Camp Bonnie Brae Overnight Camp Parent Booklet

Driving Directions to Camp Bonnie Brae
951 Algerie Road, East Otis
413-269
269-4481
From Springfield:
Take I-91 North just past Downtown Springfield to exit 9B (Route 20). Follow
Route 20 West through Westfield. In the center of Westfield, Route 20 makes a
right turn. Continue to follow Route 20- you will pass under I-90 and come to
the top of a large hill. At the flashing yellow light turn left onto Route 23 West
(Blanford/Otis). Continue on Route 23 for 11.3 miles to Algerie Rd (which is just
after a sign for “The Clayground”). There will be a green and white Camp Bonnie
Brae sign on your right. (If you pass the "Entering East Otis" sign, you have
missed the turn). Turn right onto Algerie Road. Camp Bonnie Brae is a little less
than two miles on your left (951 Algerie Rd).
From New York (and other points west):
From the Mass Pike take Exit 2 (Lee exit) to Route 20 East (Jacobs Ladder Rd).
Continue on Route 20 East into West Becket. At the Jacobs Ladder
(Route 20/8)/Otis Rd (Route 8) split in West Becket, follow Otis Rd (Route 8
South). Follow Route 8 South into the town of Otis. Turn left on Route 23 East.
Continue on Route 23 to the Town of East Otis. Go approximately
one-half mile out of town Take a left onto Algerie Rd. Camp Bonnie Brae is a
little less than two miles down on your left (951 Algerie Rd).
From Northampton:
From I-91 South, get on Mass Pike I-90 West. Take Exit 3 (Westfield exit) to
Route 202 South to Westfield Center. In the center of Westfield, Route 20
makes a right turn. Continue to follow Route 20- you will pass under I-90 and
come to the top of a large hill. At the flashing yellow light turn left onto Route 23
West (Blanford/Otis). Continue on Route 23 for 11.3 miles to Algerie Rd (which
is just after a sign for “The Clayground”). There will be a green and white Camp
Bonnie Brae sign on your right. (If you pass the "Entering East Otis" sign, you
have missed the turn!) Turn right onto Algerie Road. Camp Bonnie Brae is a
little less than two miles on your left (951 Algerie Rd).
From Worcester (and other points east):
Take the Mass Pike (I-90) West to Exit 3.
Follow the directions above from Northampton.
Camp Bonnie Brae
2013 OVERNIGHT CAMP INFORMATION
WELCOME! Your camper is registered for GSCWM Summer
Camp! The enclosed information will help to prepare both of you
for a wonderful camp experience.
In this booklet, you will find:
• Important Camp Information
• Camp Health & Wellness Information
• Checklist to Help You Prepare for Camp
• Camper Packing List
• Directions to Camp Bonnie Brae
OPEN HOUSE!
Plan to attend the camp Open House on April 14 or June 2, from
noon to 3pm. This is a GREAT opportunity to visit camp, meet the
camp director and get answers to your questions. Make sure you
RSVP by calling 800-462-9100 or 413-584-2602.
CAMP CONTACT INFORMATION
Camp Bonnie Brae (summer only)…….. # 413-269
269-4481
951 Algerie Rd, East Otis, MA 01029
(Note: this is not the mailing address)
Questions about your camper’s registration?
Contact: 800-462-9100 (in MA) or 413-584-2602
Questions about your camper’s program?
Contact: 800-462-9100 (in MA) x4023 or 413-224-4023
or e-mail styrrell@gscwm.org

IMPORTANT CAMP INFORMATION
ARRIVAL TIMES
Camper check-in times are based on the camper’s last name:
Last names beginning with A-M Check-in: 2:00-3:00pm
Last names beginning with N-Z Check-in: 3:00-4:00pm
Sampler B session (beginning on Wednesday), check-in is 3:00pm for all campers.
PARKING AND CHECK-IN
Please allow up to two hours at camp for the check-in process. Upon arrival at camp,
you will be greeted by a camp staff member and directed where to park. You will then
be directed to check-in. Please keep all medications separate from your luggage. You
will need them during check-in. After check-in, you will get your camper’s luggage and
walk your camper to her unit where you will meet her counselors. Enchanted Forest
program campers will not be able to walk to their unit with parents/guardians upon
check-in. Please schedule time after check-out if you would like to visit the site.
DEPARTURE TIMES
NEW FOR 2013: Departure on the last day of your camper’s session
is at 5:00pm.
Check-out for Sampler A session (ending Wednesday) is 11:00am.
No campers will be released prior to the scheduled check-out time unless the Camp
Director is notified in writing.
DEPARTURE PROCEDURE
A camper will only be released to her parent or guardian listed on her Health Form,
unless written authorization is received noting otherwise. The person doing the pickup
MUST be able to confirm the camper’s PASSWORD with camp staff. If you are planning
to have another family member or neighbor pick up your child, you must notify the
Camp Director in writing either at check-in or during the week, and inform the person
doing pickup of camper’s PASSWORD. Person picking up camper must have photo ID.
TRADING POST
The trading post carries camp t-shirts, sweatshirts, patches, postcards, stamps, and
other camp necessities. The trading post will be open on incoming and outgoing days
and accepts cash, checks, cookie credits, and credit cards. Trading Post “deposits” will
not be taken, as campers will not visit the store during the week.
E-MAIL
Campers may receive e-mail through a one-way e-mail service. To send e-mail:
1. Go to our website at www.gscwm.org
2. Click the flashing “Camper Email” button
3. Click the “Register Now” button
4. Enter your Pre-Approved Registration Code: 117409BR
5. Fill out all the required information
6. Purchase Bunk Note credits (you will need a credit card)
7. Send an e-mail to your camper!
Emails will be printed and delivered to your camper at daily mail time. Please note, this
is a one-way service. Campers do not have access to computers while at camp.
CHECKLIST FOR PREPARING FOR CAMP
WITHIN SEVERAL MONTHS OF CAMP
Schedule your camper to have a physical examination with her pediatrician
For more information on health examination requirements, see Camp Health
& Wellness section of this packet.
BY JUNE 1, 2013
***Outstanding Payment must be paid prior to your camper’s arrival at camp.
The following forms must be received by the Holyoke Service Center by June 1,
2013. If you registered after June 1, please bring these items to camp with you.
Health Form
Camper Confidential Form
HELPFUL HINT:
ONE-WEEK PRIOR TO CAMP
Involve your camper in the
Help your camper pack all equipment
on list enclosed
packing process so that she
will know where to find and
Write a letter or two and mail them so
your camper will get mail upon arrival.
how to pack her personal
belongings.
Mentally prepare your camper for camp.
NIGHT BEFORE CAMP
Go over equipment list and pack last minute items
Make sure your camper gets a good night's sleep
SUNDAY MORNING OF CAMP
Make sure you have directions to camp, any forms that you have not already
submitted, medications and trading post money with you (not in luggage).
Eat lunch and leave for camp. It takes approximately one hour from
Springfield to get to camp.
OTHER TIPS FOR PREPARING YOUNGER CAMPERS
• Help her pre-address and stamp envelopes to write to family and friends.
• Make sure she knows how to take a quick shower from a fixed showerhead, care
for her hair and do other "little" things that you may normally help her with.
• If she's never stayed away from home overnight, try to arrange a night away from
home and family before camp so she is more confident about her ability to be
away from you (and so you feel more confident too!).
• Make sure she can use her equipment, change flashlight batteries, apply insect
repellant, etc.

Sleeping bag – if you have a slumber
bag, please pack with extra heavy
blankets
Warm pajamas (or sweats)
Long pants or jeans
Shorts
T-shirts & sweatshirts (at least 2 longsleeved)
Socks (including 2 pair wool or heavy
socks)
Raingear (including waterproof boots)
Bandana
2 pair shoes (1 pair sneakers, 1 pair
sturdy shoes)
Heavy sweater, fleece, or hooded
sweatshirt
Jacket
Underwear
Toiletries
Towels/Washcloth
Sanitary napkins or supplies (if necessary)
Laundry bag
PACKING LIST
Mark all clothes and equipment with camper’s name. Fingernail polish is a good way to
mark utensils and items like flashlights, etc.
We suggest that you
BRING OLD CLOTHES - THEY WILL GET DIRTY AND WORN
Flashlight and batteries
Insect repellent (no aerosols) & Sunscreen
Swimsuit (Must provide full coverage.
No string bikinis!)
Water Shoes (no flip flops, please)
Water bottle
Mess kit (or plastic cup, spoon, bowl)
Medication (if prescribed)
OPTIONAL
Pillow & sheet
Camera & film
Knapsack to carry swim wear
Stationary, pens, stamps
Goggles
Wacky outfit for Hootenanny!
LOST and FOUND
Lost and Found will be taken to the Holyoke Service Center on
the Wednesday following the end of each session. Lost and
Found will be held at the Service Center until August 31st. After
which it will be donated to a charitable organization.
In addition, do NOT
bring:
⇒ Food of any kind
⇒ Cell Phone
⇒ Valuables/Money
⇒ Electronics
⇒ Aerosol cans
⇒ Glass containers
⇒ Hair dryers
⇒ Pets
ATTITUDES TO BRING TO CAMP
Here is a “packing list” of attitudes for campers, which will help them to really prepare
for a successful time at camp!
The following items are
prohibited at camp:
⇒ Drugs
⇒ Alcohol
⇒ Weapons
Expect camp to be a new experience.
Be ready to be a friend and you will make friends!
Be prepared to expect the unexpected and to see it as a fun surprise!
For Returning Campers: Remember that each year is different with new
friends, special programs, and different counselors.
MAIL
Whether your camper is staying for three, six, or twelve days, mail is very important.
Parents, relatives and friends are strongly encouraged to write.
HELPFUL HINT: Please remember to make letters and cards very
positive and encouraging. Focus on the fun your camper is having at
camp and the stories that she’ll have to share when she returns home.
We recommend that you send your letters a few days prior to your camper’s
arrival and continue for several days. Be sure that all letters have return addresses and
remember that mail usually takes two days to arrive. You may also bring letters on
check-in day to be distributed throughout the week.
MAILING ADDRESS
Camp Bonnie Brae
Camper’s Name
Camper’s Program Name
PO Box 539
East Otis, MA 01029
HELPFUL HINT: When your camper first writes home,
she may tell you how much she dislikes camp and that
she wants to go home. Usually, these letters are written
before she has gotten involved in the activities and
routine of camp. By the time you receive her letter, she
more than likely will be having a GREAT time. In the rare
case that a camper is not enjoying the daily activities of
camp, the Camp Director will contact you so that a
positive solution can be reached together.
CARE PACKAGES
You may send care packages to your camper. However, please do not send snack or
food items. Food in sleeping quarters attracts insects, mice, and other wildlife. Any
food or candy brought or sent to camp is collected, held, and returned the last day of
camp.
PHONE CALLS
In case of an emergency, contact the Camp Director at 413-269-4481. Campers are
not permitted to call their parents due to limited phone lines and to allow campers to
adjust to camp life. Parents should direct any concerns about their camper to the
Camp Director. Campers are not allowed to have a cell phone at camp. Please do not
send your camper with a cell phone. Cell phones will be collected, held, and returned
the last day of camp.
PLEASE DO NOT PACK A CELL PHONE

CAMP HEALTH & WELLNESS INFORMATION
HEALTH HISTORY & EXAMINATION FORM
Every camper must have a completed health history on file at camp. IN ADDITION, every
six, nine or twelve-day camper must also have a record of a health examination given
by a licensed physician within 24 months of attending camp. A Health Form is included
in this packet. Please submit a new form, even if you have attended a GSCWM
camp in the last two years. Be sure all information is complete and either mail it to our
Holyoke Service Center (address below) by June 1, or bring it with you to camp on the first
day of your camper’s session. A physician must sign the health form EVERY two
years. The Health Form is also available online at gscwm.org or by calling 800-462-9100
or
413-584-2602.
Please return the enclosed Health Form and Camper Confidential Form
to our Holyoke Service Center no later than June 1:
GSCWM, Attn: Information & Referral Center
301 Kelly Way, Holyoke, MA 01040
If you register after June 1 (or are unable to get a health exam prior to June 1), please
bring this form to camp with you. Absolutely no six, nine, or twelve-day campers will
be admitted without a health exam completed and signed by a physician, as well as
an immunization record.
HEALTH INFORMATION REVIEW AND SCREENING
Each camper receives a health screening by the Health Supervisor and staff as a part of
the check-in procedure.
• Our staff will check for observable evidence of illness, injury, or communicable
disease. If your camper has a fever, head lice, needs immediate medical attention
or has any contagious condition, she will not be able to attend camp. The
welfare of the entire camp must be kept in mind.
• Our staff will verify and update all health information.
MEDICATIONS
• All prescription medication must be sent in its original container with the
camper's name, physician’s name, and proper dosage clearly marked.
• All non-prescription medication must be sent in its original container.
• If more than one medication is to be given, please pack all medications in a clear
“Ziploc” plastic bag with the camper’s name on it.
• Written authorization must be obtained from your health care provider for all
regular prescription and non-prescription medications that your camper will be
taking during camp. Please list all medications your camper is currently taking in
the “Medical Authorization” section on the health form. This section must be
signed by prescribing physician.
HEALTH SUPERVISION AND PARENT NOTIFICATION OF ILLNESS
Counselors and Lifeguards are First Aid Certified and provide First Aid for minor cuts and
bruises. All other health concerns are brought to the Health Center where the Health Care
Supervisor will determine medical attention needed and contact parents if necessary.
Every effort will be made to establish phone contact with parents/guardians in an
emergency. It is also general camp practice to contact parents/guardians when
there is concern about a camper’s health and/or when a situation is not progressing
as expected.
PERMISSION TO ADMINISTER AS-NEEDED MEDICATION
Camp Bonnie Brae has an infirmary that is stocked with first aid supplies. The Health Supervisor
has standing orders, as signed by our camp physician, to administer
acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl, Tums, and throat lozenges on an as-needed basis.
Within the “Health History” section of the Health Form, is a place for you to indicate
whether or not you want these as-needed medications to be administered.
MISSING HOME
Missing home is a normal feeling. In fact, girls learn that it’s possible to have a
FANTASTIC time at camp and also miss family and friends. Through the experience
of missing home, girls learn coping skills and independence at camp. Letter writing, receiving
positive letters from home, and bringing pictures of family help girls deal with the separation.
Our caring, nurturing staff will work with your camper as she adjusts
to camp life. In the rare case that a camper is not enjoying the daily activities of camp because
of missing home, the Camp Director will contact you so that a positive solution can
be reached together.
HELPFUL HINT: Talk with your camper about missing home before she
attends camp. Tell her that almost everyone misses friends and family when they’re
away—even adults. Together, think of some things that she can do when she misses
home like looking a photo (don’t forget to pack it), holding a favorite stuffed animal,
thinking of a story about camp that she can’t wait to share with you. Keeping your
conversations positive will help your camper to enjoy her camp experience.
CAMPER CONFIDENTIAL
Along with the Health Form, the Camper Confidential makes it possible for our staff to
MORE INFORMATION
Copies of our policies on background checks, health care, and disciplinary matters
are available upon request. Please contact camp@gscwm.org with requests
or to file any grievances.
better
prepare