EBR Camps Blog
Category: Parent Center
Blue Ridge New Parent Meeting Notes
How much sunscreen do I need to send up? How often is sunscreen applied?
We recommend sending up at least two spray-bottles of Sunscreen, the “face-sticks” are also great. We apply sunscreen before swim periods (twice each day) and as needed. For campers who have fair skin and need more than two applications each day, please email Nicki@cecbr.com so that we can make a note for our Group Heads and bunk counselors.
A common theme with many of these questions will be “similar to what you may do at home.” Just as you might do; if your daughter has been spending a lot of time out in the sun, you may re-apply multiple times each day – we will do the same.
What is the camps electronics policy?
This winter we sent out an email addressing our newly updated Electronics Policy for Summer 2014. Any device that has Wifi capabilities is NOT permitted at camp. This includes Kindles and iPod touches. iPod Nano’s and Shuffles are allowed. If you are packing an older generation device that does not have Wifi capability, please remember games and videos must be removed. We also do not recommend that you send digital cameras to camp and prefer that you send disposable cameras. We do not allow pictures to be taken inside the bunk.
Will my daughter have a “Big Sister”?
Of course! All new campers receive a Big Sister on the first night of camp. This person is a role model and someone who can give a little extra special attention to your camper. Big Sisters will participate in activities and some special events together.
Beyond clicking the “Refresh” button in CampInTouch when viewing photos – how do I know she is doing ok?
Your daughter’s Group Head will be reaching out before the summer and you will hear from them (or another member of our Leadership Team) within 24 hours. We want to let you know how amazing the first day has been! Throughout the summer we will be in constant communication with you. Feel free to call the camp at any time 570-224-4121. You will be able to leave a message for your daughter’s Group Head. Remember that Group Heads are often on campus, with our campers and often return phone calls in the evening.
Your camper will also have two phone calls during the summer and as you can imagine will be writing you some good old-fashioned letters (filled with detail!). A phone call schedule will be sent out soon. Please let us know if you need to re-schedule your phone call to a different time.
Should I be sending a letter before camp starts?
YES! Mark down June 23rd on your calendar to mail your first letter to camp. Snail mail may take an extra day or so to reach us in Equinunk, PA so sending this letter the week before camp starts will ensure your son has a letter that first day of camp. We also recommend putting a small “surprise” – such as a note or small stuffed animal in with the trunks for when your daughters arrive at camp.
What is the routine for bedtime?
After a fun filled day at Blue Ridge and a great evening activity, campers will enjoy a snack at “Milk Bar” and go back to their bunk to get ready for bed. Bedtime varies by age group. For our youngest campers, it is around 9:15.
If your daughter uses TV or an iPad to fall asleep – now is a good time to change the routine so there is a smooth transition into camp life. They are welcome to read or listen to music before bed.
How do I send medication to camp? If my camper does end up in the Health Center, how will I know?
Medication should be mailed up to camp the 2nd week of June. Please make sure to label packages and medication properly and ship to Camps Equinunk & Blue Ridge 788 Legends Path, Equinunk PA 18417. All epi-pens, Benadryl and emergency inhalers should be sent up to camp on the bus and given to the Bus Counselor. It is not necessary to send up Tylenol, Advil, etc., since our Health Center stocks those items.
In the event your camper ends up in the Health Center for an overnight stay – you will receive a phone call from our Nursing Staff to make you aware. They will continue to keep you updated during your campers stay.
I am concerned about my daughter’s hygiene, who will help her?
We keep a close eye on our camper’s hygiene and make sure that they are showering, brushing their teeth and hair, and wearing clean clothing. Counselors assist younger campers in brushing and putting up their hair.
Where will my daughter put all of her “stuff?”
Our counselors unpack our lower camp campers prior to camp. There are three drawers under each bed for underwear, swimsuits, and pajamas. All additional clothing is put in the back room area – where each camper has a cubby and small closest space. We recommend that you show your child what has been packed for them so that they are aware of what is coming to camp with them! Please consult our packing list for what items to send to camp, it is not necessary to send additional items since there is not space!
Equinunk New Parent Meeting Notes
What sports equipment do we need to pack? Does my son really need Rollerblades?
Please pack a Tennis Racquet, Baseball Glove, and Shin Guards for soccer. While we have plenty of sports equipment at camp (lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks etc.), many campers like to bring their own gear and that is something that we encourage.
Rollerblades are very much recommended. For those campers who do not know how to rollerblade, our staff will work with your son to learn. Nearly all campers bring rollerblades to camp.
Now that you know what sports equipment to pack – you must be wondering where do you put it all! We recommend trying to pack these items in your trunk(s). If they won’t fit, a sports duffle bag is appropriate and should be sent up prior to the start of camp along with your other bags. If your son plays Spring Sports and you are not able to ship this bag prior to camp with our Trucking Company, you may place the duffle under the bus.
How much sunscreen do I need to send up? How often is sunscreen applied?
We recommend sending up two spray-bottles of Sunscreen. We apply sunscreen before swim periods (twice each day) and as needed. For campers who have fair skin and need more than two applications each day, please email scott@cecbr.com so we can make note for our Group Heads and bunk counselors.
A common theme with many of these questions will be “similar to what you may do at home.” Just as you might do; if your son has been spending a lot of time out in the sun, you may re-apply multiple times each day – we will do the same.
What is the camps electronics policy?
This winter we sent out an email addressing our newly updated Electronics Policy for Summer 2014. Any device that has Wifi capabilities is NOT permitted at camp. This includes Kindles and iPod touches. iPod Nano’s and Ipod Shuffles are allowed. If you are packing an older generation device that does not have Wifi capability, please remember games and videos must be removed.
Will my son have a “Big Buddy”?
Of course! Your son will get a big buddy on the first night of camp. This person is a role model and someone who can give a little extra special attention to your camper. Big Buddies will participate in activities and select meals together. However, it’s the unplanned time that makes this relationship so special. Buddies are chosen by the Head Counselor, Camp Directors and Group Heads.
Beyond clicking the “Refresh” button in CampInTouch when viewing photos – how do I know he is doing ok?
Your son’s Group Head will be reaching out before the summer and you will hear from them (or another member of our Leadership Team) within 24 hours. We want to let you know how amazing the first day has been! Throughout the summer we will be in constant communication with you. Feel free to call the camp office at any time 570-224-4121. You will be able to leave a message for your son’s Group Head. Remember that Group Heads are often on campus, with our campers and often return phone calls in the evening.
Your camper will also have two phone calls during the summer and as you can imagine will be writing you some good old-fashioned letters (filled with detail!).
Should I be sending a letter before camp starts?
YES! Mark down June 23rd on your calendar to mail your first letter to camp. Snail mail may take an extra day or so to reach us in Equinunk, PA so sending this letter the week before camp starts will ensure your son has a letter that first day of camp.
What is the routine for bedtime?
After a fun filled day at Equinunk and a great evening activity, campers will enjoy a snack at “Milk Bar” and go back to their bunk to get ready for bed. The counselors may have a fun story to share about their experience at Equinunk or a small activity to recap the day. Bedtime for our youngest campers is around 9:15.
If your son uses TV or an iPad to fall asleep – now is a good time to change the routine so there is a smooth transition into camp life.
How do I send medication to camp? If my camper does end up in the Health Center, how will I know?
Medication should be mailed up to camp the 2nd week of June. Please make sure to label packages and medication properly and ship to Camps Equinunk & Blue Ridge 788 Legends Path, Equinunk PA 18417. All epi-pens, Benadryl and emergency inhalers should be sent up to camp on the bus and given to the Bus Counselor. It is not necessary to send up Tylenol, Advil, etc., since our Health Center stocks those items.
In the event your camper ends up in the Health Center for an overnight stay – you will receive a phone call from our Nursing Staff to make you aware. They will continue to keep you updated during your campers stay.
New Camper Picnic – This Sunday!
Dear Parents,
We hope you have enjoyed the long Memorial Day Weekend! This is a friendly reminder that our New Camper Picnic will be held this Sunday June 2nd at Camp Jacobson at Robin Hood.
The annual New Camper Picnic is designed for your child(ren) to meet other campers who are attending Equinunk and Blue Ridge for his/her first summer. The children will enjoy exciting activities, learn camp cheers, and share a buffet lunch with his/her new friends and counselors. Our New Camper Picnic is meant for new campers only. Siblings may attend, but may not participate in new camper events. Be sure to have your camper wear sneakers to the picnic so he/she may participate in all of the action! We are also asking for campers to be in “camp uniform” – Red or Gray for Equinunk and Blue or Grey for Blue Ridge!
Here is all of our 2013 Event Information:
Sunday, June 2nd @ Camp Jacobson at Robin Hood
340 Wheatley Road Old Westbury, NY 11568
Camp Blue Ridge: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Camp Equinunk: 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
All The Best,
The CECBR Team
‘The Bully Effect’
Hello!
As members of our Camps Equinunk & Blue Ridge family, you are well aware of our commitment to maintain a Wholesome, Inclusive and Nurturing Environment during the summer months and year-round. It is with this philosophy in mind that we take a stand against bullying. CNN has produced a documentary called “The Bully Effect” which follows the stories of a number of people filmmaker Lee Hirsch introduced audiences to in his remarkable 2012 film “Bully.” These are kids and parents who have taken their pain, their suffering, their grief and turned it into action. The documentary will air this evening on CNN’s Anderson Cooper at 10 PM.
We strongly encourage CECBR parents, staff and campers to tune in tonight and invite you to join the conversation and take a stand on bullying.
Warm Regards,
Sheryl, Richie & Adam
Learn More About WIN by Clicking Here.
Save The Date 1/5/13
Hello & Happy Friday!
We just wanted to let you all know that our Winter Reunion for our 2012 Equinunk and Blue Ridge campers will be on Saturday January 5th, 2013 at the Westchester Renaissance Hotel. Details and times will be made available as the event approaches.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!
All The Best,
The CECBR Team
Summer 2013 Dates Released
Hello from Equinunk Pennsylvania!
Summer 2012 may have ended a few weeks ago but we have already turned our attention to Summer 2013! We are thrilled to announce our Important Dates for our next camp season:
- FL Campers Arrive
- Saturday, June 22nd 2013
- Camp Begins
- Sunday, June 23rd 2013
- Alumni Day
- Saturday, July 6th 2013
- Visiting Day
- Saturday, July 13th 2013
- Camp Ends
- Saturday, August 10th 2013
Father-Son Weekend Recap
Greetings from CECBR!
We are working on our NEW online Media Center so you can enjoy all of the amazing photos and videos we are producing this summer at Equinunk & Blue Ridge! In the interim – check out this awesome Highlight Video from CE Father/Son Weekend!
Two Great Articles On Camp From The NY Times
Two great articles were published on the New York Times Blog Network on Summer Camp! You can check them both out here:
The Camp Counselor vs. The Intern
By DAN FLESHLERIn an act of quiet rebellion, my daughter will spend this summer as a counselor at a sleep-away camp in the Adirondacks. As rebellions go, this one is admittedly very tame. But she is resisting considerable pressure to join the throngs of anxious fellow collegians (she’s finishing her junior year) who will pad their résumés with summer internships in corporations, charities, law firms and other employers that, according to conventional wisdom, offer better preparation for the brutal economy than a summer camp.
Read More By Clicking Here
Why Camp Counselors Can Out-Parent Parents
By MICHAEL THOMPSONAre you having trouble getting your 9-year-old daughter to make her bed every day? How about your 11-year-old son? Does he get up in the morning and run down to the dining room to set the breakfast table for the family? And after breakfast, does he clear the dishes and wipe down the table? He doesn’t? Sorry to hear that. (Neither did mine.)
And while I’m at it, may I ask about video games? Texting? Do your children get angry and stubborn when you ask them to shut off their electronics at dinner time or when it is time for bed? Lots of parents have told me that the turn-off-the-video-games confrontations can be tougher to handle than the turn-off-the-TV moments.
Whether the issue is chores or screens, at times like these we question our own parenting: have we spoiled our children? Do they lack discipline … or do we? Should we emulate the focus of the tiger moms? Why can’t we raise our bon bébés with the natural authority of French parents? Why is it that our children, by the age of 8 or 9, have tired of our commands and our advice? We must look ourselves in the mirror and ask: What should we be doing differently? Time to buy more parenting books!
As a so-called “parenting expert,” I am struck by how often American parents think that the answer to their parenting dilemmas is for them to do more, or better, or to do something differently. I disagree. I often believe parents should do less, and should sometimes take themselves out of the picture, especially in the summer, when it’s easy to stop battling and turn some of the toughest parenting challenges over to 20- and 21-year-olds who can perform magic with their children.
Read More By Clicking Here