Camper Standards

Camper Eligibility

Please read through the following criteria to determine if your child will be successful participating in Gold Arrow Camp’s rustic, outdoor, overnight, structured program. If you have any questions or concerns or would like to discuss if Gold Arrow Camp is the right fit for your child, please contact our office at 800-554-2267 or mail@goldarrowcamp.com to request a consultation prior to submitting a Camper Application.

For children to be successful in our camp program, campers need to be able to:

  • Follow a structured schedule in a group setting and remain with their assigned cabin group and counselor with minimal reminders or redirection.
  • Communicate basic needs to camp staff and follow safety rules and activity instructions when given by an adult in English.
  • Live, interact, and sleep in a group setting (tent or cabin with 12-14 people) without disrupting others’ sleep or camp experience.
  • Fall asleep without sleep aids (lights, music, headphones, etc.).
  • Self manage the frequent sensory stimulation of loud and energetic environments, including constant interaction with other children.
  • Manage and practice self-care and personal hygiene (showering, brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, changing clothes, etc.) in an age-appropriate manner (with reminders).
  • Be willing and able to eat a camp diet served in three standard meals and manage their own dietary needs, including eating enough daily to accommodate our rigorous activities.
  • Self-manage frustrations or emotional outbursts and be able to use self-calm strategies when upset.
  • Identify and avoid health and safety risks.
  • Be able and willing to traverse over uneven, rocky, hilly terrain (up to 4-5 miles per day)

 

Camper Standards of Behavior and Appearance

To maintain a wholesome, fun, child-focused environment free of social pressures and negative influences, Gold Arrow Camp has developed the following behavior and appearance guidelines, which will be strictly enforced. If you are concerned that your child may not be able to meet our Camper Standards, please consult with a Camp Director prior to enrolling your child.

Gold Arrow campers are expected to treat other campers and staff with respect at all times, and value each camper’s right to have a fun experience.

The following behaviors are not permitted at Gold Arrow Camp and will result in disciplinary action (up to being immediately dismissed from camp without any tuition refund):

  1. Teasing, taunting, social aggression, threatening or discriminating comments, or harassment or hazing of any kind towards any member of the camp community. Any of these kinds of behavior outside of camp – either on or offline – impact camper’s eligibility to return to camp the following summer.
  2. Violence of any kind.
  3. Use of foul language, discussion of inappropriate topics, or possession of inappropriate media (magazines, books, etc.) as determined by the Camp Directors.
  4. Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs. All prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, must be stored in the Wellness Center and administered under the supervision of our camp Health Personnel.
  5. Sexual or intimate relationships or inappropriate sexual behavior.
  6. Unauthorized absence from cabin or activity.
  7. Abusive or disrespectful behavior towards any member of the camp community.
  8. Inappropriate appearance or attire (see below).
  9. Possession or use of personal electronic equipment (cell phone, electronic game, audio player, laptop computer, e-reader, etc.).
  10. Destruction, vandalism (including graffiti), or theft of any property belonging to camp or another community member.
  11. Equipment used to perform significant body alterations, including tools and materials used to tattoo or pierce skin.

Appearance and Attire: Campers should bring to camp clothing that is appropriate for an outdoor, active camp program. Use of make-up and/or wearing of expensive or trendy clothing that distract from a wholesome, outdoor camp environment are discouraged while at camp.

The following are not allowed at camp:

  1. Clothing with any words, logos, or graphics depicting violence, bands who play violent music, drugs, alcohol, or inappropriate language or topics.
  2. Jewelry that includes collars, chains, and face or body piercings. Earrings are allowed.
  3. Clothing or appearance that is unsafe or inappropriate per camp’s discretion: e.g., tops that expose any part of the breasts, shorts that expose undergarments or any portion of the buttocks. Clothing must fit closely enough so that the camper is not at risk for injury due to clothing getting caught in belay ropes, etc.
  4. Any permanent tattoos need to be covered at all times with clothing.

Note: We will strictly enforce our dress code. To avoid being required to mail additional clothing to your child at camp, we ask that parents supervise packing and make sure that no inappropriate clothing items are brought to camp.