Welcome to Our Camp Family!

Camp is coming - it's time for you and your daughter to get ready.  If your daughter is going to sleep-away camp for the first time, it's a great time to start having overnights with grandparents or doing backyard camp-outs.  You want to prepare your daughter to be away from you while having new adventures!

Homesickness

We know it’s hard to say goodbye for a week, both as a camper and as a parent. Homesickness is common among campers, especially if this is one of their first experiences away from home.   But, considering the efforts it took to get your child to camp, we want to make sure they get the most out of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities they will have while here. 

"I was so scared at first but I am so proud that I stayed. I tried two new things - horseback riding and archery - and loved them both!" 
​- Kelly, Age 10

Preparing Your Camper

SHARE YOUR EXCITEMENT  about the program and the week.  Do you have stories from your own trip to summer camp?  Do other family members or friends?  Check out the cool pictures we have posted on this website.  Giving them a heads up about what to expect – seeing redwood trees, playing in the sand of the Pacific, doing crafts, having campfire, making new friends – can help spark their enthusiasm.

WRITE THEM LETTERS!  You can mail letters directly to camp and we’ll deliver them to your camper.  We give out mail once a day starting, Sunday through Friday.   Mailing things a few days in advance will help ensure that the letters arrive while your child is on site.  You can also bring them pre-addressed with you to camp and give them to your camper's staff at drop off.  Just write on the envelope what day you want it delivered.  Find out more about CAMP MAIL here.

"That first letter home my camper was still nervous. I was so worried about her. Her second letter was filled with the names of her friends, staff, and the fun she was having. I shouldn't have worried!"
​-Parent of a 4th Grader

REMEMBER TO STAY POSITIVE, and not be overly sentimental. We appreciate that you miss your child, and maybe the dog does too – but over stressing these points can make homesickness worse!  Encourage your child to make lots of memories and enjoy the activities.  Are they making new friends?  What new things have they learned?  What kinds of new experiences are they having?  Tell them you are looking forward to hearing all their camp stories. 

DON'T PROMISE TO PICK THEM UP EARLY!   We strongly discourage promising to come and get your child if they are homesick.  In fact, doing so is likely to set your child up for a terrible experience.  Similarly, do not promise that they will be able to call and talk to you (or expect that you can call and talk to your camper!).  Many campers will experience a 'down' moment or homesickness when tired or during moments of personal challenge.  We find that most campers are able to overcome these feelings when they make efforts to integrate themselves into activities and push through.  Rest assured that in cases of extreme homesickness or illness, our staff will be in touch with you.

ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE ON THEIR BEST BEHAVIOR.  Campers need to be aware that coming to camp is a privilege, and that disrespectful or unsafe behavior will result in consequences.  Coming with a positive attitude, being willing to try new things, and being ready to cooperate with others will make this the best week ever!

Missing Your Camper

​We know that kid-sickness is common as well.  If you miss your camper, we invite you to write letters.  We do not allow direct communication with your child during the week as it exacerbates feelings of homesickness and kid-sickness, unless there is an emergency.  Sit back and be assured we’re doing everything we can to help your child have a safe and fun week at camp! If anything significant, medically or behaviorally comes up, our staff will contact you.

Camper Mail Address

Camper Name & Unit
Camp Butano Creek
P.O. Box 45
​Pescadero, CA  94060

Characteristics of a Successful Camper

The characteristics below are being shared so that you will understand the expectations we have for all campers.  A successful camper at Camp Butano Creek will have the following characteristics:

• Be willing to ask for help if it is needed
  
• ​Be able to follow directions
  
• Be willing to follow camp rules, especially those concerning physical and emotional safety
  
• Be willing to use words instead of aggressive behavior to resolve misunderstandings
  
• Be respectful of others at camp through words and actions
  
• Be cooperative with staff and other campers
  
• Be responsible in the treatment of property, equipment and natural surroundings
  
• Want to be at camp

A cornerstone of our camp program is living in an inclusive community based on respect. Campers participate in programs designed to foster appreciation and acceptance of differences, group cooperation, positive communication, and positive conflict resolution. Our entire staff is dedicated to these principles.