2015

Day Camp Guide

Table of Contents
Registration Process
2
Our Promise & What is Camp Fire
3
Camp Fire Experience 4
ACA Accredidation 5
Family Meet & Greets
6
Important Times & Dates
7
Parent Letter 8
Staff Bios 9
Types of Camp Offered
10 & 11
Facility Location 12
Camp Policies 13
Camp Sessions by Date
14
Detailed Camp Listing
15-19
Overnight Camp Listing
20
Discovery & Horizon Camp
21
Dash/CIT Training Information
22
Dash/CIT Placement Information
23
Questions & Answers 24-29
Tips for Preschoolers 30

Fast & Easy Online Registration

Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo uses a Fast and Easy Online Registration System for all
our Camp Programs, making signing up for camp a breeze and Eco Friendly. So sign
up today, just click on the link below or copy and paste it into your internet browser
https://thriva.activenetwork.com/Reg4/Form.aspx?IDTD=4307595&RF=3709104&
mode=0

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Our Promise
Young people want to shape the world.
Camp Fire provides the opportunity
to find their spark,
lift their voice,
and discover who they are.
In Camp Fire, it begins now.
Light the fire within

What is Camp Fire

At Camp Fire, we Light the fire within
Camp Fire was created to guide young people on their journey to self-discovery. Camp Fire helps youth dig deep inside and discover their sparks,
their personally defined nuggets of potential.
The founders of Camp Fire felt strongly that young people need experiences
that teach them to care for themselves, their environment, and the people
around them.

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The Camp Fire Experience

Discover your spark.
Do you want to discover yourself? Do you want to make an impact?
With Camp Fire, you can.
At Camp Fire, staff, volunteers, and people like you are exceptional role models.
Our programs encourage you to discover your passionyour spark.

Inclusiveness.
Camp Fire is open to everyone.
The uniqueness of every individual and family is embraced and celebrated every day.
At Camp Fire, you will build lasting relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Participant Driven.
Camp Fire is led by youth.
Camp Fire is about creating new
opportunities for you. As you work with
others you gain self-confidence, lift your
voice, and become a better citizen.
It happens now.
Camp Fire helps you develop skills,
now. Together we build a strong
foundation which empowers you
to take initiative today.

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ACA Accreditiation
Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo is proudly accredited by
the American Camp Association. Camp provides
children with a community of caring adults, who
nurture experiential education that results in
self-respect and appreciation for human value. All of the
outcomes: self-identity, self-worth, self-esteem, leadership,
and self-respect; build personal competencies. These personal competencies
are reflected in the four Cs of the camp community: compassion, contribution,
commitment, and character! For years, campers parents have reported that when
their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the
importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right and
are willing to be more responsible. These are the qualities that will help build a
successful nation and a civil society. (ACA Publications)

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Family Meet & Greet

TBD
Come by our location in Balboa Park on April 5th
drop by anytime between 12:00pm to 6:00pm and
become familiar with our facility. Koa and Staff will
be at the facility for On-site registration, tours, and
to answer all questions you might have.

Family Meet & Greet Picnic

TBD (check website for info)
New and Returning Camper Families pack a picnic and enjoy a day at Camp Fire
Camp CaHiTo, come see what makes us so great on Saturday, May 25th between
11:00am to 2:00pm. Koa and Staff will be at the facility for On-site registration,
tours, and to answer all questions you might have. There will also be a special
arts & crafts project for your campers to enjoy.

Family Sunday Funday - Perfect for 3-6 yr old campers & families
TBD
Join us at Camp CaHiTo for a Little Stars Extravaganza, May
18th from 11:00am-1:00pm. Starting with Story time at the
main stage, we will then move on to a Nature Scavenger
Hunt in Mini Forts and end with a take home craft. This
is a wonderful opportunity for your young ones to
experience Camp CaHiTo before the summer. Dont miss out
on all the fun and family time.
Pricing: $15.00 for one parent and one child.
(For children 3-6 years old)

Camp Fire Annual Membership Required for each child

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Important Times & Dates

Important Times

6:00a.m. Morning care drop off begins

8:00a.m. Camp Counselors arrive
8:30a.m. Campers begin to be dropped off
9:00a.m. Camp begins
10:30a.m. Snack time provided by Camp
12:00p.m. Lunch time
3:00p.m Camper Pick up begins
3:30p.m After care begins
6:00p.m. Camp Closes

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Parent Letter
Dear Parents,
We are very happy that your child will be joining us at Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo. We have an
outstanding staff team, and amazing programming that is sure to make this summer an
unforgettable one for your campers.
Our staff team goes through a rigorous screening and selection process with interviews, reference
checks and fingerprinting. All of our staff are required to go through a training program,
including First Aide, Child Abuse Prevention and inclusion. Please be aware that we are located at
3101 Balboa Drive on the west side of Balboa Park. The official day camp hours are 9:00 am - 3:00
pm. Drop off begins at 8:30 am and pick up needs to be by 3:30 pm. Campers must be signed in
and out by a parent/guardian or other adults listed in the camper packet or specified in writing.
The camp gate will be closed to all vehicle traffic at all times. Parking is limited to on the street. A
sign in table will be stationed within the gates on the right hand side. You must come in to camp
to sign in and out your camper. Please be ready to show identification, this is for the safety of your
campers. For extended hours, camp is open at 6:00 am and will close promptly at 6:00 pm. There is
a fee schedule for this program, please see registration packet for details. A snack will be provided
during the pm extended hours.
We are dedicated to running a safe, high quality program that serves over 6,000 children each year.
We continue to be American Camp Association accredited. This symbol of achievement represent
our adherence to high quality standards and an assurance of our commitment to the safety of your
children.
We hope to provide an amazing experience for your camper whether they be a returning camper
or attending for the first time. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon.
Jewels
Julie Petty
Executive Director
Camp Fire San Diego
jpetty@campfiresdi.org
www.campfiresd.org
619-291-8985

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Our Staff
Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo takes pride in quality, well trained and ethical staff.
Jewels

Julie Petty aka Jewels

Executive Director
jpetty@campfiresdi.org
Jewels is a San Diego native who grew up in the Camp Fire San Diego
program, she has been involved with Camp Fire for over fifteen years. She was
Director of Marketing & Outdoor Education for Camp Fire San Diego from
2006-2012 and appointed as Executive Director in Fall 2012. She strongly
believes in Camp Fires promise to help young people shape the world, by
providing the opportunity for youth to find their spark, lift their voice, and
discover who they are.

Koa

Kamarra Chamberlain aka Koa

Club Program and Outdoor Education Associate
kchamberlain@campfiresdi.org
Koa is a San Diego native who grew up out in nature on the stage! She has
worked with both the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Shows,
Education and Camps. She loves all things outdoors but is a water baby at
heart. You can find her paddling with the US First Place Champions San Diego
Outrigger Canoe Club. Koa is extremely happy to be a part of the Camp Fire
family and if youre looking for her just listen for a loud laugh!

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Types of Camps Offered

Half-Day Camps (Campers ages 3 - 5) If your 3-5 year old is

potty-trained but not quite ready for the full day camp experience, these camps are
for them. Half-Day Camp runs from 9:00am to 12:30pm daily. These camps are ideal
for the parent who would like their child to learn some new skills with the Camp
Fire curriculum and still have the second half of the day to spend that important
quality time together.

Traditional Day Camps (Campers ages 4-18 years old) These whole-

some and fun camps are set in Balboa Park at Camp CaHiTo there are various
themes to choose from and different activities each day. Camp Fire builds caring,
confident youth and future leaders, these camps use the Camp Fire
curriculum to facilitate outdoor games, songs, skits and self growth. Activities
include hiking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, signing, swimming and much more.

Discovery & Horizon Camps (Campers ages 12-16 years old)

There will only be 11 openings for each session so make sure you sign up today to
reserve a spot. These camps are a chance for our seasoned CaHiToites to try something new and different, and an opportunity for our DASHers and CITs to kick back,
relax, and enjoy a week of just being campers! A unique and adventurous Camp Fire
experience! Campers will take three field trips througout the week, and during the
other two days, campers will participate in a variety of traditional camp activities, at
a higher difficulty and skill level. One of our day
trips will be to WoLaHi, our resident camp near
Lake Cuyumaca that is in the rebuilding phase; for
fishing and hiking. One week prior to each week a
schedule will be sent out to parents with details for
the week.

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Types of Camps Offered Cont.

DASH (Campers 15-16 years old) Director and Staff Helpers

(DASH) the program is specifically designed for our future

leaders. This two phase program first sends your teen
through a full training, learning how to work with 4-11
year olds, learning leadership skills, camp songs, games
and crafts. After successfully completing training and
achieving Dash Status, participants will then be
assigned to assist our talented day camp staff with the
daily operation of camp. This program provides an
excellent opportunity for teens to obtain hands on job
experience and learn leadership responsibilities, while still
under the supervision of our camp staff team. All DASH must go
through the training session.

CIT (Campers 17-18 years old) Counselors in Training (CIT) the program is

specifically designed to further develop our future leaders. CITs are required to
attend a training session, learning how to work with 4-11 year olds, further
developing their leadership skills, leading camp songs in the morning,
implementing games and crafts with the campers. Preferably CITs should have gone
through the DASH program or a similar program/training. CITs will be assigned to
assist our talented day camp staff with the daily operation of camp; creating and
consulting on program ideas with their assigned counselor. This program provides
an excellent opportunity for teens to obtain hands on job experience, learn
leadership responsibilities, and gain more job responsibility; while still under the
supervision of our camp staff team. All CIT must go through the training session.

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Camp Location
Facility Drop Off & Pick Up

Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo is located at 3101 Balboa Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 on
the west side of Balboa Park. The official traditional day camp hours are 9:00 am 3:00 pm. Drop off begins at 8:30 am and pick up needs to be by 3:30 pm. We do offer
extended hours for an additional nominal fee, morning extended hours start at 6:00
am and afterhours end promptly at 6:00 pm. A snack will be provided during the pm
extended hours.

Attention: Thursday morning is Street Sweeping Day in the park. We do our best

to make the process of dropping off campers smooth & fast, however we cannot guarantee you will not get a ticket if you park on Balboa Dr. We have a 10-15
minute Drop Off Zone on Thursdays, if the Zone is Full we recommend parking
on Sixth Ave and walking across the park to sign your campers in. We are sorry
for the inconvenience.

Road Closures If for some reason the city closes the gate to Balboa Drive, please
park on 6th Avenue and walk your child in. We can not control road closures, but do
apologize for any inconvenience.

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Camp Policies
Camp Fire SD Membership All campers are required to become a Camp Fire SD member for $25. Benefits include
Member Only Discounts, Newsletters, Event Notification and optional Club Programming. Each child in the
family will need a Membership and it is good for the 2015 Season.
Street Sweeping Policy on Thursday AM Thursday morning is Street Sweeping Day in the park. We do our best to
make the process of dropping off campers smooth & fast, however we cannot guarantee you will not get a ticket
if you park on Balboa Dr. We have a 10-15 minute Drop Off Zone on Thursdays, if the Zone is Full we
recommend parking on Sixth Ave and walking across the park to sign your campers in. We are sorry for the
inconvenience.
No Cell Phone Policy Camp CaHiTo is a CELL PHONE FREE ZONE. Please do not send a cell phone with your
child. If we find any cell phone that is in use by a child, the phone will be taken away until the end of the camp
day and a warning will be issued to both the parents and to the child. A second infraction to adhere to the NO
Cell Phone Policy could be cause for my childs dismissal from our summer program without a refund. Staff
have cell phones for any and all emergencies and therefore, a phone is available at all times in the event that one
is needed.
Payments & Refund Policy A request to cancel your enrollment in a program is required in writing 14 days prior
to the first day of camp. You will receive a Voucher minus 50% of the total price of the program good for 6
months. There will be no Vouchers or Refunds due to illness. Full refunds will only be issued if Camp CaHiTo
cancels the program. Vouchers/deposits cannot be applied or transferred to outstanding balances.
Transfer Policy A program transfer request will be accepted 14 days prior to each camp session. There will be no
transfers processed after the 14 day deadline. All transfers are subject to availability, the 1st transfer is free, each
additional transfer is $25 per session being transfer. Before camp starts we pay our vendors, buy supplies and
hire our staff according to the enrollment numbers. These are the reasons for our policy. Please note coupons are
non transferable, if transferring a week where a coupon has been used the coupon will become invalid and the
value/discount will be lost.
AM & PM Care AM Care is from 6:00am-9:00am for an additional $50 a week, PM Care is from 3:00pm-6:00pm
for an additional $50 a week. Day of Extended Care Registration will be $15 per session per child. If your child is
not picked up by 6:00pm you will be charged $1 for every minute.
Little Stars Half Day Late Pickup If your child is not picked up by 12:30pm you will be charged $1 for every minute, up to 20 min. If your child is not picked up thereafter your child will roll into the Full Day program and you
will be charged the Little Stars Full Day Add On Rate of $20.
Last Minute Registration Fee Please note that last minute registrations are subject to an additional fee.
Registration prices will go up 3-5 days in advance to the start of camp programs. The fee for last minute
registrations is an additional $25.
Coupons & Discounts Coupons cannot be applied to previously purchased Programs/Camps, and cannot be used
after their expiration dates. Coupons are non transferable, if transferring a week where a coupon has been used
the coupon will become invalid and the value/discount will be lost.
Military Discounts Camp Fire San Diego proudly supports our Military and offers discounts to Active Military
families. Please contact the office for more information.
Camp Groups & Friend Requests All groups are made based on the ages of your camper at the start of each
program. Camp Groupings: Little Stars Half Day: 3-5 years old, Little Stars Full Day: 4-5 years old, Starflight: 5-7
years old, Adventure 8-10 years old, Discovery 11-13 years old. Friend requests are not guaranteed, and can only
be made for up to 3 friends. Friend Requests need to be reciprocated from all parties. Please note that we cannot drop your camper down into another camp grouping, or move campers up camp groupings.
Please see our website for more Policies at http://campfiresd.org/our-camps/policies/

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Camp CaHiTo Sessions by Date

Summer Dates Coming Soon

*Pro Rated Weeks and Options

**Overnight Option Available, see page 20 for more information
Every week at Camp campers get to do all of the awesome activities Camp CaHiTo
has to offer; including hiking, archery, arts and crafts, sports, singing, forts,
organized games, swimming and much more. Each week is also themed to engage
your camper throught the entire summer. For more information about the theme
weeks, look through our Detailed Camp Listing.

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Detailed Camp Listing

Wild & Crazy Days

Its time to get Crazy! During this week campers will play some of the zaniest games
and wackiest contests. Each day will be themed differently; from Crazy Shirt Day to
Backwards Day.
Week: TBD
Fees: $55 Little Stars Half Per Day
$65 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery Per Day

Superheros Week

Up, up and away! This week is all about Superheros. Campers will get to learn
all about different Superheros from Batman to Fire Men. During the week campers
will create masks, capes, wands and more, they will go on a Superhero hunt for Ms.
Freeze who froze Batman and Robin in ice,
and participate in a Super Obsticale Race.
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/
Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

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Detailed Camp Listing Cont.

Muddy Buddies*

Itt time to get MUDDY! During this week campers will have the opportunity to get
wild and dirty. Kids will have mud wars, play Muddy Buddy games, participate in
muddy relay races, Capture the Flag, build mud castles and so much more. Dont
worry though if you dont want to get Muddy, there will be plenty of other activites
to particpate in.
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Extreme Forts

stand up to a hurricane! Pounding rain? What about an angry troll! Hopefully youre
team has built a Fort that can stand up to anything! You will use lots of different
materials to create different and amazing Forts each day. At the End of the week you
will be able to show your parents what amazing architects you are and how Extreme Forts can get!
Weeks: TBD
Fees: $150 Little Stars Half Day
$180 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Pirates of CaHiTo*

Arrgh! Join us for Pirates of CaHiTo. Explore the many adventures of pirates, and
dress up in your favorite pirate gear daily. Campers will go on treasure hunts, play
games with a pirate twist, sing sea-shanties (pirate songs), make pirate hats and partake in many other swashbuckling activities.
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery
* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Detailed Camp Listing Cont.

Survivor Kid

Learn survival skills and understand the elements. Campers will learn how animals
adapt to different environments, examine creepy crawlies, birds of prey, and animal
footprints. Activities range from scavenger hunts, making their own map, and so
much more!
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Wacky Sports*

During this week campers will be having fun competing in wacky sport games and
races. Each day campers will participate in activities such as Crab Walk Soccer,
Water balloon relay, Soft Doge ball, Two Ball soccer, and much more. Campers will
also get a chance to create, play and teach their own wacky game!
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half
$225 Little Stars Full Day/
Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Detailed Camp Listing Cont.

Mission Impossible

Campers will complete various missions every day, missions will be age appropriate
ranging from low ropes courses, decoding morse code, spy missions, swinging on
the nitrous swing and much more! All missions are aimed at teaching campers
teamwork in a fun way, campers will be working together towards a common goal,
allowing them to appreciate different values that they can bring home with them.
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Treasure Hunters*

I start with an E and end with an E and I usually contain one letter? What am
I? Youll need to work together to solve riddles and search for things unseen in this
week of treasure hunting. We have hidden clues to follow and riddles to solve. Will
they lead you to Treasure? Come and see!
Week: TBDFees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight
/Adventure/Discovery
* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on
Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Detailed Camp Listing Cont.

Adventure Trek

Adventure Trek is going to keep you moving! During the week we will be trekking
through Balboa park, doing some Geo-caching which is an outdoor recreational
activity, in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or
mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called
geocaches or caches, anywhere in the world. Groups will create their own trails,
using GPS as well as finding and hiding their own geo-cache treasure! Campers will
have to think quick to figure out where the trails will lead.
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Amazing Race *

Campers will be having fun competing in different challenges from country to

country every day. Activities include making Cahito Passports, making individual
and team flags, various challenges, and new adventures around every corner.
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery

Bugs & Slugs

Campers wont think bugs are so icky, especially after this week of camp! Campers
will have fun playing Bug Bingo, Bug in your Shirt and plenty more buggy games.
Kids will have a chance to eat Scary Edible Bugs and a few more fun edible surprises.
Bug and Butterfly Crafts which include: a Swarm of Tumble bugs, Bug Catchers and
lots, lots more!
Week: TBD
Fees: $185 Little Stars Half Day
$225 Little Stars Full Day/Starflight/Adventure/Discovery
* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Overnight Camps
Overnight Camps

Overnights are a way to make your campers experience at Camp CaHiTo one of a
kind. For $60 campers get an experience of a lifetime, while sleeping and playing
under the stars, activities correlate to the weeks theme.
Overnights begin Thursday at 3:00pm right after a traditional day at camp,
campers are provided an afternoon snack, dinner, breakfast and lunch the following
day. Campers should bring a change of clothes for the next day, flashlight, sleeping
bag, and toiletries
Fees: $65 for campers 8 -16 years old
$55 DASH & CIT

Available Dates:
TBD

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Discovery & Horizon Camp

Discovery & Horizon Camps
(for campers 12-16 years old)

A chance for our seasoned CaHiToites to

try something new and different, and an
opportunity for our DASHers and CITs to
kick back, relax, and enjoy a week of just
being campers! A unique and adventurous
Camp Fire experience! Campers will take
three field trips, during the other two days,
campers will participate in a variety of
traditional camp activities, at a higher
difficulty and skill level. One of our day trips
will be to WoLaHi, our resident camp near Lake Cuyumaca that is in the rebuilding
phase; for fishing and hiking. One week prior to each week a schedule will be sent
out to parents with details for the week.
Available Weeks: TBD
Fees: $280 Discovery & Horizon ONLY

Potential Field Trips & Volunteer Opportunities:

Torrey Pines Scenic Hike
Visiting local Conservation Gardens;
Mission Trails Regional Park
Point Loma Tides Pools
Beach Clean Up
Habitat for Humanity
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Kayaking or Snorkeling La Jolla Coves

* Denotes Overnight option, please see page 20 for more info on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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DASH & CIT Training

DASH & CITs

(for campers 15-18 years old)

Director and Staff Helpers (DASH) & Counselors in Training (CIT) is our
teen programs specifically designed for our future leaders. This program first
sends your teen through a week of training, teaching your teen how to work with
children, camp songs, games and crafts. After successfully completing training and
achieving DASH or CIT status, participants will then be assigned to assist our
talented day camp staff with the daily operation of camp. This program provides an
excellent opportunity for teens to achieve hands on job experience and
responsibilities, while still under the supervision of our camp staff team.

DASH & CIT Training

New* and Returning DASHers and CITs are required to attend one of these
trainings, in order to be a youth leader at CaHiTo for the 2013 summer season. In
years past, we have required that each teen helper attends a week of training, but we
want them trained EARLY so they will have the tools to begin as leaders on our very
first day of camp! Teens will learn leadership skills, working with 4-12 year olds,
learning game leading, camp songs, and child supervision. The training will prepare
them to be placed at Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo assisting the staff with the daily
operation of camp. Being a DASH and CIT is a an amazing fun experience.
Poten-tial DASH and CIT must first successfully complete the training course before
they are eligible for participation in DASH or CIT placement weeks.
Fees: $95 DASH & CIT
Includes Lunch

Training Dates:
Session 1: TBD
Session 2: TBD

(Please check the website for more information)

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DASH & CIT Placement

DASH & CIT Placement
(for campers 15-18 years old)

Placement is an opportunity for DASH and CITs who have successfully completed
our training course to use their leadership skills in the field of camp and enjoy the
rewards of working with Camp Fire Camp CaHiTos incredible staff team and
campers. DASH and CITs will experience various camp programs, assist in the daily
operations of camp, and receive valuable on-the-job experience that will help build
strong leadership skills. Our DASH and CIT coordinator will be making placements
into age appropriate groups the Friday of the week prior to camp. If you sign up over
the weekend, your placement will be made Monday morning by 8:30am. Teens will
have a blast learning and making a difference in the lives of our campers at Camp
CaHiTo.
Fees: $120 DASH & CIT

Placement Dates:
TBD

*DASH and CIT are allowed to attend overnights for

an additional discounted rate of $55 per session, see
page 20 for information on Overnights at Camp CaHiTo.

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Questions & Answers

Why Camp?

There is so much competition for our childrens time in the summer sports
practices, summer school, well-deserved vacations. But camp is a gift. If ever our
society needed a generation of future leaders who understood the intricacies of
living in a community, having tolerance, and being open in nature that time is
now.

Why a Camp Fire Camp?

Camp Fire has always recognized curious youth exploring their world need a secure
place to grow up. And since 1910 weve provided that place, through in-and-out of
school programs and camps. Camp Fire believes when youth get the chance to be
outdoors, to work with others in community, and learn to respect nature they better
respect themselves. Were proud of the role we have playedand continue to play
in guiding young lives to an appreciation of their own lives and the world we all live
in.

Camp Staff

Camp Fire counselors are carefully chosen and trained. All meet the standard program requirements of Camp Fire. Most camp staff
are college students majoring in recreation,
education, or child development. All staff is
required to participate in a week long precamp training session, in addition to
regular daily and weekly staff meetings.

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Physical Requirements

While at camp, children will be involved in a variety of physical activities in the

outdoors. Camp Fire requires parents to fill out a current health history for every
camper. Campers without signed health history forms will not be allowed to stay.
Campers with special needs may be required to obtain a doctors release to attend
camp.

Health and Safety

Safety is our top priority at camp. All staff members are trained in First Aid and CPR
procedures. In the event of illness or injury, parents will be notified immediately by
phone. The camp health supervisor holds and dispenses all medications while
campers are in our care.

What if my camper has medications?

If your camper takes medication, please check in medications with the camp health
supervisor on the first day. Please make sure all directions for medications are on
the Health History Form.

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What campers should bring to Camp

A lunch. Refrigeration is not available, so do not

send perishable foods. A small snack will be
provided everyday or you can bring your own.
A Water bottle with your campers name on it.
Comfortable play clothes, as campers WILL get dirty.
Closed toed shoes and socks are required. No sandals or open back shoes.
A hat or cap and sunscreen. Parents are required to apply lotion before camp for
their childs protection. The camp counselors are not allowed to help apply.

What campers should not bring to Camp Please keep

valuables, electronic equipment, toys, personal sports equipment etc. at home. All
program supplies will be provided. Camp Fire is not responsible for lost, stolen or
damaged personal property.

Camp camper to staff ratio?

Little Stars: 1:6 Camper to staff ratio.

Starflight: 1:8 Camper to staff ratio.
Adventure: 1:10 Camper to staff ratio.
Discovery: 1:10 Camper to staff ratio.

How do I communicate with the Staff?

Camp staff will be available everyday before and after camp starts to answer any and
all questions or concerns you might have about your child. All information between
parent and Camp Staff is confidential.

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Questions & Answers Cont.

Can staff babysit?

Although Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff work

well with children, our policy states that our staff
are not permitted to babysit for families involved
in our programs.

Can staff accept presents?

Although our staff work long, challenging hours,

our policy states that employees are not to accept
gratuities. If you wish, we would encourage you
to make a donation to our Camp Fire programs
to continue to help children. If interested please
contact Camp Fire at 619-291-8985 for more
information.

What if I need to speak with my camper?

If you ever need to reach your child while she/he is in camp, please call the office at
619-291-8985. Someone in the office will take your message and get the information
to your child.

Can I make friend request for my camper to be in

the same group?
All groups are made based on the ages of your camper at the start of each program.
See Camp Groupings below. Friend requests are not guaranteed, and can only be
made for up to 3 friends. Friend Requests need to be reciprocated from all parties.
Please note that we cannot drop your camper down into another camp grouping, or
move campers up camp groupings.
Camp Groupings (Age of Camper at start of Camp)
Little Stars Half Day: Campers ages 3-5
Little Stars Full Day: Campers ages 4-5
Starflight: 5-7 years old
Adventure: 8-10 years old
Discovery: 11-13 years old

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Questions & Answers Cont.

What happens if my camper has a
discipline problem at camp?

Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff is trained and is expected to resolve behavior
problems in a positive manner. Our staff speak with the child, allowing him/her to
take time out to think about the problem, discuss the problem/solution with the
child, then let the child return to the activity. In more severe cases, the child will be
kept out of the activity and the parent will be asked to pick up their child. Together,
parents and Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo staff will work out a custom-designed
behavior modification method depending on the severity of the problem,. In the
event the problems persists, the child may be suspended or expelled from the
program. Some acts may result in immediate suspension or expulsion including but
not limited to; fighting, intentionally harming others, theft, and possession of
weapons or drugs. Camp does not grant refunds or credits for missed days due to
a behavior program. Please see our Camper Code of Conduct at http://campfiresd.
org/our-camps/policies/camper-code-of-conduct/

Do you have a Lost and Found?

We know that sometimes things get lost, please label all of your childs belongings.
Our camp Lost and Found is located at the sign in/out desk. Please feel free to check
for your childs lost and found items. Items left for over three weeks with be donated
to charity.

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Questions & Answers Cont.

What is Camp Fire Camp CaHiTos
bathroom procedure?
All campers must use the buddy system, no
camper is ever alone. All campers will take trips
to the bathroom with the entire camp and/or
camp groups escorted by camp staff. Campers
will only use bathrooms inspected for safety
by camp staff.

How old do you have to be to go swimming at

Camp?

If your camper is 8 years or older at the start of camp he/she can go swimming at the
Boy Scouts of America pool, each camper will need a release form filled out prior
to going, the release form can be found in the Application Package. Swimming is an
hour long, campers will leave camp at 10:30am and return at approx 12:30pm.

What if it rains?

Camp runs rain or shine. If weather conditions require it, we will move inside for
indoor activities.

Is there Financial Assistance Camperships?

Camperships are available on a first come, first serve basis. A

family must meet the required guidelines in order to receive funding,
Financial Assistance applications are available online. Required Documents: First 2
pages of your 2013/14 Federal Income Tax Form & W2 (Incomplete applications will
not be processed. & additional documentation may be required)

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Tips for Preschool Campers

Tips to Help Preschool Campers have Smooth
Transitions
Camp is a great place for preschoolers to learn how to interact with other kids, share,
take turns, follow rules and appreciate and respect the outdoors. Camp can also
prepare kids for kindergarten and beyond. However, we do recognize that there are
many emotions that can accompany leaving your child at camp. Fears and anxieties
are to be expected, however to make sure that you and your child get the most out of
the experience below are a few tips.
Spend time talking with your child about camp even before it starts. It is
necessary for you to recognize this is a pivotal step you and your camper are
taking. However, too much emphasis on this step may worsen anxiety and fears.
Young children can sense the worry so the more calm and confident you are in
your choice of sending your child to camp, the more at ease your child will be.
When you enter Camp Fire Camp CaHiTo on the first day, allow the counselors
introduce themselves and set the tone and form a relationship with your camper.
If you show that you are comfortable with that counselor, your child will form
a better bond. If your camper cries or clings to you, dont let it upset you. The
counselor will take the right steps to comfort and ease your child into the camp.
We realize that leaving your child is very hard, but once you do it, it is very
helpful if you leave promptly. Make sure to say your good-bye and then tell them
you will see them at lunch and then depart. Long farewells and language such
as if you dont like it here, you let your counselor know only reinforces the
campers anxieties and makes it harder on the camper, counselor and you. A
consistent predictable goodbye ritual is also helpful and eases the whole process.
Keep in mind that most campers do just fine once their parents leave.

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