Resident Camp at Okit
Questions and Answers
WHO MAY ATTEND?
All girls ages 6 to 17 are eligible to attend a Girl Scout summer camp.
WHAT ARE THE FACILITIES LIKE?
Camp facilities include a dining hall, fully equipped kitchen, wellness center, craft pavilion and Trading Post. In addition there is a swimming pool, lake, horse stables, basketball court, beach volleyball, and a softball field. Camp is divided into “Units”. These units are the camper’s living quarters. Camper cabins sleep four and staff members sleep in the same unit, but stay in separate cabins. Also, check out the Camp Okitayakani link at the bottom of this page for pictures of camp.
CAN MY CAMPER BE IN THE SAME UNIT AS HER FRIEND?
Your camper may request to be with her “Camp Mate” if they are both registered for the same event at camp and both request to be “Camp Mates”.
WHAT ARE THE COUNSELORS LIKE?
The camp counselors are trained, energetic, and caring adults. All staff undergo extensive training prior to the start of camp. Training includes activity programming, emergency procedures and how to deal with homesick campers. The waterfront instructors are certified by the American Red Cross in water safety.
DOES MY CAMPER NEED A HEALTH EXAM?
YES. For her protection, a physical exam by a licensed medical personnel is required for all campers within twenty-four months of attending Camp Okit. If you have submitted a form within this time frame, you do not need to do another. Please confirm if the health form is on file with the Council.
HOW DO I KNOW MY CAMPER IS READY FOR SUMMER CAMP?
A girl is emotionally ready for camp when she:
· Wants to go to camp and is willing to prepare for and follow directions at camp.
· Is not afraid to be away from home overnight and her parents are prepared to let her go.
· Is willing to share, play and work with all girls, not just her best friends.
· Doesn’t always have to have her own way; can give in or compromise gracefully.
WHAT IF MY CAMPER HAS SPECIAL NEEDS?
Camp Okit can accommodate a wide variety of special needs and abilities. When the camp knows ahead of time what these needs are we are better able to serve your child and make her camp experience the best it can be.
CAN I CALL OR VISIT MY CAMPER?
NO. Since talking and visiting with parents/guardians usually increases a camper’s homesickness, the camp procedure for handling homesickness does not include phone calls/visits from parents or friends of the family. In case of an emergency, parents/guardians with concerns are encouraged to call the camp director at (229) 679-2249. Visitors who arrive unannounced will be asked to leave for the benefit of all campers.
CAN MY CAMPER RECEIVE MAIL?
YES. Letters to campers are welcomed and can be sent to:
Camper’s Name
Camp Okit
Route 1 Box 97
Cuthbert, GA 39840
WHAT DO MY CAMP FEES COVER?
The camp fees are kept at a minimum and pay for some of the costs directly related to operating the camp, such as food, employed staff, program equipment, and badge and patch programs.
WHAT IS A MESS KIT AND DUNK BAG?
A “mess kit” is a set of dishes and utensils and a dunk bag is a net bag used to store the dishes as they are hung to air dry.
WHAT IS THE TRADING POST?
The Trading Post is a small store that offers souvenirs, sodas, stamps and T-shirts. Campers may deposit up to $25.00 in an account for purchases. Money remaining at the session’s end will be refunded to the camper’s parent/guardian at checkout.
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
Financial assistance (CAMPERSHIPS) is available to individuals who can document an inability to pay. You must submit your request by May 15, 2005. Call the Council office for more information
CAN COOKIE CREDITS BE USED?
Cookie Credits may be used to attend Resident camp up to the entire amount minus the $25 deposit. If the girl has enough credit to pay for the week the $25 deposit will be transferred to the trading post. Any amount remaining after that week of camp will be refunded on the day of pick-up.
Camp programs fill quickly so it is important to send in your application early. The opening day of registration is March 1, 2005. Out of council registrations will not be accepted until April 1, 2005.
Read over the registration form carefully prior to filling it out. Use a separate form for each camp session you wish to attend.
1. Complete and sign the registration form.
2. Mail the form with a non-refundable $25 deposit fee and application to the council office.
· Personal checks, money order, or credit cards accepted.
· If your camper is not a currently registered Girl Scout, include an additional $10 (GSUSA membership fee).
· All camp fee balances are due three (3) weeks prior to your camper’s check-in date or a $10 late fee will be charged.
· No fees will be accepted at camp.
· Cookie Credits may be applied toward the camp fee, but not the deposit.
CONFIRMATION
Within two (2) weeks after your application, you will receive a confirmation postcard. Two month before the start of your camper’s session you will receive a letter with events information.
HEALTH EXAMINATION RECORD
A physical exam by a licensed medical personnel is required for all campers
within twenty-four months of attending camp. Send the completed Girl Health Examination Record Form with your final payment to the council office. If you have submitted a form within this time frame, you do not need to do another. Please confirm if the health form is on file with the Council.
REFUND POLICY
Camp fees are refunded if a camper cancels her registration at least two (2) weeks before the session begins. The $25 deposit is refundable ONLY under the following conditions:
· The session is filled or canceled;
· There is severe illness or death in the family.
· You must notify the Council before the start of the camp session stating the situation; medical reasons documented in writing from a physician and received by the council the Friday before the start of the camp session;
· Camper applied for but did not receive campership.
· NO REFUND WILL BE MADE if a camper leaves camp because of homesickness, discipline reasons, or at the parents request.
What To Bring
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
A suggested list of items to bring to Camp Okit can be found below. Please note that resident camp is a hands-on learning experience. Please do NOT send your daughter in new clothes that will keep her from experiencing all the fun we have to offer.
She will also be required to wear sturdy footwear (sneakers, shoes or hiking boots) and socks. NO SANDALS are allowed they will be taken and held until you pick her up. Sandals do not provide adequate protection from our rough terrain and fire ants.
There are a few items which are very popular but we ask you to not send them with your daughter to camp. Please do not send any electronic equipment. Do not send candy or food. Not only do little girls like candy but so do our friendly critters at camp.
· Sleeping Bag or sheets & blankets (single bed)
· Shoes; sturdy walking or sneakers (2 pair)
· Shorts
· Shirts (no halter-tops or tank tops)
· Jeans or long pants (no flared leg pants, a must for Horse program)
· Jacket, sweater or sweatshirt
· Socks, above ankle (Must be worn at all times)
· Towels (swimming and bathing)
· Flashlight, extra batteries and bulbs
· Poncho or rain jacket
· Bandanna or hat
· Shoes for all water programs and canoeing
· Insect repellant, no spray cans
· Shoes with flat bottoms and heels for horse program
· Shampoo and soap
· Deodorant, lotion, etc.
· Underwear
· Pajamas
· Swimsuit
· Washcloth
· Sun screen
· Situpon/plastic cushion/seat cushion
· Letter writing materials
· Camera (optional)
· Mess kit and Dunk Bag (this can be homemade)
· Toothbrush/paste
· Comb and brush
· Shower Shoes