Camp Lawrence FAQs
FAQs and Responses from the Camp Directors.
NOTE: Generally, YMCA and Camping Services policies apply to both camps. Where camp policy applies, we've supplied separate answers from the Camp Directors: David Hetherly at Camp Lawrence and Debbie Parker at Camp Nokomis.
How does Camps Lawrence address the needs of first-time campers?
The needs of new campers are addressed by studying the "Get Acquainted" sheets from parents, by meeting each camper at the dock, showing him/her how to find their cabin and other camp facilities, and by helping them to make new friends and to understand "the way things work" at camp.
Describe the arrival process for campers.
Each camper is transported to the island by our camp boat "The Bear" or by private boat, is met at the dock by his or her cabin counselor and escorted to the assigned cabin. Luggage, sorted at the Y-Landing Marina on the mainland, is delivered to the island in the late afternoon. When luggage arrives at camp, staff help campers locate their things and deliver them to the cabin. Of course there is a plan for helping campers settle in.
What are you looking for when you hire staff?
We seek to hire staff who are genuinely interested in children, listening to them and spending time with them, and who are capable of teaching camp activity. Most of our staff come from our three year C.I.T. program where they learned to build relationships with campers, plan programs, handle discipline, and handle camper's needs in a fair and friendly way. For many activities, proper certification from a recognized agency is required. Criminal Record checks are part of the hiring process.
What are some of the things that make your camp unique?
The island setting makes our camps unique. We inhabit a place of great physical beauty where people experience a special sense of community because of the lack of outside intrusion. There are no trucks or cars, no delivery personnel. Thus we truly learn to depend on one another. This contributes to a caring environment; caring of people for people, for the entire community and for the natural beauty of the place.
Describe the day my child arrives at camp.
On arrival day each camper will meet his counselor at the dock, and be escorted to his cabin, to the nurse for a health "check-in", to the waterfront for a "swim check", and to the office, where valuables may be stored. After that there will be meals, signing up for the activities your son will have during the session, a cabin program in the evening, and lots of opportunity to begin to know the cabin family. At each step of the way there will be a conscious attempt to make the camper feel at home, and understand what's happening.
Describe camper/parent communications.
We encourage parents to write regularly to their children. Mail is received daily, except on Sundays, and delivered to campers after supper. If a problem should arise and it seems wise for the parent to talk directly with the child by phone, the Camp Director or designee will contact the parent and arrange for a phone conversation at a mutually convenient time.
What is the philosophy of your camp, and what about its programs make it special?
We believe that each camper is a uniquely created child of God with talents and skills waiting to be discovered. It is our job to discover those strengths in each child and to empower each child to have fun. We seek to contribute to growth in confidence and self-esteem; and to enable a camper to take personal responsibility for his choices and actions.
What is the primary difference between your camp and other camps?
The primary difference between Camp Lawrence and most others is the uniqueness of our island setting, the experience of our leadership team, living in an environment that promotes personal growth, accepting new challenges daily and learning from a staff that really cares about their campers.
What is your system for screening and training staff?
To train our staff we offer a three year C.I.T. program each year and then offer a one week orientation program at the start of each summer, supplemented by a program of activity and cabin management supervision. We screen staff by our personal knowledge of them, by diligent pursuit of references and background checks.
What are your policies and practices regarding religion and worship at camp?
We encourage respect for the religious perspectives of each camper. We promote universal values such as respect for persons and for the earth and the importance of being and having good friends. During breakfast each day, a morning thought is given by a staff person, with a focus on the positive attributes of being responsible and caring people. Catholic campers are offered the opportunity to attend Mass.
Where do your campers come from?
Our campers come primarily from New England, as well as from across the country, and even from other countries.
How many campers are there in a cabin, and what are the cabins like?
Our cabins range in size from 8-12 campers, each with two staff leaders. We are aggressively replacing the older cabins with larger and better lit structures. The cabins are wood framed with screened windows.
Can I see the camp?
There are opportunities for parents to visit camp in the spring before camp opens, during the second week of each two week camp period, after camp, and before Labor Day.
Do the boys at Camp Lawrence and the girls at Camp Nokomis ever get together?
The camps get together during each session for social events and for athletic competitions. From time to time, the two camps form a co-ed team and compete against the local community.
Would you classify your activities as competitive or instructional, and what is your activity emphasis?
Our activities seek to be instructional, offering challenge and growth for both beginner and advanced learners. Most importantly, they seek to be fun.
What are your medical and first-aid accommodations and capabilities?
Each camp has two full-time nurses on its staff, a local physician who visits camp regularly, a well equipped infirmary, and more than 25 staff members who are trained in First Aid, CPR and AED Administration. We can handle most illness or accidents and have the capability of delivering a camper to the local hospital in less than an hour.
