250 Starlight staff have arrived safely in Starlight, PA and now the huge task of getting everybody ready for the 65th Camp Starlight summer begins. It goes without saying that some things just happen almost by themselves – the sun comes out, the sky turns blue and the red bunks seem to gleam against the impossibly green grass – but that’s just a small part of summer. Camp just wouldn’t be the same without the amazing people, both campers and counselors alike, who become our friends and surrogate family for just a few weeks.
Our staff this year comes from 39 states and 13 countries – that’s a lot of air miles clocked up just getting here! Our staff are some of the best in their field and it is testament to Camp Starlight’s reputation that they want to spend the summer sharing these skills with others. The passion, the drive and commitment of all our staff is evident and unquestionable, but how do we get everybody to come together and create a unique summer experience? That is what orientation is all about.
Firstly it’s a time to make new friends and to form the working relationships that will provide the support, guidance and instruction for our campers. Program Directors are working with their staff to devise classes and prepare their areas for the weeks ahead. Kyle is working hard to pull all these great ideas into a structured program and you can be assured that this summer is looking awesome.
Secondly it’s about acquiring or building on the skills that make for a safe, happy and (most importantly) fun summer for us all. For new staff, this means such simple things as learning the structure of the camp day, camp rules, and the running of the dining hall. There’s a range of talks from childcare professionals, including David and Allison themselves, on issues such as camper concerns, behavior, child protection and sun safety. Many Starlight staff members are parents themselves and this offers our college age counselors a wealth of experience they can fall back on. It’s about not only learning what to do, but also who to turn to if you have a problem.
Finally, being perfectly honest, orientation is also about having fun. At 10am on Sunday 19th all staff met each other around the flagpole for the first time. The few nervous faces quickly disappeared once we were playing games to get to know each other. Later in the day we’re putting on skits to introduce ourselves properly and tonight we are heading out of camp on a trip. All this fun has a purpose though, whether a returner or new staff member, we all have something to learn which can make this summer the best one ever. Anticipation is rising for the arrival of the campers – we’re almost ready for you so if you could just hurry up these next few days please as we can’t wait to meet you all.
10. Complete all of the camp paperwork. This provides the camp with valuable details about your child that they can pass onto their health center and counselors. Knowing your children’s interests before they arrive helps the camp place them into cabins or bunks in which they’ll thrive, provide them with the best program options, and be able to supply them with any medication they may require.
8. Review the camp’s packing list and make sure you have everything. Don’t overlook things like extra socks and underwear as well as rain gear and warm clothing.
6. Make your Visiting Day plans and book lodging. Yes, it’s true that your children haven’t even left for camp yet. But many hotels within the immediate vicinity of a camp often book months in advance. If you’re unsure of the lodging options near your children’s camp, contact the camp office.
4. Ensure you have all adequate sports and musical equipment in order: the wheels on the roller blades are oiled, the shin pads are the proper fit, and the guitar strings have been tightened. Just as if they are going off to rehearsal, your children’s sports equipment will receive as much of a workout at camp as it will at home. Sending your campers with properly maintained and fitting equipment can have a tremendous affect on the success of their summer.
3. Pack. It sounds so simple. Yet, for camp, it’s quite the production. Most camps strongly advise against packing any clothing that can’t withstand commercial laundry services. It’s also wise to remember that camps often downplay the importance of physical appearance, which means leaving the “dry clean only” and “one of kind” items at home is typically a good idea. Once you have your children’s bags packed, don’t forget to arrange for them to be delivered to camp by the designated date.
2. Review the bus pickup location and procedures. It’s particularly important to understand what your children can take on the plane or bus and what they can’t. Carefully review whether lunch will be provided for your children either on the trip or when they get to camp, or if you should provide packed lunches for them. Understand the carry-on limitations, particularly in regard to sports equipment. Finally, be on time to the departure point. Of course, people inevitably get stuck in traffic or lost (as is particularly the case for new pickup locations), but try to get a sense of where you’re going ahead of time and leave a bit early if necessary.
