How
far in advance do I need to register? back to top
We encourage parents to register as soon as they know the dates they
would like their camper to come to camp. Registration is on a first
come, first served basis. All campers must be registered with the
appropriate paperwork completed at least one week before the first
day of camp.
What are the hours
of Si-La-Meo? back
to top
Counselors are ready to greet campers at 8:45 a.m. each morning
at Alaska Pacific University's Mosely
Sports Center. For all campers, the day begins and ends with
a “camp
circle”, where songs are sung, games are played, and
news and announcements are shared.
Camp ends at 4 p.m. each day and we ask parents to be there
at this time. If you need to pick up your child earlier on
any given day, just let your child’s
counselor know that morning. Si-La-Meo Anchorage also has a pre and after camp
program to extend your camper’s day. Pre-camp staff will meet your camper
at the Mosely Sports Center at 7:30 in the morning, and provide games and activities
until their regular counselors
pick them up at the start of the camp day. After camp counselors will keep
the activities going until 5:30 in the afternoon.
What should my child
bring to camp each day? back
to top
Your child should be dressed appropriately for the weather, with
sunscreen, hat, a rain jacket and an extra layer in a backpack.
Each child registered for Anchorage should also bring a swimsuit
and towel for daily swimming lessons. Your child also needs
to be prepared with an adequate and nutritious lunch. We recommend
the following guidelines for preparing a lunch:
• 1 slice bread or bread alternative including rolls, biscuits,
rice or noodles.
•
¾ cup vegetable or fruit, a total of 2 or more types.
• 2 oz of meat, cheese or other protein source
• An afternoon snack.
Please do not send foods that require refrigeration or heating.
Camp will have a variety of healthy snack foods for sale if your
child forgets to bring snack.
Please send a full water bottle with your camper every day.
The campers are very active, and in sunny or cloudy weather,
dehydration is always a concern. We will have water bottles for
purchase at the camp store, if your child needs one. Items high
in sugar content such as cookies, candy bars and soft drinks
are not recommended.
What’s available at the Camp Store? back
to top
The camp store sells various camp souvenirs as well as healthy
snacks and drinks. Camp T-shirts, water bottles and other accessories
personalized with the Camp Fire logos will help your child
remember the fun of camp all year long.
Can I stop by and see
my child during the camp day? back
to top
If you would like to visit camp with your child before their session,
please contact our main office in Anchorage to make an appointment.
Any visitor to camp after a child has been signed into program
must check in with the Camp Director upon arrival. For the safety
of our campers and staff, Camp Si-La-Meo is a closed program, and
all visits during sessions must be scheduled and approved by the
Camp Director.
What are the counselors like? back
to top
Our Camp staff are carefully screened to ensure that they 1)
love and respect the needs of children and know how to have
fun 2) have first aid and other appropriate certifications
and 3) are prepared for the unique demands of a camp setting.
Our staff are frequently employed with the School Age Child
Care program, or return to work after a summer away at College.
Many camp staff are studying education, psychology, sociology,
recreation or other related fields to youth development. All
camp staff are required to be at least 18 years old.
What training
do counselors receive? back
to top
All camp staff are required to have their first aid and CPR certificates,
a completed background check, 2 interviews and three excellent
references completed before working. Camp Fire USA Alaska Council
hosts a week of training before the beginning of the summer.
Camp staff are oriented in the Camp Fire program philosophy,
safety and emergency procedures, group and behavior management,
roles and responsibilities, and child development. The Camp
Director facilitates a weekly staff meeting. Each staff person
is evaluated through the summer and receives an end of season
evaluation that determines their eligibility for re-hire.
What does ACA accreditation
mean? back
to top
Camp Kushtaka and Camp Si-La-Meo both maintain an ACA Accreditation.
The following is a quote from the American Camp Association website.
“The
2,400+ camps accredited by the American Camp Association have
met or exceeded the highest nationally recognized standards
for health, safety, staff training and program quality in camps.
You can be assured that up to 300 questions have already been
asked and appropriately answered. ACA demonstrates a commitment
to excellence that makes your job of choosing the right camp
much easier.
When
camps display the ACA-accredited camp logo, they are showing
that
they have earned a true mark of distinction within the camp
community. What’s behind this hard-earned sign? Take a
look at the following facts:
- Accreditation is an educational process of voluntary self-examination
and peer review
- ACA’s standards program is continuously evaluated. At
least once every three years, teams of two or more trained camp
professionals observe a camp’s operation while in session
and compare its practices with the standards of the industry.
-
Although
many state and federal laws and regulations may address basic
sanitation and food service concerns, ACA’s standards
go a step further in addressing the specific areas of programming,
personnel, and management practices that relate specifically
to summer camp. Separate standards are applied to activities
such as aquatics, horseback riding, and travel and trip programs.
- The ACA accredited camp logo indicates that a camp is owned
and operated by camp management committed to the highest standards
for the camp industry. These camp owners/operators care enough
to put themselves to the toughest tests in the camp profession.”
What if my child has special needs? back
to top
We are generally able to accommodate most children, but reserve
the right to make determinations on a case by case basis. However,
the camp is difficult for physically challenged individuals to
navigate. Please give us a call to discuss your child’s
needs.
What’s the refund
policy? back
to top
The $35 registration fee and $25 deposit
are non-refundable. All requests for changes of dates or cancellation
of day camp sessions must be completed14 days in advance and submitted
in writing to our office. Contact us in the event that a family
emergency prevents your child from going to camp.
Is financial assistance available? back
to top
Camp Fire USA Alaska Council provides limited support for children
whose parents have financial difficulty paying the participant
fees. Any youth having completed Kindergarten may apply for a
Campership. Current participation in a Camp Fire program is not
required. Camperships are awarded based on need and available
funds. The application process is simple, and confidential. The
application process must be completed in full. All requests are
reviewed by members of the Camp Fire management team. The campership
process has a few guidelines:
• Campership applications must be complete
with the amount parent/guardian can pay.
• The parent/guardian will pay the amount stated on the campership
application or 20%, whichever is greater, for each camp session.
• The camp session fee less the deposit fee and registration fee
paid and campership amount awarded equals the balance due.
• Camperships will be awarded for no more than 2 sessions at Camp
Si-La-Meo and 1 week at Camp Kushtaka.
• Balances must be paid 10 days prior to the session starting.
• All other accounts must be in good standing with Camp Fire USA
before a campership will be awarded.
To apply, please complete the application provided here. (link
to camperships online application)
What
is the refund policy? back
to top
Deposits
and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Changes in enrollment, including withdrawl, must be submitted in writing to our
camp registrar 14 days prior to the beginning of the session changed.
One change of enrollment per camper is processed free of charge. Additional changes
will result in a $15 per change fee.
Lastly, The balance due must be paid 14 days prior to session start date. Balance
must be paid in full if registering within 14 days of a session.
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