Please don't hesitate to call us with any questions or concerns.
Mail: The camp's snail address is:
Your Name
161 Hidden Valley Rd.
Freedom, ME 04941
Bring stamps (we will help internationals
with this) and encourage friends and family
to write to you.
Telephone: Naturally, if you receive a call
we can't track you down on camp's 300+ acres. We are happy to take a message for you, but we cannot arrange return calls; you can return calls on your off time from one of the staff pay phones. Also, please tell family and friends not to call you after 5:00 PM when our office closes. In the evenings, you will be on your off time or peacefully asleep in your cabin. Your callers will wake us up, as there is an emergency phone in the directors' homes!
Cell phone use is prohibited on camp
(and they don't really work here either) unless on your off time at the staff cabin away from the center of camp. You may charge these in your cabin but they must be turned off at all times except off time away from camp. Note our further thoughts on cell phones and technology at camp toward the bottom of this page.
Faxes: Outgoing... are not available except for urgent business, as office staff and equipment are busy during the summer. Incoming... (207-342-5685)... will be delivered to you.
Email: Outgoing... We have 2 computers designated for staff internet use (and wireless at the office if you have a laptop, ipad etc...) Please note that access is limited because there are 100 folks on staff; other office computers are for camp purposes only.
Incoming... can be sent to you and accessed as incoming email above or can be sent to summer@hiddenvalleycamp.com with your name in the subject line. These will be included with "snail" mail delivery.
Staff appearance: There are no uniforms or formal dress codes here (check out the "packing" page for a packing list) though staff are expected to present themselves neatly and in a non- distracting way. No drug, alcohol, sexual or otherwise disturbing or offensive messages on T-Shirts please.
Class supplies: Please bring sample projects,dance music, books, or anything that will enhance the camp experience. However, you do not need to provide camper art supplies; we take care of this.
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Camp life is active, and you'll be walking and running around all day this summer. So, in order to keep up with energetic campers, we suggest that you get in physical shape this spring.
Pacing: In all the excitement of this community, staff may become tired while their campers seem to tap bottomless reservoirs of energy. So plan to pace yourself and avoid late nights if you are the sort of person who needs rest.
Internalized feelings distract you and may prevent you from having a 100% productive summer. Like any job (even a real good one like HVC) difficulties may arise. Please talk with us so that we can help work out any problems you encounter.
There is no smoking on camp property! Almost all staff have said they don't smoke. If you do — even 1 or 2 daily — note that you can only smoke on off-time, outside of camp, which means a 48-hour wait at times. Quitting is difficult. Don't make the mistake of waiting 'till you arrive here to deal with this situation. Quit now!
Think about bringing a car to camp. While not essential, this will provide options outside of camp during off-time. Consider borrowing a family car, renting one, or buying one on your own or with other staff. The expense may be worth it.
Technology at HVC: Cell Phone use is prohibited on camp property as are gameboys, etc. belonging to children. This policy is firm and applies to all staff, campers and visitors. It is rooted in our philosophy that the success of the camp community and its many members depends on individual expression and the richness of group life. Camp’s goals are not attainable if community members are “tuned out.”
Many of you have grown accustomed to the immediate access that mobile technology provides, so be prepared for a major change in the way you relate to those outside of camp. And please alert those close to you that they will have to be patient and wait until you are off duty before you can and speak with them or read their messages.
You are on duty 50% of the nights here and may not use your phone while campers are dependent on you, even when they are asleep. On “off” nights, phone use away from camp is welcome. During the day as well, you will have 1-2 hours “off” daily and can use cells at the staff cabin which is away from the center of camp. Remember that reception is inconsistent.
Note also that we have designated two office computers for internet use during off time, available 24/7. And our office has wireless to which your devices (laptops, etc.) can connect. Just as importantly, technology is available to support your teaching efforts; the program directors will explain how we can help you. In the past counselors have posted camper-made videos on youtube, researched recipes on line for cooking activities, etc. And staff rely on their ipods in dance classes as well.
So, in our belief, camp life is not anti-technology. Rather these “advances” can be put in perspective so that we can take advantage of them wisely, understanding what camp has to offer the children and adults here, as does this former staff member.... I went virtually all summer without checking my facebook or e-mail. I cannot tell you what a relief that was. It sounds like a trivial detail but I think it's a testament to the fact that I was really 'present' in the moment, with all my energy focused on connecting with my campers and co-workers.
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Staff
