parents guide - French Woods

Parent’s Guide 2011
Winter Office Phone: 954-346-7455 Summer Office Phone: 845-887-5600
Toll Free Phone: 800-634-1703 eFax: 845-503-2179
admin@frenchwoods.com

Dear Parents,
This booklet should answer most of your questions about your child’s upcoming summer at French
Woods. Please take the time to read through it and keep it handy so that you can refer back to
it. Please make sure that all forms are returned immediately to the camp office. All forms can be
downloaded from our web site and can be found at www.frenchwoods.com under For Parents/Forms
and Documents. In this guide you will find:
Pg. 2 Communications
Pg. 3 Visiting Policies and Procedures
Pg. 4 Nearby Accommodations
Pg. 5, 6 2011 Show List (Subject to change)
Pg. 7, 8 Homesickness
Pg. 9 Camper Finances
Pg. 10 Suggested Packing List
Pg. 11 Avoiding Problem Situations
Pg. 12 Theater and Show Performance Etiquette
Pg. 13, 14 Healthcare Policies and Procedures
Pg. 15 Transportation and Directions
Forms you should be aware of and return immediately:
1. Camper CONFIDENTIAL PROFILE
This form should be filled out by both camper and parent. Please note this is also the form
for requesting TRANSPORTATION and BUNKMATES. Requests must be made on this form in
order to be honored. Please include a current wallet size photo of your child so that we may keep it
on file.
2. Camper MEDICAL FORM
This form must be filled out by parent and physician and must be returned immediately
(NEW YORK STATE LAW). It’s a good idea to make an appointment for a physical NOW, as your
Doctor’s office will begin to be swamped with other patients.
NOTE: The Medical form requires a PARENT’S SIGNATURE, PHYSICIAN’S SIGNATURE
and the DATES of each of the most recent immunizations. Any child needing to take any
medication on a regular basis must have his/her meds pre-packaged. (see page 14)
THESE FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED IMMEDIATELY, BUT NO LATER
THAN MAY 1ST.
Sincerely,
- 1 -

Telephone Calls
Camp phones are closed to campers during the first week of every session. This allows your
child/children to adjust to the camp environment. Even after the first week of the session, we do
not encourage calling; we prefer that they write letters or e-mail home.
Incoming Calls: Our camp office is open every day from 8:30 am until 8:00 pm. You may leave
a message for your child, which will be delivered at dinner, or you can request a return call from
your child’s Head Counselor.
Outgoing Calls: During the last two weeks of each session, your child will be allowed to make
3 phone calls by appointment with their Head Counselor during free times after lunch and dinner.
If you have any questions or problems please call and speak with Isaac.
Camper E-mail
Campers may send and receive e-mail and postal mail without restriction. Each child at French
Woods is provided with an e-mail address on our mail server. It is firstnamelastname@
frenchwoodscamp.com (for example - johndoe@frenchwoodscamp.com). Please use this
address instead of AOL, hotmail, gmail, yahoo or other servers that interfere with the operation
of our network.
It is also important to use frenchwoodscamp.com and NOT frenchwoods.com. Please note that
due to the first few days of camp activities, it may take the initial emails two to three days for
your email to reach your child and vice versa.
Postal Mail
Send stamps, envelopes, and writing supplies with your child/children. They will also be able
to buy stamps and envelopes at the camp office. All mail sent via the US Post Office must be
addressed to P.O. Box 609, Hancock, NY 13783. Letters are delivered at dinner. Please make
sure you put your child’s full name and bunk number on the envelope.
Packages
Communications
Send UPS and FedEx Packages to our street address at the French Woods office in care of your
child at 350 Bouchoux Brook Road, Hancock, NY 13783. DO NOT SEND ANY FOOD. All
packages will be opened by the camper in front of our office staff. Any food will be immediately
disposed of while the child is present. It will not be saved or returned to the sender. Please do
not add to this problem. Tell other family members of our policy. Should you wish to send a
care package, Sealed with a Kiss and The Wrinkled Egg are two companies who offer pre-made
packages which do not contain food. Their catalogues will be mailed to you.
- 2 -

Open Visitation Dates:
Parents may visit on the following dates and times: Please Do Not Arrive Early!
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Sunday June 26 2:15 pm through evening performances
Monday June 27 10:30 am through evening performances
Saturday July 16 2:15 pm through evening performances
Sunday July 17 10:30 am through evening performances
Friday August 5 2:15 pm through evening performances
Saturday August 6 10:30 am through evening performances
Friday August 26 2:15 pm through evening performances
Saturday August 27 10:30 am through evening performances
Visiting at any other time or date must be arranged in advance with a Camp Director. Unscheduled visitors
will not be allowed on the grounds. We urge you to pay close attention to our visiting policy. Your
cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Meals
We welcome you to join us in the dining room for meals and at the canteen for snacks. You may not,
bring food of any kind onto camp grounds, nor may you take your child/children off camp. Please note the
following section about leaving camp grounds. Picnic dinners and homemade care packages, pizzas,
Subway, McDonalds or any other outside foods are NOT PERMITTED.
Our extensive menu, guarantees your child will receive both a satisfying and nutritious diet. Snacks and a
variety of ready-to-eat convenience food is also available. Again, Leave your food at home!!!
Leaving Camp Grounds
Under no circumstances will a child be permitted to leave the camp grounds for any reason. There
will be no exceptions to this rule.
If a parent or guest takes a child off the grounds at any time, you are removing that child from the camp’s
custodial responsibility. At that point the child will no longer be considered a camper at French Woods
and will not be readmitted, nor will you receive any refund for any unfinished sessions.
Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
Visiting Policies and Procedures
We have a strict NO SMOKING policy that applies to anyone on the French Woods campus at any
time. The use of tobacco or any type of alcoholic beverage or narcotics is expressly forbidden in our rules
and applies to campers, counselors and visitors alike.
Pets
Pets are not permitted. Please leave Fido, Fifi and Sylvester at home! .
- 3 -

For your convenience, we have included a list of motels in the area that may be useful to you
while visiting camp. We strongly suggest that you make reservations early.
Motels and Bed and Breakfast
1. Villa Roma Callicoon, NY (845) 887-4880 27. Point Mt. Lodge Hancock, NY (607) 637-2629
2. Deposit Motel Deposit, NY (607) 467-2998 28. The Cranberry Inn Hancock, NY (607) 637-2788
3. Timberline Motel Hancock, NY (607) 467-2042 29. Sault Falls Inn Equinunk, PA (570) 224-6897
4. Scott’s Resort Deposit, NY (607) 467-3094 30. Beagle B&B Hancock, NY (607) 467-5115
5. Green Acres Hancock, NY (607) 467-3620 31. Rolling Marble Long Eddy, NY (845) 887-6016
6. Colonial Motel Hancock, NY (607) 637-2989 32. Hancock House Hancock, NY (607) 637-7100
7. Best Western Monticello, NY (845) 796-4000 33. Netherscott Inn Starrucca, PA (570) 727-2211
8. Capra Inn Hancock, NY (607) 637-1600 34. Starlight Lodge Starlight, PA (570) 798-2350
9. Tennanah Lake Roscoe, NY (607) 498-5502 35. Matta Manor Starrucca, PA (570)727-2330
10. Tyler Hill Farm Tyler Hill, Pa (570-224-1021 36. Step-A-Way Long Eddy, NY (845) 887-4078
11. Days Inn Liberty, NY (845) 292-7600 37. Bluestone Inn Equinunk, PA (570)224-6012
12. Holiday Inn Liberty, NY (845) 292-7171 38. Bradstan Country White Lake, NY (845)583-4114
13. The Huff House Roscoe, NY (607) 498-9953 39. Alexander Inn Oquaga Lake, NY (607)467-6023
14. Riverside Roscoe, NY (607) 498-5305 40. West Branch Resort - Deposit, NY (607)467-5525
15. FW Country Club Hancock, NY (607) 637-5253 41. The Inn at Indigo Jeffersonville, NY (845)482-3158
16. Western Hotel Callicoon, NY (845) 887-9871 42. The Griffin House Jeffersonville, NY (845)482-3371
17. Starlight Inn Starlight, PA (570) 798-2519 43. The Sunrise House Jeffersonville, NY (845)482-3788
18. Brookside Country Rooms Starlight, PA (570) 798-2263 44. Fosterdale B&B Fosterdale, NY (845)932-8538
19. Hadnagys Mountain Thompson, PA (570) 727-3441 45. The Baxter House Roscoe, NY (607)498-5811
Hideaway 46. Reynolds House Roscoe, NY (607)498-4772
20. Lakewood Lodge Lakewood, PA (570) 798-2565 47. Nethercot Inn Starrucca, PA (570)727-2211
21. Point Mountain Lodge Hancock, NY (607) 637-2629 48. Matta Streamside Manor Starrucca, PA (570) 727-2330
22. Wild Rainbow Lodge Hancock, NY (607) 467-5525 49. Nield’s B&B Starlight, PA (570) 798-2884
23. Deleware River Club Starlight, PA (570) 635-5880 50. VIP B&B Starlight, PA (570) 798-2058
24. The Guest House Livingston, NY (845) 439-4000 51. The Sandercock House Equinick, PA (570) 224-8302
25. Farmers Little House Thompsonville, NY (845) 436-7980 52. Lazy Pond B&B Liberty, NY (845) 292-3362
26. Mountain Hollow B & B Windsor, NY (607)467-2622
These are the better ones in our area. Please do not expect four star accommodations. Ask
if the rooms are air conditioned if this is important to you. Meals other than breakfast are
often unnecessary as you will most likely be spending this time with your child at camp. Your
comments are always welcome.
** Additionally, Days Inns, Holiday Inns, Howard Johnson’s, etc. can be found in the Liberty,
Monticello, Binghamton or Scranton areas which are about a one hour drive from camp.
Please keep in mind when you visit French Woods that we strive to create an environment rich in
experience, attention, fun, and individual achievement. Our rules are few, but strictly enforced.
We urge you to remember that this is a children’s camp and although you may be our guest, the
children come first.
We are hoping to see you all this summer!
Nearby Accommodations
- 4 -

French Woods Festival
Session One Session Two
Here are the Shows we’re thinking of for next Summer!
- 5 -

2011 Performance Schedule
Session Three
Session Four
A complete schedule of times & dates will be printed in our May Newsletter!!!
- 6 -

Homesickness
Many first year campers have never been away from home for an extended period of time. It is
natural that their worries about leaving and missing friends and family could be carried to camp.
It is with this in mind that we offer the following suggestions to parents of first time campers as
well as parents of returning campers.
Homesickness is a natural result of the changes in a child’s environment. Parents can take courage
from the fact that many campers do not experience this, but those that do, recover swiftly. All of
us at camp, from the Camp Directors down, are prepared to help any child with the adjustment,
expedited with the cooperation of the parent.
These suggestions are designed to help you prepare your child for the enriching experience that
camp provides.
At Home
French Woods Guide for Poten
If your child exhibits concern about going to camp, encourage him/her to talk to you about it.
Many campers are worried about the unknown and are looking for understanding. It is helpful to
tell your child that such concerns are normal and that many other campers feel the same way. If
there are specific worries about bunkmates, clothes, or anything else, let the camper call the camp
office. Often specific answers are not necessary after the child has had the opportunity to express
himself/herself to a receptive ear.
Do not be ambivalent about the length of your child’s stay at camp. There should be no trial
periods. He/she is there for the full session and should understand this. A “try-out” approach
is a sure loser, certain to create a serious homesickness problem at camp. Conversely, no matter
how enthusiastic you may feel about the benefits of the experience, do not make your child feel
he/she must go to camp, rather work with your child to feel the same excitement you do.
Reassure your child that everything at home will be the same as when they left; pets will be cared
for, possessions protected, etc. If for some reason this is not possible, please let us know so that
we can offer effective support.
Please notify us of any upsetting event which may have occurred prior to camp, or is to occur
during the summer. This might include illness or death in the family, poor school grades, divorce,
or moving to a new house or city. We’re here to help.
- 7 -

tial Homesickness and more...
Good-byes
Make your parting brief and pleasant when seeing your child off at the bus. Long good-byes and
floods of tears are upsetting. The same applies for visiting days too.
Please be sure you complete the medical and camper confidential profile as thoroughly as
possible. While the camp is designed to provide instruction and recreation in many areas, certain
campers may have a more rewarding time if encouraged in specific activities. Our knowledge
of your child’s interests (and phobias!) can be helpful in arranging the most appropriate program
from the wide variety of activities offered.
At Camp
Your cooperation is needed to ensure a successful summer for your child. Most children are
resilient and adapt successfully to new situations. Parents, however, sometimes find it difficult to
adjust to their child being away from home.
To prevent any negative effects on your children:
1. Write frequently with good news and a cheerful tone - chatty and pleasant.
2. Try not to telephone except in an emergency. Contact the Directors if you have a special
concern. Be assured we will contact you if your child is experiencing difficulties.
Remember, children have access to phones should they need to call you after the first
week of each session.
3. Should you receive an upsetting call or e-mail, telephone the camp and ask for Isaac or
your child’s Head Counselor. We will help.
Conclusion
Camp is an experience that cannot be duplicated in any other environment. You are offering your
child/children the opportunity to achieve the poise and confidence that comes with the mastery
of skills and the sociability developed as a vital participant in a structured and democratic society
of his/her peers. At French Woods, we have assembled the best staff available. Countless hours
throughout the year have gone into the preparation and evaluation of our program. We feel you
have chosen wisely in sending your child to our camp and with your help, we are well prepared
to serve the needs of today’s children.
- 8 -

PED (Personal Expense Deposit)
PED
French Woods has always been proud that your child’s tuition is completely inclusive. Sometimes
campers incur expenses which are completely unexpected. For this reason we require that each
camper has a Personal Expense Deposit (PED) of one hundred & fifty dollars ($150.00). This
sum will be used for emergency expenses while your child is at camp. For example, these might
include the repair of a pair of eyeglasses, purchase of prescription drugs, fees for emergency
orthodontics or the restringing of a guitar or tennis racquet.
PED balances are automatically carried forward should the camper return in 2012. Upon written
request, all unused portions of a child’s PED will be returned to any unregistered child at the end
of September 2012. Parents also have the option of donating the leftover funds to the Hancock-
French Woods Arts Alliance (a 501(c) 3 organization). One full year after attendance, any
unclaimed monies will be added to the Alliance for the benefit of the scholarship fund.
Canteen
A camp’s canteen is like a snack bar. At French Woods every item in the canteen is free. Campers
may go through the line as often as they wish. The canteen has pizza, milkshakes, ice cream,
etc... It is open six nights a week. Again, the snacks that the campers get at our canteen and
dining hall are free. Please do not send food items which we will throw out.
Spending Money
Camper Finances
In addition to the Personal Expense Deposit (PED), parents may elect to send a nominal sum
with the child to be used for spending money. This money is used at the child’s discretion and
can be held in an envelope in the office safe.
We recommend that every child coming to camp should bring along a few dollars for out of
camp trips, miscellaneous sundries and if you permit it, sodas and candy. Therefore, a younger
child should bring about $20.00 for extra spending and older children should bring $25.00 to
$30.00. Remind your child that this money should be put in an envelope and locked in the safe
in the camp’s office. This is very important to prevent loss. There is NO reason for a camper
to keep ANY money in the bunk. (Change will be made available in the office.)
Although PED IS NOT DESIGNATED SPENDING MONEY, if a parent elects not to send
spending money with their child, up to $15.00 per week may be withdrawn for out of camp trips
or other uses. Parents, remember - canteen is free. THIS FUND SHOULD NOT be used for
this purpose.
REMEMBER: DO NOT SEND FOOD.
- 9 -

Suggested Packing List of Clothes & Items
1. Your child’s clothing is laundered once a week. It is picked up and will be returned to him/
her the next day. You should provide approximately one and a half week’s worth of clothing
and several days extra in the event that unusual circumstances occur.
2. Use this check-off list as a guide. Adjustments should be made to provide for your child’s
individual interests and needs. Our washers and dryers are commercial machines. Do Not
Send delicate clothing that cannot be sent to the camp laundry.
3. Luggage is transported to camp with your child. Please use only duffel bags or soft suitcases.
No hard trunks. (Limit two per camper.)
4. Some families choose to ship their child’s luggage. Important: Please make sure to put your
child’s name on the boxes.
5. Remember everyone tends to overpack - try not to.
6. All items should be labeled with the camper’s FULL name. Last summer there were 31
Samanthas and 27 Max’s; 4 Olivia C.’s and 5 campers with the initials A.O.
Clothing
❏ Socks..............................12
❏ Underwear .................... 12
❏ T-shirts ............................ 7
❏ Long Sleeve Shirts ......... 7
❏ Sweat Shirts .................... 3
❏ Sweat Pants ..................... 2
❏ Long Pants ...................... 5
❏ Shorts .............................. 5
❏ Pajamas ........................... 3
❏ Swimwear ....................... 3
❏ Bathrobe ......................... 1
❏ Sweaters .......................... 2
❏ Warm Jacket ................... 1
❏ Rain Poncho / Shoes / Boots
Toiletries
❏ Toothbrush & Toothpaste
❏ Comb & Brush
❏ Soap in container
Suggested Items
❏ Plastic Drinking Cup
❏ Shampoo, Deodorant etc...
Bedding & Linen
❏ Warm Blankets ............... 2
❏ Cot size sheets ................ 2
❏ Pillow Cases ................... 2
❏ Towels ............................. 5
❏ Wash Cloth ..................... 2
❏ Pillow .............................. 1
❏ Laundry Bag ................... 1
❏ Sleeping Bag (optional)
Footwear
❏ Shoes .......................... 1 pr.
❏ Sneakers ..................... 1 pr.
❏ Flip-Flops .................. 1 pr.
Miscellaneous
❏ Musical Instruments
❏ Dance Shoes / Leotards / Tights
❏ Athletic Equipment (i.e. tennis
racquet, shin guards, cleats)
❏ Skate Board, Roller blades
❏ Camera
❏ Flashlight
❏ Boots w/ Heel for Horseback
❏ Stationary / Stamps / Pens
❏ Games / Books
NOTE: Campers should also bring items relative to their major areas of interest, e.g.. Musicians bring
their instruments, tennis players bring their racquets, skateboarders bring their skate board etc. Anyone
auditioning for a show should have one “dress” outfit with tie, suit, black shoes, black socks, dress, etc.
Equestrians: For safety reasons we have three strict clothing rules. Riders are expected to wear long
pants while on the horse (jeans are perfect). Smooth-sided shoes with heels are a must for fitting into the
stirrups (no sneakers). If your child does not have a riding hat, we have an assortment of sizes for him/her
to pick from and wear.
ALSO: Bring lots of white T-shirts, these are great for silkscreen, tye-dye and a million other uses at
camp.
REMEMBER: NO HARD TRUNKS
- 10 -

Avoiding Situations
We are including this section, hoping to avoid situations
that inevitably become unpleasant. We hope that you will
take this opportunity to discuss the following matters with
your child.
Children, especially adolescents, are often interested in
experimentation. Almost anything can be fair game. As
parents I am sure we all understand this. We hope through
proper guidance that our children will be able to avoid
some of these pitfalls. Should they stumble, we are there
to help. As camp directors, our role “in loco parentis,” can
be more difficult.
We must face the dual responsibility of protecting the
health, safety and welfare of all of our campers, as well
as overseeing the program to provide both learning and
enjoyment. We take these responsibilities very seriously.
Accordingly, we have established certain policies from
which there can be no variation. The following is taken
from the camp enrollment contract.
“Smoking and/or the presence or use of tobacco and/or
any other intoxicant or drug is expressly forbidden and
the camper will be immediately dismissed without refund.
The camp also reserves the right to dismiss any camper
whose conduct is unsatisfactory or is detrimental to the
best interests of the camp. In any event, there will be no
refund of any part of the camp fee.”
We will not tolerate this kind of behavior and we will
send the child home. There can be, and will be, no second
chances. It may be that the type of conversation between
parent and child that this letter can inspire is unnecessary
in your family. Only you can decide. Should you wish, we
are interested and available in further discussion.
The American Camp Association is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles for
youth. The following article is an excerpt from their web site reprinted from Camping
Magazine. It is the second in a series of “Healthy Teens” articles written by Stephen
Wallace, director of counseling and counselor training at the Cape Cod Sea Camps and
chairperson and CEO of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), a national
youth peer-to-peer education, prevention, and activism organization.
- 11 -
By almost any definition of the word, America
faces an epidemic of adolescent drug use. Teens
Today research from SADD (Students Against
Destructive Decisions) and Liberty Mutual Group
reveals that the average age of initiation to drugs
is 13 and that more than 1/3 of teens say they
have used some. Those numbers include almost
one in six middle school students report having
smoked marijuana.
Of course, marijuana use is only part of the story.
“Harder” drugs, illegal use of prescription drugs,
and inhalants account for a large swath of the
drug problem as well. According to Teens Today,
13 percent of high school teens report using drugs
such as cocaine, crack, or ecstasy, and 17 percent
say they illegally use prescription drugs—such as
OxyContin® or Ritalin®—with 65 percent of them
reporting taking them before or during school.
The 2005 Monitoring the Future study by National
Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reveals a longterm
trend showing a significant increase in the
abuse of OxyContin® from 2002 to 2005 amongst
12th graders. It also notes the significant increase
in the use of sedatives/barbiturates among 12th
graders since 2001.
Which Teens Are at Risk?
The truth is that all teens are at risk when it comes
to drugs. Our society consistently sends the
message that altered consciousness is the best
way to have a good time, make friends, and relieve
stress. According to Teens Today, 34 percent of
teens cite “having fun” as their primary motivation
to use drugs, while 13 percent site fitting in, and 23
percent site stress. These “decision factors,” along
with boredom and depression (14 percent and 16
percent, respectively), are common reasons teens
turn to drugs.
Why Is This Important to Know?
Each “decision factor” and “decision point”
provides a roadmap to prevention—at home,
at school, and at camp. Indeed, seven years of
Teens Today research highlight the influential role
of significant adults in guiding behavior. Despite
what other signals they may send, the truth is that
young people:
• want to talk about the choices they face
• want to know of our expectations for them;
• want to be held accountable for their actions.
Yet, when it comes to drugs almost one quarter
of teens say their parents do not try to prevent
them from using drugs (almost half of teens—41
percent—say their parents know of their drug use).

Theater and Show Etiquette
Please assist us in teaching our campers proper theater etiquette by observing the following rules
of etiquette at all of our performances. Each rule is based on our desire to keep your children safe
and to allow them the best possible experience in performing. Remember they have been working
very hard to prepare for these performances.
1. NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY. Flash photography is potentially dangerous (not to
mention rude, annoying, and distracting during a performance). Performances at French
Woods are set with care and a feeling of utmost respect for the child doing his/her best on
stage. Children require concentration to give their best performance. Flash photographs are
distracting to performers, both young and old. A startled young dancer can lose concentration
and fall. A fall off the stage could result in serious injury. We all love our children. Please help
us protect them.
Our staff uses specialized equipment and high speed film to capture pictures which are then
posted to our website and videos which can be purchased from our camp office.
2. Respect for performers. No speaking, blowing bubbles or smacking chewing gum,
tumbling soda cans, or standing up during a performance. Children performing at French
Woods are doing so at a variety of levels. Our supportive environment helps foster their
improvement. Speaking or otherwise distracting the children from a performance can crush a
fragile ego and distract those who may be enjoying the performance. This includes getting up
in the middle of a show for a bathroom visit. In the case of an emergency, please wait until a
blackout or pause in action before quietly removing yourself from the theater.
3. Don’t leave early! Your child is not the only child who worked hard to put together the
performance you are attending. Please respect the hard work of all of the campers. Just think
how your child would feel if they looked out at a half empty theater when it was their turn to
perform.
A further plea concerning photography and videography: Visitors who publicly believe they
are beyond the rules of the camp exhibit themselves as a poor role model for impressionable
young minds. High resolution photographs are taken of every camp production. These photos are
posted on the French Woods website throughout the summer and can be downloaded for free at
low resolution. High resolution photos can be purchased at a nominal fee. Videos are taken of all
performances as well and can be ordered for purchase to be enjoyed by your family These are your
precious children and their friends on stage. Please respect the work they all have done so we can
maintain French Woods as what it is; a safe haven for your children.
- 12 -

Healthcare Policies and Procedures
Please read the following information and Thank You for your cooperation!
A very significant aspect of medical care during the summer is the dispensing of medications -
both prescriptions and over-the-counter. All campers that take medications and vitamins on a
daily basis must set up an account with the CampMeds, Inc. company. See the CampMeds, Inc.
information letters. This is a convenient service that will package all of your child’s meds to be
administered at a small cost. However, parents must send any liquids, aerosols, and injectables
directly to camp one week before the camper arrives. Send to: French Woods Infirmary 350
Bouchoux Brook Rd., Hancock, NY 13783. We will provide any “as needed” medications, such
as antibiotics, through the camp dispensary or the local pharmacy. DO NOT SEND ANY OVER-
THE-COUNTER MEDS UP TO CAMP WITH THE CAMPER. i.e. Tylenol, Advil, etc….
Please make sure that the over-the-counter check list is completed and signed on page 5 of
the medical form. This is very important.
The camp nurse will contact families if:
• Your child spends the night in the health center
• Your child has a fever for more than 24 hours
• There is a medical emergency
• You will be contacted if your child has been examined by the camp physician and prescription
medication is recommended. Your consent to order medication and a credit card payment for the
amount of your co-pay, or full payment of the amount, is required. (see medical form packet for
prescription information)
• If a child requires a visit to a dentist or orthodontist.
All non-prescription, vitamins & homeopathic remedies (over-the-counter) medication must
be accompanied by a physicians written order (included in medical form packet) and should be
pre-packaged, preferably by a pharmacy.
Allergy shots, if needed, will be given at camp by our trained nursing staff under the instructions
provided by your physician.
- 13 -

Dear Parents/Guardians:
The New York State Department of Health has re-evaluated the method in which
camp nurses have been dispensing and administering medications to campers. The
Health Department now requiries you to have your child’s medication pre-packaged
before coming to camp. The purpose is to to assure your child’s health and wellbeing.
We cannot dispense medication to any child who does not have a prepackaged
prescription. This holds true for any meds that must be dispensed on a
regular basis. This includes prescription medications, non-prescription medications,
over the counter medications, vitamins, and the like.
The company providing this convenient service, CampMeds Inc., dispenses,
packages and ships medications directly to overnight camps in the U.S.
Medications that are in pill form will be individually packaged and sealed according
to date and time of administration. Each individual packet may contain one or more
pills prescribed to be given at the same time. This method of dispensing medication
during summer camp will minimize potential medication errors, ensuring that every
camper gets the correct medication and dosage, at the right time, on the right day.
It will also allow your children to return to their camp activities sooner, because
administering meds that are pre-packaged and organized reduces their time spent
waiting in line for meds! Our nurses now have more time to devote to your child’s
other healthcare needs.
We are confident that this program will help us achieve our primary goal; the health,
well-being and safety of your child.
If your child will be taking medication in pill form at camp this summer, visit their
website, www.campmeds.com for information and to register your child. You will
receive a brochure and a detailed letter in a future mailing.
If you would prefer that your doctor and pharmacy work together to pre-package
prescriptions, please do so. If you have any questions please call us at 800-634-
1703. You can also contact CampMeds Inc., at 954-577-0025.
Sincerely,
Camp Owner/Director
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Transportation and Driving Information
Driving Directions to Camp
From NYC/New Jersey - From the G.W. Bridge, take the Pallisades Parkway to exit 9W (NY State
Throughway 87). Take the NYS Throughway 87 to exit 16 (Harriman), then Take Route 17 West
to exit 87A (Hancock). From Hancock, take Route 97 South towards Calicoon. Look for a white
church set back on the right side of the road and a sign on the telephone pole for French Woods
Festival. Don’t be fooled by signs for French Woods Road. That’s not us.
From New England - Pick up I-84 West to Route 17 West to exit 87A (Hancock). From Hancock,
take Route 97 South towards Calicoon. Look for a white church set back on the right side of the
road and a sign on the telephone pole for French Woods Festival. Don’ t be fooled by signs for
French Woods Road. That’s not us.
Philadelphia - Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike to DuPont (between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton);
connect to I-81 North to Scranton; U.S. Route 6 East to Honesdale, PA Route 191 North to
Hancock, Route 97 South 8 miles to camp on right. Look for a white church set back on the right
side of the road and a sign on a telephone pole for French Woods Festival. If you pass the French
Woods Golf and Country Club you’ve gone too far.
Please see the link on our web site for Transportation Information including bus and aiport
pick-ups which can be found at www.frenchwoods.com under For Parents, Transportation
Information
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