How will I know when my child is ready for sleep away camp?
From where do you hire your staff?
What measures do you take to assure you are hiring quality staff?
How much free-time will my child have each day?
My child is on a special diet, how are meals handled?
I understand my child goes on campouts away from camp, can you tell me about these experiences?
My child has expressed anxiety about going to a sleep-over camp, how do you handle homesickness?
I see you don’t allow electronic devices, good news; however my child uses a Kindle for reading, is that allowed?
How many campers are in a cabin? Does a staff member stay in the cabin also?
Can I call my camper during the week?
My camper has to leave camp early. What is the notification process?
Someone other than me (the legal guardian) is going to pick-up or drop off my camper. Do I need to notify the office?
How do I find out what weeks are full?
Does my child have to swim if they don’t want to?
Does my child have to sail if they are scared of sailing?
My child has requested a buddy, what are the chances that this will occur?
I own a vacation home in Emmett/Charlevoix count and still pay the out-of-county rate, how come?
Can I come and do a tour before I sign my child up for camp?
Is there a waiting list?
Will my summer camp spot be held is I send in just a registration form?
How will I know when my child is ready for sleep away camp?
Most families consider sleep away summer camps for children 7 years and older. However, age is not the only factor in determining when a child is ready for sleep away camp. Consider your child’s level of interest and desire to explore the summer camp option. Consider your child’s experiences away from home without you. Has your child slept out at a friend’s house or spent a weekend away from home? Always be positive and talk with your child about the benefits of going to sleep away camp.
From where do you hire your staff?
Most of my staff members are college students from Michigan and neighboring states. A few counselors and area directors are also former campers who continued their involvement with camp through volunteer and training opportunities we provide for high school age students.
What measures do you take to assure you are hiring quality staff?
In addition to interviews and reference checks for each employee we also conduct background checks through the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Human Services. Our hiring process is overseen and verified through the State of Michigan during our annual license review.
How much free-time will my child have each day?
Our daily program has scheduled activities and free-choice time built into every day. We feel the program allows campers to challenge themselves to learn new skills while also providing for time to personally choose an activity they enjoy. You can see a daily schedule posted on our website.
My child is on a special diet, how are meals handled?
Meals are served family-style with each cabin sitting together with their counselor. In addition to what is served at each meal, a salad/fruit bar is available for each meal to supplement what is served at the table. Any concerns for special diets or food allergies should be communicated to camp before the camper arrives to camp. Our camp health officer will usually contact the parent in advance to discuss any concerns and develop a plan. Counselors are briefed at the start of each week if any camper in their cabin has special dietary needs. Both of our kitchen leaders are experience and caring individuals who try their best to work with the entire camp population. As director, I will notify a parent if we cannot meet the dietary needs of their child.
I understand my child goes on campouts away from camp, can you tell me more about these experiences?
Each week every brother/sister cabin group goes on a tent campout to a site either on our property or on a surrounding parcel of land. The two oldest cabin groups canoe to remote campout sites for the evening, returning in the morning. Campouts are spent playing games, learning to erect a tent, cooking over an open fire and singing songs in the evenings.
My child has expressed anxiety about going to a sleep-over camp, how do you handle homesickness?
Homesickness is very anxiety-producing for a child experiencing it while away. Our staff is trained to recognize the symptoms of homesickness and offer positive coping skills to help campers work through it. Counselors and staff work together to find solutions so that your child can make it through the week and grow from the experience.
As you are preparing your child for their week at camp remain positive about the experience. If they express concerns about being away, focus on all the fun activities they will experience and the new friends they can make. Never offer to come get them if they are not enjoying it, this only gives the camper an easy out. If your child is truly miserable, we will be calling to notify you and determine the best course of action.
I see you don’t allow electronic devices, good news; however my child uses a Kindle for reading, is that allowed?
All electronic devices including readers are not allowed at camp. We are trying to provide a week away from all such devices. We encourage campers to bring a book to read during rest hour. The remainder of the time at camp will be spent enjoying the outdoors.
How many campers are in a cabin? Does a staff member stay in the cabin also?
There are 10 campers per cabin with one counselor. Often there will also be a counselor-in-training in the cabin too.
Can I call my camper during the week?
Campers may not receive phone calls while at camp. You may send faxes, emails or regular mail to your camper. Be sure to include their name and their cabin name. Our mailing address is 03001 Church Rd. Petoskey, MI 4977. Emails may be sent to info@campdaggett.org
My camper has to leave camp early. What is the notification process?
We hope you have scheduled a week where your child can stay for the entire experience; however we know that sometimes emergencies occur. If your camper needs to leave early, please call the office 231-347-9742 extension 104 and give the office the time and day that you need to pick them up. That way your camper will be ready when you arrive. You can also let us know when you check your campers in.
Someone other than me (the legal guardian) is going to pick up or drop off my camper. Do I need to notify the office?
Yes. Please call the mail office 231-347-9742 ext. 104 we will need the person’s name if they are not already listed on the application. Be aware we will call you to verify the information. This is REQUIRED for anyone other than you picking up or dropping off your camper. We will check ID.
How do I find out what weeks are full?
Call the camp office 231-347-9742 and ask for Julie to check availability. As sessions start to fill we will begin to post availability on our website. We also maintain waiting lists for weeks that are full.
Does my child have to swim if they don’t want to?
We are an outdoor camp and we try to help children become more comfortable with outdoor activities. Our waterfront area promotes safety and fun in the water, while we don’t force children to swim, we do encourage them to try each day.
Does my child have to sail if they are scared of sailing?
Sailing is probably one of those activities that few children have had experience doing. Our program stresses proper sailing skill development and we take extra care to introduce children to the joy of sailing. Properly trained staff members begin each week taking children sailing until they are comfortable enough to go alone with their group.
My child has requested a buddy, what are the chances this will occur?
We work very hard to make sure these requests are honored. Please keep in mind though that we can only guarantee one camper request per camper and the camper should be within one year age difference of your child.
I own a vacation home in Emmett/Charlevoix county and still pay out-of-county rate, how come?
Camp Daggett is a non-profit, independent camp founded in 1925 to offer low-cost camping experiences for local children. Camp Daggett does not receive any assistance from property taxes. Local rates apply to children attending school in Emmet or Charlevoix County.
Can I come and do a tour before I sign my child up for camp?
We offer tours anytime in the off-season, just call the main phone line at camp. During summer camp we only offer tours on Saturday mornings between 9-11am and on Sunday afternoons between 3 and 5 pm.
We do not offer tours during regular programming times since we are attending to the campers in camp at the time.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes, we do have a waiting list on weeks that have filled up. However, the chances of a child canceling are very small. We encourage you to sign up for a different week that may fit into your schedule as well.
Will my summer camp spot be held if I send in just a registration form?
No. We require a completed registration form accompanied by a $100 down payment in order for a summer camp spot to be held.
Camp Daggett Summer Camp Blog 