FAQs
- Can I communicate with my child while they are at camp
- Can I give my child additional money to spend in the store
- Can my camper request someone to be in their cabin
- How does the multiple child discount work
- How many campers are there to a cabin and is a counselor with them at all times
- If I have siblings that do not want to be in a cabin together, but would still like to see each other, will they have a chance to
- If I need to bring medication for my camper what should I do
- What happens if my child misses home during their stay at camp
- What should I pack for my camper's stay
- When are balance dues and health forms required
- What swimming skills are required for the different water activities(pdf)?
- What is the refund policy?
Question:
Can I communicate with my child while they are at camp
Answer:
We encourage you to write letters to your child throughout the week. It is a good idea to mail one out prior to arriving at camp so that your child can receive mail early in the week. New for the summer of 2012, all resident camp families will be able to send 1-way e-mails to their camper, and view photos FOR FREE! Parents will use the same log-in that they use to register. Detailed instructions will be available prior to your child's stay at CSM.
Campers are not provided access to a telephone, but we encourage them to send letters and postcards home.
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Question:
Can I give my child additional money to spend in the store
Answer:
No. Each resident camper is given a $6.00 allowance, $4.00/week day camper (included in registration fees) that they may use at the Camp Store throughout the week during open ballfield and other designated times. Parents may make additional purchases during drop off and pick up times.
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Question:
Can my camper request someone to be in their cabin
Answer:
Yes, every camper has the option to list one cabinmate request. Keep in mind if there is an age difference between the campers the older camper will be brought down into the younger cabin; as long as this does not bother either of the campers, then it is okay with us.
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Question:
How does the multiple child discount work
Answer:
When registering siblings, the first child pays the full fee; each additional child is entitled to $20 off their session fees (in correspondence with the number of sessions).
Example: Tom and Bobby each come for one week; this results in either Tom OR Bobby deducting $20 from their fees - but not both. Say Tom and Bobby each come for two weeks; this results in either Tom OR Bobby deducting $40 from their fees - but not both.
Example: Tom and Bobby each come for one week; this results in either Tom OR Bobby deducting $20 from their fees - but not both. Say Tom and Bobby each come for two weeks; this results in either Tom OR Bobby deducting $40 from their fees - but not both.
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Question:
How many campers are there to a cabin and is a counselor with them at all times
Answer:
There are anywhere from 10 to 15 campers per cabin and there are two assigned counselors to each cabin. Two counselors sleep in the cabin at night.
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Question:
If I have siblings that do not want to be in a cabin together, but would still like to see each other, will they have a chance to
Answer:
Yes, there are several times during the day that all divisions are together, such as during meals, open waterfront or open ballfield. They can visit and play with each other during those times.
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Question:
If I need to bring medication for my camper what should I do
Answer:
Add these medications to the list of current prescriptions on the Medication Form (Form C) and make sure that both you and your child's physician sign this form. Please bring medications in their original container and with a valid expiration date on drop off day and the medical staff will take care of distribution.
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Question:
What happens if my child misses home during their stay at camp
Answer:
It is very common for children to miss home while they are away, especially first-time campers. Our counselors are very experienced and well trained to help campers through times of homesickness. Also, our division directors and Camp Consultant can provide additional support to the campers. We ask that you do not promise your child that they can call home if they miss you, as this can lead to increased homesickness. If your child misses home continuously, the Camp Consultant or Head Counselor will be in contact with you to discuss the situation.
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Question:
What should I pack for my camper's stay
Answer:
Items to Pack: t-shirts/sweatshirts, shorts/pants/sweatpants, socks/underwear (sufficient quantity), bathing suit/water shoes (necessary for swimming), pillow/sleeping bag or sheets/blankets (twin size mattress), towels/toothbrush/toothpaste/soap/shampoo/deodorant/brush, flashlight, pajamas, laundry bag, water bottle battery powered fan, raingear/windbreaker, tennis shoes/sneakers
Optional Items: camera/film – please label with your camper’s name, stationary or postcards, pre-addressed)/stamps (available at CSM store), white t-shirt to be tye-dyed, lacrosse stick – please label with your camper’s name
What Not to Pack: stereos/tv’s, electronic games, cell phones/pagers, computers, any device with WiFi, 3G or other internet capabilities (i.e. iPod Touch, etc.), extension cords/outlet strips, electric fans, skateboards/in-line skates/scooters, pocket knives, any items of high personal monetary value
Camp Stella Maris feels strongly that a true camp experience need not include many of the electronic devices which have become so much a part of young people's lives today (i.e., hand-held video games, iPods, MP3 players, computers of any kind). Not only are they expensive and run the risk of being damaged, lost, or stolen, but they tend to isolate participants from one another rather than fostering the community group experience we hope each participant has while at Camp Stella Maris. We discourage having them at camp.
The following devices should not be brought to camp: computers of any kind (i.e., laptops, hand-held, etc), hand-held video game players, pagers and cell phones. Devices for storing and playing digital music (iPods, MP3 players) may be brought to camp, but their use is restricted to the cabin. Small, battery-operated CD players with headphones may also be brought to camp; but, these, too, must remain in the cabin. Just a reminder, CSM is not responsible for any item damaged, lost or stolen.
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Question:
When are balance dues and health forms required
Answer:
Balance dues and the camper health forms are due on April 1st.
Question:
What is the refund policy?
Answer:
Cancellation made within 14 days prior to the start of camper’s program session, a full refund, less the deposit, will be issued.
Cancellation made less than 14 days prior to the start of camper’s program session, a 50% refund, less the deposit, will be issued.
Cancellations or no shows after 2:30 PM on day of drop-off, no refund will be given.
In case of injury or illness, the registration office must be notified by noon of drop-off day. If your camper will not be attending camp at all that week, you must provide a written note by the camper’s physician to be considered for a full refund less deposit.
Campers leaving their session early will not receive a refund.
Cancellation made less than 14 days prior to the start of camper’s program session, a 50% refund, less the deposit, will be issued.
Cancellations or no shows after 2:30 PM on day of drop-off, no refund will be given.
In case of injury or illness, the registration office must be notified by noon of drop-off day. If your camper will not be attending camp at all that week, you must provide a written note by the camper’s physician to be considered for a full refund less deposit.
Campers leaving their session early will not receive a refund.
