BEFORE CAMP
CLOTHES
Remember that things get dirty and wet at camp, so don’t bring the good stuff!
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Long pants
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Sweatshirt or fleece
- Raingear
- Socks
- Underwear
- Sandals/flip flops (for waterfront/shower use only)
- 2 pairs of tennis shoes (include pair to get wet)
- Sun hat
- 2 bathing suits
PERSONAL HYGIENE
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hairbrush/comb
- Soap and shampoo
- Towel and washcloth for shower
- Shower sandals
OTHER STUFF NOT TO FORGET
- Bug spray
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Sunscreen
- Beach towel
- Medications/Factor products and supplies Optional Stuff
OPTIONAL STUFF
- Plastic shower caddy
- Laundry bag
- Disposable camera, labeled with name
- Alarm clock
- Swim goggles
- Fishing equipment
- Sessions 2 & 3 only: Items for talent show (costume stuff, dance shoes, inexpensive musical instruments, etc.)
- **If there is financial hardship and you are unable to provide certain items for your camper, please contact HFM.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING
- Cell Phones
- Tablets
- Personal electronic games (Gameboy, etc.)
- Money
- Bows and arrows
- Guns or ammunition
- Illegal drugs
- Cigarettes
- Alcohol
- Knives
- Water guns
- Fireworks
- Snacks
MEDICAL CARE:
At Camp Bold Eagle, we pride ourselves in creating a SAFE and HEALTHY environment for all. Here’s how you can help make sure that your child has the safest and healthiest experience possible:
- Communicate with your HTC/hematologist and return a completed medical form to HFM before camp. By returning the medical form to us in time, you are ensuring the medical staff has a chance to review your child’s health information and contact you if they have any questions.
- Send an adequate supply of factor and treatment equipment (regardless of your child’s severity), and any other medications that your child will need during their stay at camp.
- ALL medications (all factor, medications, coolers, and supplies) MUST be sent in their original prescription containers, labeled clearly with your child’s name.
- Campers on prophylaxis should have the doses needed for camp plus two additional doses.
- Campers who use on-demand treatment should bring four to five doses to camp.
- Send your child’s Medical Alert tag with him/her to camp
PREVENTING HOMESICKNESS:
Proven strategies to help prevent your child from feeling homesick.
- Involve your child in the process of deciding to go to camp. The more that your child owns the decision, the more comfortable they will feel being at camp.
- If possible, practice a few nights away at the home of a friend or relative.
- Share all camp information with your camper, including brochure, packing list, website, camp photos on Facebook, etc.
- Involve your camper in shopping and packing for camp.
- Talk to your camper about the normalcy of missing home and help them develop coping strategies like writing letters home, involving themselves in new activities, or talking to a trusted adult or new friend.
- Discuss what camp will be like before your child leaves. Consider role-playing anticipated situations, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.
- Buy a calendar for your camper(s) and mark the days they will be away. Help them see how few days they are away and discuss how they can make the most of their time at camp. Also, use the calendar as an exciting countdown tool at home.
- Have your camper talk to another camper or staff member about camp, or exchange letters before camp. Tim or Anthony at HFM can help you set this up.
- Follow the packing list and label everything!
- Pack a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal.
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Send a positive note or care package ahead of time to arrive the first day of camp:
Your Camper’s Name
Camp Bold Eagle C/O Pioneer Trails
1421 East Fruitvale Road
Holton, MI 49425
Email: campboldeagle@gmail.com - Talk candidly with your child before camp that they may miss home, that this is normal, and that they should let a counselor or other staff member know if they are having difficulties.
- For many children, camp is a first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development.
- For more information, read “Worried about your Child getting Homesick?” by Annie Phillips, MSW, LMSW, Pediatric Hemophilia Social Worker
AFTER CAMP DISCUSSION
QUESTIONS
Ask your child about camp! Here are some suggested starter questions.
- Who did you enjoy spending time with at camp?
- How many times did you go swimming?
- What did you make in arts and crafts?
- Sing me a silly song you learned!
- What did you learn about your bleeding disorder?
- What did you do at Hi-C (health education)?
- How did you feel about being away from your iPad/computer/TV for the week?
- Did you go on a nature walk? What did you see?
- How did you like walking to the bathrooms at night?
- Was your flashlight handy?
- Did you go canoeing? Paddle boating? Stand-up paddle boarding?
- How many fish did you catch?
- What was your cabin like?
- Did you hit the target or make a bullseye at archery?
- What was your favorite food?
- Who was the silliest person at camp?
- Did you play Nuk-em? (altered volleyball) How about GaGa?
- Did you catch any bugs?
- Did you jump off the raft?
- What was it like swimming in a lake?
- Sing me a silly song you learned!
- What was your favorite evening program?
