Can I call and visit my child at camp?

Where do your counselors come from? How are they trained?

What is the counselor to camper ratio?

How much does the Sunshine Camp program cost?

How do the children get to camp?

How can I prevent my child from becoming homesick?

How is bedwetting treated?

What should my child bring to camp?

What should not be brought to camp?

Can I call and visit my child at camp? (back to top of the page)
One of the most significant elements of the camp experience is learning independence. We know it’s hard (especially for parents) to be apart; however, our experience has taught us that kids adjust to camp life much more easily if they don’t hear or see mom & dad while they’re at camp. Especially if a camper is or was homesick, hearing a parent’s voice can intensify sad feelings. Therefore, we do not have campers talk to parents on the phone, and we don’t have parent visiting days.

We do, however, stay in contact with you while your child is at camp. If any problem arises, we’ll contact you immediately. We invite you to call us at any time, just to check and see how your child is doing. We know that sending a child to camp can be more difficult for parents than for the camper! We want to work together with you to make sure your child has the best experience possible!

Where do your counselors come from? How are they trained? (back to top of the page)

Universities all over the Southwest-primarily Texas , Louisiana , Each year, we’ll recruit actively on college campuses. Word-of-mouth from former campers and counselors and our website, also help us find counselors from other regions of the country.

We aggressively try to hire an ethnically diverse group of counselors. We believe it’s great for kids to see a group of people from various backgrounds who work together, care about each other, live by a high set of standards and values, and pour themselves out for campers. It’s a powerful statement to our campers.

In addition to the rigorous application and interview process, all counselors commit to a strict no alcohol policy during the summer, even on their time off. It’s part of our counselors demonstrated commitment that they’re at camp for our KIDS, first and foremost.

Our counselors bond together for a 10 day, rigorous training clinic prior to the start of camp. From this, our counselors emerge with a firm understanding of the Sunshine Camp program along with a high level of safety consciousness.

What is the counselor to camper ratio? (back to top of the page)

The state of Texas only requires a 1 to 10 counselor to camper ratio, The Austin Sunshine Camps go above and beyond by striving to staff 1 counselor to every 10 campers in each cabin, with a junior counselor available to assist them. We firmly believe that each camper should receive individualized attention for our outstanding counselors. We also have Directors and Assistant Directors on site who are not assigned campers.

How much does the Sunshine Camp program cost? (back to top of the page)
There is no charge to any participant. The Sunshine Camp is supported by The Young Men’s Business League of Austin (YMBL) who all raise money all year long to put on camp and who share our commitment to inspiring young leaders.

How do the children get to camp? (back to top of the page)
Transportation to and from camp is provided. In most cases, parents are asked to bring campers to a central location where good-bye hugs and kisses can be exchanged before campers get into YMBL members cars for the trip to camp. It’s important this is their first camp activity and the ride provides a wonderful opportunity for the kids to meet each other and begin to make new friends.

How can I prevent my child from becoming homesick? (back to top of the page)
Ask any counselor worth his salt, and he'll tell you that parents make the biggest difference when it comes to preparing a child for a session of camp! We have found the best way to prevent a child from becoming homesick is to have an open dialogue with your child before he comes to camp. For instance:

Campers who want and look forward to the fun of camp will enjoy and ben efit from it. Readiness depends on the individual maturity and attitude of the child. A child who is persuaded or misled will probably have a rough time of it at camp. Remember, there is a lot of difference between "getting to go to camp" and being "sent to camp.”

What does your child expect from a camping experience? Are all of his expectations realistic? Children sometimes imagine camp as a place where they can do whatever they want, whenever they want. Camp, they must realize, is a lot like living at home. There's lots of fun things to do (but only within certain parameters), and along with the fun comes some responsibilities (like cabin clean-up, taking turns, sharing, etc). Parents can help by discussing the new experiences that camp will involve: sleeping and eating with other kids, being in unfamiliar surroundings, and the need for give and take.

Our counselors do a lot to prevent homesickness too! Homesickness usually occurs because a child feels uncomfortable in new surroundings with lots of new faces. This is certainly understandable, and our counselors do a great job of welcoming the campers by getting to know them, their interests, and goals for the camp session. We make them feel at home by giving them a camp tour upon arrival. Parents will even fill out our application in full, so the counselors can be alerted to anything that should merit special attention (such as a recent divorce, death in the family, or other unusual circumstances).

How is bedwetting treated? (back to top of the page)
Bedwetting is one of the most potentially embarrassing things that can happen to someone at camp, so it is paramount that parents let us know if the condition exists. Once informed, counselors are careful to use discretion where warranted. The counselor will find some quiet time to speak with the bed wetter in private, to let him know he is aware of the condition and how they will treat it if it occurs. Generally, the child and counselor work out a "secret" signal for the morning to let the counselor know if bedwetting occurred during the night. Then, after all the other kids have trooped off to flag raising, one counselor will remain behind to remove the soiled linen and arrange to have it washed at the staff cabin. The linens are returned before the morning activities are over, so no one is the wiser! Of course, we also use as many preventive measures as possible - reduce liquid intake close to bedtime, and remind the child to use the bathroom before going to bed.

What should my child bring to camp? (back to top of the page)
A complete list of items your child should bring to camp is located on the application. Since campers get dirty and wet, we recommend children bring old play clothes (they can more easily recognize old clothes as their own); new clothes are best left at home. Anything brought to camp should have your child's name on it. You may sew on or iron on name tapes, or use a laundry marking pen. Wet feet are no fun at camp - please be sure to send extra shoes and socks!

What should not be brought to camp? (back to top of the page)
"Good clothes" and jewelry can easily get ruined or lost and should stay at home. Please do not let your campers bring expensive articles or one-of-a-kind items from home. A short list of items not allowed: money, firearms, knives, water guns, and electronic devices (Walkman, CD player, Game Boy, Game Gear, TV, stereos, cellular phones, or walkie-talkies, etc.). Sunshine Camp is not responsible for campers' belongings.