FAQs
Every effort is made at Camp Glorieta to meet the needs of each camper. You can help your son by understanding that there may be an adjustment period when he first arrives. This is completely natural, especially if it is the first time away from home. Because many of our camper families live a long distance from camp, there is no visitation for our two week campers. If your child is a four week camper, you are welcome to come and visit them during the break. We will have a full schedule of activities during the break, but will accommodate your visit if you call ahead and let us know you are coming. Please plan on coming either on Friday or Saturday of the break, and not on Sunday of the next opening day.
Part of the experience of being at camp is learning to be self-sufficient away from home. We will not allow campers to initiate routine phone calls home during their stay, unless there is an emergency, or unless they wish to stay longer. We strongly recommend that you don’t call your son during the camp session. If you feel it necessary to speak to your child by phone YOU WILL NEED TO CALL and leave a message to call home, or, if your child is readily available, he will be paged to the phone. We ask that you allow 5 days before calling your child, to give him time to get used to being away from home. When the camper uses the phone, his counselor will be available in case you would like to speak with him.
How should I address my letters to him?
Mail should be addressed to:
Boy's NameCamp Glorieta for Boys
PO Box 5
Glorieta, NM 87535
Cheerful letters from home mean a lot to campers, especially if it is their first time away from home. Please do not make your letters sound like you are sad or that his dog is missing him greatly, as this can add to homesick feelings your child might have.
What is a "care package" and do we need to send one?
Care packages are often a controversial item. Some parents love to send them, but some feel that they should not be sent. Should you decide to send one to your child, please use discretion in what you send. Food items in large quantities are not a good idea. In accordance with health regulations, food items cannot be kept in the cabin, so please send small amounts and ask your son to share with his friends. Food items will be distributed when they arrive. Much better items to send would include books, magazines, puzzles, small toys or games, etc.
If this is your son's first summer away from home, you will probably have some reservations. Sometimes the first day or two at camp will be difficult for both son and parents. Actually, we experience very little real homesickness. Most of these problems stem from being in a new environment and being unsure of what will happen. This is a temporary situation, and clears up as soon he discovers the excitement of the camp activities. Please help your child and the camp by understanding this early adjustment period and any unfavorable remarks he makes in his initial letters. Give him time to adjust.
If you receive a letter from your child with homesickness signals, remember that letter writing usually takes place during rest hour and the camper's thoughts naturally return to you and home during those quiet times. Try to bring your own separation feelings into proper perspective, and then sit down and write your child an encouraging response. Avoid phrases such as "we miss you" or detailed accounts of what siblings and the family are doing. Ask about camp activities, counselors, etc., and set a positive, encouraging tone. Express your confidence in their ability to cope and that camp is there to assist. The camp administration is always ready to help you if you have concerns. The camp phone number is 866.794.CAMP, and the Director will be available for consultations.
The best preparation for homesickness is a positive family attitude about camp, discussions about what to expect at camp, and gentle encouragement that missing home is "ok". Please don’t tell your child that if they get homesick, you will come and get them. This invariably sets the child up for failure, if they know this “out” is available to them. This preparation beforehand will usually suffice to give your child the tools needed to make the camp transition a valuable growth experience.
Does he need extra spending money?
Campers do not need extra money while at camp, but they may want it. When campers take trips to various attractions in the area, the camp pays for the attraction and meals. Some of our campers prefer to have a small amount of spending money for snacks, souvenirs, etc. If you wish for your child to have extra money, this is between you and him, and we will be glad to hold that money in the office for him. We do not recommend that the camper have extra money in the cabin, and we cannot be held responsible if that money is found missing. Therefore, extra money is not necessary, but it is your decision whether or not to provide it.
What type of rules and regulations do you have?
We try to have as few rules as possible at camp, holding fast to the idea that if we accentuate the positive, we'll eliminate the negative. However, the absolute safety of each boy must be assured within an environment that is wholesome and Christian. Our staff are trained to deal with discipline situations. For younger campers, we may give a “time out” or an extra work duty in the cabin. For older campers, there may be a privilege taken away, or extra work in the cabin, or another area of camp. If the misbehavior is serious, we will contact the parents. The use of cigarettes, alcohol, non-prescription drugs, or indecent/profane language is absolutely prohibited. Fireworks are dangerous and illegal in New Mexico, and therefore are not permitted. Harming another camper (hitting, kicking, making derogatory remarks or demeaning comments) will also not be tolerated. The breaking of any of these rules is considered a serious offense, and parents will be notified. There is a distinct possibility that a child will be sent home for committing these offenses. There will be no refund given for remaining time in a session if a child is sent home. If a child’s behavior affects a cabin such that they are causing a negative experience for the other campers in the cabin, we will probably send the child home as well. This does not happen often, but it does happen.
Can we bring him to camp earlier or depart later than the specified date?
Please do not plan to have your son arrive early or stay late. We are not prepared to give campers the attention necessary because of staff time-off, pre-session meetings, and work assignments prior to the opening of a session. Under extreme circumstances we will consider an early arrival or late departure. There will be a $100.00 per day charge for early arrivals and late departures.
What kind of camping equipment will he need?
Each camper should have a sleeping bag. He may also want to have an inexpensive backpack to pack his gear for overnight camping. The camp has some backpacks that campers can use. However, it is best if campers have their own equipment. A relatively inexpensive backpack can be purchased at stores such as Wal-Mart or Target. The boys will have an overnight camp out at least once a week. It is a good idea for them to also bring along an inexpensive canteen or water bottle to assure enough water on the trip.
Is my child covered under camp insurance?
Your child is covered under camp insurance for any accident or injury that occurs while in our care, up to the limit of our policy. In the unlikely event that the total amount would be more than this, your insurance will be responsible for the remainder of the bill. Illnesses are not covered under camp insurance. Your own insurance should provide for this.
Will you call me if my child gets sick at camp?
We have two RN’s at camp that will take good care of your child should medical attention be needed while at camp. For minor cuts, bruises, and scrapes, we will not be contacting you. In the event that your child spends the night in the infirmary, or is taken to the doctor, we will call you and let you know.
What if my child has medications to bring to camp?
If your child has prescription drugs that he needs to take while at camp, they will be given to the nurses on opening day, and your child will receive his dose as prescribed. Since many children are on important medication, and the nurses have a tremendous load to get all medications delivered, we ask this helpful favor from you: If your child normally takes vitamins or herbal medicines during the year, please do not bring them to camp unless it is absolutely necessary. Vitamins and herbal medicines can not be kept with the child in the cabin. Most children can do without non-prescription medications for a two or four week period. This will give our nurses the opportunity to concentrate on giving out prescription medication to our campers that need it. Also, we have the normal over-the-counter medications (Aspirin, Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol, etc.) in our infirmary that we can give your child if needed. Please do not send over-the counter medications with your child. Also, if your child takes Ritalin or similar medication during the year, and you are considering a “drug holiday” for the summer, please reconsider. We have found that a camper usually does best if the medication is continued while at camp.
Other Questions
Of course, we cannot anticipate every question that you might think of in this short guide. If we have not covered a question that you need the answer for, please call our camp office at 866.794.CAMP. We look forward to having your child with us this coming summer.
