Preparing for Camp
For new Families!
Supporting your camper in the transition to Scatico
Let your camper feel and believe that you are ready for them to leave home, that you trust them, believe in their independence, and that you are not apprehensive about their camp experience! Reassure your camper that homesickness is natural and that their counselors will be understanding and helpful as they navigate those feelings.
Use the Camper Confidential (available on the portal) to advise us of any recent changes or developments in your camper’s life. Be open and honest! This helps counselors better understand and support your child starting on day one.
Communicate with us in the lead up to camp. Was your previously pumped camper starting to get nervous? Are you anticipating having a hard time saying goodbye on Opening Day? We want to hear from you so that we can partner and problem solve for the best possible start to summer. We take an individual approach to each camper and have seen the full spectrum of pre-camp behaviors.
Get started on a tech-limited life! If your child often relies on technology before bed or to decompress (iPad, TV, music, etc.), get them hooked on a new routine before they get to camp. Have them listen to music on a camp approved device, read, letter-write, draw, or try some other relaxing, tech-free, independent activity in order to set them up for success! Practice “camp-style” bedtime before they are physically at camp.
One of the many things we love about the size of our community is our ability to get to know new campers ahead of their first summer, and to start our strong partnership with families right off the bat. One way we do this is through home visits or zooms. Typically, these are in the February-April range with Boys Head Counselor Mark or Girls Head Counselor Audrey. On home visits we share photos of camp; describe the schedule, special events and traditions; answer questions; and generally get campers feeling more comfortable and excited. It’s also an opportunity for new campers to meet a key member of our leadership team who will be directly involved in their day-to-day camp life.
Home Visits + Zooms
Two weeks before Opening Day we host a New Camper Orientation for 1st year campers, or campers who were 1-weekers the previous summer. While not mandatory, it’s a fun day that helps get kids comfortable before camp begins. Campers receive a tour of camp and participate in activities with their soon-to-be divisionmates. Parents join directors Nicki and David for their own tour and Q&A. There is a BBQ lunch served. Overall, it is a great way for future campers to get to know other new campers, meet key staff members and counselors, and get a sense of the set-up and routine of camp. It is also a good day to drop off 4- and 7-weeker luggage.
New Camper Orientation
Scatico’s packing list and policies reflects Scatico’s philosophy that camp is about the experience and not the stuff and that “less is more”. We work hard to streamline purchases for families, while being transparent in some of the “extra” items many campers do bring.
We recommend packing alongside your camper, so that they are familiar with their belongings and where items (eg. stationery) are intended to be stored.
All camper luggage is dropped off in advance so that we can fully unpack campers ahead of their arrival. This allows for a smooth and exciting Opening Day, where cabins look homey and kids are ready to jump right into camp life. We are intentional about every aspect of the cabin setup process, from thoughtful bed assignments (we don’t take requests) to equitable distribution of shelves.
Packing and Luggage
All forms are available on our Camper Portal at scatico.campintouch.com. The portal is a helpful resource for communicating Scatico’s values and policies, learning more about your campers, gathering health and safety information, and so much more. It is organized in a way that keeps your to-do list clear.
Our relationship with families is built on partnership and trust so that we are best able to set each camper up for success. Sharing thorough and detailed information on our intake forms is one crucial piece of the puzzle!
Forms and Medications
For new campers!
Mealtimes at camp are all about community. You eat all your meals with your division in the Dining Hall, and while your division will be assigned specific tables there are no assigned seats. There is always a “main dish” on the table served family style, and then other options at a buffet. For breakfast there is always eggs, cereal, fruit, oatmeal, and yogurt available at the buffet. For lunch and dinner there is always pasta and a salad and sandwich bar.
Mealtimes
Your Counselors and Division Leader
You will have several counselors who live in your bunk with you and take you to activities. Many of your counselors were Scatico campers themselves. Your bunk counselors will also have a “specialty” that they help out at, such as tennis or crafts. You also have a Division Leader who is the head counselor for all of the campers in your division. Your Division Leader travels with your division all day from activity to activity, and is the person who plans special activities for your group. They are often the first person you go to for advice or help.
It is very typical to have a mix of nerves and excitement on Opening Day. As soon as you get to camp, Scatico counselors will be there to greet you warmly and show you the ropes.
People arrive either in cars with their family, or by the Scatico bus. Either way, your stuff will already be unpacked and set up. If your family dropped you off on Opening Day, you will quickly show them your cabin and then say goodbye and head to activities with your counselors and divisionmates.
While the first few hours of camp may be a rush of new names and new places, we say that by dinnertime camp starts to settle into its routine. After dinner there is an Evening Activity, and before bed your group will do a bonding activity with all of your counselors before bed.
The First Day
Feeling homesick is normal and can happen to anyone. It doesn’t mean you can’t also love and have fun at camp! Virtually all campers (and counselors too) will experience homesickness at some point over the summer. Most of the time, you will go to your Division Leader, or a counselor you connect with, and they can give you advice or find activities that help you feel better. There are also lots of adults at camp-- like Head Counselors and Assistant Head Counselors— who are here to support you.
