FAMILY FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WE'RE HERE TO HELP.
Here are some answers to typical questions prospective camper families often ask. For more information about any of these topics, or for other questions, please give us a call or send Jess an email. We'll be happy to help you.
Click to visit a particular set of topics or scroll down to see them all!
HEALTH, SAFETY & NUTRITION
Is there a nurse at Hawkeye?
Yes; and she is AMAZING! DeAnn has been with us over a decade. She is an RN (a Registered Nurse) and is licensed in both Massachusetts, where she lives during the year and works as a school nurse, and in New Hampshire. DeAnn is a member of our leadership team and also heads up our Health Management Team. She lives on camp all summer.
What if my child takes medication?
That's not a problem at all, and they won't be the only one.
How far are the nearest emergency services and hospital?
In addition to our live-in, full-time Registered Nurse, we work with a local family practice 15 minutes down the road. Specialists (as needed) and the hospital are within 30 minutes of camp and the local fire, police, and ambulance services are just minutes away. We communicate with the local fire, police and ambulance to let them know when we will have participants on camp and to do a pre-season check-in on our emergency preparedness procedures.
What about allergies?
Allergies are part of our regularly managed health regimen for campers and staff. Those with prescription medications are required to bring them to camp. Over the counter remedies for infrequent use are stocked in the Health Center.
How is Camp Hawkeye licensed?
Camp Hawkeye is licensed through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). With one of the most comprehensive and intentional set of statewide standards and guidelines for camps in all of New England, NH rules support safe programs. New Hampshire oversight for camps includes all areas of the program and community including hiring and background checks, food safety, staff training, and site safety guidelines.
What if my child is a vegetarian (or has other food preferences)?
Great! For every meal, our chef provides versions of, or alternatives to, the main meal. That might look like spaghetti and falafel balls instead of spaghetti and meatballs, for example. There will be a place on the pre-camp health forms to indicate your child's preference.
What if my child is a particular ("picky") eater?
What child isn’t to some extent? Our menu is simple, clear, and intended to meet both the dietary needs and taste preferences of our campers. In addition to the meal, there is always an alternative option. If that isn’t a good fit, our staff will work hard for that child to make sure they have a full belly. No one goes hungry at camp - we promise.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Is Hawkeye open for Summer 2021?
YES. We will have camp in summer 2021. Currently, we plan on a full slate of camper, CiT, and JC sessions. Hawkeye leadership has been working on planning and creating necessary accommodations for a safe and fun summer in a world where COVID-19 remains a worry. With the help and buy-in of staff, families and campers we can run our program safely.
What is camp doing to prepare for the 2021 session?
Our leadership team is currently working on our reopening plan. COVID-19 guidelines as provided by the CDC, State of NH, and American Camp Association are informing modifications throughout both physical campus and program. Some information we can share with you currently is:
- Modification of cabin group limits – cabins will be limited to eight (8) campers and two (2) staff
- Opening of two (2) additional cabins in each cabin area
- Maximizing ventilation in cabins
- Modification of two-week session offerings limited to Sessions I & III in order to limit transitions in and out of the “camp bubble”
- Adapting our dining hall and food service processes
- Adaptation of Health Center check-in and clinic processes, as well as, addition of daily temperature and symptom check of every community member
- Reorganization and upgrade of the physical space of the Health Center and designation of two additional buildings to be used as isolation areas
- Modifying our drop-off and pick-up procedures
- Redesigning camp/group gatherings
- Restructuring programming
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New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
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Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center
What is the cancellation policy for the 2021 season?
Our CANCELLATION POLICY has been updated to reflect current realities.
- All cancellations must be in writing and submitted to jess@camphawkeye.com. If you feel unable to attend camp we ask that you observe the dates listed below as part of your decision-making process.
- Before January 1st, 100% of tuition is refundable, including non-refundable deposit.
- After January 1st, deposit is non-refundable.
- After April 1st, 50% of tuition is non-refundable.
- After June 1st 100% of tuition is non-refundable
- If Hawkeye does not run in summer 2021 options for allocation or refunds of tuition paid will be the same as in 2020. Families may:
- Choose to gift tuition paid to Camp Hawkeye
- Choose to transfer tuition paid to a camp session in 2022
- Choose to refund tuition paid
Did Camp Hawkeye issue refunds for summer 2020?
Yes. We offered the options listed previously and accepted generous gifts to help with ongoing operations from some families, rolled over camper tuition for other families, and refunded partial or full tuition paid for remaining families.
How can I help?
Thank you for asking about how you can support the Hawkeye community. We acknowledge that our return in 2021 will require us to adapt. This means additional program costs & materials as well as physical infrastructure work on campus. If you would like to support our efforts through a gift, please send a check directly to our Winter Office. Thank you so much!
What will happen to participants who missed their CiT and/or JC session in 2020?
We are committed to providing opportunities (for all those participants that missed out on their program last summer) in that same program in 2021. For example, those that would have been CiT’s in 2020 will be able to do so in 2021. Some of those participants could then move on through the JC experience in the second half of 2021, keeping them on track for Staff Eligibility in 2022. Others will be able to return for their JC experience in 2022, with staff eligibility in 2023.
Helpful Links:
What will camp look like in 2021?
Camp will look both different and the same in 2021. We are planning our program based on requirements and guidelines which will likely continue to evolve and change as the COVID situation evolves and changes. As regulatory and public health information changes, so will our program, personnel and site accommodations.
With limited group sizes and additional cabins utilized, the program will run with as many as ten (10) cabin groups up from six (6) in 2019 (the camp did not operate in 2020). Cabins will be treated as independent cohorts for the first two weeks of both the first and second half of the summer. Additionally:
- Staff Training will be expanded to a full 14 days to accommodate on site quarantine in advance of camper and CiT arrival
- When not in cabin cohorts or when social distance is not possible everyone in camp will be wearing masks
- Socially distanced cohort dining
- Adjustments to All-Camp special activities
- Adjustments to regular program activities
- Limited off-site trip offerings
- Adjusted arrival and departure procedures including 1 adult/1 camper limit
COMMUNICATION
How does mail work at camp?
Campers receive and can send mail every weekday and Saturdays too. Letters, postcards, and care packages are great (no food or electronics please). Some families send their first mail in advance of bringing their child to camp so that on the first day a letter will be waiting for them. Everyone on camp is required to send a letter home on Wednesday. The local post office is not a major hub so please understand that everything will move a little slower than you might expect.
Can I talk to my child on the phone?
Yes please! Talking to your child on the phone is great; you get to hear about their friends, new things their learning, and the adventures too. There are also designated daily times for phone calls which are scheduled through the website in advance. We would be happy to set up a time for you to speak with your child - we do ask that you please wait until Wednesday of their first week to alleviate possible homesickness.
Can my child bring their cell phone?
Your child should not bring their cell phone or ANY electronics to camp. If a camper accidentally brings a cell phone or other electronic device to camp it will be kept safely in the main office until departure day.
Can I send my child email?
Yes, through the camp office, by sending your email to jess@camphawkeye.com. Otherwise, we rcommend that you stick to letters and cards and scheduled phone calls.
CAMP LIFE
It's my child's first time at camp; are they going to make friends?
A resounding YES! New campers are welcomed with warm greetings and great kindness. Current and returning campers are very excited to learn about new campers and get them acclimated to the Hawkeye program.
What activities can my child do at camp?
There are multiple program areas from which each camper can choose on a daily basis: swimming, athletics, archery, low ropes, arts & crafts, drama, climbing tower & zip line, woodworking, bugs & dirt, Iron Chef, multimedia, and expeditions. Each program area is overseen by a Program Counselor who has excellent skills, is experienced and has all necessary certifications.
How are staff chosen?
The Camp Hawkeye staff is key to making your child’s experience unforgettable. In order to become a staff member in our community, each person has to go through a rigorous application process including in-person (or video-chat) interview, reference checks, and background checks. We take great pride in getting to know our counselors before they are hired.
Why should I choose a gender-identity inclusive camp?
The short answer: life is for all humans!
ALL THE REST
Is there a nurse at Hawkeye?
Yes; and she is AMAZING! DeAnn has been with us over a decade. She is an RN (a Registered Nurse) and is licensed in both Massachusetts, where she lives during the year and works as a school nurse, and in New Hampshire. DeAnn is a member of our leadership team and also heads up our Health Management Team. She lives on camp all summer.
What if my child takes medication?
That's not a problem at all, and they won't be the only one.
How far are the nearest emergency services and hospital?
In addition to our live-in, full-time Registered Nurse, we work with a local family practice 15 minutes down the road. Specialists (as needed) and the hospital are within 30 minutes of camp and the local fire, police, and ambulance services are just minutes away. We communicate with the local fire, police and ambulance to let them know when we will have participants on camp and to do a pre-season check-in on our emergency preparedness procedures.
What about allergies?
Allergies are part of our regularly managed health regimen for campers and staff. Those with prescription medications are required to bring them to camp. Over the counter remedies for infrequent use are stocked in the Health Center.
How is Camp Hawkeye licensed?
Camp Hawkeye is licensed through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). With one of the most comprehensive and intentional set of statewide standards and guidelines for camps in all of New England, NH rules support safe programs. New Hampshire oversight for camps includes all areas of the program and community including hiring and background checks, food safety, staff training, and site safety guidelines.
What if my child is a vegetarian (or has other food preferences)?
Great! For every meal, our chef provides versions of, or alternatives to, the main meal. That might look like spaghetti and falafel balls instead of spaghetti and meatballs, for example. There will be a place on the pre-camp health forms to indicate your child's preference.
What if my child is a particular ("picky") eater?
What child isn’t to some extent? Our menu is simple, clear, and intended to meet both the dietary needs and taste preferences of our campers. In addition to the meal, there is always an alternative option. If that isn’t a good fit, our staff will work hard for that child to make sure they have a full belly. No one goes hungry at camp - we promise.
