FAMILY FAQ

Question 1

Is there a nurse at Hawkeye?

Answer

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.

Question 2

What if my child takes medication?

Answer

That's not a problem at all, and they won't be the only one. DeAnn, our nurse, is in charge of storage and distribution of all medications. Campers and staff must check in any and all medications with her upon arrival. Medication is all stored locked in the Health Center. No medication of any type is allowed in the camper cabins. All medications must be in the original containers. Parents are asked to be sure that all needed medications for the duration of a camper’s stay is available upon arrival and that any deviations from printed instructions on the container are given in writing and signed by a physician. Medications are distributed regularly at meals and before bed, and other regimens can be managed as needed.

Question 3

How far are the nearest emergency services and hospital?

Answer

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.

Question 4

What about allergies?

Answer

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. Participants with anaphylactic allergies are required to bring un-expired epi-pens with them to camp. Our dining hall, meals, and snacks are all nut free and food is not allowed in the cabins. There are bees and other stinging insects around camp, of course, and counselors are kept informed of all camper needs and any safety plans in place.

Question 5

How is Camp Hawkeye licensed?

Answer

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. Our Director, Garrett, sits on the Board of Directors for NHCDA (New Hampshire Camp Directors' Association), a professional organization which works directly with the state agencies, including DHHS, to ensure that camps run safely.

Question 6

What if my child is a vegetarian (or has other food preferences)?

Answer

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. For most alternatives, like lactose-free, vegetarian, etc., there are multiple staff and/or campers per session with those needs and so our kitchen is pretty well stocked. If your camper is vegan, we can certainly make that work, though we may need some help stocking specific alternatives that your child prefers. We’ll work together to make them comfortable and happy. Please note that we do not have a kosher kitchen/are not able to offer kosher options. Helpful Links: Meals

Question 7

What if my child is a particular ("picky") eater?

Answer

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. Helpful Links: Meals

Question 8

How do kids get to camp?

Answer

The 2021 Answer: We are still in the process of working with the State of NH to determine what protocols will be required for camp transportation this year. Rest assured that we will update you on all the available options once confirmed. Usually: Most Hawkeye campers drive to camp with their families. Families not within driving distance can take advantage of camp transportation. We offer transportation from Boston Logan Airport, Boston South Station, Manchester Airport (NH), and Concord (NH) bus station for an extra fee. Availability is limited and assignments are first-come-first-served. You will receive detailed travel-to-camp information in the Spring with your getting ready for camp materials.

Question 9

What if my child misses home?

Answer

You can expect your camper to miss home. That's a normal part of being away whether at camp or vacation. For most campers (and staff too), missing home is a minor part of their experience and is associated with early participation anxieties. Will I make friends? Will I be good at it? What's coming next? As the uncertainties of the new experience are made familiar everyone relaxes into a feeling of comfort. Missing home can be compounded by a parent's anxiety or things going on at home during a child's time at camp. Let Jess know how things are and what might be on your child's mind before and when they come to camp. We treat missing home like any other challenge: naming the issue, coming up with a plan together, and committing to solving it together.

Question 10

Does Camp Hawkeye have a religious affiliation?

Answer

No. Camp Hawkeye has no specific or general religious affiliation. We recruit campers and staff from myriad backgrounds and faiths and strive for shared acceptance and understanding. Hawkeye does not offer religious services of any kind nor do we provide transportation off-camp for observance. We do accommodate individual needs on-site, like specific time or space for personal prayer. Please connect with Jess ahead of your camper's arrival if there is anything we can do to help.

Question 11

Can I visit my child at camp?

Answer

The 2021 Answer: Unfortunately, not this year. Due to COVID protocols, our campus will not be open to visitors. Usually: Yes, of course. We'd love for you to come and be a part of your child's experience. Hawkeye has specific visiting days every other Saturday, however we know everyone has their own plans for the summer and yours might not align with those Saturdays. Let us know if another day works and we are happy to have you come by on a random Tuesday, or Friday night. Don't come Thursday evening. It's Capture the Flag and your camper will not be pleased to miss it, no matter how much they miss you. :)

Question 12

What if my child forgets to bring something important?

Answer

No problem! There’s a great support and care structure in place to notice, check in and follow up on even the smallest things. Your child will have two staff living with the cabin group taking care of health and well-being of the campers in the bunk. Batteries, socks, toothbrushes and other small personal items, we’ll take care of directly. If it's something larger or personalized, like special art supplies, cleats, or a favorite stuffy we’ll follow up with you personally. Especially when children are away from home for the first time, they may be reluctant or unaware that they can ask for help from staff. So, as part of getting them ready for camp, we recommend that you specifically discuss with your child that it is absolutely OK to rely on staff to help them while you're not there - whether it's a health need or a favorite blanket that got accidentally left home.

Question 13

How do kids get to camp?

Answer

The 2021 Answer: We are still in the process of working with the State of NH to determine what protocols will be required for camp transportation this year. Rest assured that we will update you on all the available options once confirmed. Usually: Most Hawkeye campers drive to camp with their families. Families not within driving distance can take advantage of camp transportation. We offer transportation from Boston Logan Airport, Boston South Station, Manchester Airport (NH), and Concord (NH) bus station for an extra fee. Availability is limited and assignments are first-come-first-served. You will receive detailed travel-to-camp information in the Spring with your getting ready for camp materials.

Question 14

What if my child misses home?

Answer

You can expect your camper to miss home. That's a normal part of being away whether at camp or vacation. For most campers (and staff too), missing home is a minor part of their experience and is associated with early participation anxieties. Will I make friends? Will I be good at it? What's coming next? As the uncertainties of the new experience are made familiar everyone relaxes into a feeling of comfort. Missing home can be compounded by a parent's anxiety or things going on at home during a child's time at camp. Let Jess know how things are and what might be on your child's mind before and when they come to camp. We treat missing home like any other challenge: naming the issue, coming up with a plan together, and committing to solving it together.

Question 15

Does Camp Hawkeye have a religious affiliation?

Answer

No. Camp Hawkeye has no specific or general religious affiliation. We recruit campers and staff from myriad backgrounds and faiths and strive for shared acceptance and understanding. Hawkeye does not offer religious services of any kind nor do we provide transportation off-camp for observance. We do accommodate individual needs on-site, like specific time or space for personal prayer. Please connect with Jess ahead of your camper's arrival if there is anything we can do to help.

Question 16

Can I visit my child at camp?

Answer

The 2021 Answer: Unfortunately, not this year. Due to COVID protocols, our campus will not be open to visitors. Usually: Yes, of course. We'd love for you to come and be a part of your child's experience. Hawkeye has specific visiting days every other Saturday, however we know everyone has their own plans for the summer and yours might not align with those Saturdays. Let us know if another day works and we are happy to have you come by on a random Tuesday, or Friday night. Don't come Thursday evening. It's Capture the Flag and your camper will not be pleased to miss it, no matter how much they miss you. :)

Question 17

What if my child forgets to bring something important?

Answer

No problem! There’s a great support and care structure in place to notice, check in and follow up on even the smallest things. Your child will have two staff living with the cabin group taking care of health and well-being of the campers in the bunk. Batteries, socks, toothbrushes and other small personal items, we’ll take care of directly. If it's something larger or personalized, like special art supplies, cleats, or a favorite stuffy we’ll follow up with you personally. Especially when children are away from home for the first time, they may be reluctant or unaware that they can ask for help from staff. So, as part of getting them ready for camp, we recommend that you specifically discuss with your child that it is absolutely OK to rely on staff to help them while you're not there - whether it's a health need or a favorite blanket that got accidentally left home.

Question 18

It's my child's first time at camp; are they going to make friends?

Answer

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. We pay particular attention to our session assignments and group dynamics and ensure that new campers are not starting a session as the only one. If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to call Jess. She will also check in with you early and often about how your child is settling in.

Question 19

What activities can my child do at camp?

Answer

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. Additionally, all campers have a weekly out-of-camp adventure trip (hiking or boating), have a sleep out with their bunkmates, and participate in all-camp Special Activities. Helpful Links: Program Information Activity Area Details

Question 20

How are staff chosen?

Answer

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. It is necessary that each person is passionate about working with kids and being in the outdoors. Staff members must have excellent references, be eager to learn about youth development and be geared up to dedicate their summer to the care and supervision of our campers. Additionally, we are committed to bringing together a staff team that is reflective of our campers and our Hawkeye community as a whole. Helpful Links: About Our Staff

Question 21

Why should I choose a gender-identity inclusive camp?

Answer

The short answer: life is for all humans! The long answer: Camp Hawkeye is designed to provide certain benefits of both a gender-identity inclusive and a single gender-identity experience. Both age & gender-identity specific, as well as mixed group, activities are run every day. Campers are taught appropriate and kind interactions with all peers at the same time enjoying low pressure experiences surrounded by those that respect and accept them. Hawkeye is not like school nor is it like some other co-ed or gender inclusive experiences; the expectations about exclusive and/or romantic relationships is clear and unequivocal. The relationship pressures that kids are experiencing at an ever younger age in school is not tolerated at Hawkeye. We seek to partner with parents in this approach and help kids just be kids for a little while longer.

Question 22

How do kids get to camp?

Answer

The 2021 Answer: We are still in the process of working with the State of NH to determine what protocols will be required for camp transportation this year. Rest assured that we will update you on all the available options once confirmed. Usually: Most Hawkeye campers drive to camp with their families. Families not within driving distance can take advantage of camp transportation. We offer transportation from Boston Logan Airport, Boston South Station, Manchester Airport (NH), and Concord (NH) bus station for an extra fee. Availability is limited and assignments are first-come-first-served. You will receive detailed travel-to-camp information in the Spring with your getting ready for camp materials.

Question 23

What if my child misses home?

Answer

You can expect your camper to miss home. That's a normal part of being away whether at camp or vacation. For most campers (and staff too), missing home is a minor part of their experience and is associated with early participation anxieties. Will I make friends? Will I be good at it? What's coming next? As the uncertainties of the new experience are made familiar everyone relaxes into a feeling of comfort. Missing home can be compounded by a parent's anxiety or things going on at home during a child's time at camp. Let Jess know how things are and what might be on your child's mind before and when they come to camp. We treat missing home like any other challenge: naming the issue, coming up with a plan together, and committing to solving it together.

Question 24

Does Camp Hawkeye have a religious affiliation?

Answer

No. Camp Hawkeye has no specific or general religious affiliation. We recruit campers and staff from myriad backgrounds and faiths and strive for shared acceptance and understanding. Hawkeye does not offer religious services of any kind nor do we provide transportation off-camp for observance. We do accommodate individual needs on-site, like specific time or space for personal prayer. Please connect with Jess ahead of your camper's arrival if there is anything we can do to help.

Question 25

Can I visit my child at camp?

Answer

The 2021 Answer: Unfortunately, not this year. Due to COVID protocols, our campus will not be open to visitors. Usually: Yes, of course. We'd love for you to come and be a part of your child's experience. Hawkeye has specific visiting days every other Saturday, however we know everyone has their own plans for the summer and yours might not align with those Saturdays. Let us know if another day works and we are happy to have you come by on a random Tuesday, or Friday night. Don't come Thursday evening. It's Capture the Flag and your camper will not be pleased to miss it, no matter how much they miss you. :)

Question 26

What if my child forgets to bring something important?

Answer

No problem! There’s a great support and care structure in place to notice, check in and follow up on even the smallest things. Your child will have two staff living with the cabin group taking care of health and well-being of the campers in the bunk. Batteries, socks, toothbrushes and other small personal items, we’ll take care of directly. If it's something larger or personalized, like special art supplies, cleats, or a favorite stuffy we’ll follow up with you personally. Especially when children are away from home for the first time, they may be reluctant or unaware that they can ask for help from staff. So, as part of getting them ready for camp, we recommend that you specifically discuss with your child that it is absolutely OK to rely on staff to help them while you're not there - whether it's a health need or a favorite blanket that got accidentally left home.