Mill Creek Canyon 
Ojai Valley 
The Village Summer Camp How to Prepare
Hey Camper!
If you are receiving this letter it means that you will be joining us for an incredible week of summer camp at The Village. The staff and I are so excited that you are coming…and cannot wait to see you. There is so much new “stuff” and people at Forest Home this summer. It’s going to be so fun. And I can’t wait to meet you.
If you are a returning Village camper or coming up for the first time ever…you are in for the greatest fun of your life. During your week at camp you will get to ride the wind on the “giant swing”, sing together every night at Campfire and hit a bull’s eye with an arrow at the archery range. God’s greatness will be shown to you as you hike in the beautiful mountains at Forest Home.
Of course you will be able to “blob” like crazy at the lake, go down the giant slide, catch some fun in the sun, and play with your Tribal Chief in the water. If you don’t know what the blob is…you will soon enough…get ready to live! We have some great all camp games and activities planned…and some cool skills to learn in our skills classes. You can play in the pool, go down our new tube slide, check out our Confidence Course and more! You will make new friends and memories that you will never forget.
This year our theme is “Trek 2011.” We are going to talk about what covenants are. And we’re going to explore how God is calling us to live out these pacts.
If you have a computer at home you can check out the Forest Home website at www.foresthome.org - then click on “The Village Summer Camp” at the bottom of the home page to see a camp video and other fun information about this coming summer.
See you soon!
Sandpiper
Village Director
---
Hey there, Counselor!
How exciting that you’ll be a Village counselor this summer. You may be a seasoned veteran who knows the drill, or you could be a first time volunteer wondering what you have gotten yourself into. Either way... we are beyond excited to work with you. You are the most vital part of our Forest Home family. I am convinced this is the best way you can spend a week during your summer—walking with the kids placed under your care as they journey with Christ.
This year, we are covering a biblical understanding of covenants. We will be exploring what covenants are and how we are invited into covenant relationships with God and with one another. To illustrate this learning, we will explore a narrative skit nightly about a group of kids of an adventure where they start with a pact. As the week unfolds, we will watch to see if the characters each hold up their ‘end’. We hope that Trek 2011 is a captivating and engaging theme for you and your campers.
Here are some ways you can prepare for your time with us at the Village:
• Check out the bottom of this page. There you can find our summer manuals so you can get a head start on everything this summer will hold. Included in the manual is our week’s schedule and memory verses.
• Pray for your campers, other counselors, and the staff before camp.
• Concentrate on being healthy and well-rested before you arrive at camp… your energy will be needed.
• Try to get to know the campers that will be in your tipi before the day you leave for camp (If you don’t know them already)… say hello at church… drop them a note at school… or maybe even take them out for ice cream or a soda - try to know more about their story, so you know how to approach them and connect with them in a more profound way while at camp.
• Also see the detailed packing list that was sent to your church just to make sure you have all the stuff you will need for a successful week at camp. It also has with it a list of things not to bring (i.e. Cell phones / Ipod / MP3 players, radio, etc.).
• We have lots of fun activities and games for campers but if you want to bring some fun ideas and activities for you to do with your campers, that would be great too… card games, fun group games, etc.
• Also, ask your church’s Children’s Director how you can help them prepare for camp.
If you have any further questions about what awaits you during your week at the Village, check with your children’s director. I am sure they have the answer. If there is a question that no one can seem to answer please contact the Assistant to Program Ministries, Annie Ludes at 909.389.2229 or at anniel@foresthome.org.
The Village staff is praying for you and your campers before your arrival. This week is the experience of a lifetime, a spiritual milestone for so many children. Thank you in advance for your time, your care and your guidance. You are the ones to camp possible for your campers.
See you in the Village!
With gratitude,
Sandpiper
Director of Chrildren’s Ministries
---
CAMPER MANUAL
COUNSELOR MANUAL
PACKING LIST
SCHEDULE
MEMORY VERSES
PROMO VIDEO
POST CAMP DEBRIEF QUESTIONS (Coming Soon)
Dear Children's Group Leader:
Greetings from Forest Home! We are really looking forward to seeing so many familiar faces and meeting those of you who are joining us at Indian Village for the first time. Since last summer, we have been preparing for and dreaming about this summer’s experience and eagerly anticipating your arrival. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the information below which is important for you and your students to have the best possible experience at Forest Home.
Our Theme – Trek 2011
This year, we are covering a biblical understanding of covenants. We will be exploring what covenants are and how we are invited into covenant relationships with God and with one another. To illustrate this learning, we will explore a narrative skit nightly about a group of kids of an adventure where they start with a pact. As the week unfolds, we will watch to see if the characters each hold up their ‘end’. We hope that Trek 2011 is a captivating and engaging theme for you and your campers.
Arrival and Departure Info:
Check-in is from 3:00 to 5:00 on Sunday. Please do everything possible to arrive within this window. Once greeted, your campers, counselors, and luggage will be unloaded in the parking lot. At that time all luggage (unless they want to keep with them a small bag or back pack) will be loaded up on the luggage truck by the check-in booth and taken to the Village. Once your coordinator has checked-in [with medication and money] and all campers and counselors have there Tipi assignments and wrist bands, you will follow a Trail Guide on an exciting journey into the Village.
Departure:
Because camp now concludes on Friday, we are going to be ending our program at 10:30 a.m. This is consistent for all of our youth camps. Buses, carpoolers and parents are invited to meet us in the parking lot of Forest Center (where check-in is).
New Theme Elements:
As our previous communication has stated, our camp center is transitioning away from the Indian theme. This summer, you will observe that our language, signage, and retail items are indicators of our transition. If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to ask. We are very excited about our changes and anticipate that they will be well received by our campers.
NEW Cell Phone Policy:
You may notice when you visit us we now have cell-phone service in the canyon. Because of our commitment to providing our guests with Sanctuary and Solitude, a core value, Forest Home is making the decision to remain a cell-phone free place. This means that we will continue to ask our youth campers to leave all electronics (including cell-phones) at home and ask that all of our guests join us in our efforts to keep our open/public areas at Forest Home cell-phone free.
Core Value / Sanctuary & Solitude:
The “wilderness” has always had a unique way of disarming our hesitations, dissolving our reluctant spirits, and giving us a context for simplicity. This remoteness displaces us far enough from our routine where we hear God better, see Him clearer, and breathe deeper. We help our guests realize the value of remoteness and silence the distractions of life, so they can find true rest in Him.
First Aid Requirements:
The State of California has recently implemented new health code requirements for California camps. With these new requirements come a few changes to how we handle medical related items here at Forest Home during summer camp. Please note these are VERY IMPORTANT because they pertain to state law. Please read through the information included related to these items. Thank you!
1. Health Screening- Each camper is required to go through a health screening upon arrival at camp. Your child’s counselor will perform the health screening through a series of questions under the supervision of our medical staff. If necessary to ensure the health and safety of all campers, ill children may be sent home.
2. Medication- All medication will be collected upon your arrival. Each camper must have their medication in a plastic bag that is labeled with their name and group name on it. This includes the medication of any adults who will be staying in cabins with minors. The RN’s on duty will distribute medication in the dining room at each meal.
3. Medical Consent Forms- In the past we were only required to have Medical Consent Forms for minors. We are now required to have Medical Consent Forms for Adults as well. You should have received these forms from your camp registrar. They are due at check-in.
Additional Camper Cost:
We have a fantastic program in store for your camper that is all-inclusive in the camp cost. However there are also some additional "extras" you will want to make your campers and counselors aware of: camp picture ($5) and the camp t-shirt ($12). In addition, there are a number of souvenirs available at our Trading Post. It is best to have campers’ money in one large envelope, clearly marked with each camper’s name and the amount that they have to spend. If you are unable to collect all their money and have it in one envelope before camp don’t fret, but if you could please have campers’ parents put their money in individual envelopes clearly marked with their name, church, and amount - it would make that part of the process easy and organized.
On-line Retail For Parents:
Also new this year, we are bringing on-line store back to Forest Home. This is intended as an option for parents that want an easy way to send a care package to their camper. Our options will be mention in the parent letter as well as listed on our website. Because camp does ‘fly by’, please remind parents that if they want to participate in this option, to be careful of our deadlines so that their child’s care package can make it to them before your return home.
Counselor Training:
I cannot emphasize enough the benefit of pre-camp preparation. Please spend some time with your staff, preparing and training them for their counseling role. On our website we have a list of ways for counselors to prepare. The number one way would be for them to peruse our counselor manual. It is available in PDF form on our website www.foresthome.org by May 15th. Please feel free to call or e-mail me for more ideas on how to prepare your counselors!
Included in this Packet:
• A letter to campers, counselors and parents. These letters are to be sent out per your discretion. Feel free to copy or add to the letters as you see fit. Copies of these letters are also available online for parents, counselors and campers!
• Luggage Tags for campers luggage. Should you need extra tags, please contact Annie Ludes anniel@foresthome.org and she will be happy supply you with more.
• Trading Post Ledger for each camper.
• A detailed “What to bring” List.
• A list of our memory verses for this summer.
Thank you for taking the time to go over these details. We are so excited to have you be a part of what God will be doing at The Village this summer. Once again, God has brought together an amazing group of gifted people to make up the 2011 Village Staff. I’m confident you will enjoy teaming with them during your week of camp.
Please feel free to call me direct at (909) 389-2225 if you have any questions regarding the program. I would love to hear from you. I look forward to serving you and your students.
Peace,
Sarah “Sandpiper” Killelea
Director of Children’s Ministries
sarahk@foresthome.org
---
LEDGER
CAMPER MANUAL
COUNSELOR MANUAL
PACKING LIST
ARRIVAL / PREP LETTER
PROMO VIDEO
SCHEDULE
POST CAMP DEBRIEF QUESTIONS (Coming Soon)
MEMORY VERSES
Dear Parent of Village Camper,
I am excited and honored to write this letter to you. We believe that camp can be a transformational experience for your child and we are so grateful that you have chosen to give your child this opportunity.
Our Theme – Trek 2011
This year, we are covering a biblical understanding of covenants. We will be exploring what covenants are and how we are invited into covenant relationships with God and with one another. To illustrate this learning, we will explore a narrative skit nightly about a group of kids of an adventure where they start with a pact. As the week unfolds, we will watch to see if the characters each hold up their ‘end’. We hope that Trek 2011 is a captivating and engaging theme for you and your campers.
Here are a few things that you the parent can keep in mind that will help this process greatly.
Check In:
If you are driving your camper up (individually or with their friends) it is great to know that check in begins Sunday afternoon at 3:00 in the Lower Forest Home parking lot. Camp ends Friday at 10:30 am – and you can pick up your kids in the same parking lot (Note: No one is permitted to drive his or her vehicle up to The Village. All drop offs and pick ups are done from the parking lot).
Meds/Money:
All meds should be turned into the camp medic in a ziplock bag. The meds need to be in the original container with the times to be taken clearly marked. Money should be in a business size envelope with your child’s name, church, and the amount. It will be turned in on Sunday to be used in the camp bank… so that no money is lost… and any money not used will be returned on Friday.
Late Arrivals and Early Pick Ups:
You may have to bring your child up late or pick them up early due to certain circumstances… if this is the case please arrange it with your church and the camp so that we know and can make arrangements with you. If you do need an early pick up please contact the “Roundhouse” FIRST at (909) 389-2300…and they will contact us.
Camp Safety:
To ensure that you child will have a fun, yet safe camp experience I want you to know that Forest Home is ACA and CCI accredited…the ACA is the strictest in its safety accreditation. Also, the summer staff hired receive a background check by a private company to ensure the safety of your child. And, we DO NOT allow visitation by anyone except children’s directors and church staff… sorry parents… not sneaking into camp!
Discipline:
At camp there may be a situation where a child may need to receive a consequence for inappropriate actions. At Forest Home we DO NOT use any form of physical discipline. Children are apt to receive a “time out” from free time or other activities if the situation is necessary. In some cases parental contact will be used.
Phone Calls/Mail:
There will be no phone access for campers during their time at camp, not even cell phones. We also ask that parents do not call us at camp. Obviously in cases of emergencies or dire straights we can put you in touch with your child (see Roundhouse)… but otherwise we ask that you send letters to your child. The address is on the packing list sent to your church… please do not send food… it is always better to be creative and send fun none edible items for you child and their Teepee mates.
Candid Camp Pictures:
You can also check out what is happening at camp during your child’s week by visiting our Flickr Photo Site at www.flickr.com/photos/foresthomephotos. Just a thought for all parents - there are over 230+ counselors and campers in camp… so if you do not see your child in any of the photos, I am sure they are still having a great time. We will try to get them in… so keep checking!
Homesickness:
Due to the young age of our campers, homesickness is a normal reaction from being at camp. It is important that we all realize that homesickness is a natural reaction in our children. And, it is important for us not to overreact to it… it is OK and very natural for our young campers to miss home, mom & dad, and even their dog. Often this can be a very positive experience for your child as we at camp acknowledge that and love the campers through it. It is important for parents to set their child up to succeed in a week away from home. We suggest that you have them do a couple of sleepovers with friends to prepare them for an entire week. Also, if a parent says to the child, “not matter what, if you do not like it I will come pick you up” they are not setting their child up to succeed. As the week approaches it is better for the parents to talk of the child staying the entire week, how proud they are before hand, and how they want their child to have the greatest time. Hearing that from Mom & Dad allows the children to give themselves permission to stay away from home for the entire week.
In some cases a child may not be ready for an entire week away from home… in which case we want to challenge them, but NOT push them further than that which they are capable. I do not want a child to have a negative feeling from camp…so after loving and working with your child a bit, if it is necessary, we will call home to see if you can encourage them to continue this great experience. You might even receive a letter from your child that sounds really terrible…homesickness has a way of making everything bad and every person around really mean…the important thing is to not overreact, yet be ready to walk with us in loving your child through that tough time. Thank you for partnering with us in this process.
On your computer, you can check out the Forest Home website at www.foresthome.org - click on “The Village Summer Camp” to see a camp video, pictures from the week, and other fun information about this coming summer. In addition, we will be posting tips on how to debrief the camp experience with your camper. Check under our parent tab for our resources.
I hope that these little reminders will help you and your child prepare for an amazing week at The Village. If you have any questions about more details of camp please contact your church coordinator for more information.
Thank you for the great honor you have given us to care for your child this summer.
Sarah “Sandpiper” Killelea
Director of Children’s Ministry
---
LEDGERS
CAMPER MANUAL
COUNSELOR MANUAL
PACKING LIST
SCHEDULE
MEMORY VERSES
PROMO VIDEO
POST CAMP DEBRIEF QUESTIONS (Coming Soon)
