STANDARDS & CARE

Accreditations and Safety at Camp

Camp Sebago is an accredited member of the American Camping Association. The ACA’s mission is to enrich the lives of children, youth, and adults through the camp experience. They do this by establishing a set of safety standards to improve and value the safety of children in all camp programming. Camp Sebago proudly upholds these high standards across every possible aspect of camp to ensure your children will have the best possible time while they are at Camp.

Preparing for Camp

Getting ready for camp is an exciting part of the journey! We want to help both campers and parents feel confident and prepared. This section provides guidance on what to pack, and some tips to help your child feel comfortable and excited. With a little preparation, your camper will be ready to dive in, make new friends, and create memories that last a lifetime.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD

Getting Ready for Camp
Camp is full of adventure and memories, whether it’s your child’s first time or they’re a seasoned camper! A little nervousness is normal, so here are some simple ways to help them feel ready:

Talk it up: Chat about the fun activities—swimming, arts & crafts, games, and archery—and remind them caring adults will be there every step of the way.
Pack together: Go through the essentials and make sure sneakers, socks, and daily clothes are ready. Younger campers can benefit from having each day’s outfit grouped together.
Send a little love: Pack stamped postcards or letters to write home, and consider sending a letter for them to receive—it’s always a special surprise!
Focus on the fun: Highlight making new friends and exciting experiences instead of worrying about homesickness. Most campers adjust after the first night with help from our staff.
Celebrate the return: Welcome your camper home with a warm dinner, a cheerful sign, and time to share their favorite stories.

Packing List:

GENERAL INFORMATION

Phone calls at Camp

We want your child to experience camp to the fullest without distractions, we do not encourage phone calls or visits during camp (excluding emergencies, if the situation would be best resolved through a phone call, or other approved circumstances) because it could spark homesickness. However, we do encourage you to send your child mail while they are at camp.

Mail at Camp

To send a letter or postcard please use the following mailing address:

Childs Name

C/O Camp Sebago

Standish, ME 04084

We advise if you are planning to send mail to send it two or more days before your child arrives at camp so it will make it before your child leaves.

Camp Visits

We do not recommend that you plan to visit while your child is attending camp. If you would like to visit our camp prior to your child attending, you may arrange for a tour by contacting Camp Sebago.

Money at Camp

During the week, your child will not have need for any money except for the one opportunity they will have to purchase Camp merchandise, sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, etc., from the Camp Canteen. All money will be collected at registration on the first day of camp and stored for each camper in the camp office. If you are picking up your child on closing day you may also take your child to the Canteen then to purchase any items they may want.

Electronics at Camp

Electronic devices such as cell phones, cameras, music players, and other devices are prohibited at Camp. If they are brought to Camp, devices will remain in a safe in the office for the remainder of the camper’s stay. We recommend these devices stay at home.

Early Departure

It is a camp policy to only release campers from the camp session for medical and behavioral situations. In the event that it is necessary to pick up your child early from the camping session, we will only release campers to the parent/guardian listed on the application form. You will need to show photo identification.

Medical Information

MEDICATIONS

DO NOT PACK- please give to sender.

If your child is on any physician prescribed medication, please be certain they bring the medication to camp. IT will be stored under lock and key in our health lodge. Each medication must be brought in the original prescription bottle/container. This includes the boxes that Asthma inhalers are packaged in. Be sure that the physician’s instructions are on the prescription bottle/container and that there is enough medication for the entire camp period. Be sure that the detailed medication information is on the Physician Examination Form including name, dosage, and times when the drug(s) is/are to be administered. Correct medication and correlating physician information is a requirement for camper registration.

Emergency Contact Person

In the case of illness or injury it may become necessary for the child to leave camp early. Please be sure that the names and phone numbers for your emergency contacts are correct and in operation. In the event that we cannot reach the parent, this information becomes extremely important. If you will be out of town during your child’s visit, please provide the camp with a phone number where you can be reached.

Completing the medical form

Be sure to complete all areas of the health history. Your child will need to be examined by a Physician, Physician’s Assistant, or Licensed Nurse Practitioner within the past twelve months (of when your camper is at camp). It is important that the parental release is signed so that your child may be treated by a physician or hospital in the case of emergency. No child will be allowed to stay on the campgrounds without the release being signed. Any special diet or activity restrictions should be identified on the form. Please complete the form in its entirety.

If a camper is taking prescribed medications…

Each medication must be brought to camp in the original prescription bottle/container. This includes all asthma inhaler package/boxes.
The physician’s instructions (dosage/times of administration) must be clearly marked on the prescription bottle/ container. Dispensing pharmacy phone numbers must be legible on the prescription bottle. This must agree with the dosage written on the Physician Examination Form.
Medication administration times are breakfast/lunch/dinner/ and bedtime. Campers must bring enough medication to last the entire camp period
Detailed medication information must be written legibly on the Physicians Examination Form. This includes medication name, dosage, and times when medication is to be administered. This must match the medication brought to camp.

DINING

Food at Camp: Nutrition and Balance

Keeping campers satisfied at camp is critical to their wellbeing. Our cooks have designed menus that keep kids’ tastes in mind while emphasizing nutrition and balance. We serve three meals per day, as well as a snack before bedtime. Our staff help campers to make healthy choices so that they are getting enough food at each meal and ensure they are eating a balanced diet.

Summer Food Service Program

Camp Sebago participates in the USDA government food system through the Summer Food Service Program offered by the state of Maine. Mealtimes, meal content, supervision at meals, and proper recording is crucial to the continuance of this important contract. All families are encouraged to complete relevant portions of the form, including name, food stamps, TANF, or SNAP numbers.