Every year, we got lots of calls, with lots of questions. In an effort to be proactive and answer some questions you might have ahead of time, we have put together this list of FAQs. If you have questions or concerns that are not answered below, do not hesitate to ask!
Q: Do I need to make a doctor's appointment to fill out my child's
physical before I send in my application?
A: No! Spots for Camp SOAR are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Send in the first section of the application (pages 1-4) once it is completed
in order to reserve your child's spot. Scheduling with a doctor's
office can be difficult. Send in the remaining sections, including the
medical portion of the application, when it is completed, it will not affect
your order in the registration process. Complete applications must be
received at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of camp.
Q: Can my camper attend both weeks of camp?
A: Sorry, no. Space is limited as it is and we cannot accommodate a camper
for two weeks of camp. However, a camper may attend both a respite weekend
and a summer camp session.
Q: Why do you not provide daily schedules of activities?
A: Some of the children at our camp tend to fixate on routines and
schedules. Because of circumstances such as weather, availability or other
unforeseen circumstances, we have to be very flexible while going through
the day. Some children become very upset if they have been given a schedule
which becomes inaccurate due to extenuating circumstances. Children who
function better with schedules are given a list of activities without times
in the morning to make their day easier.
Q: Can my child be assigned to a specific counselor?
A: Sorry, no, we do not honor any counselor assignment requests. Campers
are assigned to counselors based on several factors, including specific
skill sets of the counselor, age, experience, etc.
Q: Is there a telephone number to the camp site?
A: The most reliable way to get a hold of anyone at camp is through Dr.
Nancy's personal number, which is distributed with registration
materials once your camper has been accepted.
Q: Why can I not speak on the phone to my camper each day?
A: We have found that homesickness seems to get worse with phone calls
to home. Please do not call your camper. If you have concerns about your
camper, you may arrange for the camp coordinator to call you during the
week to check-in. Besides, your camper is busy having lots of fun!!
Q: Can my camper share a room with her friend?
A: While we will do everything we can to ensure that the campers are
with their friends and have a great time, for summer camp, this request
is not really necessary as most of the cabins are set up as large open
rooms. For respite weekends, we cannot guarantee requests will be
honored, but we will make an effort if both campers put each
other's names down.
Q: How are the campers separated into cabins?
A: There are three cabins which are divided by gender and age. The
child's one-on-one counselor sleeps in a bed near their camper.
Two cabins are set up as a large open room and the third cabin is
divided into rooms. All of the cabins have their own bathrooms.
Q: Can I have the address / directions to the camp?
A: Of course! We will include directions and a map to the camp with
the acceptance letter.
Q: Will you accept children on a respirator?
A: Yes, but children who need one-on-one nursing care will have to
provide a nurse, as we do not have the nursing staff to care for
children one-on-one. Your camper's counselor is a volunteer and
capable of doing everyday tasks that does not require
specialization.
Q: How will my child’s counselor know how to handle my
child?
A: We provide a mandatory staff training for all counselors, both
new and experienced. In addition, the parent is responsible for
orientating their child's counselor to the specific needs of
the camper. Please demonstrate how your child's leg braces come
off and go on, how their wheelchair works, what will work to
comfort the camper, etc. All of the one-on-one counselors have
cabin leaders for support as well as float staff, Dr. Nancy and
Nurse Ingrid, and the other professional-level staff members.
Q: My child is on a special diet. Can you accommodate him/her?
Yes, but unfortunately we cannot provide the food if your child
has special dietary needs. We will serve your child food you have
packed if s/he is on a special diet. Also be sure to let
your one-on-one counselor know of any food allergies.
Q: Can my camper's sibling be a counselor?
A: Yes! Please contact us for a counselor application at
CampSoar@cr-triangle.org or 312-726-4011.
Q: Can my child's sibling be his/her
counselor?
A: No. We have found that even siblings who get along great
could use a break from each other. Your camper's sibling
will be able to visit with him/her during the day, but we will
not assign siblings as one-on-one counselors.
Q: Is there a swimming pool?
A: Yes! There is an outdoor pool. There are lifeguards present
in addition to one-on-one counselors and supervisory staff.
