Is my camper ready for overnight camp?

At Gravatt, we accept campers as young as rising 1st Grade, however, we recognize that every child is different in terms of their development, temperament, and experience. Your child should be able to shower and wash themselves, use the restroom and properly clean themselves on their own, and be able to serve themselves at mealtimes. To be clear, our counselors are trained in properly and appropriately assisting our campers in their daily routines, but we do expect a basic level of personal independence prior to your child’s arrival at camp.

If your child has never spent the night away from home, we strongly suggest that they spend multiple nights away from home at a grandparent’s, cousin’s, or trusted friend’s house first. This will help your child build confidence in their ability to be away from home for an extended period of time, and it will help you get used to them being away from you as well. Homesickness is a normal part of the overnight camp experience, and our counselors are trained in handling these situations, but the more experienced your child is in being away from you, the more likely it is that they will face homesickness in a confident and assured manner.

You know your child best. If you have any doubts or questions about whether or not your child is ready for camp, physically or emotionally, please reach out to us and we will be happy to discuss your child’s particular situation.

How can I best prepare my camper for camp?

One of the best ways to prepare your camper for their session is to be sure they are included in all of your pre-camp planning and preparation. The more ownership your camper can take in terms of packing, shopping, registration, etc., the more confidence they will have before and during camp. Review all policies and procedures in Campwise, and even pull up a map to show your camper where we are located. Our social media channels and website also have pictures, information, maps, and testimonials that can help your camper feel more comfortable with their upcoming camp experience.

Will I be able to contact my camper while at camp?

We encourage families, friends, and relatives to stay in touch with your camper through the use of written letters and postcards. We strongly encourage you to drop these off in the Pavilion during registration or after you have settled your camper into their tent/cabin. This will ensure that your camper receives your letters in a timely manner. The required fee for letter/package drop-off is $1 per letter and $5 per package. Due to inconsistencies with the postal service, we cannot guarantee that letters, postcards, or packages that are sent during the session will actually reach your camper. If you have relatives or friends not in your household who would like to send your camper mail, we strongly encourage you to physically bring that with you at registration as well.

Please note that care packages absolutely may NOT contain any prohibited items. This is a health and safety issue. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, candy, gum, food, drinks, silly string, putty, play-doh, fireworks, weapons, etc. Items that CAN be contained in a care package include, but are not limited to books, magazines, crossword puzzles, small games, etc. Care packages that contain prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned. Again, this is a health and safety issue, and we thank you for your understanding.

What should my camper pack for camp?

Our packing list is intended to be a general list of items that will enhance your camper’s stay. Some campers bring additional items, but please ensure that your camper does not bring any prohibited items. Campers should bring enough changes of clothing to last them for the length of their session, and we recommend packing a few extra essential clothing items (underwear, socks, swimsuits, etc.) should the need arise during the session.

We ask that all items be labeled with your camper’s first and last name if possible. Initials are also acceptable, but the more information you can provide on your items, the more likely it is we can return them to your camper if/when they get misplaced. Most campers pack their items in a trunk, and we strongly suggest this as a preferred method of packing. Some campers bring a set of plastic drawers to store items next to their bed (books, flashlight, etc.) and to use as a bedside table.

Can I request my child be in a tent or cabin?

Gravatt’s housing assignments are determined by age, and we cannot accept requests for your camper to stay in a specific tent or a cabin.

Can I request that my child be in a tent or cabin with their friends?

We understand how important it is for your child to feel comfortable while they are at Gravatt. Each camper may make no more than two tent/cabin mate requests in your Campwise account. Please note that our staff takes many factors into consideration while making tent/cabin assignments, with the most significant being age. Tent/cabin mate requests between campers who are several years apart in age cannot be honored. While we make every effort to honor your camper’s tent/cabin mate request, we cannot always guarantee it. Please know that our staff is trained in how to ensure that every camper feels comfortable in their tent/cabin, and that one of our goals at Camp Gravatt is for your camper to meet and make new friends!

What if my camper gets homesick?

Homesickness while at camp is normal. It is also normal for parents to miss their children while they are at camp. Our staff is trained in developmentally appropriate methods of handling homesickness, and we provide an atmosphere that maximizes activity and limits excessive downtime when a camper may begin to feel homesick.

It is always helpful for us to be aware of any personal or family situations that may trigger homesickness or other emotions from your child. You can note these concerns in the registration process or you can contact the Camp Director to discuss any concerns you may have. Any information you share will be kept confidential and only shared with staff who would need to be aware. Simply put, if we know of certain sources of stress prior to your child’s arrival, it allows us to address their needs from the start of the session and help them have the best possible time at camp.

Also, we encourage you to talk with your camper about what camp will be like, and that missing home is normal. How you talk about camp with your child ahead of time will help them to adjust to life at camp and away from you. If you are positive, encouraging, and tell your child that they will do great, then it is highly likely that they will.

What is the food like?

Campers eat three hearty meals a day in Collett Dining Hall. Meals are well-balanced and we are able accommodate most dietary restrictions and allergies (these can be indicated in Campwise). We also provide snacks throughout the day, along with candy and Gatorade at the Canteen. We have water bottle filling stations and water fountains throughout our property for unlimited use during your camper’s session.