GENERAL ~ TRANSPORTATION ~ BACKPACKING ~
PACKING LIST
General Questions
What is the food like at Two Sentinels? Superb! For more information, see Food.
Do I need to send any money with my camper? NO! There is nothing to buy at camp.There is no situation where money may be needed at camp.
Will there be lots of hiking? Yes! The amount of hiking depends on the unit and the campers. Just walking around camp (which is spread out) can be called hiking. There are many short hikes and long hikes that units take. If you have a safety concern about your camper’s ability to hike, please say so on the Camper Health Form.
Will campers be sleeping in cabins? No. All campers sleep outside unless it is raining or snowing. All units have either unit tents or unit houses that can accommodate all the campers, but part of camp experience is sleeping out under the stars. All campers sleep on the ground.
What animals may a camper encounter at camp? There are many animals to be seen at camp, including deer, ducks, fish, woodpeckers, bats, and dragonflies. Some animals that campers will be told about are the following:
CHIPMUNKS: like to find treats in camper’s sleeping bags or backpacks: PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE CHIPMUNKS! They appear quite cute, but sometimes they can get quite aggressive.
MOSQUITOES: The smallest and most persistent animal to actively go after the campers is the mosquito. All campers should bring bug repellant to camp and should wear it at dusk and in the evenings.
BEES: Bees do show up at camp. If your camper is allergic to bees, remember to put it on the Camper Health Form.
SNAKES: Snakes have rarely been seen in and around camp, but everyone should be aware when hiking around. Some people have seen water snakes, but they don’t like humans and quickly swim away.
BEARS: On the first night of camp, campers are informed of the friendly local bear who lives right outside of camp, and of what to do if the bear enters camp. She (the bear) rarely enters camp. To prevent her visits, counselors stress the fact that NO FOOD OR TRASH is left in the units.
Who or what are the "Tags?" The Tags are children of staff, either girls too young to be campers or boys under 12 that cannot be left at home. The Tags have a great time in their unit, and participate in most camp activities.
What happens if a camper gets sick? Two Sentinels has a well stocked infirmary with bunks that allow campers to rest in a quiet, safe environment. The infirmary is run by registered nurses, and all the campers are in good hands. See First Aid .
Should campers bring things to do during downtime? Most units have some downtime every day. It might be handy to have a journal, book, or letters to write during this downtime. Craft projects are also available.
What if my friends can't come with me?Everyone makes friends at camp! From the counselors to your fellow campers, there are limitless new friends waiting to be made. Units often go on hikes together, and you can make new friends during mealtimes, as you can sit with whomever you want! Counselors make an extra effort to provide a good time for everyone.
My child has never been away to camp before. How can I help prepare her for this transition? Even campers who have gone to camp for years can get homesick. Counselors are very sensitive about this issue. It has been found that sending photos of the family with the camper can actually cause the camper to become more homesick. Also, things that can start homesickness is a letter saying “I miss you a lot…I can’t wait until you’re home.” It is much better to say, “I miss you” while saying, “But I know you are having/going to have lots of fun hiking, swimming, and doing crafts. Please tell me everything your unit is going to do!” Focus your camper’s attention on camp and the fun they are going to have, not on home.
If there is a problem, how can my camper reach me? Campers are never allowed to call home, and there is no direct line parents can call to reach camp. If there is an emergency at home, you can call the Emergency Contact Number. If there is an emergency at camp, you will be notified. Otherwise, the only line of communication is mail.
I want to visit my daughter at camp. When can I do this? Unfortunately, Two Sentinel’s does not allow family members to visit campers during the session. This allows all campers to enjoy themselves away from their families. If you want to see the camp and stay for a meal, you can volunteer to be a Bus Mom (or Dad!). You can also come visit the camp during Work Party . Otherwise, we ask that parent-camper contact be kept strictly to mail.
Transportation Questions
When do I meet the bus? See the letter that was mailed to you with your luggage tags.
I'm driving my daughter to camp. Where and when do I meet the bus? This information is sent to you prior to the session.
How long is the bus ride? Approximately 3 ½ to 4 hours, though times can vary due to weather and road construction.
Should I bring a lunch on the bus? YES!! Sometimes the busses get delayed, and although there will be a snack when you get to camp, dinner isn't until 6:00 p.m.!!
I won't know anyone on the bus...Help! We commend you for coming to camp on your own! Camp is an excellent place to make new friends. Remember that while others are going with their friends, there are many other girls like you, who don’t know anyone else. Don’t be afraid to go up to someone and ask, “Can I sit here?” or “Have you ever been to Two Sentinels before?” The bus ride is long enough to become fast friends before you get off at camp.
What are the colored luggage tags for? Camp sends each camper a set of colored strips of plastic to serve as luggage tags. These tags identify your camper’s luggage with their unit. This also helps identify similar luggage. IMPORTANT: Tie the colored luggage tags that are sent to you on every piece of luggage your camper takes with her. If you don’t have enough, cut one in half.
Backpacking Questions
Where do I get a backpack? See Backpacking .
How long are you on the trail? See Units .
What is the food like? See Backpacking and/or Camp Program .
Packing List Questions
My camper has water sandals. Does she need water shoes? Yes. There are many rocks and roots in the lake and at the waterfront. Closed-toe water shoes are a must for camper safety.
Should campers bring a favorite stuffed animal? Bring it! Smaller is better, but if it provides comfort to the camper, it is important to bring.
Should campers bring tents? No. Campers are encouraged to sleep out under the stars with their unit. This also helps campers bond and make new friends! Tents will be supplied to backpacking units.
The packing list says to pack everything in something the camper can carry to their unit. How far is it to the units? Campers are dropped off about a 1/2 mile from the camp itself. The walk into camp is all uphill. All small luggage (daypacks, pillows, etc.) and backpacks are carried in by the campers. All heavy and large luggage is trucked and boated into camp. All luggage is dropped off by the flagpole, and each unit takes their luggage to their sleeping areas (less than a quarter mile). It is sometimes a far distance to carry extra-large luggage.
What shouldn't campers bring? Money, extra food, scented lotions/shampoos/etc, electronic devices (cell phones, CD players, curling irons, etc.), or anything that she doesn't want lost or damaged.
The list says to bring a pillowcase or shirt to "silkscreen." What is this? Every camper will have the opportunity to have a Two Sentinels pattern "printed" by way of a silk screen, onto shirts or pillowcases. White is generally the best color to use, and all fabric needs to stay clean until it is silkscreened.
LABEL EVERYTHING WITH FIRST AND LAST NAME.
THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY AT CAMP.
Is your question not answered here? Then Contact Us!