Policies & Frequently Asked Questions

We love our forest classroom! Just like at any school, we have expectations for the students that attend. Below you'll find our policies, a packing list, and frequently asked questions about the program.

The FACTS of Life

Generally, students understand that if something is not okay at school, it probably won't be okay at Camp. To help guide students to positive and responsible choices, we've created our "FACTS" of forest life!

Fun = What am I doing to ensure that I, all my friends, and all the adults are having fun?

Attitude = Am I choosing to be positive, helpful, and respectful? To do the right thing? Am I helping others to stay positive, and to always be excited to be at Camp?

Community = How am I making this community better? Am I looking out for my friends? Keeping my cabin clean? Am I sharing food at the table? Am I treating the animals with kindness and respect?

Try New Things = Am I willing to do stuff that I’ve never done before? Do I encourage and support others to try new things, too?

Safety = How do I keep myself and other people safe? Am I getting enough sleep, and drinking water? Do I help my friends up a steep hill? Do I keep my eyes open when I’m near the lake?

Food

We ask that schools send food allergy/dietary information to camp at least two weeks prior to arrival. Trail snacks are provided for all programs. Our standard one-day program does not include lunch.

Electronics

We ask that all students keep phones and other electronic valuables at home. We want an unplugged trip! We do recommend students pack a flashlight and an inexpensive camera if they can. If you do send a disposable point-and-shoot camera, be sure to put the camper’s name on it.

For adults, we understand phones can also be the alarm clock, flashlight and camera. We do ask adults to limit phone use at camp. With that in mind, cell phone coverage at camp is good, depending on your carrier. Wi-Fi is available for break times.

Program Guides

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Download Our Brochure (PDF)

Packing List

Pack your bag, then walk around the house to make sure carrying it feels right. The camper's name should be on all items!

  • Sleeping Bag or sheets and blankets
  • Pillow
  • Towel
  • Swim suit (seasonal)
  • 2 hats (one for day and one warm hat for night)
  • Toiletries
  • Sunblock/ bug spray (try to avoid aerosol)
  • Any needed medications
  • Notebook & pens
  • Day backpack
  • Water bottle
  • 2 pairs of shoes (recommended in case one gets wet
  • Rain Boots (No rain boots? No worries! Bring two plastic bread bags that can go over socks if the shoes get wet= keeps socks dry)
  • Flip Fops or sandals without a back strap can be used inside the cabin only
  • Rain jacket or rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • long pants for the evenings
  • A few extra pairs of socks (a clean pair can double as mittens if it gets cold at night)
  • One mask per day plus an extra (for indoor use)

Please do not bring: knives or weapons; clothing inappropriate for school; cell phones or tablets.

Please leave valuables and money at home

Frequently Asked Questions

Question Answer
What are the accommodations?

Our cabins have 9 beds. We have bunk beds split into two rooms, (each room has 4 beds) along with a futon in the main room. Four or six adult chaperones comes out to one adult per 8 students. There must be at least one adult in each cabin.
Is transport included?

Transportation is not included in this program. Let us know how you plan to arrive so we can send you bus parking or chaperone driver parking instructions.
When can we arrive?

We are flexible on when you arrive or depart based on bus schedules. We just hope it will be close to our schedules so we can maximize our time with your group.
Can we bring more Adult Chaperones than the minimum number?

Yes! Having a few more chaperones is a great idea. Things come up schedules may change and it is nice to have options that don’t necessarily include the teachers needing to be in a student cabin. Every additional adult for a 2-day program is $30, and for a 3 day program the cost is $54.

We highly recommend the adult chaperones are the same gender as the cabin of students. Talk to us if you are having problems getting the correct ratio.
What kind of roles do the teachers have?
  • Before arriving to our site please have all health forms, any and all medications, and a cabin roster. We have the cabin map and fillable rosters forms.
  • We ask that all teachers attend all trail class with the students. This way connecting what is being done in the field can be connected to what is happening in the classroom. We enjoy the student’s “Ah- Ha” moments when teachers create these educational bridges.
  • Teachers know their students best and help with redirection of students. We also ask for one teacher to be our point admin person. This can range from helping with discipline issues and connecting with parents if the situation needs it.
  • There will also be times where teachers will help with lights out, night checks, shower time (as a point person to go to), and recreation time.
  • If a teacher would like to teach their own class at our site contact us.
  • It is optional for teachers to participate during Night programs.
What is the medic’s role?
  • Going though health forms, prep medications and identify food allergies
  • Dispensing the proper medications at the right time
  • Being a point person if medical issues (bigger than cuts and scrapes).
  • Our staff all have First Aid and CPR training. Our local Fire Department call time is within 3 minutes. We encourage that each school brings a First Aid Kit to have available at night within the teacher cabins.
  • Children needing to have an EpiPen or inhaler must carry it with them at all time. If the school or parent requests it, an assigned Adult Chaperone or teacher can carry it for them.

If a teacher wants to take on the medic role and fulfill a teacher’s role too, please contact us.

A copy of each student’s medical form will be kept on file in Accordance with American Camp Association (ACA).
What kind of roles do the adults have?

Without amazing Adult Chaperones this experience would not be possible! We ask that Adult Chaperones also fill out our health form. It is up to the school to have done background checks/ interviews for all chaperones.

Things to expect:

  • Adult Chaperones will be in cabins, helping the students get ready for the day, helping with time management during shower time, getting the students to bed on time. Adult Chaperones will also have meals with their cabin groups.
  • On trail Adult Chaperones will help redirect students who fall off topic. They will engage in the activities and help other students connect with nature.
  • It can truly take a village to make this program successful; therefore, there will be time each day to check in with a Night Naturalist. These meetings are times to brainstorm solutions to issues that might be happening in the cabin or on trail. It is a time to go over the schedule and what is happening next.
  • There will also be breaks! Separate shower times for Adult Chaperones when students are in class.
Are the cabins heated and air conditioned?

Every cabin we will be using has a heating and cooling unit.
Are there restrooms and showers in the cabins?

Yes. Every cabin has restrooms inside, sink, toilet and shower.
Are the students required to shower while at Lake Francis?

Students are expected to shower every full day that the program is in session. This means showers are optional for a 2 day program but requirement on a 3 day program. To conserve water, and to ensure that each student has the opportunity to bathe, showers are limited to five minutes.
What kind of bedding should I send for my child?

Sleeping bag and pillow are recommended; there is a fitted sheet to cover the mattress. Sheets and blankets are also acceptable.
Should I send bottled water with my child?

Every student should bring a reusable water bottle. The drinking water at Lake Francis is excellent – there is no need to send bottled water.
Can I send a camera with my child?

Yes. We recommend sending an inexpensive camera labeled with your child’s name.
What type of footwear should I send with my child?

Shoes should be sturdy, comfortable. We don’t recommend sending brand new shoes, as they can cause blisters. Two pairs of shoes are strongly recommended in case one pair gets wet or causes blisters. Flip flops or sandals (without a back strap) are for in the cabin use only.