Can my child bunk with a friend?
Sure! Whilst most campers attend by themselves and quickly make new friends (typically in less than an afternoon!), we are able to accomodate bunking requests. Campers must be the same gender and within the same age range. We bunk campers according to the following age groups:7-10, 11-13, 14-17.
Outside of these cabin groups, campers sometimes participate in age-specific activities and will have differing bed times so it isn't always possible to honor bunking requests.
Homesickness
The camp Director will contact you in the event of emergency, ill-health or homesickness that is beyond the scope of our team's ability to handle.
We ask that you kindly refrain from calling the camp office for regular updates. If you wish to communicate with your camper, consider sending a letter, care package (no food) or an email (one email per day) to office@grotonwood.org.
If you anticipate your child may have homesickness please start previewing camp with them well before check in day. Some great practical steps you can take are:
Participate in multiple sleepovers at friends houses to foster a sense of independence and self-confidence
Parent's should talk excitedly and positively about the experience. This can include all the great camp activities, camp food, spending time in the cabin with friends, our awesome waterfront and the camp store
As you research camps that align with their interests and hobbies include them in the decision making process - this will add value and ownership over the experience
Get them excited about packing their bag - have a packing party, with snacks…make it awesome! Remember to pack bedding and toiletries as these items are not provided. To pack like a por, click here
Tour the camp: we offer virtual and in person options.
Click here for the virtual option.
In-person tours are available Monday to Thursday from 8am to 5pm, and Fridays from 8am to 2pm. Call 978 448 5763 or email office@grotonwood.org to schedule.
Visit camp during Open House, enjoy warm hospitality, particiapte in activities and chat to other parents / campers / camp director and staff!
Note: During drop off, consider giving the unit leader or registrar five card or notes (one for each day of camp). Notes can include some encouraging words or affirmations, news from home, jokes and riddles. Our staff will give them to your camper as directed by you. This can often give kids a great boost (alternatively, email your child once per day: office@grotonwood.org)
Pictures and comfort items: Pack family or pet pictures, a comfort item or stuffy from home
*Please refrain from calling the camp office for regular updates. Families are welcome to email office@grotonwood.org once per day. We will print and share the email with your camper. *
When is check in and check out, and what does the process look like?
Check in is on Sunday from 2:00-4:00pm // check out is friday from 4:00 to 4:30pm.
We operate a drive thru style check in and check out procedure in our Main Parking Lot whereby campers are signed in to camp by the registrar and parents check medications in with the camp nurse. Campers are then shuttled down to their cabin by Golf Cart where their counselor and other campers will be waiting to welcome them and help thme get acclimated.
Families say their goodbyes in the main Parking Lot. Caregivers wanting to view the accommodation are welcome to book in for a tour prior to June 1st.
*Kindly note that we are unable to faciliate tours on in-take days.
Please call the camp office to book in for a tour or consider joining us for Open House where you can check out the facilities at your own leisure.*
What is your mobile phone policy?
Phones are not allowed at camp. We ask that you personally check your child’s luggage and backpack prior to them leaving for camp to ensure that only camp appropriate items are included. No phones, electronic games, trading cards, valuables or pets are allowed in camp. We provide all the necessary equipment for camp activities.
The possession of alcohol, drugs and weapons are prohibited on the camp property.
Phones found in cabins will be confiscated and held at the camp office and returned to the parent at check out.
How do you handle medications at camp?
Over the past few years, we have observed a marked increase in the number of medication (meds) administered by our Health Center staff. We have moved away from accepting conventional pill bottles and request that where possible all prescription medications come to camp in multidose packaging.
To learn more about our medication policies, incluing multi-dose bliter packs, please click here.
What do you do on rainy days?
We are in New England so we always keep this very real possibility in mind. Our Program Team have specific activities for rainy days, like garbageball, Lazer tag, Thunder-Dome, Rock-Climbing, segway-relays, Just Dance, Bingo, Talent Shows, kickball, climbing wall, obtain the orbs, indoor Archery, karaoke and crafts. Rain doesn't ever stop the fun!!
Explain the swim test and what happen if my camper doesn't pass?
The swim test is very simple. Campers will complete the following:
- Jump feet first into deep water from the dock, recover to the surface, maintain position by treading water or floating for 1 minute, rotate one full turn
- Swim front crawl and/or elementary backstroke for 25 yards change position and direction at buoy line and:
- Swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards back to entry point
- Exit the water using the dock ladder.
- Swimmer must show the ability to follow the instructions of the lifeguard. Lifeguards test for safety not competency meaning campers do not have to show proficiency with their strokes.
Our swim level identification is:
● Swimmer - Blue wrist bands - can swim in all areas of the beach
● At Risk Swimmer - Yellow wrist band - can swim in all areas of the beach and must wear a PFD
● Non Swimmer - No wrist band - can swim in the paddle zone with a PFD.
If the camper doesn’t pass the swim test, Don’t worry! They can try again another time. Campers are not required to swim test. they are able to stick to the paddle zone with a PFD on instead.
***Note: All Swim tests will be given on Monday. If a camper chooses NOT to take the swim test on Monday, they will need to make arrangements with the Aquatics Director to take the test at another time; OR, plan to stay in the paddle zone for the week and wear PFD.
Can I pick up my child early?
Earlly pick ups mut be requested ideally at check in. If you need to pick your child up early, please contact the office (978) 448 5763 or email office@grotonwood.org as soon as possible with the day and time so that we can have your camper packed and ready.
How are camp groups and cabin groups formed?
Our camper groups and cabin groups are usually formed by age, however, most activities such as meals, swim time, chapel, and evening activities are facilitated as a whole group.
We always try to make sure our overnight campers spend as much time as possible interacting with each other and making new friends.
Campers are usualy grouped in the following cohorts:
- ages 7-9
- ages 10-12
- ages 13-16
Can we schedule a tour before we sign up?
Absolutely! We are happy to schedule tours and to answer any questions you might have. To schedule a tour, please call the camp office (978) 448 5763 or email office@grotonwood.org. We also have a virtual tour option that you can view in the comfort of your own home. Simply click on the link below to get started.
Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7PRJL?fs=1&info=0&initload=0&logo=0&sd=1&thumbs=1&vr=1
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
If your child is sick and cannot attend camp, please contact the camp office on 978 448 5763 as soon as possible so that we can notify the Unit Leader. As per our Terms and Conditions, a refund is issued on receipt of a note from a medical provider confirming the reason the child is unable to attend camp.
No refunds are given if the family decides not to send the child to camp for non-medical reasons, or, the child is sent home for behavioral issues.
to learn more about our Payment & Refund Policy Click on the link: https://grotonwood.org/youth-payment-refund-policy
How do you handle dietary restrictions and picky eaters?
We serve kid friendly meals (think pizza, cook out, mac n cheese etc). During the enrollment process, you will provide us with information about your camper’s food restrictions and any allergies.
We are a nut free kitchen and our team will take care of preparing appropriate meals. We typically offer gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian or vegan options. We have a salad bar with many protein, fruit and veggie option and a sandwich is always available. You are also welcome to prepare meals from home for your child to reheat each day. These should be handed to the medical team at Check In and should be labeled with your child's name and the content.
How can I prepare my child for a great time at camp?
Our goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and positive environment that models Christian community for all campers. We find that our campers are most successful when they know what to expect. You can help your camper prepare by going over these Camper expectations below before they arrive at camp. Something that can help is to watch our videos to get an idea about our program and activities. Check here for our playlist!
Camper Expectations and Guidelines
If you anticipate your child may suffer with homesickness please start previewing camp with them in advance of check in day. Some great practical steps you can take are:
- Participate in multiple sleepovers at friends houses in the build up to camp.
- Tour the camp prior to drop off.
- Visit camp during Open House and chat to other parents / campers / camp director and staff
- Get them excited about packing their own bag - have a packing party, make it awesome!
- Pack family or pet pictures, a comfort item or stuffy from home in their luggage.
- At drop off, give the unit leader or registrar a card or note for each day of camp that has some encouraging words or affirmations on it. They will give them as dictated by you, and this can often give them a great boost.
- Email office@grotonwood.org once per day with an update from home
What does a typical day look like at camp?
Most overnight campers can expect to keep to a similar daily schedule:
7:00am Rise and shine
8:15am Breakfast
9:30am Worship & message time in the Chapel
11:00am Camp Store
12:30pm Lunch-time
1:30-3:00pm Activity rotations
3:30pm Swim Time
5:45pm Dinner
6:45pm Evening Activity
8:15pm Vespers (evening reflections)
9:30pm Bedtime routines & Lights Out
Will camp contact me in the event of an emergency?
Of course! Your camper's safety is our first priority. Our staff are trained in emergency preparedness for many different situations, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, fires, incidents on- and off-site, and more. It's important to keep in mind that during an emergent event, our staff are typically busy making sure that everyone is safe. This means that answering phone calls is given second priority as it’s best to leave phone lines open for us to contact emergency services as needed.
The best way to get information is to check for updates on our website and social media. We do our best to keep things up-to-date. Additionally, our leadership team, and on-site nurses are here to contact parents and guardians in the event of a medical incident. We will NOT call families with regular updates.