More Information about Camp

DAILY SCHEDULE

CAMP LOCATION:  Good Works Farm, 1566 Roxanna New Burlington Rd., Waynesville, OH 45068

CAMP REGISTRATION PROCESS:

To register for camp, complete a camp registration form.  These registrations undergo a screening process to ensure we can meet your campers needs during camp week.  You will be notified of the results of the screening and next steps, if applicable, by email.  There are additional forms to complete your camp enrollment which will be sent and funding will be discussed at that time.

FUNDING CAMP:

How much does camp cost?  Camp is $353/week per camper.  This rate is set by Medicaid, which is one of our funding sources.  We are not allowed to charge other campers less than we charge Medicaid.  We accept Medicaid Waiver funds (I/O, Level One, SELF), County funds, Grant funding, and self-pay.  

FUNDING ASSISTANCE:

To help our self-pay campers afford camp, a scholarship fund has been created that is funded by our corporate and private camp sponsors.  The amount we receive in donations is dispersed to families based on need and availability.  There is a box on the registration form to request this assistance.

CANCELLATION/REFUNDS:

Cancellations can be made by the family any time prior to camp for a full refund. Camp cannot be prorated for missed days.  If it is determined that camp is not a good fit for your camper at this time, a full refund for days missed will be given.

WHAT COLOR WILL I BE?  WHO IS MY GROUP LEADER?  WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?

Once the groups are finalized, we will post the groups at the Welcome Tent for the duration of camp, and on the chalkboard in the barn.  You can view this at orientation or the first day of camp.

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING AT CAMP?  HOW WILL YOU COMMUNICATE WITH US?

I will send out an email to families the weekend before camp begins, and each day of camp, with updates, photos, things to know, etc. to keep you informed!

ORIENTATION:

Campers and families are welcome to come out to the farm on any Tour Tuesday, the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM.  The address is: 1566 Roxanna New Burlington Rd., Waynesville, OH 45068.  This is a standing tour time for anyone in the community interested in our services.  

You are also welcome to come out during our volunteer training and set-up day, the Saturday before camp, around 1:00 PM, to see the property, pick up shirts and cinch sacks, and talk to some of our volunteers.

CAMP SHIRTS & BAGS:

All campers will receive two shirts and a cinch sack. They can be picked up the Saturday before camp after 1:00 PM or on their first day of camp.  It is important that your camper wear their camp shirt (preferable) or another solid shirt of the same color to camp each day for organization and safety reasons. 

GROUPS:

Campers will be in groups of 8 with a group leader, assistant group leader, and buddies as needed.  They will stay with their group as they move through the activities during the day.  Everyone breaks for lunch at the same time, giving everyone a chance to socialize.

ARRIVAL:

Please plan to arrive between 8:45 AM – 9: 15 AM.

Anyone staying for all or part of the day should follows directions to the parking lot.  Please follow the signs or directions of attendants.  A shuttle (Polaris) is available to bring anyone up to the barn needing a ride.  If you will be dropping your camper off late, let Nancy know by texting 937.825.7470.

Exit the farm as directed.  Please drive slowly and watch for pedestrians.

There is a drop off/pick up loop in the parking lot, marked with cones.  We encourage everyone to utilize the drop off option to save time and increase safety.  We have volunteers standing by who can assist them in getting checked in and settled in. 

Our DayHab and VocHab farmers who are already being transported on a weekly basis will continue to be transported.  Times may change and any changes will be communicated via usual communication lines.  PLEASE NOTE: Drop off will be an hour earlier than normal DayHab/VocHab programming.

CHECK-IN:

All campers, volunteers, and visitors should immediately report to the Welcome tent upon arrival to be checked in and to receive a nametag.  Volunteers will assist campers with this process, then escort them to the barn to put away their things and connect with their group.  Art activities will be available in the barn for those who desire an activity while waiting. 

SAFETY & SECURITY:

We take the safety and security of our camp very seriously.  Everyone must check in at the Welcome Tent upon arriving at camp.  Campers and Volunteers are asked to wear their camp shirt so we can quickly and easily identify them.  Name tags are required.  Guests and visitors are escorted around the property by a staff member.  We use 2-way radios to communicate with one another and a Polaris Ranger to quickly get around the camp property.  We use the buddy system to keep our campers and volunteers safe.

CAMP VISITORS/PHOTOGRAPHS:

Can I observe my child at camp?  Of course!  We do have a few rules, however.  Please check in at the welcome tent and get a name tag.  Stay with your child's group.  You are welcome to take photographs but if you post them to your social media, cover other people's faces.  We have a PhotoCircle Link we'll be sending out where you can upload photos to share with us.  On Friday, you are welcome to join us for Ice Cream before dismissal.  More information to follow!

WHAT TO BRING:

·   Everyone should pack a lunch and a snack each day, in a bag or lunchbox labeled with the camper’s name.  PLEASE NO NUTS.  There is limited refrigerator space.  Bottled water is always available and encouraged.  Water is located in the refrigerator in the barn and at each station throughout the camp. 

·   Sunglasses, ball cap (labeled with camper’s name)

·   Closed-toed shoes or boots!  No open-toed shoes or flip flops!!  The gravel and hiking trails are safer and easier to navigate with shoes or boots. 

·   Clothing appropriate for the weather.  Remember, it’s a messy farm and it’s going to get warm. 

·   Sunscreen, insect spray, epi-pens, emergency meds (in original prescription container), should be labeled with camper’s name and given directly to WELCOME TENT STAFF in a labeled plastic zipped bag at check-in.  Prescriptions and OTC medications also need medication forms completed. Let Nancy know ahead of time.

·   A change of clothes is strongly encouraged, especially on Friday (water day!).

Campers each have their own cubby to store their things.  They are welcome to leave their garden boots in their cubby for the duration of camp, if desired.  Please label with camper’s name.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME:

Please do not bring the following to camp:

·   Electronics

·   Cell phones

·   Toys

·   Pets

·   Anything of value

·   Anything that would be devastating if lost

·   Weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon

·   Drugs or medications not given to staff at the beginning of each day

CHECK OUT:

Groups will begin gathering their things to leave around 1:45 PM and make their way to the Welcome tent area.  They will be checked out by our parking staff.  Please be patient as we work to ensure the safety of all participants.  If you will be picking up your camper early, report to the Welcome Tent to check them out and have them radio'd in.

DEPARTURE:

Same as drop off. The use of the loop is preferred.  Your camper's name will be radio'd out and the camper will be brought to your vehicle. Please follow the signs and directions of attendants to depart safely.

EARLY DROP-OFF/LATE PICK-UP:

I'm sorry, we don't have the capacity to accept early drop-offs or late pick-ups due to the limitations of our staff and volunteers.  Please be prompt at pick-up time.

LOST & FOUND:

Will be located at the Welcome tent.

FIRST RESPONDERS:

We have a number of CPR/First Aid/AED certified staff who will be present during camp to address scrapes and bumps, heat-related issues, and any other minor issues that may occur.  For anything serious, we would, of course, contact parents and emergency services as needed.

COOLING CENTER:

The basement of the main house is our designated cooling center and is air-conditioned and cool during camp.  If a camper experiences a heat-related issue, they will be moved to the cooling center, first aid will be administered, and parents/guardians will be contacted.

SENSORY NEEDS:

We are addressing sensory needs this year with sensory activities at the games station, hiking trails, the balance beam/stepping stumps, and the music wall in the front yard.  Many of our station activities also address sensory needs.  There are rocking camping chairs in the big barn for rocking.

ANIMALS:

We are a farm that smells like a farm.  There is poop.  We have 5 nigerian dwarf goats, 18 chickens, 2 rabbits, 2 pigs, and 12 ducks.  At camp time, we'll have 8 baby chicks, as well.  We keep all free-ranging animals in their pens during camp time for the animals' safety.  Campers will have the opportunity to interact with and give treats to all the animals, including the cows and goats that live next door.  While all are encouraged, nobody is forced.  

FOUL WEATHER PLAN:

It is really too soon to tell what the weather will be during camp week. However, we always have a foul weather plan in place, just in case.  In the event of light or passing rain showers, we will gather in the barn and engage in games, animals, and art activities until the weather clears.  If it looks like it will be nonstop rain or dangerous weather, we reserve the right to cancel for the day and would notify everyone by email with at least an hour’s notice before the start of camp.  In the event of a Tornado Warning, we will seek shelter in the cellar of the main house.  No one is to enter or exit the property during a tornado warning so that we can keep an accurate headcount.

STAFF/VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS:

We have a number of regular staff members present during camp who are extensively trained, however, the majority of our camp staff are volunteers.  Seasoned volunteers and staff are given leadership roles while new volunteers serve under them.  Please be patient with everyone as they work to make your camper's experience the best it can be!

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS:

You can always email Nancy with non-urgent questions or concerns, nbernotaitis@goodworksfarm.org.  For anything urgent, or to report an absence, call or text Nancy at 937.825.7470.