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Camper Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the cabins like?
• How is the food?
• What does a typical day at Kippewa look like?
• How do I choose my schedule?
• What does it mean to have a brother camp?
• What happens if I get sick or injured?
• What happens if I get homesick?
• How do I communicate with my parents?
• Can I bring my cell phone, Gameboy, hair dryer, flat iron or mp3 player (such as an ipod)?
• Is there a uniform?
• Does Kippewa do anything to help first time campers feel welcome?

What are the cabins like?
Our cabins are all unique. Almost all of them have screened-in porches, many that overlook the lake, and some of our cabins have decorative stone fireplaces inside. Each cabin has its own bathrooms including showers; electricity; screened, glass-paned windows; comfortable wooden bunk beds, and personal cubbies. There are six to ten campers of the same age in each bunk, together with three counselors. Girls from all over the world live together with their cabins, eat meals together and enjoy working together for certain special events and activities to create bunk-projects.

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How is the food?
We always get great reviews from campers and staff about our food! Meals are served family-style and are nutritious, well-balanced, and delicious! Along with the main meal we also offer vegetarian options, salad bars, pasta bars, potato bars, and a breakfast bar. At least a couple of times each week we have outdoor barbecues and lunches overlooking the lake and each session we have a closing Maine lobster bake! Snacks consist of hand fruit such as apples, oranges, peaches and plums, home made cookies and ice cream treats. You will love the food at Camp Kippewa!

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What does a typical day at Kippewa look like?

7:30am	Reveille
8:00am	Flag Raising
8:15am	Breakfast
8:50am	Cleanup
9:15am	First Period
10:25am	Second Period
11:35am	Free Choice
12:30pm	Lunch
1:10pm	Rest Hour
2:00pm	Third Period
3:00pm	Cookie Call (Snack)
3:20pm	Fourth Period
4:30pm	Fifth Period
5:30pm	Shower/Mail Time
6:05pm	Flag Lowering
6:15pm	Dinner
7:15pm	Evening Activity
8:45pm	Taps
Varies by Age	Lights Out

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How do I choose my schedule?
Before you come to camp, we will send you an activity choice sheet so you can select the activities you would like to participate in during your first week of camp. Everyone has swim instruction and land sports during one period of the day (you swim one day and do land sports the next day, so it alternates), and you get to choose the other 5 periods. Every day you decide what you want to do for your Free Choice period. We encourage you to try new activities along with doing things you already know and love. After all, part of the fun of going to camp is learning new things!

At the end of each week you will get a new activity choice sheet to select your activities for the following week of camp.

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What does it mean to have a brother camp?
We are very lucky to have Camp Cobbossee, our brother camp, located less than 1/2 mile away from us on the same lake. We get together for some shared special events (like Carnival!), playdates and barbecues and a few socials for the older campers.

If you have a brother at Camp Cobbossee you will see him once a week, either at one of our shared special events or at a special brother/sister lunch.

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What happens if I get sick or injured?
We have two registered nurses who live at camp and there are two hospitals located within 15 minutes of camp. Our nurses are very friendly and helpful if you aren't feeling well.

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What happens if I get homesick?
Homesickness is a natural reaction to being away from home-especially for those who have never been away from home before. Most often, episodes of homesickness occur during the first couple of days at camp when there is quiet time. There is no true remedy to fix homesickness since every case is different. However, you should feel comfortable going to your counselors, group leader or Ginger, Steve or Marnie to discuss how you are feeling. Their doors are always open no matter what the situation is.

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How do I communicate with my parents?
You will be required to write letters home at least two times a week during the summer. Parents are allowed to schedule one phone call per session and send you one-way emails, however you will not be allowed to send emails. You'll be so busy having fun at camp you won't have any time for the computer anyways, but your parents will be eagerly awaiting your letters that you send home!

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Can I bring my cell phone, Gameboy, hair dryer, flat iron or mp3 player (such as an ipod)?
We want to you to make the most out of their camping experience. Therefore, cell phones and electronic games (Gameboys, PSPs, etc) are not permitted at camp. MP3 players are allowed in the cabins, however they can't be used to watch videos, in fact, all videos need to be removed before bringing your mp3 player to camp. Camp Kippewa is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen MP3 players.

We also do not allow hair dryers or flat irons. We want you to focus on making friends, having fun, and just being yourself without worrying about what your hair looks like!

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Is there a uniform?
No, we do not require you to wear uniforms at camp. We do ask you to bring a couple of uniform items for some special events and trips out of camp but not to wear on a daily basis. We just ask that you wear non-designer clothing. Most girls wear cotton shorts and a t-shirt or tanktop - just make sure it's camp friendly clothing! You also need to bring appropriate footwear for whatever activity you are participating in - soccer cleats for soccer, tennis shoes when you are on the courts, etc.

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Does Kippewa do anything to help first time campers feel welcome?
Before signing up for camp we either meet with every new camper in-person or talk with her parents over the phone in order to learn more about her. We also have you and your parents fill out some information telling us about the things you like, what you are excited about, etc. We use all of this information to help us find the best bunkmates and counselors for you that we can.

We also host spring fling get-togethers the first weekend of May in White Plains, NY and in Newton, MA. These spring flings are great opportunities to meet other campers and to meet some of the staff who will be at camp, that way when you arrive at camp the first day you already know some of the people waiting to greet you! The first night of camp we pair you up with your camp sister(s) so you have someone else you can turn to with any questions or if you just need some additional support. You will feel like Kippewa is your new home in no time!

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