Camp Program - Frequently Asked Questions and Tips

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the High Meadows Summer Camp.

We also have some useful tips for having a happy and safe summer camp.
View Camp Tips

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What ages are served?
A: Our youngest campers must be 4 years old by the September following camp, and must be able to use bathroom facilities independently. Our oldest campers are rising eighth graders. Camper groups are based on school grade: Ants are rising preschoolers, Juniors are rising Kindergartners and 1st Graders, Super Seniors are rising 2nd and 3rd Graders, Senior Quest is for rising 4th and 5th Graders, and Senior Legend serves rising 6th – 8th graders. Counselors-In-Training are rising 9th and 10th graders who have recently attended High Meadows Camp and are committed to a two-year program of developing leadership and camp counselor skills. Exceptions to group placement / age requirements due to special needs or circumstances are rare and approved by the Director and Unit Leaders.

Q: Who are the counselors?
A: We have a very diverse staff made up of mainly college students, teachers, and parents of campers. A majority of our staff members have been here for many summers and/or have attended High Meadows themselves as campers. We pride ourselves on the dedication and quality of our staff.

Q: What about swimming?
A: Our pool, rebuilt in 2003, ranges from 2 feet to 6 feet deep. Each depth section is roped off and there are lifeguards on duty at all times, in addition to an experienced Waterfront Director and counselor lookouts.

Children are tested for their swim ability in their first days of camp and are assigned an appropriate lesson group and water depth. Our preschool campers are gently introduced to the water in a fun, non-coercive way until they are comfortable receiving more advanced instruction. Older campers receive Red Cross swim lessons. Campers swim every day, having both lessons and time for free swim. Please be aware that we do not allow jewelry of any kind in the pools. Campers are not permitted to use goggles, flotation devices, or other toys so that they may develop their independent swimming skills most effectively.

Q: What other activities are offered?
A: High Meadows is a traditional, outdoor summer camp. Younger campers have pony rides, nature classes, arts & crafts, snack-making, music & movement, and cooperative games. As campers get older, they begin to experience archery, Native American lore, and Pioneering. Our oldest campers are also able to choose from a variety of activities which include performing arts, canoeing, ropes course, photography, woodworking, dance and animal care.

Q: Isn’t it too hot in the summer to be outside all the time? What about rain?
A: We do not have any air-conditioned facilities in the summer, but we do have indoor spaces for each group that can be used in inclement weather. We have 40 acres of meadow and forest which provides much shade. Campers swim every day to cool down and we frequently play water games in the fields. Water and juice are available at all times. All staff members are very conscious of keeping campers cool and hydrated, and there is a staffed health center to attend to any medical concerns. Lightning and thunder will send us indoors and close the pool, but a light rain adds to the fun of being outdoors on a hot day. Expect campers to come home dirty!

Q: How many campers are in each group?
A: Group sizes are generally 15 campers with two counselors. Each age group division also has a Unit Leader that supervises all counselors and campers and facilitates communication with parents.

Q: How is Ants Camp different from Day Camp?
A: Ants Camp is open to children who will be 4 years old by the September following camp, and will be entering preschool in the Fall. Ants enjoy a shortened day (9:45am – 1:45pm) in a highly supervised program strong in nurturing and love. Our staff is well experienced and is adept at dealing with issues such as homesickness. All campers must be able to use bathroom facilities independently. Ants campers are not permitted to use our bus transportation, though they may be brought to camp with older siblings no earlier than 9:30.

Q: Can my camper be placed in a group with friends from school?
A: An important facet of the camping experience is the development of socialization skills and new friendships. We hope that all campers and parents are open to this beneficial experience, as our staff members are well educated in helping to foster new relationships and making each camper feel comfortable within their assigned group. We do allow campers to choose one person with whom they would like to be grouped, as long as the request is reciprocal. Due to the complexity of arranging groups, and the different structure of each unit, we cannot guarantee placement. Preschoolers through 1st Graders are in co-ed groups; older campers are separated into boys and girls “castles”, though activities are co-ed. Campers within each Unit all see each other frequently throughout the day.

Q: How safe is Camp?
A: Safety is a primary concern in all aspects of our program. Our camp is accredited by the American Camp Association which sets high standards for safety, quality practices, and management. Counselors undergo an extensive application process to determine their suitability, and specialists in appropriate areas are certified for their position.

All Units gather together at the beginning and end of each day. Younger campers are always under the supervision of counselors; Senior campers have freedom to move independently to their individually scheduled classes and have their attendance taken each hour.

Because of the active nature of the program and the community structure of camp, we discourage visits from parents during the camp day. Any other guest or visitor to High Meadows must check in at the Main Office.

All campers are checked in at camp upon arrival. Any changes in transportation home (early departure, someone other than guardian picking up, bus changes, etc.) must be in writing and received 24 hours in advance. We understand that your child is your most precious possession and we do all we can to make camp a safe, caring community.

Q: Can I get a tour of High Meadows Camp?
A: High Meadows operates year-round as an educational facility. Approximately 400 students attend school here daily. As all of our personnel resources are dedicated to registration, administration, and teaching, we are not able to provide tours of camp until the Spring, but we are happy to answer your questions in the Camp Office or via e-mail. Please contact camp@highmeadows.org for more information.


Camp Tips
These are some useful tips for having a happy and safe summer camp experience.

Early Departure: Early departures will be met at the Health Center, where parents will sign campers out. Due to the nature of the camp program, it is extremely difficulty to get a camper ready to go without advance notification. Don't forget to notify the office in WRITING at least a day in advance. To avoid congestion and disruption of programming, we don't allow any camper to be picked up between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Late Arrivals: Day Campers are required to arrive between 9:00 and 9:15 am daily. Ants Campers should arrive between 9:30 and 9:45 am. If you arrive at camp late, please sign your camper in at the Health Center. If you know in advance that your camper will be arriving late or will not be attending camp, please call the camp office at (770) 993-7975 to notify us, or send an email to camp@highmeadows.org.

Waterproof Sunscreen & Insect Repellent are good things to keep campers from sunburn and insects. There are some new products now that even combine the two. Applying both of them generously to your camper before arriving at camp will help start a great day. We do not apply either product without parental consent.

Healthy Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) We have a very busy schedule, A healthy breakfast will help campers have a good beginning to the day. It is hard to have a good time on an empty stomach. Never skip breakfast. A healthy lunch keeps up campers' energy level. Please also keep in mind our environmental responsibilities when packing lunches. We all need plenty of fuel in the heat of the day. Dinner is a must to re-fuel campers' energy after a long, hot camp day.

Plenty of Water keeps campers from dehydration. Encourage your camper to drink plenty of water at home as we do at camp. Help your campers replenish their fluid level in the evenings. Bringing a water bottle with a strap is a good idea. Campers get used to carrying it with them and it can be useful out in the middle of the forest. Freezing the water bottle the night before provides a cool drink for a good part of the day.

Plenty of Rest is another necessary ingredient to a successful camp experience. Please make sure your camper gets enough sleep at night. Tired campers will not receive the full benefits of a camp experience.

Clothing & Raincoat Neutral colored, comfortable clothing is a good idea. It will not attract bees, and is "Okay-to-get-dirty". Your campers will probably get dirty & muddy in activities. It is always a good idea to pack an extra change of clothing in tote bags. We go going outside rain or shine unless there is thunder, lightning, or other severe weather. Please remind your camper to bring in appropriate rain gear daily or keep a poncho at camp. Lightweight (thin & inexpensive) rain ponchos are best. They are easy to carry and store in tote bags.

Socks & Tennis Shoes/Hiking Boots are the safest and most comfortable ways to move around our 40 acres of camp. We suggest that all campers wear socks and tennis shoes or hiking boots since we are doing a good bit of walking and running. Sandals, Tevas, Jellies, and clogs don't provide the protection and balance for a full day of camp. Shoes must have protected toes and secure backs.

Jewelry & Toys are best left at home. Jewelry is not allowed in the swimming pool area. We strongly discourage toys from home being brought to camp. High Meadows assumes no responsibility for personal possessions.

Lost & Found Labeling all of your campers' clothing and belongings with their last & first names helps us to keep our lost-and-found boxes relatively empty. Please use permanent markers or labels. Tote bags, hats, water bottles, lunch boxes, cups, Tupperware, shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, and beach towels are the popular items to name. We try to get all labeled items back to owners. The more detailed your personal belongs are labeled, the better chance of getting them back to you. Any unclaimed items at the end of the summer are donated to local charities.

Lunch Box An ice-packed lunchbox is recommended. Please send camper lunches inside a lunch box or cooler with a icepack and plastic fork and cup. We encourage campers to bring plastic containers (e.g. Tupperware or Rubbermaid) to keep foods dry and separate in lunch boxes. We do not offer refrigeration or microwaves for lunch storage or preparation. One of the most important messages we want campers to take from High Meadows Camp is a renewed respect for the environment and the impact that we as human beings have on it. At High Meadows we try to generate as little trash as possible by promoting re-using, recycling, and composting. We hope you are doing all you can at home, too!