Camp Parent Information Packet - Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi

Bus SchedulePick-Up/Drop OffLocationsNorth Park Mall inJackson, MSCampDeparture Timefrom Pick-Up SiteArrival atCampWahi 7:00AM 7:45 AM-8:00 AMKroger in Flowood, MS Wahi 7:20AM 7:45 AM-8:00 AMFirst Baptist Church inRichland, MSTinseltown in Pearl,MSHome Depot inBrandon MississippiHattiesburg ServiceCenterOutlet Mall at Hwy 49& 10 Gulfport, MSWahi 7:00AM 7:45 AM-8:00 AMWahi 7:35AM 7:45 AM-8:00 AMWahi 7:30AM 7:50 AM-8:00 AMItiKanaItiKana7:20AM7:20AM7:45 AM-8:00 AM7:45AM-8:00 AMDepart fromCampArrival atPick-Up Site5:15 PM 6:00 PM-6:15 PM5:15 PM 5:45 PM-6:00PM5:15 PM 5:45 PM-6:00 PM5:15 PM 5:45 PM-6:00 PM5:15 PM 5:35 PM-5:50 PM5:15 PM 5:45 PM-6:00 PM5:15 PM 5:45 PM-6:00 PMDEPARTUREAll campers who do not ride the Bus to and from camp can be picked up at 5:15 PM at the Program Center (Camp Office)at Camp Iti Kana and the Great Hall (Dining Hall) at Camp Wahi. The camp gate will open at 5:00 PM.During check-out a photo ID of the person picking up the camper is mandatory, even for parents. If a person is notlisted as an authorized pickup, parents will be contacted before the camper is released.LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY DEPARTURESIf your camper will be arriving late, you will need to notify a member of the Camp Leadership Team (the Camp Director,one of the Assistant Camp Directors, or the Office Manager) prior to arrival. Please report to the camp office uponarrival for late check-in.If your camper will need to leave camp early for any reason, you will need to notify a member of the Camp LeadershipTeam prior to your camper's arrival at camp so we can have your camper ready for you upon your arrival. You may reportto the Camp Office (Program Center at Camp Iti Kana) to pick up your camper.See more information on Health & Safety Procedures in the Resident Camp portion of the packet (following pages.)Day Camp Packing List____Day Pack / Back Pack____ Water bottle____ Swimsuit – 1 piece or tankini____ Towel____ Twin sheet set & small pillow____ Stuffed Animal, if desired for resttime.____ Trading Post Money in an envelope$10 - $15 for the week____ Change of clothes in a Ziploc to be leftat camp until needed. Will be sent home at theend of the session.____ Water shoes____ Camera, if desired____ Rain Poncho____ Prescription Medications in a Ziploc____ Forms1. Camper Health History Form 20122. All About Your Camper

Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi1471 West County Line RdJackson, MS 39213(601)-366-0607Fax: (601)-366-0664www.gsgms.orgResident Camp Information Packet“All you need to know and more!”______________________________________________________________________________________WELCOME TO CAMP!We are so glad that your child is coming to one of our camps this summer! When your child arrives atCamp Iti Kana or Camp Wahi, our dedicated staff will be ready to make sure she has a fun andexciting experience! This packet will help provide all the information you need to prepare for camp.If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Amanda Hamby (Camp iti Kana) atahamby@gsgms.org or (601)-582-1455 or Sheryl Roberts (Camp Wahi) at sroberts@gsgms.org at (601)366-0607. We look forward to seeing you this summer!Enclosed you will find:1. Camper Confirmation/Invoice stating the session that your camper is registered for andreflecting all charges and payments to date. The balance is due no later than 2 weeksprior to the start of each session. Financial Aid awards are posted and should be indicatedon your statement. Payments may be made by check or credit card. Contact theJackson office at 601-366-0607 for questions regarding payment of fees.2. Packing ListAnd the following forms that should be completed and hand delivered on check-in day:3. Health Form4. Horse Rental Agreement & Liability Release Form- (horseback riding programs only)5. Sailing Camp Information and Application – (sailing programs only)CHECK-INCheck-in will take place in the Program Center at Camp Iti Kana and the Dining Hall at Camp Wahi.Check-in time for opening Sunday of each session is from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm while check-in forWednesday through Friday 3-day Camper Samplers will be from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm. The campgate will open at 2:00 pm on Sunday and at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, but there will be no oneavailable to answer questions or supervise your camper until check-in begins. Please do not bringany pets onto the camp property.Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a camp staff member who will direct you to a parking area.Once parked, please unload your camper’s luggage and place it in the designated spot for pick up.The luggage will be delivered to your daughter’s living unit.We ask that you then accompany your daughter to check-in at the Dining Hall or Program Center(depending on your chosen camp.) During check-in, you will need to be prepared to drop off presortedmail and medications, receive your camper’s unit assignment, verify authorized pickups for

your camper, turn in trading post money, and get a simple health screening from the Camp HealthSpecialist. To make the health screening a more enjoyable experience for your camper, we will beconducting it like a trip to the Spa.While you are busy with these tasks, your camper will be busy –1. Visiting the “Salon” for a quick toe nail polish and hair style consultation with our onsitebeauty experts (a more camper friendly version of the head and foot check.)2. Visiting the Photo Studio to have her “bon voyage” picture made.3. Visiting the Travel Agent to pick up her itinerary and other adventure related necessities.CAMP TRADING POSTThe next stop in your check-in process is the Camp Trading Post. The Trading Post is our very owncamp store that provides the basic essentials like postage stamps, flashlight batteries and toothpasteas well as lots of other fun and useful items to satisfy a girls craving to shop. Here, any spendingmoney brought to camp should be deposited for safe keeping. Any leftover spending money will bereturned at the end or your camper’s session. Girls may use unexpired Cookie Dough earned throughthe cookie sale, but they will not be issued change.SETTLING IN THE UNITYou will then walk with your daughter to her unit where you will meet her counselors and help her getsettled in her living quarters. The counselors will have “Getting to Know You” activities scheduled tobegin shortly after her arrival and once she is settled in and busy, it is best if you say good-bye. Allparents are asked to leave the units no later than 4:00 p.m. so that campers can begin their eveningactivities as a group. We encourage you to attend the Parent’s Meeting held at 4:15 p.m. in thedining hall. At this meeting, (30 minutes) you will meet the Camp Leadership Team, learn more aboutthe activities planned for the week and ask any additional questions that you may have. Dinner forthe campers will be served at 6:00 p.m. followed by a pool party and then a special evening activityand possibly a campfire (weather permitting).CHECK-OUTCheck-out will take place at the Program Center at Camp Iti Kana and the Great Hall (Dining Hall) atCamp Wahi. Check-out for 6 day sessions or longer and Wednesday through Friday SamplerCampers is Friday between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The camp gate will open at 5:00 pm.Check-out for Sunday through Tuesday 3 day sessions will be Tuesday between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pmat the Program Center at Camp Iti Kana and the Great Hall (Dining Hall) at Camp Wahi.We generally have an all-camp swim immediately before check-out. Campers climb out of the poolat 4:30 p.m. and will meet you in the common area near the dining hall or program center. Pictures,Award Sheets, weekly camp newsletter, medication and trading post change will all be ready forpick up no later than 5:00 p.m. Please be sure to sign your camper out with her counselor and claimher luggage before you leave camp. Unclaimed items are donated to charity after camp. Duringcheck-out a photo ID of the person picking up the camper is mandatory, even for parents. If aperson is not listed as an authorized pickup, parents will be contacted before the camper is released.LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY DEPARTURES

VISITORSSummer Resident camp is a wonderful opportunity for girls to experience independent living. Thereare no visitors during our three day and one week sessions because campers are busy and activeduring their time at camp. Any adult on the property at a time other than check-out and check-inmust stop at the Camp Office.CAMP PHONETo foster a sense of independence, campers do not use the telephone. After-hours voicemails forstaff will be returned the next business day. Calls are handled through the Camp Office duringregular business hours: Sunday from 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m., and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. -7:00 pm.CAMP MAILTo ensure timely delivery, leave mail for campers in the appropriately marked container duringcheck-in. Please include your camper’s name, the desired delivery date, and your camper’s unitname (assigned at check-in). If you are sending letter to campers through U.S. Mail, please allow 5business days for delivery.Camp Wahi Mailing AddressCamp WahiCamper’s NameUnit Name1593 Shiloh RdBrandon, MS 39402Camp Iti Kana Mailing AddressCamp Iti KanaCamper’s NameUnit Name11 Camp Iti Kana RdWiggins, MS 39577Packing for Camp• We play hard and get dirty. Do not send nice, new clothing or shoes to camp.• Label everything with your camper’s first initial and last name- the most commonly lost items atcamp are towels, socks, underwear, and water bottles• Pack complete outfits in re-sealable bags to help your camper stay organized and to makegetting ready in the morning easier as well as to help keep clothes cleaner.• As a basic rule of thumb, send one change of clothes (including socks and underwear) for eachday + one extra set.• Send the enclosed packing list to camp with your child so she may use it to help her pack forhome.• Check the expiration date on your sunscreen and bug spray (they do expire) and review how toproperly apply it with your camper.• Try packing your campers belongings in a duffle bag with handles or a plastic storage bin with a lid(bins work really well especially if your child is staying in tents). You will want to make sure it will slideunder the cots or into provided storage areas in the cabin (no more than 13 inches high). Foradded water resistance, put Duct Tape around the edges and lid of the tub to create a seal.• For shower articles, try a mesh bag with a drawstring or zipper so that items can dry quickly anddon’t get lost.• For laundry bags, make sure you send a bag that is breathable (trash bags encourage moldgrowth).• Pack extra socks to change during the day; walking across wet grass gets feet wet.• All articles must be secured inside a bag and all bags must be clearly labeled with camper’s firstand last name.• Bedrolls and sleeping bags need straps to fasten them into a roll and a bag to put them in (ifpossible).• Please let your camper help pack so that she will be familiar with what she has and where it islocated.

Packing List6-Day Resident Campers(3-Day Campers Adjust Accordingly)Clothing – please adjust quantities for 3-day campers___ 6 pr. shorts__ 2-3 sets of cotton pajamas /Light weight sleepwear___ 6 t-shirts (no bare shoulders)___ 1 modest swim suit (one piece or___ 2 pair of tennis shoestankini – no bikinis)OR___1 bandana___ 1 pair tennis shoes & 1pair all terrainsports sandals w/ covered toe andheel strap___ 1 pr flip flops / plastic shower shoes___ 6 pr. cotton socks___ 6 changes underwear / bras___ 1 hat with a brim___ 1 rain poncho___ 1 pr. long pants (more for horseunits)___ 1 light weight jacket, long sleeveshirt or sweatshirtCamper’s Gear___ Duffle bag or plastic “trunk” to fitunder camper’s bunk (13 inches)___ Sleeping bag or quilt to pad top ofbunk mattress___ 2 twin flat sheets___ 1 light weight blanket___ 1 pillow and pillow case___ mosquito netting (poles provided)-Wahi tent units - $14.99www.basspro.com___ flashlight w/ extra batteries & bulb___ daypack/backpack for carryingswim gear, flashlight, water bottle,etc.___ water bottle___ water proof sun block SPF30+___ non-aerosol insect repellent___ 2 bath towels___ 1 beach towel___ 1 nylon shower ball or 2 washcloths___ mesh laundry bag containing:unbreakable plate, bowl, cup, knife,fork and spoon (mess kit) for cookout night___ small plastic tote bucket w/ handlesor mesh zipper bag for shower gear___ laundry bag___ personal toiletries:• hair brush and comb• hair clips, barrettes, coveredrubber bands• tooth brush and toothpaste• shower cap• deodorant• shampoo• liquid body wash or soap• bath powder• tampons or pads, if needed

Optional items___ stuffed animal___ sunglasses___ throw rug___ camera___ small battery powered lantern___ pen, pencils, paper, journal___ pre-addressed, stamped envelopes/ postcards___favorite book or magazine (camp &age appropriate)___ card games, puzzle books, travelboard games___ hand-held battery poweredfan/sprayer comboElectronic DevicesCell phones - Campers are not allowed to have cell phones at camp. If you feel thatyou need to talk with your daughter, please call the camp office and we will have hercall you. If your daughter is sick, hurt or urgently needs to talk with you, we will call youand arrange a time for her to talk to you.Mp3s, Ipods, etc.. - if your camper is more comfortable using a personal electronicdevice to help them relax and prepare for sleep, they may bring it with them to camp.However, devices such as a Nintendo DS, iPods, MP3 Players, and CD players may onlybe used during Turtle Time and at Bed Time. Please note that outlets for recharging arelimited. GSGMS is not responsible for lost, stolen or broken devices.Horseback Riding Units___ 3-5 pair jeans or long pants or riding breeches/tights___ riding boots w/ heel – English short paddock boots or Western “cowboy” boots – notennis shoes, hiking boots, etc.Note: Proper boots are an important part of your camper’s riding experience. Theyprovide protection and traction needed to help ensure a safe ride. If this is yourcamper’s first horse experience, try to borrow boots or check your local thrift shops. Ifyou find that you must purchase English riding boots, go to www.statelinetack.com andlook for a short paddock boot. You can get a pair of lace up or zip up starter boots for$31.99 and they ship fast. (Most kids prefer the zip up for everyday use.)Sailing Units___ a tight, thin t-shirt (to be worn overswim suit as sun protection)___ sunglasses with a sport strap___ water shoes or old tennis shoes___ snug fitting Type III PFD withzipper/strap closure (if you do nothave this, one will beprovided for you)___ strong waterproof sun block___ sun block suitable for use on faceand lips___ ball cap or visor

Do Not Bring to Camp• pets• drugs• alcohol• tobacco productsHEALTH CARE• pocket knives or weapons of anykind• cell phones• expensive clothing or jewelry• gum, candy, snacks or foodResident Campers are required to have a record of a physical examination by alicensed physician within the last 24 months of their camp session dates. This means thatyou will need to complete the Camper Health History Form 2012 and have your doctorcomplete – Camper Health Care Recommendations Form 2. Campers without acompleted health exam form cannot stay at camp.A health care specialist is on duty all summer. Parents will be notified of any illness orinjury that requires a doctor’s care. Every effort is made to contact parents right away.In the event of an emergency, the camper will be treated. It is very important thatparents provided correct telephone numbers for emergency contacts. Any minorinjuries requiring preliminary first aid (such as scrapes and bruises) will be recorded anddiscussed with you during check-out.MEDICATIONS AT CAMPThe Health Care Specialist collects all prescription medications during check-in. Theyalso keep and dispense medications to campers and staff.NOTE: The Infirmary will have over the counter medications such as acetaminophen(Tylenol), ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, Benadryl, and Midol (or similar medications) in stock.You do not have to send these medications with your camper.All medications must be in the original container, prescribed for the camper, andinclude directions from her licensed physician. Parents must note on the health historyand examinations form that the camper is taking medication.MEDICATION HOLIDAYSSome doctors may recommend that your child take a “medication holiday” during thesummer, especially if they are on medications for ADD or ADHD. However “medicationvacations” can make your camper’s experience at summer camp less enjoyable andeven difficult for them. During their stay at summer camp, we encourage you to keepthem on their prescribed medications.EXTREME ALLERGIC REACTIONS AND INHALERSCampers with extreme allergic reactions must bring their treatment kit to camp and beable to self administer the medication. We recommend “EpiPen” automatic injectors,which are easy for children to use. Campers can carry their treatment kits, EpiPens, andother medications to treat these allergic reactions in their back packs or fanny packs orthe unit first aid kit. In addition to allergy treatment kits, campers can carry rescueinhalers in their back packs or unit first aid kits as well. Label both the medication andpack with the camper’s name.

Head LiceThe Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi requires campers to be completely lice and nitfree. We strongly urge parents to check your camper’s hair before bringing her tocamp, especially behind the ears and along the hairline at the neck. We examine allcampers for head lice during check-in. Children with evidence of lice must returnhome immediately. Campers may be re-admitted after treatment providing no lice ornits are present and all clothing, bedding, hairbrushes, etc., have been treated.If your Camper wets the bed . . .Parents should note on the health history and examination form if the camper suffersfrom enuresis (bed-wetting). Pack additional clothing, including underwear anddisposable absorbent underwear for nighttime use, as well as a rubber or plasticmattress cover and extra sheets and blankets. We do have laundry facilities on site thatwill be able to wash soiled clothes and bed clothes. Do not send a sleeping bag thatcannot fit into a normal sized washing machine.Drug & Alcohol useThe use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or the abuse ofprescription or non-prescription drugs by minors at Girl Scout sponsored functions isprohibited.HomesicknessHomesickness is a very real and natural emotion when anyone leaves a familiar familysurrounding. Counselors are trained to deal with homesick campers and help themadjust to camp. Campers are encouraged to try new activities and adjust to campduring the first 48 hours. In cases of extended homesickness, the Camp Director or amember of the Camp Leadership Team will contact parents to discuss steps to help thecamper.FacebookBe sure to check us out on Facebook! Search Camp Iti Kana Girl Scout Camp or CampWahi Girl Scout Camp. We will be update these sites with pictures from each session(pending photo release) so be sure to check during the week to see all the fantasticthings the campers are doing!

DIRECTIONSTo Camp Wahi:From US 49 N (Hattiesburg/Gulf Coast)1. From US-49N, turn right onto Star Rd2. In 12.2 miles, continue on College St.3. Turn right onto E Sunset Dr4. Turn Left on Louis Wilson Dr.5. Take first right on Shiloh Rd6. Camp Wahi will be on the leftFrom I-20 E1. Take Exit 56 to merge onto US-80 E/W Government St. towards Brandon2. In 1.5 miles turn right onto Louis Wilson Dr.3. After 0.4 miles, take 3rd left onto Shiloh Road4. Camp Wahi will be on the left.To Camp Iti Kana:From US 49 SFrom US 49 N1. Turn right on MS-13N2. Turn left on Camp Iti Kana Rd (there is a sign on the right side of the roadwhere you turn).1. Turn left across the interstate to reach MS-13N2. Turn left on Camp Iti Kana Rd (there is a sign on the right side of the roadwhere you turn).SEE YOU AT CAMP!!!!!

All About Your CamperParent Please Complete This SideCamper’s Name: ________________________________________________________Dates/Session Week(s) attending Camp______________________________________Age: _______Grade Entering in the Fall: ________We want to know anything about your child that will help us make sure she has a greatexperience at Camp.Describe your child’s experience away from home (i.e.: How often has she stayed away fromhome, for how long, with whom, etc.). Please include previous camp experience if any.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How would you describe her personality? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________How does she feel about coming to camp? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What would you like the camp staff to be aware of as they work with your daughter?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Do you, as parents or guardians, have any concerns regarding camp? ______ Yes ______NoIf so, what are they? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What do you want most out of camp for your daughter? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________OVER

It’s All About You!Camper Please Complete This SideCamper’s Name: ________________________________________________________Dates/Session Week(s) attending Camp______________________________________Age: _______Grade Entering in the Fall: ________Please spend a few moments and answer these questions for your future counselors. Parentsare asked to fill this out with younger campers.Tell us what is special about you! ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________What 3 things are you looking forward to doing at camp?1. _______________________________________________________________________2. _______________________________________________________________________3. _______________________________________________________________________How do you feel about coming to camp? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________You won’t meet your counselors until you get to camp. But if you could ask them a questionnow-what would it be? _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Because we would like to know you better, is there anything else you would like to share?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Thanks for taking the time to fill this out!See you this summer!