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Absentees and No Shows
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If your camper will arrive late to camp,
please notify the camp office before opening day. If a camper does not show up at camp by 4:00 p.m.
on opening day, camp staff will call the primary contact, secondary contact and emergency contact
(in that order) listed on the camper's Health Information Form to determine the camper's whereabouts.
We will continue trying until we reach someone and determine the cause of the no show.
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Accommodations
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Camp Shady Brook includes cabins with bunks
and mattresses as well as tent platforms with bunks and mattresses. Your child will be in either
a cabin or a tent platform.
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What to Do before Camp Begins |
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At least two weeks prior to your camper's
first day of camp all fees must be paid in full and the enclosed forms completed and returned
(these forms include the Health History Form, Pre-Camp Information Form, Insurance /
Photo Release Form, Pick-up Authorization Form, Trips Form, and Authorization Form).
This can be done at the Garden Ranch YMCA or by mail to the Camp Shady Brook office at
2380 Montebello Drive West, Colorado Springs, CO 80918. If you have any questions about your account,
please call the camp office at (719) 532-1539.
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Camper Behavioral Problems
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On occasion, campers have serious behavioral
problems at camp. It is our policy to consult with parents on strategies for dealing with such
situations. When the welfare of the camper, other campers, Camp property or Camp equipment is
jeopardized, parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified to pick up the camper from camp
at their expense. Under no circumstances will a child be removed from camp without the consultation
and permission of the parent or guardian. Registration fees will be forfeited.
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Birthdays
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Being at camp during a birthday can be
a lot of fun. We like to bake a cake for the cabin, serve a meal on a special wooden platter and
sing a song in the dining hall. You may tell the staff on opening day, call the camp office,
or fax the request prior to the special day. If you would like us to deliver a gift, you can
give it to the Program Coordinator on opening day. We are happy to help!
please call the camp office at (719) 532-1539.
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Check In
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Check-in times are listed above.
Times are staggered to relieve congestion in the check in and parking areas.
Please try to adhere to the schedule above. When you arrive at camp, visit the check-in table
located outside the Dining Hall (inside if raining.) Please plan to accompany your camper to his
or her cabin, to meet the counselor, and to ask any questions you might have.
All parents must check in with the Camp Nurse to review health forms, turn in medications,
and provide the Camp Nurse with any additional instructions or information. We also encourage
all campers to check in at the Trading Post to deposit camp bank account money, purchase items,
or check on the availability of trail rides
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Check Out (Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)
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Friday Night Checkout
On June 30, July 14, July 21
and August 4, the Drama and Dance Camp will perform for campers and
parents. Plan to join us for dinner at 6:00 P.M. and enjoy the
presentation.
Saturday morning checkout is
between 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Please be prompt.
You must formally "check out" at the Trading Post before departing camp. Campers will not be
permitted to depart camp with anyone other than their parent or legal guardian unless they have
prepaid and arranged "Y" transportation, or they have a Pick-up Authorization Form from their parent
with a designated adult. Please take care of this detail at the time that you check your camper in.
If you turned in medications to the nurse on opening day, please collect any unused medications from
the nurse when you check out. All medications not picked up from the nurse will be disposed of.
Your last stop before departing camp should be at our "found" box, to look for those items that
have been "lost" during the camp session.
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The "C" in YMCA
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Christian principles guide decision-making
and provide the leadership training and philosophy behind Camp Shady Brook and the YMCA of the
Pikes Peak Region. Outward signs include ecumenical Sunday services and grace before every meal.
People of all faiths and religions are welcome at Shady Brook.
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Clothing and Personal Belongings
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Please be sure to mark all belongings sent
to camp with your camper's name. Since campers spend the majority of their time outside,
please send clothing that is not expensive or new. All items on the clothing list included in the
handbook are important at Camp, especially rain gear, warm jackets or sweatshirts, and items
listed for special programs.
Lost and found items will be held at Camp Shady Brook until August 26, 2000, after which they will
be given to charity.
Camp Shady Brook cannot be responsible for any lost, misplaced or stolen possessions.
For this reason, please do not send valuables or sentimental items to camp. Please see the clothing
and equipment list in the handbook for suggestions.
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Communicable Diseases
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Children with communicable diseases will
not be allowed to attend until they are free of the disease, or until such time as it is no longer
contagious, as determined by a doctor. Parents should exercise consideration when deciding whether
to bring their children in for care when not well. Parents will be notified when their children
have been exposed to a communicable disease. Parents must inform the director when their child has
been exposed to a communicable disease outside of our center. We reserve the right to send your
child home and / or to exclude them from attendance until they have a physician's notice of health.
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How to get to Camp Shady brook
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From Colorado Springs
Follow U.S. Highway 24 west to Woodland Park. At Woodland Park, turn north on State Highway 67.
Continue on Highway 67 for 23 miles to Deckers. At Deckers, take a hard left over the bridge onto
South Y Camp Road, which is a dirt road. Continue on the dirt road for 2 miles into the camp
parking lot. The approximate driving time is 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs.
From Denver
Follow U.S. Highway 285 west approximately 6 miles out of Conifer to the Junction of Route 126.
Turn south (left) on Route 126. Continue on Route 126 through Pine and Buffalo Creek to Deckers.
At the stop sign in Deckers, make a hard right over the bridge onto South Y Camp Road, which is a
dirt road. Continue on the dirt road for 2 miles into the camp parking lot. The approximate driving
time is 1 1/2 hours from southwest Denver.
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Do Not Send
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Please do not send your camper to Camp
with radios of any kind, electronic games, toys, hair dryers, curling irons, pagers, cellular phones,
or valuables. Part of the camp experience is to be away from some of the conveniences usually found
at home. If such items are sent, we will collect them, label them with a name and store them in
the camp office. They will be returned to the camper on the last day of Camp. Do not send any
fireworks, guns, knives or laser pointers.
Communicating care, support, and concern to your camper is very important; however, please do
not send any snacks or food items to camp. We serve well-balanced, nutritious meals, and we have
snacks available for purchase in our Trading Post. Food items in the cabin encourage unwanted
animal guests and can be a source of conflict and hurt feelings.
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Enrollment
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Ways to Register
Please have forms properly completed before you drop them off. We encourage questions,
and we ask that you either call or stop by our winter office at the Garden Ranch Center,
Monday through Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thank you.
Mail: Camp Shady Brook Registration, P.O. Box
1694, Colorado Springs, CO 80901.
Phone: (719) 532-1539.
Fax: Please include a cover letter: (719) 593-2200.
Walk-in: Complete registration forms can be dropped off at the front desk of either of
the following two locations:
- Garden Ranch YMCA, 2380 Montebello Drive West
- Downtown YMCA, 207 North Nevada
- Briargate YMCA, 4025 Family Place
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Advice for Parent(s), Guardian(s) of First Year Campers
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Sometimes the most difficult decision
about a child attending camp is not whether the child wants to go, but whether mom and dad
can be away from the child for a whole week!
Here are a few suggestions from previous first year parents:
1. Feel free to visit camp before your child's session. Please call in advance
to arrange this.
2. Contact the Shady Brook office if you have any questions, and talk with
other camp parents in your area.
3. Send a letter from home shortly after camp starts to let your camper know
everything is okay. Some parents have sent letters before the child leaves
home so that it's waiting at camp when they arrive.
4. Parents miss their children too, but try not to make this the emphasis of
your letters to the camper. They will be happy to know how proud you are
of them as they set off on this new adventure, but it may sadden them to
know how much the dog misses them!
5. Welcome your camper's new friends and have confidence in their judgment. Encourage your camper
to pursue interests and skills he/she picked up at camp. Many activities can be continued at your
local YMCA or in other YMCA programs.
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Creative Food and Vegetarian Alternatives
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Shady Brook believes that camp food
is an important part of the camping experience. The menu plan is a lot of fun and the campers
tell us that it tastes great! A wide variety of foods will be served, as well as vegetarian
alternatives at every meal.
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No Ghost Stories
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At Camp Shady Brook we believe that every aspect
of our program has a purpose. Shady Brook has a strict policy that no camp staff member or
counselor is permitted to tell ghost stories.
During staff orientation professional storytellers teach our staff positive and fun stories that
reflect a healthy experience for all.
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High Altitude
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Just a reminder: Camp Shady Brook is
at an altitude of 8600 feet. Children adjust more readily to altitude than adults; however,
campers whose homes are at significantly lower elevations may notice some symptoms that
accompany adjusting to a higher altitude.
These symptoms may include breathlessness, fatigue, gas, and an increased need for rest. One of the
best ways to aid in adjustment is to drink lots of water! Our Camp Nurse, as well as the rest of
our staff, is prepared to help campers with their adjustment to altitude.
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Illness/Accidents
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In the case of serious illness or
injury, the Camp Nurse or Camp Director will notify parent(s) or guardian(s). It is camp
policy not to keep sick campers in the health center for more than two days.
In case of minor illness or injury, the Camp Nurse will care for campers..
In the event of extended illness, the parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified and arrangements
will be made to send the camper home..
If necessary, campers will be taken to the Langstaff-Brown Medical Center in Woodland Park.
The camp staff will make every effort to contact the camper's parent(s) or guardian(s) in this event..
It is also our policy to refund camp fees (on a prorated basis) to any camper who becomes ill
and is returned home for care.
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Insurance
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The YMCA carries secondary accident
/ illness insurance coverage for campers while attending Camp. The camper's family's policy
is the camper's primary insurance coverage during his/her stay.
In the event that we must secure emergency medical assistance for a camper, the camper's parent
or guardian will be listed as the responsible party. Any medications or physician's fees will
also become the parent's responsibility. Every effort will be made to contact parent(s) or
guardian(s) in such situations.
Please sign and return the insurance form included in this site.
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Intoxicated Parent Pick-up
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For the safety of the children,
the YMCA has established a procedure in the event of anyone attempting to pick up campers
while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If a staff person suspects intoxication, they will strongly encourage that someone else should
pick up the child. If the individual insists on leaving with the child, the staff will contact
law enforcement and advise them of the situation.
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Mail
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Cheery letters from home are always
welcome!
Please send mail
to:
Camper's Name
Name of cabin (if known)
Camp Shady Brook
8716 South Y Camp Road
Sedalia, CO 80135.
We encourage campers to write home at least once during their stay at camp. You can facilitate
this process by providing younger campers with pre-addressed envelopes and stationary.
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Medical Holidays
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We strongly discourage parents whose
children are on medication throughout the year from putting them on a medical holiday while
at camp.
It is not always in the child's best interest to take a week off from his/her medication; however,
we will be as accommodating as possible with a physician's recommendation.
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Medications
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All medications must be sent in their
original container with their original pharmacy label. Exact directions for administering the
medicine along with the time that it should be taken should be given to the nurse.
All medications, prescription and over the counter, must be turned in to the staff person on duty
by the parent or guardian. Please note that Colorado State law requires that we have written
permission from the child's physician to dispense over the counter as well as prescription
medications.
Medications will be stored in a locked container in the health center, and those not picked up
at check out will be disposed of.
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Payments
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Monthly Payment
Options:
We accept cash, check, money order or credit card. If necessary, we can arrange to spread out
your payments and bill you monthly. A $30 service fee is added to any returned checks.
Questions? Call us today at (719) 532-1539 to talk with any of our camp staff. We are available
at the office Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Discounts
Available
Alumni Discount: $5 if your child is a returning camper from a previous year.
Sibling Discount: $15 per child.
Are Camperships
Available?
Yes! At Shady Brook we strongly believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience
the adventure that camp offers regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, physical
challenge or financial ability. Each year we are devoted to helping as many campers as possible.
Through our annual YMCA Partners Campaign, YMCA Boosters and your help, camperships are available
to those families who need a little extra help. To receive a campership application form, please
call our office at (719) 532-1539, and we will send you an application immediately. Camperships
are approved only when written applications are submitted. Please apply early, as funds are limited.
New Refund Policy
Due to the number of kids on the waiting list we have redefined our refund policy.
Camper Fees
Should your camper be unable to attend Camp, please notify the Shady Brook office at least two
weeks prior to the session. In order to receive a refund you will need to notify the camp office
at least two weeks prior to the week your child is coming to camp. A refund will be issued to you
less the $50 non-refundable deposit.
If cancellation is due to illness and is less than two weeks prior to camp a refund will be given
with a Doctor's notice. Campers who must leave Camp for medical reasons will be mailed a prorated
refund. NO refunds will be given to campers choosing to attend late, depart early or those who are
sent home for behavioral problems.
Camp Bank Account
Unspent Trading Post deposits will be returned to the camper on the last day of Camp. If the balance
is over $15.00, a refund check will be mailed. A full accounting of how camp bank monies were spent
will be included with the camper's refund.
Cancellation of
Transportation
If you need to cancel transportation services, you must do so two weeks prior to your camper's
first session of Camp. Failing to do so will result in a loss of 100% of the cost. Since we have
a waiting list for this service your adherence to the 2-week prior policy will allow another camper
to take advantage of these options. These refund policies will be enforced due to the number of
children on the waiting list. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
Inclement weather
The YMCA Camp Shady Brook reserves the right to change activities due to inclement weather or
unusual circumstances.
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Physical Exam
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The Health Information Form included
with this handbook must be completed and returned to the Shady Brook office at least 2 weeks
prior to your camper's first day of camp. Colorado Department of Human Services requires that
for every camper we have on file a current, signed physical form.
Your physician must sign the form provided, or you must provide a copy of a physical completed
within the 12 months prior to your camper's first day of Camp. The medical history portion of the
form must also be completed.
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Post-Camp Expectations
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Camper growth is often evidenced by
new patterns of behavior. These might include picking up one's belongings (all campers are
expected to help with cabin clean up each morning), helping to set the table (they will all
have their turn in our dining hall), singing camp songs, and maintaining the friendships
made at Camp.
Most campers also return home tired, requiring more rest than usual for a few days as they
"slow down" from the active pace of Camp. This is the greatest benefit of Camp.
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Safety First and Emergency Procedures
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Shady Brook has an experienced
Registered Nurse on site. A designated doctor in Woodland Park is on call 24 hours a day.
Shady Brook's full time professional camp staff has been certified in a Wilderness First
Responder course and all are members of the local Volunteer Fire Department.
There is a designated emergency vehicle on site at all times. Langstaff Brown Hospital, a full
service facility, is located 25 minutes east of Shady Brook.
Shady Brook adheres to the high quality standards of the American Camping Association and is
accredited by a team of American Camping Association professionals. If you are interested in
reviewing our Emergency Procedures, you may have a copy mailed to you at your request.
We encourage you to ask questions at any time. Your camper's safety is always our deepest concern.
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Special Needs
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All campers are required to take a
swim test to determine their ability. Campers opting not to take a swim test will be assigned
to the shallow swimming area.
Activities at the waterfront are under the supervision of trained, certified staff. Activities which
campers are allowed to participate in are based on their swimming ability, and as an added measure
of safety all campers are required to wear a PFD life jacket when boating.
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Swimming and Boating
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All campers are required to take a
swim test to determine their ability. Campers opting not to take a swim test will be assigned
to the shallow swimming area.
Activities at the waterfront are under the supervision of trained, certified staff. Activities
which campers are allowed to participate in are based on their swimming ability, and as an added
measure of safety all campers are required to wear a PFD life jacket when boating.
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Telephone Use
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In general, campers are not permitted
use of the Camp telephone. For those on an extended stay, periodic telephone privileges can be
arranged.
If you should need to contact your camper for emergency circumstances, please do so through the Camp
Director or Camp office. To call camp directly dial (303) 647-2313.
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Trading Post
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During their stay, campers may purchase
snacks, T-shirts, toiletries, souvenirs, stamps, and other miscellaneous items at the Trading
Post using a camp bank "account." We recommend $15.00 to $20.00 per week be deposited in your
camper's account when you check in on opening day.
Items campers purchase will be deducted from their account, and any balance will be refunded on
closing day. Campers with a balance of $15.00 or less will generally receive a cash refund. Refunds
over $15.00 may be refunded in cash if it is available, but if enough cash is not available,
you will receive your refund by mail within three weeks.
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Transportation
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Transportation to and from Colorado
Springs is available to campers at an additional cost of $30.00 round trip or $15.00 one-way.
Reservations and payment are required in advance. Reservations are limited to the first 28
campers.
Our busses and vans depart the YMCA Garden Ranch Center, located at 2380 Montebello Drive West,
at 2:00 p.m. every Sunday, and return to the YMCA Garden Ranch Center at approximately 12:00 p.m.
on Saturday. Departing campers should be at the YMCA by at least 1:45 p.m. and should eat lunch
prior to the trip. The bus or vans pick up behind the building in the parking lot area. Adult
staff will supervise each trip.
Should you have special instructions for the Camp Nurse, camp bank account money, or items to
bring to the Camp Director's attention, please place these in an envelope. Mark the envelope with
your camper's name and give it to the bus or van driver before departure.
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A Day at Camp Shady Brook
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Morning
7:00 Wake Up Bell
7:45 Waiter bell / Meet at Dining Hall
8:00 Breakfast
*9:00 First Discovery Period
10:00 2nd Discovery Period
11:10 First Cabin Period
*Discovery is the time when a camper can choose various traditional program areas lead by our
certified and trained program staff members. These include:
Environmental Arts & Crafts
Sports
Nature
Boating
Riflery
Archery
Music
Journalism
Soccer
Each area is designed for the various campers' abilities and can always progress to higher levels.
Afternoon
12:15 Waiter Bell / Meet at Dining Hall
12:30 Lunch
1: 15 Siesta Time
2:15 Second Cabin Period
3:30 Third Cabin Period
4:30 Recreational Time / Free Swim
Evening
5:15 Waiter Bell / Meet at Dining Hall
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Evening Activity, Snack
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Unauthorized Pick-up
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In the event that an unauthorized person
attempts to pick up your child, we will not release the child unless we have obtained a signed
Pick-up Authorization Form. It must be signed by parent(s) or guardian(s) designating a
different pick-up person and requiring verification of individual's identification.
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Visitors During Camp
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We believe Camp provides an opportunity
for children to acquire independence and confidence through their achievement in a new
environment. We ask that parent(s), guardian(s), and relatives refrain from visiting campers
during their stay.
Please do take advantage of opening day (Sunday) to check in your camper, tour the camp, see your
camper's cabin, and meet the staff. During the summer months, we have no facilities for overnight
guests.
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We at Camp Shadybrook are excited that you are
interested in our summer programs for your child(ren)!
