Can my child bunk with a friend?
Sure! Most campers come to camp by themselves and quickly make new friends - it's one of the best parts about camp! However, we are able to accommodate bunking request so long as the campers are within the same age range: Ages 7-9, 10-12, 13-15. Outside of these grouings campers sometimes participate in age-specific activities and have differing bed times so it isn't possible to honor bunking requests.
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. 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.
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?
If you need to pick up your child early, you are welcome to do so. Please contact the office (978) 448 5763 or email office@grotonwood.org as soon as possible with the time so that we can have your camper packed and ready for you.
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 medicalprovider 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.