parent guide - camp services

Camp Organization

Campers are assigned to bunks according to age and grade in school. Every bunk has two counselors. Activities are planned according to the interests and maturity of each age group.

The organization of Camps Airy and Louise is decentralized; bunks of similar age and grade are grouped together to form a Unit. Unit Leaders are responsible for planning and coordinating activities, providing guidance to the counselors and encouraging campers to participate fully in the camp program. Unit Leaders supervise and maintain daily contact with campers and counselors. They also meet regularly with the camp director, program specialists and department coordinators.

We are very proud of our staff; they take great care of our campers during the summer season. It is not unusual for friendships to develop among campers, among staff and between campers and staff. Some staff and campers even arrange to see each other at events during the off-season. However, all parents must know that responsibility for our staff ceases with the closing of the summer camp season. Any contact with your child should be made only at your discretion and with your approval. Camps Airy and Louise do not encourage such continued contact, nor do the camps accept any responsibility for our staff once camp closes for the season.

Bunking Requests

As noted on our applications, bunking requests must be:
1) in writing,
2) limited to two (2),
3) reciprocal,
4) within the same grade and age range (within six months), and
5) during the same session.

Written requests which comply with all the above and received before May 5th are almost always accommodated. The most common reasons we cannot grant bunking requests is if they are not reciprocal, if they arrive after May 5th or if we have had a request which says “Do not bunk my child with...”

It is also our policy not to give out bunk placements prior to your arrival at camp.

Please note: We will always do our best to accommodate your bunking requests as noted above, BUT WE WILL NOT GUARANTEE BED PLACEMENT NEXT TO FRIENDS IN THAT BUNK. Beds are pre-assigned, we ask you understand that this helps to assure that feeling of bunk unity that our counselors work so hard to create. Please do not attempt to rearrange beds to suit your personal needs - this really does not help your camper or the other campers in the bunk. Your understanding of this goes a long way in making summers even more special for your camper.

Professional Support Services

Our Staff Orientation and training has been developed to include a strong emphasis on dealing with concerns which may arise during the camping season.

Equally important, though, is our need for parents to alert us of any emotional problems to help assure your child as positive and enjoyable an experience as possible. Parents are encouraged to contact the camp office to discuss whether Airy and Louise are equipped to meet any special needs their child(ren) may have. Camps Airy and Louise are fortunate to be able to continue our consultation program with Jewish Family Services. Social workers are available on a part-time basis for consultation with staff and campers in helping meet campers’ needs. Staff will contact parents on occasion for additional input or updates on their camper’s progress as deemed necessary.