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Summer Day Camps - Packing List & Agreements for Participation

Packing List for Summer Day Camps

The following are things you'll need to bring. Most important is a good night’s rest and a really good breakfast every day. If you let your child stay up late before any camp day, they will most certainly have difficulties the next day. We often find that a sugary breakfast is a common cause of fatigue or behavioral issues before late afternoon, but otherwise, you should expect a very happy and tired camper back at the end of the day.

Every child has unique nutritional needs, but we recommend to many parents of kids with hyperactive tendencies or attention issues to feed them an English style breakfast every morning before camp, not a Continental style breakfast. In other words, fats, not sugars. For example, bacon and eggs with milk in one extreme, vs. sugar cereal with orange juice in the other extreme. We find that such kids can better handle an increase in carbohydrates/sugars only during the afternoon, while everyone should pack a healthy lunch for their children which balances fats and carbohydrates since their energy levels need to last throughout our active afternoons.

Using video and still photos, we are making a DVD of Wolf Camp and the natural treasures of the Pacific Northwest, so our normal focus on making sure that every camper gets some pictures of him- or her-self to remember camp may be de-emphasized in favor of our DVD this year. For your own memories, you might want to consider sending a disposable camera with campers, and we would appreciate it if you would send us the developed photos in the mail or via email after your camp week ends for our DVD, website and 2010 Camp Flyer.

Please bring the results from your most recent physical exam to place into your file upon check-in on the first day of camp. This recommendation varies in importance depending on the program you are attending, and a very recent physical is not required as long as you were forthcoming when you filled out the health history form, but a physical is highly recommended if you have not had one in the past year. Please tell your doctor your plans for coming, and the activities involved.

If you have a favorite item you want to bring, even if we've said you don't need to, just let us know before the day starts or whenever you need it during camp. Otherwise, these are the items to pack:

___ Day pack that is comfortable and functional, with a full, small water bottle that will not leak. Also, bring an oversized plastic garbage bag to cover your gear in case of rain.
___ Lunch, using zip-locks, tupperware, and other reusable containers to reduce trash.
___ Swim suit, raggedy towel, sunscreen, sunhat, and water shoes.
___ Hat for warmth, extra socks, and some shoes or boots that can get dirty. Please make sure you have broken in footwear in advance to avoid blisters.
___ Although we always try to keep clothes and footwear as dry as possible, please encourage your children to allow the clothes they bring to camp to get dirty and become Naturalist clothes for forest exploration. Take a trip to Value Village or the Salvation Army or another used clothing store to find such clothes if necessary. Also, remember that it's not the same temperature by the water or in the wooded areas, and we often crawl through thick vegetation, so long-sleeve pants and a long-sleeve shirt are required, although you should also bring a pair of shorts for days we stay in the lawn area. Earth-tone (natural) shades of clothing (e.g. browns and greens) are best, along with clothes which are Quiet as they brush against things.
___ An entire change of clothes and shoes is a good idea days when it might rain, but please balance this with thought about what can easily be carried in a backpack and what might get lost, such as one of the shoes falling out of the van door unnoticed. Grownups even have a hard time keeping track of items in vans! Also remember that cotton clothing is comfortable, but worthless if it gets wet. Rain gear is optional and loud, but it can be stored in our vans if you are unsure what to send along on any given day.
___ Fleece, wool, polypropylene, or nylon pullover. We provide emergency rain ponchos when necessary.
___ Car Seat for kids utilizing our vanpools who are under the state minimum size requirement for seat belt use. Please be sure to install your child securely in our van each morning before departing.

Lost & Found Policy: If you leave it at camp, it will be picked up by charity unless you pick it up at the Wolf College campus within 60 days or the very next Wolf Journey class (sept) in your area since we won’t have staff to package and send home forgotten items. To help avoid loosing things, please put your name on every item you bring, bring only what you need, and as explained above, leave all electronic devises and other distractions at home.

Agreements for Participation in Summer Day Camps

A Haven Of Physical & Emotional Safety: Please explain to children that deciding to participate in Wolf Camp means agreeing to honor the experience as a safe haven for every person -- physically and emotionally. Also, please help us best explain the following agreements by discussing them with your child in an age-appropriate manner consistent with your family values. Campers will also add agreements they wish the group to honor during the week, and instructors will have a few more details to add that will help make Wolf Camp fun and safe.

Note that participants may be asked to leave camp at any time according to the discretion of the lead Wolf Camp instructor. Participants who are asked to leave for not complying with these agreements for participation in camp will not receive a refund for time missed during the camp week. These agreements are particularly important to ensure a safe, educational, and fun experience under challenging circumstances that are unique to the Wolf Camp.

____ I will remain within the designated boundaries during camp. If they are unclear, I will ask for clarification.
____ I will go off by myself only with permission from my group leader. I will always be with a partner and make it known to my group leader our whereabouts.
____ I will only enter water under clear direction from a lead camp instructor. If I am uncertain who my lead instructor is, I will ask an adult to point him or her out.
____ I will respect the personal boundaries of others in camp, including bodies, belongings, and any of my behavior that others may or may not witness.
____ I will refrain from sharing any stories, jokes, or comments which are derogatory toward others in camp, toward groups of people in the outer world, and toward sacred themes such as bodily function. Also, I agree to discuss only age-appropriate themes and behaviors around younger campers.
____ I will respect all plant and animal life during camp, harvesting none that I don’t intend to utilize fully, and I will put nothing in my mouth that I don't know 100% that it won't cause illness or poisoning.
____ I will remain as quiet as I can during times of developing skills of invisibility.
____ I will always encourage others to rise to the challenge in every group activity and I will watch out for the physical and emotional safety of every person in camp. I understand that this means I will take the usual school-like rules to a new level, to a place of full respect for instructors and other campers.
_____ I will not litter. In fact, I will take all my wrappers, bottles, etc. home with me to recycle after camp. Also, I will be sure to inventory all my belongings with my parents before leaving camp, because any items I forget at camp will be donated to charity after the end of each week. Thank you!

 

RECENT COMMENTS
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"We had a really great time--it was fun, and LOTS of great information! Looking forward to the next one." - Janet Traweek, Homeschool Class Parent, Vancouver WA, January 2011

"I am so glad something like this exists in this area to facilitate awareness among people about the natural world. I am thankful for Chris and Kim dedicating the time to making long trips over the pass just to accomplish this." - Tiffany Olvera, Parent of Wolf Journey Homeschool Classes in Ellensburg, November 2010; and from December 2010: "I enjoy being in an enviroment where my knowledge and skill are appreciated and I want to learn at the same time. It is a wonderful sharing that sparks the creative juices. We cannot wait for another meetup."

"It was great! The kids loved it and so did the adults! We plan to continue the activities at home and look forward to the next class." - Brandie Penningroth, Homeschool Parent of 4 from Mission, B.C., Sept. 2010 attending Mt. Vernon Wolf Journey Classes, and from November 2010: "Another great class! The kids were so excited to show off their rope making skills that they were still twisting away at 10:30 pm! Thanks." - Then from December 2010 after arranging a class in Sumas WA for other Homeschool Families from British Columbia: "My family enjoyed yet another great wolf camp! Really liked the incorporation of outside activities as well as inside ones. Great activities and information. I love that I get to learn new things right alongside my kids. The group was awesome and we learned a lot, as usual. Kids are inspired to look around outside and see what other uses that they can find for plants that we have on our property! Many thumbs up!"

"We really enjoyed this class! So much interesting information and fascinating for both kids and adults. My daughters talked about it for hours after it was over. We'll definitely be back next month and we'll probably do the summer day camp too. Thanks, Chris and Kim!" - Jill Caywood, Parent in Ellensburg Homeschool Class, October 2010

"Chris - I just wanted to let you know how thrilled the kids were with their wolf camp experience. Also, thanks so much for the feedback.... Hope to see you at some of the homeschool classes." - Julia Taylor, Fox Island parent of Puyallup Day Camps & Wolf Journey Classes 2010

"Hey Chris! Antonio LOVED being at your camps this summer. He seemed a little more mature and self-assured than he was before... Cool! Do you have any camps coming up this fall that Michael and I should know about? Thanks a bunch." - Lisa Pacot, September 2010, Parent of Day Camper turned Overnight Camper, Shoreline, WA 2004-2010

"We are definitely on board for Wolf Camp again next summer ... and only want to attend Wolf Camp in the future.  I knew Ethan would love it, so I'm glad we made him give it a try. Thanks again for providing such an awesome camp opportunity for the kids. We feel very grateful that Wolf Camp has become such a meaningful part of our summer tradition." Thea Kleiber, September 2010, Bellingham Parent of Overnight Campers, 2007-2010

"This is a wonderful camp! I have been going every year for the past 7 year and I still love it. At wolf camp kids get to experience things that most people would never get to try, like tracking a wild animal or playing all night capture the flag. I recommend this camp very highly to anyone who is interested in learning survival, awareness, and many other outdoor skills." Parr Stover, 2010, Skagit Valley Day Camper turned Overnight Camper turned Youth Mentor

"This was my first time going to camp, and I had so much fun and learned more about nature than I ever have before! I feel like every other thing out of my mouth is a story from wolf camp! And Chris, Kim, Rachel, Andrew, you were all so nice! Thanks so much! :)" - Cheyenne Dennis, Vancouver, WA, Wolf Journey Peaceful Arts & Music Camp 2010

"Hi Chris. Thanks for your note. From what I can tell, Kareis had a great time. He said it was the best camp he had ever, ever been to. Over the last few weeks he has often referred to something that happened at camp or something he learned. I noticed when I picked him up that he had a different energy about him -- in a very positive way. I think it was really good for him to bond with a group of boys. He wants to do it again next summer in the "advanced" group because he wants to dig the camoflage trenches. Several other parents of Kareis' friends have asked me about it and I told them he had a very good experience, so maybe they'll try it next time. Thanks again!" - Debbie McDermott, Parent of Camper in Secrets of the Ancient Scout 2010

"My son Joe wore his Wolf Camp shirt today.  And that made me think about what a wonderful time he had at Wolf Camp way back in June!  It was a terrific way to start our summer.... Again, thank you for providing a welcoming, warm environment for Joe at Wolf Camp this past June. Take care, Margi Hansen." - Olympia Day Camps at Wolf Haven 2010

"This camp has taught me amazing wilderness skills in a large range, from survial in the wilderness to tracking animals and making natural medicine. I reccomend this camp, especially the overnight ones to anyone whoe loves nature or likes being outside." - Preston Stover, Age 14, Seventh Camp Year, Youth Mentor in Training 2010

"Hi Chris. Bella had a wonderful time and said that Wolf Camp was even better this year and she felt like she learned so much! I forgot to ask you where you were looking for feedback which we will gladly give as we would love nothing more than many more years of Wolf Camp for both of our daughters." - Lori Faulkner, Seattle Parent of Camper in Wild Herbology 2009-10.

"Thank you for the great week -- Lucy couldn't stop talking about camp and all she was learning.  We got a mini-lecture every day after we picked her up. (Presentations for parents were) really nice, by the way! - Kim M., Mill Creek Parent of Day Camper in Wild Chefs & Herbology 2010

"Our son has had a fantastic week. He's already talking about what camp he wants to do next year (herbal) and doing overnight camp too when he gets older. I'm so pleased with all of it and think you two are fantastic at what you do. You will definitely have campers from our family for years to come." - Jenny K., Seattle Parent of Day Camper in Future Survivors Fun, 2010/07/05-09

"This workshop was awesome! We found tracks left by raccoon, elk, deer, great blue heron, coyote, river otter, and others. With help from (Kim &) Chris' lovely assistant Skye we learned to distinguish wild from domestic canine tracks and were introduced to the arts of determining the age of a track and interpreting what the animal was doing / thinking when it made the track. We finished the day with a stroll through the woods for practice finding animal sign in forested areas. It was a great time and we all learned a lot!" - Jurgo Bielowski, Tracking Workshop, 2010/06/05

"I went to Clark's Creek Park in Puyallup last night to attend a a class about tracking animals. We went into a park, near dark, to learn how birds interact with other birds using five different communication styles. Chris & Kim, the instructors, identified the alarm calls of a robin being vocalized to others and sure enough we spotted the dark form of a Barred Owl in the direction of the alarm calls. Later we saw the owl swoop down and grab dinner off the forest floor. Just to show off he landed in the tree above us with a mouse in his talons. I was sold. Just being able to identify a bird is great but limiting, knowing it's vocalizations helps you understand the pulse of the forest. A more dimensional awareness in the woods learning these bird calls is important. It's like the difference between an Imax 3D movie and a rerun on TV in a foreign language. Anyway I had a good time, also learned how to handle nettle plants. He said it's the most nutritious plant in the forest. Indians used the fiber for fish nets, very strong stuff." - Mike Weatherby, Wolf Journey Class, 2010/04/29

Employment: We only need instructors with experience running camps and teaching in the field of Earth Skills Education, including skills of the Neighborhood Naturalist, Traditional Herbalist, Wildlife Tracker, Survival Scout, Ancient Artisan, Sustainable Pioneer & Environmental Educator. Apply to become an instructor through our Earth Skills Teaching Apprenticeship.

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