1. Does my child need a sleeping bag at camp?
Yes, it is a good idea to send a sleeping bag, though it is not required. Camp Eagle Wing provides all bedding for campers in the bunks, but we also conduct regular overnight trips off camp. Campers get to sign up for these trips, if they choose.
2. Is it normal for a child to get cold feet as camp approaches, and how should I respond?
Anxiety, before going away to camp for the first time, is completely normal. Like any new, unknown experience, it can often produce strong emotions in kids, even kids who have previously been excited for camp. For parents, knowing this ahead of time can help them respond. It is normal, and can (and probably should) be overcome. When a child overcomes fear, and has an enjoyable camp experience (which they do almost 100% of the time), they own that accomplishment, and that is powerful. They did it, and on their own! For parents, it is good for them to show that they believe in their child, encouraging them to go. Saying things like, “I think you’re really ready for this, and I am proud of you for wanting to go” can go a long way to putting an anxious child at ease. How can we help? We can send personal letters from counselors. We have occasional open houses where campers and counselors are often present. And, we are also happy to meet and talk with new camp families, at any point in the process. Choosing to send a child to camp is a big decision. We are happy to help make it easier if we can.
3. How do I know that my child will have friends, and not slip through the cracks?
We are a smaller camp. We have a maximum of 100 campers at camp at any given point in the summer. Because of this, we know each and every camper that comes through our camp gate. We also have bunks of 12 campers, and 2 bunk staff. These staff live and breathe camp life, along with their campers. They excel in creating a home away from home for each camper. The staff, unit heads, and directors also regularly meet and talk about each camper in camp and how they are doing, in the bunk, with friends, and at activities. Camp Eagle Wing is a small, close-knit community with a large staff. Our staff to camper ratio is 4:1. There is a strong sense of family at camp that is instantly recognizable and disarming.
4. What if my child gets homesick? Should I come pick them up early from camp?
Homesickness, like anxiety before camp, is a very normal response to being away from home, especially for the first time. Many first time campers experience a bit of mild homesickness when first at camp. Picking them up early though does not solve the problem. Being able to overcome homesickness is a huge thing, and a necessary part of growing up. At camp, our staff are very experienced in both identifying and handling homesickness. Our staff spend a full week each summer before camp begins preparing to handle just such sensitive issues. Usually homesickness dissipates within the first few days of the session, and then disappears entirely, especially as friendships are made and campers are swept up into a very exciting and full camp program. In the meantime, it is good for parents to keep letters upbeat and encouraging. Parents and the camp directors will also remain in daily communication.
5. How do you handle medical issues? What kinds of medical staff do you have?
Camp Eagle Wing has at least one medical professional on duty 24 hours a day. Often, we have two. We have licensed MD’s and RN’s acting in a medical capacity at camp. They are able to administer all medications, and treat the normal bumps and bruises of camp. For injuries that require more, Downeast Medical Center, is 25 min. away.
6. What are the cabins like?
Each cabin half houses up to 12 campers and 2 counselors. They have electricity, bunks, and their own bathroom, with private toilets and showers. They have a large porch off the front overlooking the lake.
