sleeve shirt
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4-5 tee shirts or tank tops (nylon or wicking shirts dry faster than cotton but not necessary)
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3-4 pairs of loose fitting, comfortable shorts
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1-2 sets of comfy evening/sleeping clothes
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Long underwear shirt- good for sleeping or to wear under tee shirts for cooler mornings
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Lightweight hat
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Bandannas- perfect for keeping sun, sweat, and bugs off your head, can be soaked in cool water on
trail
Eating/Drinking
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Lightweight plastic drinking mug- suitable for hot or cold use
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Lightweight plastic bowl (aluminum heats up!) (Tupperware type dishes are great)
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Spoon (you can eat just about anything with a spoon), butter knife, fork or combo utensil
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2 water bottles- Wide mouth Lexan plastic bottles (available at outdoor stores as well as Wal-Mart
and such) are good because they are easily clipped to things and have a mouth wide enough to hold
liquidy food as well as water. Make sure you get the mid-sized ones (about 32 oz.). Drinking plenty
of water is essential for a healthy and comfortable trip.
Other
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Personal kit- small toothpaste, toothbrush, comb/brush, small bar/bottle of soap feminine items (if
applicable)
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Insect repellant (non-aerosol spray or lotion)
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Sunblock at least SPF 15
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Mini flashlight or headlamp.
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Towel x 2 (one for showering and one for water activities)
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Laundry bag (plastic garbage bags are fine) to store wet or dirty clothes
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12’ of nylon rope or parachute cord for additional clotheslines (leaders will have one) – optional
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Book, compass, playing cards, etc. – optional
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Small notepad and pen/pencil for a journal
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