Hidden
Valley Camp
and World Conditions
Dear
Families,
Since September 11th, 2001, we've all felt that the world
has changed in one way or another, and certainly heard
this phrase applied to many aspects of our lives. And
so once again this year we are particularly keen to welcome
campers to a corner of the world that remains innocent
and refreshing, fun and secure. Still, we must recognize
national and international circumstances, and want to
take this time to share our thoughts and feelings with
you as we together anticipate a new summer.
Unlike
most camp directors, we live at camp year-round; the preparations
noted here mirror those that we have naturally followed
during challenging Maine winters. Additionally, as a member
of the American Camping Association, Hidden Valley is
required to meet 200 or so institutional standards pertaining
to staffing, safety and health, facilities, programming,
etc. The camp received a series of 100% scores during
its two most recent ACA visits (1999 and 2001) and the
same professional care that has gone into general camp
preparations forms the basis of our renewed perspective
on the upcoming summer.
1.
Our Area and Local Services: The Town of Montville
- we use nearby Freedom's post office - contains 950 inhabitants
(during the winter, that is!) over about 65 square miles.
We've lived here since 1988 and possess warm relations
with neighbors, town officials, etc.
Emergency services are provided by the Montville Fire
Department and those in surrounding towns. Over the years,
these groups have toured camp and discussed fire prevention
and potential response. The County Sheriff and State Police
provide law enforcement in the area; we contact them annually
to inform them of the resumption of camp operations. (Their
services have never been required) The county also coordinates
general emergency services.
2. Camp Operations: In addition to their immediate
tragic consequences, recent events provide a more subtle
reminder that we may not be able to take certain things
for granted. You may want to be aware that the following
structures have been in place here over the years:
Energy:
Our proximity to multiple power sources makes an
extended power outage very unlikely. Just in case, though,
the camp has two generators which support refrigeration,
lights and (most importantly as our pumps require electricity)
toilet flushing! Natural gas - used to heat water -
comes from the county's largest supplier and there's
always 2 week's worth on hand here.
Provisions: Camp's food service always has 4-5
days supply of food available and uses multiple suppliers
with warehouses located instate. Water comes from 4
deep wells on camp property and is in constant supply.
Phones are serviced by a great local company
which responds to problems within a few hours. There
are four cell phones ready in case service is interrupted.
3. Medical Services: There are 2-3 nurses
in residence along with other RN's who commute to camp
and staff members who possess first aid and other emergency
training. Prior to camper arrival, staff members engage
in emergency drills which anticipate accidents which might
occur during camp programs. The local ambulance services
are notified of the resumption of camp operations each
June. And of course there is a pediatrician on call and
additional services available in nearby Belfast.
In
the case of an event beyond the scope of normal childhood
mishaps, county emergency services are available. Additionally,
the ACA (as well as common sense) require that we have
outside counselors, clergy etc. on call to assist camp
staff and ourselves in relevant support efforts.
| "Meg,
thank you for extending so much time and helping us
through a most difficult time in NY.... Your warmth,
values, and philosophy comforted us." - HV
Parents |
4. Travel to camp is arranged with Maine
Line Tours and Coach USA, bus companies with whom we have
been associated for many years. Once camp is in session,
we rely on staff whose licensure, training and supervision
is guided by standards established by the ACA and our
insurance company. Camp vehicles are new and serviced
regularly. Trips operate under firm guidelines for supervision
and communication with camp.
5.
Communication with Home: We understand that - even
though we are safe here - parents and children may desire
reassuring contact with one another. As noted in other
communications, we generally discourage phone calls,as
they can be disruptive to childrenŐs natural process of
adjustment to an independent camp routine. But when circumstances
require that families touch base, the camp possesses the
capacity to support such needs. (Please understand that
office staff and directors will still organize phone schedules.)
All things being equal, we will continue to remind families
of the benefits of letters and incoming faxes and emails.
6.
Finally, we know that, over the past year or so,
some of our campers experienced loss or sadness to which
they were unacustomed. And as parents ourselves, we have
come to understand that any child may have found this
to be a confusing time. Be assured that prior to camp,
our counseling staff will be prepared to care for your
child with these concerns in mind.
This
winter, we have continually reminded ourselves how lucky
we are to live in this place and pursue our labor of love
here. It is our family's heartfelt pleasure to share the
camp with your child this summer. We hope that he/she
can be reminded of the good that comes from working and
living in an unpressured yet productive setting wherein
the values of peace and understanding, responsibility
and love have always been and will continue to be a conscious
part of daily living. We trust that this early community
experience will help our children appreciate the value
of meaningful relationships and support the creation of
a productive civic life in their collective future.
Here's
hoping that we all enjoy a safe and peaceful summer!
Take
Care,
