Camp Green Eyrie - Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts

BUG SPRAYS, DEET, WEST NILE VIRUS
AND LYME DISEASE
With the emergence of the West Nile Virus and the rise of Lyme disease, an
effective insect repellent – something that prevents bug bites and, thus,
interrupts the chain of infection – is a desired option. DEET is the most
effective mosquito repellent currently available. It is available in many
different formulas and has an excellent safety profile. Products containing
10 – 30 percent DEET are considered sufficient. Manufacturer’s recommendations
should be followed for periodic reapplication of the repellent.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently reexamined their
recommendations on the use of insect repellents that contain DEET. While
reports of ill effects from DEET are rare, its use has been associated with skin
rashes, respiratory irritation, and seizures. The AAP recommends that
repellents containing no more than 30 percent DEET be used on children.
Products with lower concentrations can be used for children if families are
concerned about the potential risks of DEET and there is little or no concern
about the transmission of mosquito-born diseases.
Bug repellent can be applied to skin, clothing, bedrolls, and screens. When
ossible, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes
may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellents containing
DEET will give extra protection. Do not spray repellent containing DEET on the
skin under your clothing. Don't use scented soap, perfume or hair spray on
your child. Avoid dressing your child in bright colors or flowery prints.
For more information, contact your own pediatrician, or Center for
Disease Control: www.cdc.gov or call 1-888-246-2675, or American Academy
of Pediatrics: www.aap.org.
Camp Green Eyrie
2013 DAY CAMP INFORMATION BOOKLET
WELCOME! Your camper is registered for Day Camp!
The enclosed information will help to prepare both of
you for a wonderful camp experience.
You have made a great decision to provide your
camper with an enriching summer experience. With the
supervision of our experienced, enthusiastic staff,
Girl Scout Camp provides girls with new experiences,
friends, and the courage, confidence, and character to
make the world a better place.
OPEN HOUSE!
Plan to attend the camp Open House on April 7,
Noon—3pm, or June 9, Noon-3pm. This is a GREAT
opportunity to visit the 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 INFO
Camp Green Eyrie (summer only).......# 978-456
456-6800
6800
69 Still River Rd. Harvard, MA 01451
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) x4038 or 413-224-4038

CAMP LIFE
Day camp provides campers the opportunity to live, work and play with a community
of their peers in a safe and supportive environment. Campers are grouped by
age. Each small group is assigned an adult staff member and paired with 1-2 other
small groups for some activities. The “buddy system” is utilized both for camp
safety and to help campers meet and interact with all of the girls in her unit .
CAMPER BEHAVIOR
Girl Scout camp provides a unique opportunity for campers and staff to work
together as a community. It is important that all campers follow camp rules. If
camper behavior at camp or on the bus becomes a problem, parents/guardians
will be contacted for their support in resolving the situation. Any camper who
consistently exhibits unsuitable behavior may be sent home without a refund.
PREPARING FOR SUMMER CAMP
Camp is an exciting adventure, full of new experiences, friends and fun! As with
any new experience, it is normal for some campers (and parents too) to feel a little
anxious as they prepare for summer camp. Here is a “packing list” of attitudes for
campers, which will help them to really prepare for a successful summer at camp!
ATTITUDES TO BRING TO CAMP
• 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.
GETTING READY FOR CAMP!
There are a few other things that you can do to make certain that your camper is
ready for the fun of summer:
• Review the camp brochure. Look at the pictures. Talk about what the campers
are doing and what your camper might do this summer.
• Plan to attend the Open House.
• Review the “What to Bring” list. Make sure that your camper helps to prepare
things for camp. It is important that she knows what she is bringing, and how
to use it.
• Prepare your camper by telling her how excited you are for her. Use positive
messages when discussing camp and avoid negative phrases.
STAYING HEALTHY AT CAMP
Camper health and safety are important to our staff. Girls will receive
orientation to the camp site and safety rules at camp. A health center is maintained
to monitor our health care program, administer medications and to provide
routine or emergency care.
STAYING HEALTHY AT CAMP (cont.)
MEDICATIONS AT CAMP
All medications sent to camp must be in their original container and listed on the
health form. Over-the-counter medications need not be sent to camp as the
Health Center is stocked to meet common needs. All medications will be kept by
the Health Care Supervisor in the Health Center while at camp, or in the controlled
possession of a staff member. Over-the-counter medications will be administered
for routine illness/injury unless their use is restricted as noted on the camp health
form.
HEALTH SUPERVISION AND PARENT NOTIFICATION OF ILLNESS
Our Health Care Supervisor works in consultation with a written Health Care Plan and
Standing Orders approved by the camp doctor. The doctor is also available to consult
as needed. The Health Care Supervisor is trained in First Aid and CPR.
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.
Our Health Center is not equipped to care for campers who are injured or ill. Should
your camper become sick at camp, has a temperature of 100.4° or higher, or sustains an
injury requiring professional medical evaluation, you will be contacted to pick her up
from camp. Campers should not be sent to camp if ill or “coming down with something."
KEEPING HEALTHY
Keeping healthy at camp is, in part, the responsibility of each camper and parent.
Please review the following with your camper prior to camp:
• Drink Fluids. It is important that girls drink a lot of juice and water each day.
Campers should drink fluids at each meal and carry a water bottle with them
throughout the day.
• Eat Well. Each day should start with a substantial breakfast. A full lunch should
be sent to camp daily. Campers should help to plan their lunches so that they
will eat everything that is packed!
• Sun Protection. Campers are outdoors all day and will see a lot of sunshine.
Please provide your camper with sunscreen and show her how to use it. Instruct
her to reapply sunscreen several times a day, including after she goes
swimming. A wide-brimmed or billed hat will also help to protect her face.
• Insect Protection. It is important that girls bring insect repellent. Bug bites are
a part of camp, but can be decreased by using a good quality repellent. See last
page for additional information on bug sprays.

WHAT TO BRING
Camp is a great place for old clothes. Campers are most comfortable in simple
play clothes that they can get dirty. Rain gear must be included, and shoes and
socks are required. Please mark all personal belongings with your camper’s
name!
LOST AND FOUND
GSCWM cannot be responsible for camper property. Lost and found items
will be held until August 31 and then will be donated to a charitable organization.
If something is forgotten, please call camp within five days of the camp
session.
BRING/WEAR DAILY
___ Shirt (no halter tops or spaghetti strap
tank tops)
___ Pants or Shorts as appropriate
___ Sturdy Closed-Toe Shoes
___ Socks
___ Hat
___ Day Pack or Bag Containing
__ Swimsuit* and Towel
*swimsuit must be a one piece, or provide
full coverage, no string bikinis
__ Raincoat or poncho
__ Lunch and Snack
__ Water Bottle
__ Sunscreen (non-aerosol)
__ Insect Repellent (non-aerosol)
OPTIONAL ITEMS
___ Water shoes (no flip flops)
___ Sweatshirt for cooler days
PLEASE DO NOT BRING/SEND
• Cell Phones/Pagers
• Video Games/Personal Electronics
• Money/Valuables
HELPFUL HINT:
We’ve heard from parents
that it’s a good idea to send
a plastic grocery bag to
camp with your child. She
can then put her wet
swimsuit and towel into it
for the ride home!
Weapons, alcohol and illegal drugs are not permitted on the camp site.
Campers may not bring personal vehicles without written parental permission.
MEALS AND SNACKS
LUNCHES: Campers should bring their lunch and a healthy snack daily.
Please send only non-perishable items, as refrigeration is not available for
storing lunches.
SNACKS FOR THE BUS: Food is NOT allowed to be eaten on the buses. This
is a safety precaution required by the bus company.
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS: Campers with special dietary requirements
should indicate restrictions on the Updated Health Information Form.
Dietary requirements can generally be accommodated for our cookout meal,
however, depending on the nature of the restriction, a camper may be asked
to provide some of her own special foods.
ABOUT OUR STAFF
Camp staff members are selected because of their experiences and their
interest in working with children in the outdoors. Staff members are selected
through rigorous processes of: application, interview, background check, and
reference evaluation, in an effort to secure the most qualified and capable role
models for our campers. Staff members participate in pre-camp training
designed to prepare them for their specific roles in camp. Staff members
review camper needs, program skills, leadership, communication, emergency,
and safety procedures during training. Specialty staff members have
certifications and experiences that make them qualified for the job.
STANDARDS AND
REGULATIONS
Camp Green Eyrie complies with
regulations of the Massachusetts Department
of Public Health (105 CMR
430) and is licensed by the Harvard
Board of Health. Information on these
regulations can be obtained at 617-
983-6761. Parents/guardians may
request acknowledgement of staff
background checks, and policies on
health care and discipline as allowed
by law. Camp Green Eyrie is also accredited
by the American Camp Association.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Please contact CGE Camp Director,
Lizz Gordon, at 800-462-9100 (in
MA) or 413-584-2602 x4038 if you
have any concerns or questions regarding
the nature of the camp experience
or its appropriateness for
your camper. Parents of campers
with physical, mental, or emotional
needs should also contact Lizz so
that together we can ensure the best
experience for your camper. All special
needs should also be noted on
the camper’s health form.
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.

CAMPER RELEASE PASSWORD
A Camper Release Password is i
required for every camper. This password,
chosen by you, serves as authorization to release your camper. Campers will
only be released to someone who knows your password. Your password is
printed on the enclosed invoice. Please give this word only to the person
coming to pick up your camper. This password is required whether you
transport your camper or they ride the bus. Camper’s do not need to know
the Release Password.
GETTING TO CAMP BY CAR
Camp Green Eyrie is located at 69 Still River Road in Harvard.
From I-290:
I
Take I-290 to I-190 North. Take Exit 7 for Leominster/Lancaster – Route 117. Turn
east towards Lancaster. Continue on Route 117 approx. 4.2 miles to a stoplight at
Route 110 (Bolton Orchard will be on your right far corner). Turn left
on 110 heading East (North) approximately 4.5 miles. The Camp
Green Eyrie sign will be on your right.
From Route 2:
Take Route 2 to the exit for Harvard - Route 110. Head west on 110 to center of
Harvard. Route 110 takes a right hand turn in Harvard center. Follow this for just
under .7 miles from Harvard center. Camp Green Eyrie will be on your left.
CAR PICK-UP/DROP
UP/DROP-OFF OFF PROCEDURES
• Campers are checked in and out daily by one of the persons indicated on the
health information form. Proper identification may be requested. This person
must know the Camper Release Password (see above).
• Arrival time is 8:50 - 9:00am.
• Pick-up time is 4:30pm.
• A waiting fee of $5 per 15 minutes is payable to the staff waiting
with campers after 4:45pm.
GETTING TO CAMP BY BUS
Your bus stop choice is identified on the attached invoice. Times are approximate
and dependent on traffic, weather and road conditions. Please plan accordingly. If
you’d like to change your bus stop, please notify the camp registrar (800-462-
9100 or 413-584-2602) of any changes at least two weeks in advance of the first
day of camp. If there are changes in the bus schedule, you will be notified by phone
or mail, in advance. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early for drop-off off and pick-
up.
BUS SAFETY RULES
Please review the following with your camper prior to camp:
• Parents/guardians are responsible for supervision of their campers while
traveling to, from and while waiting at the bus stop.
• Wait until the driver opens the bus door before approaching the bus.
• Remain seated while on the bus.
• Keep arms, legs and possessions inside of the bus.
• When on the bus, speak or sing using your “inside” voice.
• Two camp counselors will be on every bus and will check in every camper. The
bus driver and camp counselors are in charge on the bus, please follow their
directions.
• If you need to cross the street when leaving the bus, please let the driver know
and cross in front of the bus.
BUS PICK-UP/DROP
UP/DROP-OFF OFF PROCEDURES
• Parents MUST NOT leave their camper unattended at the bus stop.
• Campers will only be released to the person who has proper identification and
knows the Camper Release Password.
• Girls will be allowed to walk home from the bus stop if a written note
giving permission is provided on the first day.
• Campers who are not picked up at their assigned stop will be taken to the last
stop where the bus counselor will initiate contact to the parent/guardian or
emergency contact and wait until someone authorized to pick up the camper
arrives. The police will be contacted if campers are not picked up, or arrangements
for pick-up are not made within 30 minutes of the end of the bus run.
• A waiting fee will be charged at a rate of $5 per every 15 minutes, and is
payable to the bus counselor.
CHANGES IN PICK-UP/DROP
UP/DROP-OFF OFF TIMES
Please allow a 20-minute window around pick-up and drop-off times. While the
bus company is committed to maintaining a rigorous transportation schedule,
situations will occasionally arise which will affect pick-up or drop-off times. If the
bus is to be late, every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian listed at
the daytime phone number on the registration form to alert him/her of the delay.
Due to the potential volume of calls required, one call will be attempted to each
camper’s parent/guardian.