|
Greetings and Welcome to Camp Runoia’s 102nd Season!
We feel honored to continue Runoia’s timeless traditions while creating a safe and fun 21st century “second” home for our campers.
In June, our staff will come together for a full week of training in instructor skills, safety procedures, youth development and group dynamics. On the opening day of camp we will be greeting children from a variety of countries and many U.S. states to join us for the camp experience. During the summer, each individual will have the opportunity to build life long skills, develop strong friendships and have a lot of fun.
This Parent/Family Handbook is prepared to help you and your daughter get ready for a summer filled with new experiences, fond friendships and memories to last a life time. Most of your questions will be answered in this booklet; however, please feel free to contact us with any questions about Camp Runoia.
We look forward to sharing our 101st season and the beginning of our second century of Camp Runoia with your family. Thank you for sharing your daughter with us and choosing Camp Runoia’s program,
Luggage, Transportation, Directions, Packing, ………………………………………….….2
Accommodations and Dog Kennels …………………………………………………….…6
Preparing for Camp
New & Old Campers, Friends, Homesickness…………………………….…………………7
Achievement, Music, Cell Phone and Electronics Policy…………………..……………......9
Forms, Special Dietary Needs, and Emergency Contacts
The End of the Session Traditions………………………………………………..……...….11
Camp Accreditation, Financial Policy, Gratuities…………………………………….....12
Camp Runoia Packing List…………………………………………………………….13
Getting Read for Camp: Luggage, Transportation, Directions, Packing
Shipping Luggage: If you would like to send duffel bags or trunks to camp, use United Parcel Service. www.ups.com UPS will deliver to our camp address: (Camper’s Name), Camp Runoia, 3 Lucy Weiser Lane, Belgrade, ME 04917. Please note this address is different than our mailing address. Put the address on the inside of the luggage as well as clearly marked on the outside. Check with UPS about weight and size restrictions. We have to move trunks too, so, be nice and keep them under 60 pounds. Trunks are helpful for storing things in camper rooms. Campers will have room to hang things on hangers. A hanging shoe compartment can be helpful for storing more than shoes. She will share a small dresser and have a couple of shelves for storage.
Auto Arrival: Families driving to camp are asked to arrive between 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm on the date of arrival (Saturday, June 28 or Monday, July 21). When you arrive in our camp parking lot you will be greeted by Runoia staff and instructed where to go. We would like your stay to be less than an hour so your daughter can settle into camp quickly. We will send you additional information this spring to help you navigate opening day with your daughter.
Auto Departure: Families are invited to attend our end of the session party on:
Parents are invited to join us at 11 am on closing days and stay through the program until 1 – 1:30 pm when they depart with their campers. Counselors in the parking lot will help you get your daughter's belongings loaded into your vehicle for all auto departures.
Air Plane Arrival: Arrange air travel to either Portland Jetport in Portland, Maine or Augusta Airport in Augusta, Maine. Make your reservations as soon as possible. Due to increased security at airports, campers must have a photo identification or passport with them.. Often, unaccompanied minors, under the age of 12, are charged a fee of $25 –50 to be escorted by the airline attendants – please check with your travel agent or airline and be prepared to pay for the fee for round trip. Additionally, Camp Runoia charges a $25 pick up/drop off fee.
Authorized Runoia staff will be meeting camper's plane flights at the Portland International Jet Port in Portland, Maine between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on the date of arrival. We will confirm travel arrangements with you and you will be emailed or faxed a letter indicating the authorized representative of Camp Runoia who will be meeting your daughter at the airport. Your copy of the letter should be with your daughter's plane ticket and shown to the airline personnel. The staff member meeting your daughter will have a duplicate letter to show the airline personnel. Please tell your daughter to give her ticket, cell phone, passport and any other important documents to the Runoia staff member meeting her at the airport. We keep these belongings safe until your daughter departs from camp. Please let us know if you would like your daughter to call you from the airport with the Runoia staff member or call you once she arrives at Camp Runoia.
Air Plane Departure: Arrange air travel from Portland or Augusta, Maine on the morning of closing day (July 21 or August 17). Make your reservations as soon as possible. An authorized Camp Runoia representative will deliver your child to the appropriate departure 
gate at the Portland International Jet Port in Portland, Maine on her day of departure and will remain at the airport until the flight has departed. Please try to make departure times between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:00 noon. Due to increased security at airports, your daughter must have a photo identification card/passport. Be prepared to pay for an unaccompanied minor fee of $25-50 for all children under the age of 12 – check with the airlines. Additionally, Camp Runoia charges a $25 drop off fee.
Directions to Camp Runoia: Take Interstate 95 (traveling north or south) to exit 112B near Augusta, Maine. Exit 112B will put you on Route 27 north towards the Belgrade Lakes Region. After passing through the town of Belgrade (about 8 miles north of Augusta) you will cross Route 135, with the Belgrade Town Hall on your left and Christy's Market/Irving Gas on your right. Continue on Route 27 towards the town of Belgrade Lakes. From the intersection of Route 135, travel 1.9 miles and turn right onto Point Road (if you have arrived in the town of Belgrade Lakes, you've gone too far). Drive 2 miles to the end of Point Road - Point Road ends at the camp gates. For MapQuest at www.mapquest.com , you can use 3 Lucy Weiser Lane, Belgrade, Maine to find directions to camp.
Packing for Camp: A sample packing list is included in this packet. You can order camp uniforms and other equipment online from our website – there is a link to AmeraSport company on our homepage. If you have any questions about the required clothing, please contact us at Camp Runoia. The AmeraSport toll free number in the United States is (800) 786-9402 or from out of the U.S.A. call (508) 429-9000. You can also access the AmeraSport website at: www.amerasport.com See the section on "Uniforms" for our camp uniform information.
Expensive clothing, jewelry, and money are not necessary in camp. MP3 players with video are not allowed at camp. Camping can be rough on clothes, therefore, jeans, shorts, and shirts from home are fine for everyday wear at camp. Please do not bring severely ripped shorts/pants, or clothing with messages which are inappropriate to children's camping (alcohol and tobacco slogans are examples of inappropriate messages). Dress shoes and shoes with high heels are poor camp shoes. Feel free to let your daughter pack some accessories for a costume party although we have plenty of things at camp as well.
Our laundry is done weekly and returned within 48 hours. So, eight to nine days of clothing are all that is necessary. Please pack light. Packing extra socks and underwear is a good idea. Cabin space is limited; please do not pack too much. If you use a trunk to pack in, please make sure it is small, easily manageable (able to be lifted by a counselor) -- we prefer less than 60 pounds. See "Baggage" section for more information.
Campers will want a few items to personalize their room at camp, e.g., a poster to put on the wall, thumb tacks for hanging up drawings, a calendar, etc., a stuffed animal for your camper’s bed and to cuddle with at night, a special pillow or small blanket. A few books, a deck of cards or other things to stay occupied with during “Quiet Hour” are helpful. Electronic games are not allowed and we discourage the use of personal MP3/CD players, etc. Campers are welcome to bring a couple favorite CDs for special occasions.
Waterproof rainwear and boots are necessary. Warm water-resistant clothing; will make your child more comfortable on cool or wet days; wool, fleece and "Gore-tex" type material are examples of water-resistant clothing (sweaters, jackets, socks, etc.) A good hat is protection from the sun and the rain.
New shoes - especially hiking boots - should be broken-in before arriving at camp. Compact sleeping bags with a drawstring bag are required for overnight trips and we encourage campers to bring their own. If your child does not own a sleeping bag, Camp Runoia can lend her a sleeping bag her overnight trip. In camp, campers sleep in beds with sheets and blankets -- not sleeping bags. In addition to normal toiletry items such as: hair and toothbrushes, tooth paste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, etc., we suggest your child bring insect repellant, lip balm, a watertight water bottle and sunscreen. Please be sure to mark all of these items with her name using a laundry marker or nametag. More tips on packing can be found from: www.CampParents.org
Soccer/Lacrosse/Tennis/Golf/Softball Gear: If your daughter has a tennis racket, softball mitt, soccer cleats/shin guards she can to bring this equipment to camp. Golf equipment, lacrosse sticks (and protective eye wear and mouth guards for lacrosse) will be provided but your daughter is welcome to bring her own equipment as well.
Riding Gear: If your daughter wants to ride while at camp she needs shoes safe for riding. A high or low cut boot with a small heel is fine. Rain boots are usually fine for riding. Riding helmets are worn at all times when riding. We also have an assortment of riding boots at the barn for campers who arrive without boots. If your daughter has a riding helmet please have her bring it to camp. We do provide riding helmets in average sizes for campers who do not own helmets. Campers must wear long pants when riding but riding pants are not necessary.
Overnight Camping Gear: Casual summer attire, as mentioned in the "Packing for Camp" section is sufficient for overnight camping. Campers are recommended to have hiking boots, wool or fleece socks and a sweater or jacket (for use with camp uniform bring a jacket with colors of: blue, green, black, gray, or white); rain gear is necessary and a sleeping bag is a good idea (we have 6 fairly new bags available for loan). We recommend campers have a sleeping pad, and, for extended trips, a back pack – a heavy duty internal frame back pack IS NOT necessary – contrary to the clothing and equipment catalog list.
Bedding and Towels In camp, each campers sleep in sheets and blankets in a bed (single cot size). Pillow cases must be on pillows. Campers may bring their own bed linens or rent linens from camp. Camp Runoia's blankets are fleece blankets (new in 2007), sheets are cotton and pillows are foam-filled. If your child has allergies to these materials we suggest you provide your own linens. Towels are not included in linen rental – we suggest 3 bath towels, 2-3 beach towels and wash cloths or hand towels as needed.
Marking Belongings: Mark your child's belongings with nametags or indelible ink markers. The inside or sides of shoes, backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, rain gear, bathing suits, hats, linens, tennis racquets, etc., need to be marked (especially water shoes), as well as, all clothing. Unmarked items left at camp will be donated to a charitable organization. We are partnering with a great label company called Mabel’s Labels – you can find their information on our website or at www.camps.mabel.ca
Uniform: Our uniform is simple: navy blue shorts, a uniform tee shirt, white socks and sneakers. Uniforms are worn on trips and special occasions. The catalog is online www.amerasport.com Make sure your camper has a sweatshirt, fleece or jacket for warmth – pick a color that will go with the uniform (blue, green, black, gray, or white).
Bathing suits: your daughter will need a minimum of two bathing suits that are sport swim suits for swimming lessons and trips out of camp. Goggles are recommended. It is optional for her to bring other suits for recreational in camp. Please look at the catalog information for suits that are appropriate for water sports on the Amerasport clothing catalog www.amerasport.com
Weather and Climate in Central Maine: Maine weather can be unpredictable at times. Typically the climate from mid-June to early August is mild to hot. Daytime temperatures range from 65 -85 degrees Fahrenheit. The evenings are between 60 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit. We do 
experience heat waves up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as, cooler weather primarily in rainy periods. The temperatures at night generally drop into the range of 50 to 60 degrees. Dressing in layers is the best way to deal with the unpredictable weather. We are flexible with our camp program and if we have severely hot weather we spend a lot of time at the waterfront. During cooler periods we spend less time in the water.
Communication: Mail, Telephone, Visiting, and Evaluations
Mail to and from Camp: Mail is important to children when they are away at camp. We recommend that your letters be simple and frequent, however, not so frequent that if a letter from home doesn't arrive on a particular day, your daughter becomes concerned or upset. Generally one to three letters or postcards a week is plenty.
Any serious news should be handled with great care. When children are away from home they often over-react to anything happening at home, especially to their parents, siblings, or pets. Please talk to the Directors first before communicating any serious news to your daughter, so we are prepared to deal with whatever the situation may be.
If you need to fax your daughter while she is at camp, please do it only on special occasions. Letters sent by mail are most welcome and more enjoyable than a fax. We cannot provide outgoing fax service to our campers. Incoming faxes will be delivered to your daughter with the daily mail, Monday – Saturday -- not on Sundays. If you send more than one fax a week, you will be billed $5.00 for each additional fax. You can email through Bunk1.com. Campers do not have access to computers to email to you.
Mail is delivered and picked up Monday through Saturday. You might consider giving your daughter pre-addressed, stamped envelopes to simplify the letter writing process. Since the weather can cause dampness, please pack envelopes and stamps in a plastic bag to keep them from getting stuck together. If international campers are unable to purchase United States postage, please contact Camp Runoia about purchasing stamps.
Newsletters from Camp: Each week during the camp season a different camper group in camp writes the camp newsletter. Campers and staff use their creative writing and drawing skills to record the weekly events. During Quiet Hour on Sundays, campers write to their families on the back of the newsletter. Camp Runoia provides stamped envelopes and mails the newsletters from camp on Mondays.
Telephone Calls: We prefer campers do not receive phone calls at camp. Some campers have a difficult time adjusting to camp after talking with their relatives or friends on the phone. We suggest to parents that they correspond with their children at camp through the mail. If you feel it is
absolutely necessary to contact your child by telephone, please call the Directors between 10 AM - 12 noon or 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM to discuss arranging phone calls.
Digital Cameras, Websites, Blogging and Documenting Camp Experiences: Cameras are a great way to document camp experiences and remember camp friends. We have a policy that we will review with campers about using cameras only when campers and staff are clothed. All photos of people from Camp Runoia should be shared with respect and good taste. Any online posting of photos must be without names. If your child wants to write about camp in an online format, please encourage her to highlight her positive thoughts.
Packages: Please limit packages to ONE shoe box size package per family per session. If your daughter needs an emergency supply of toiletry/hygiene items, we will provide them. Try to plan ahead for items like toiletries, film, batteries, thumb tacks, stationary, stamps, etc. Do not send food, 
candy or gum to camp – we will open packages with campers and send all food/gum/candy items to a local food pantry or shelter. Please inform friends and relatives about our policy on packages – we discourage packages being sent because the sheer number of packages sent in recent years has been overwhelming. If you do send one package, some ideas for items: books, games, comic books, stationary, postcards, stickers, stamps, replacement batteries, film, etc. Please remember whatever is sent to camp in a package must be able to fit into your child's luggage going home. We appreciate your support for our "no food, candy or gum" policy and our one package a session recommendation. Letters and photos are often more cherished than stuff! Campers who celebrate their birthdays during our camp season may get a second package.
Visiting your Daughter: We do not have a formal visiting day in camp. We look forward to meeting you on opening day and having you join us for the Pizza Party the day of the session.
Accommodations in the Belgrade Lakes Area: Belgrade Lakes, in Central Maine, is about one hour from the coastal region of Boothbay and Camden and one hour from the Weld Mountain region. Augusta is about 15 - 20 minutes drive from camp. Augusta has hotels convenient to travelers. Here is a partial list. Contact the places directly for rates and reservations.
Check all accommodations on your own about extra beds, if pets are allowed, etc.
Preparing for Camp: New & Old Campers, Friends and Siblings
New Campers at Camp: Please review all of the camp information and contact any of the directors if you have questions. Camp is a great opportunity for children to grow, mature, make friends, and build life long skills. It's important for your child to feel positive about going off to camp and that preparation begins at home. Please read the section on "Homesickness” below.
Our camp community is small and welcoming. Within a few hours campers recognize and know the names of many people. We begin each camp session with an orientation to the activities and facilities. The first night counselors review the schedule and continue to assist campers in understanding the program, schedule, facilities and camp guidelines. We expect everyone in camp to treat other people, their personal property and the camp itself with respect.
Friends at Camp and Social Interaction: Some children would prefer to go to camp with a friend they know from home. Some children like the chance to be independent and "get away" from their home experience. We try to enroll campers from different areas of the country as much as is possible. Camp Runoia’s culture is conducive to making camp friends quickly. Children live together by age groups, choose most daily activities individually, and share meals family style at tables of mixed age groups that are rotated on a weekly basis. In the evening our program is designed to get the entire camp involved in a group activity. Camping trips, riding, and day trips are scheduled by ability level of the individuals.
Cabin Assignments Campers live with their age group. Cabins are assigned late in the spring and assignments are based on mixing campers together as much as possible. As our campers return to camp for many summers, we also realize that an important aspect of older girls is getting time with their camp friends. We understand this and work with older returning campers to assign campers to one or more of their dear friends. New girls adjust very well since returning and new campers are mixed together – no one is a stranger for long at Runoia! We do our best to accommodate requests, however, we cannot guarantee your daughter will be in a specific cabin with specific people. If campers come to camp with a friend they might not be in the same cabin, and they most likely will not be roommates. If parents have special requests, please contact the directors. Please support our decisions and do not ask a counselor on opening day to make roommate changes.
Siblings at Camp: Some sisters enjoy the familiarity of being together and others would prefer to spend time away from their family members. They choose activities separately and can spend free time together or with their own friends.
Letters from Campers who are Homesick: "It's hot, mosquitoes are everywhere. Nobody likes me. I hate camp and I want to come home." You may get a letter like this! Dr. Becca Cowan Johnson, a psychologist and certified camp director with the American Camp Association says, "95% of the time, children overcome their homesickness and are adjusted by the time a sad letter reaches parents. It's a mistake for parents to view these initial thoughts as representative of the camp experience." From our experience, we agree with Dr. Johnson. Homesickness is a grieving emotion and so we acknowledge it. Our staff are trained to console children and acknowledge their feelings, followed by getting the child involved in activities and social situations and help them build their self-confidence. This can happen in a few minutes or a day or two. At times -- bed time and Quiet Hour -- children may be relapse into temporary homesickness.
Homesickness Dr. Christopher Thurber defines homesickness as a preoccupied feeling people experience when they are away from familiar surroundings. These feelings relate to fears of the unknown, fears of failure, fears of loss of loved ones, and overall anxiety. Homesickness is common and it usually manifests in stomachaches, headaches, misbehaving and statements of "disliking camp and missing home." Generally, it lasts for a short period of time and the camper adjusts to camp by feeling familiar with her surroundings, schedule, friends, and counselors. The key to dealing with homesickness is to try and prevent it by preparing your child before camp. Here are a few suggestions:
· Discuss the camp schedule as it is written in our brochure with your daughter. Discuss what camp will be like and give her a chance to voice any concerns she might have.
· Plan a few sleepovers with friends and relatives to help her get used to being away from home.
· Please, do not tell your child that you will "rescue" her from camp if she doesn't like camp. She will hold onto this thought into her camp session and it could prolong her homesickness.
· Spend special time with your daughter before camp begins and assure her of your love. Try not to mention how much you'll miss her, rather, emphasize how proud you are of her and how excited you are about her camp opportunity.
· Send a letter to your child before camp begins, so she has a letter waiting for her at camp. The section on "Mail to and from Camp" gives some suggestions about letter writing.
· Let your child bring a favorite stuffed animal, doll, or poster for her room at camp, so she can feel comfortable in her new surroundings.
Sometimes, no matter how well you have prepared, homesickness occurs and children write home wanting to be "rescued" from camp. Here are some ideas about what to do:
Acknowledge your child's feelings by writing her, for example, "you seem scared (or lonely or hurt). Have you talked to your counselor about how you are feeling?" Encourage your child to take advantage of all the activities at camp and focus on a simple goal she can attain. Ask her if she has taken canoeing and learned the parts of the canoe; ask her to name the horses at camp, or the girls in her cabin, or her counselors' names. These are examples but you know your child's interests best. Design your letter to acknowledge her feelings but move on to questions about what she can accomplish and achieve at camp. Please avoid ending your letters by saying you miss her or what she may be missing while she's at camp.
Our staff will take the same approach and we will be effective if we are consistent when helping your daughter overcome homesickness. Please try not to dwell on her homesickness (or yours for her). Since camp is an opportunity for your child to grow, mature, and gain independence, tell her you love her very much and want her to get the most from her camp experience. Another strategy is to say, "I will continue to write you a few times a week and I want you to write me back and tell me all the things you are doing." Please do not make promises like, "I'll pick you up from camp next week if you're still unhappy," or, "I'll call you on Monday at 4 PM." These statements will only prolong her homesickness, not reassure her of your love.
Please contact the directors with any concerns you may have. Some older campers will hide their homesickness out of shame and not express to counselors that they need a little extra help. Through communication we hope to help your daughter have a successful summer at camp. Look for more information and tips at www.CampParents.org
Opportunities and Rewards: Achievement, Music, and English Language
Achievement and Awards: Five days a week, each camper has an activity called a "major". A camper submits her top three or four choices of activities for a "major". She will receive one of these three choices each week as her major. During the major period the campers are able to build skills from instruction and practice what they learn. This progressive program allows each individual to excel to the best of her ability and achieve awards in the activity. Campers choose two other activities daily. One period is for mandatory swimming lessons. Achievement and recognition awards are announced and presented at the end of each session.
Your Daughter's Progress Report: midway through the full season, a cabin counselor will write a brief post card regarding your full season campers’ progress at camp. The notes are meant to communicate positive, yet realistic, thoughts about your daughter and her camping experience. If you have questions or comments about the progress post cards, please contact us.
Evaluation of Campers: At the end of the camp session, the head of activities and a cabin counselor will put together an informal evaluation regarding your daughter's progress over the camp session. We keep copies of the camper evaluations for two years and would be able to make additional copies upon request.
The camp experience is valuable for building lifelong skills to adulthood. If you need references for school or other programs, the directors would be pleased to provide them for you.
Music and Instruments: We learn and sing camp songs on a daily basis at camp. Everyone at camp receives her own songbook that she may take home with her at the end of camp. Singing is a camp tradition. Before every meal in the dining hall we stand and sing a non-denominational grace. On Sunday nights we sing around the campfire. At morning assembly we sing camp songs together to start out our day. Some of the songs we sing at camp were written in the 1930s at Camp Runoia. Others are newer songs with hand motions and energizing tunes. Singing together is a Runoia tradition.
We like campers and staff who play musical instruments to bring them to camp to play in their free time or for a talent show. We have a good piano in the camp "Lodge". Please be aware camp cabins/buildings can be humid. The humidity may affect any instrument brought to camp.
Radios, Stereos, MP3 Music and Vidoe, Electronic Games, TV, (Electronic) Toys and Pets: We enjoy being in the Maine woods together and hearing the sounds of nature around us. We encourage singing and performing of music frequently. We have a couple tape decks and CD players for special occasions; campers can bring a few CDs to be played on camp machines. During cabin clean up music might be played for fun. We ask campers refrain from bringing their own personal stereos, Ipods, electronic games and any music that is inappropriate for children. Our older girls (age 13 and up) can have personal stereos and MP3 music in their cabin to listen to personally during quiet times. Please help us to keep all video capable MP3 players out of camp. Thank you.
Cell Phones: If you would like your daughter to travel to camp with a cell phone, please collect it from her before you arrive on opening day and take it home for safe keeping. If your daughter is flying to and/or from camp, we will be happy to keep it for her and charge it for her return trip if you provide a charger. Campers may not have cell phones with them in camp and we appreciate your help by you knowing where your daughter’s phone is before you drive to camp.
English as a Second Language: We are proud to have an international population represented at Camp Runoia with both campers and staff. Most international campers have a basic command of the English language, and learn a lot more English while at camp through the camp experience. We feel fortunate to have a global community at camp and enjoy the exchange of cultures and values.
Academic Support: Our traditional camp experience provides a balance for academic programs for building lifelong skills. Upon special request we may be able to assist campers with summer studies and attempt to accommodate their needs. Our program does not include academic support in the form of tutoring but if you inform us of your daughter’s needs and we will assist her as possible.
If campers have a summer reading list they should bring the books to camp with them. If the reading is required, please contact the directors, so, with her counselor, we can assist your child in setting up a schedule for reading. Our camp library has a selection of books on various reading levels, written in English.
Forms, Special Dietary Needs, and Emergency Contacts
Permission Slips, Medical Forms, and Medications: We send a permission slip for "horseback jumping" and "photo release" as well as an overall activity release form. Please be sure to let us know if you give your permission for these events by signing this form and returning it. These forms are not included with this mailing but will be sent in a spring mailing.
A medical form for each camper is available on our website homepage: www.runoia.com Every camper must have an up to date medical form with an emergency release signed in camp prior to opening day.
We are NOT including the form with this mailing. Please print the form from our website. Each camper’s form must be completed and signed by the camper's pediatrician. The bottom of the form includes a medical release and authorization for treatment. Please be sure to sign this form and send the completed form to camp before camp begins.
All prescriptions and over-the-counter medications brought or sent to camp must be in the original dispensary, labeled with the physician's instructions, the name of the medication, and the dosage. Please repeat these instructions on the camper's medical form. All medications and/or vitamins will be held by the camp nurse and will be administered by our medical staff at camp.
Food and Special Dietary Needs: If your child has any special dietary requirements or allergies to food, please be sure to indicate this on the camper's medical form. In addition, we would appreciate a letter to the directors regarding special dietary needs. We will attempt to accommodate your child's needs, however, we need to be informed prior to the beginning of camp. For lactose intolerant campers we will have milk substitute on hand. We have vegetarian fare for campers with written permission to eat vegetarian.
Contacting Parents for medical issues: Either the camp director or the nurse on duty will contact parents if the camper is taken into a medical facility for evaluation or treatment. Additionally, if a camper runs a fever of over 100 degrees F for longer than 8 hours and/or spends the night in our Health Cabin, the parent(s) will be contacted.
Emergency Contacts: The camp medical form includes an area for two emergency contacts. Please be sure to notify these individuals that you are using them as emergency contacts for Camp Runoia. We will make every attempt to notify parents in an emergency. If you will be away from your home and/or office for even a few days during the your daughter's camp session, please notify the directors in writing regarding your travel plans and itinerary.
The End of the Session Traditions
End of the First Session: At the end of our first session we enjoy two occassions of tradition. On the Wednesday night before the end of the first session we celebrate “Log” night which includes stories, poetry, and creative writing submitted to the camp log. In addition, we announce and present awards for the week and the session. We sing songs in between the readings. Parents are welcome to attend. At the end of either session families are invited to attend the “Pizza Party”. Campers traveling by auto depart with their family after the party at around 1-1:30 pm. Campers
who are flying home without their parents depart the morning of the last day of the session.
End of Second Session/Full Session: The end of the second session and the camp season is highlighted with three parts of tradition: Log Night, Awards Ceremony, and the noon “Pizza Party”. Campers traveling by auto depart with their family after the party. Campers who are flying home without their parents will depart that morning. If your family is in the area and you would like to attend the Log Night or Awards Ceremony, contact the directors and we will let you know when to arrive. Very few parents attend the two night ceremonies and no one is expected to attend. We do hope all parents traveling with their daughters will come to our Pizza Party and camper skits.
Camp Accreditation, Financial Policy, and Gratuities
Financial Policy: Camp Runoia must have a completed registration form and deposit to hold a space for a camper for the camp session. Once the registration form and non-refundable deposit are received a financial statement for the balance due will be sent to the family's home address; the tuition balance is due in full (installments on Feb. 1 and April 1) of the year of the camp session. There is no reduction in the tuition for late arrival or early departure. In case of cancellation, the registration fee is non-refundable. Tuition is payable in U.S. dollars by check or money order. Wire transfers to Camp Runoia's account are available to international families.
Enrollment for Next Summer: In August, we send information to camper families for re-enrollment. Information for early enrollment discounts is included. Some age groups and sessions fill up rapidly. We encourage you to make plans as soon as possible to ensure a space at camp for your child for the following summer. We will hold your daughter’s space in camp until September 30, after which another camper will be offered the space.
Risks Inherent to Summer Camp: Camp Runoia is voluntarily accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) through standards pertaining to program, site and facilities, transportation and vehicles, administration, personnel, and health care. Standards are evaluated by ACA professionals every three years; updated by Camp Runoia annually. Camp Runoia follows Maine State and Federal guidelines applicable to camp programs. Camp Runoia hires qualified and certified counselors to run the programs and activities available to your daughter at camp. Statistics show that fewer accidents happen at camp than in homes and at school. We care about your children as if they were our own. The risks inherent to camp activities and the environment are undeniable. We will do everything possible to reduce and manage risk in the camp setting in order to provide a safe, caring, and healthy environment for your child. If you have concerns about specific activities, please contact the directors to discuss these concerns.
Gratuities: Our camp policy, and the policy of the American Camp Association, state that counselors and employees of Camp Runoia may not receive monetary tips or gifts from parents for the care of their children. We adhere to this policy and all our employees are informed of and understand this policy. Parents can express their appreciation by donations to the Camp Runoia “Betty Cobb Memorial Campership Endowment”, a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3). Checks may be made out to the Camp Runoia Alumnae Organization (CRAO) and mailed to the Camp Runoia office.
Packing List
Click here to download our packing list.
Camp Runoia acknowledges the American Camp Association Public Relations Committee for their work on the "Homesickness" section of our Parent Handbook.