FAQ

GENERAL:

Q: Are smartphones allowed at camp?

A: No, please no electronics. We want to keep the experience as pure as possible and minimize distractions from electronics. The camp experience also helps builds confidence and independence in the students. For photos, it is recommended that the students bring a disposable camera. There also is almost no cell service at the camp.

Q: What portion of the fifth grade class generally goes to camp each year?

A: Every year we get 100% participation with the exception of one or two (very occasionally).

Q: What are the benefits of going to science camp?

A: This trip to camp is an extremely important experience for our students to grow and gain independence. Benefits include enhanced skills in leadership, critical thinking, personal responsibility, and enables a smoother transition into middle school. Additionally, the students are living and breathing the fifth grade earth and life science content.

Q: Can I get financial assistance?

A: This field trip is only sustainable through voluntary donations from participating families and other donors. No child will be excluded from the trip due to an inability to contribute; a donation is not required for participation. If we do not receive sufficient donations, the field trip may be cancelled and the school will return all donations. Except in the case of the school-wide program cancellation as noted above, all donations are non-refundable and are not associated with a particular student.

Please speak to Mrs. Maisen or your homeroom teacher if this is a concern. Students and parents also help contribute to the overall donation amount by other fundraising efforts.

Q: Can I donate in multiple installments? Who do I make checks payable to?

A: You may donate in multiple installments or in one lump sum. Please make checks payable to Stevens Creek School. Please ensure that your child's name and homeroom number are included on the check. Cash is also acceptable. Please place in a labeled envelope with your child's name and homeroom number.

Q: My child has never slept away from his/her family before. Will he/she be OK?

A: Every year we have many students for whom sleeping away from home is a new experience. Every year they successfully transition into camp life. We closely monitor every child to ensure that they are having a positive science camp experience. We haven't had any failures yet!

Q: How will I know when the buses arrive on Thursday afternoon?

A: The buses should arrive at around noon on Thursday. Please have a parent there to pick up your child.

MEDICATION:

Q: How will my child receive his/her medication?

A: A nurse at Walden West will administer the medication at the appropriate times each day. Please remember that a physician-signed form is required for all medications.

Q: When should I bring my child's prescription medication to school?

A: All medication needs to come in a plastic ziplock bag with the accompanying physician-signed form(s). This will be dropped off to your child's homeroom teacher.

CAMP LIFE:

Q: Will my picky eater be able to find something he/she likes to eat?

A: Undoubtedly! Even our pickiest eaters eat happily at camp. Believe it or not, one of the things the students remember most about camp are the amazing meals! There are always a large variety of vegetarian options available. Breakfast and dinner in the dining hall is buffet-style, allowing our students to choose the items and the amount they put on their plates. Everyday there is a wide assortment of fruit on the fruit bar and veggies on the salad bar. As far as sweets, students are limited to one cookie per day after their time on the trail.

SAFETY:

Q: Will my child really have the stamina to hike everyday for three days in a row?

A: The fifth graders do laps multiple times a week to supplement their P.E. curriculum and to prepare them for the hiking they will do at camp. During their hiking day, students take frequent breaks to drink water, observe species, make journal entries, play team-building games, and more. They have numerous opportunities to rest over the course of the day.

Q: Will my child be safe and comfortable during the daily hikes?

A: The hiking guides and chaperones ensure that all students are equipped with the proper clothing, water, and appropriate medication each day before they set out. We ensure that they use their sunscreen and Chapstick multiple times each day and encourage the students to wear their hats and sunglasses to avoid excess sun exposure.

CHAPERONING:

Q: Is there Internet service at the camp?

Yes, there is a (slow) wi-fi signal for chaperones to log on to.

Q: Am I required to pay my way?

A: No! We are happy to have you along as one of our hard-working chaperones. Your transportation, lodging, and meal fees are waived, though you are always free to donate, if you wish. Many companies will donate the value of your time as part of their matching-donation program.

Q: Can I be in my child's hiking group?

A: No. We want to ensure that your child is gaining self-reliance and independence, just like their parent-free peers. You will get to see your child at breakfast, dinner, play time, and in the dorms (if you are the same gender as your child).

Q: What responsibilities will I have?

A: As a chaperone you will monitor showers, oversee play-time, and be a supportive supervisor on the trails. Since you are sleeping in the dorms, you will provide assistance with any nighttime student needs.