PRE-CAMP WORRIES

This is a normal and very valid fear, especially if you have not spent much time in nature or on a farm or if you have had a bad experience in the past. Our number one priority at camp is to keep you safe, so you will never be put in a dangerous situation or one that makes you uncomfortable. Insects are an important part of life here on our organic farm and  hopefully, as you learn about all of the useful jobs that they do, you will learn to tolerate them a little more. Rest assured that your tents will be kept clean and insect free and you will wear repellent at night. You will never be alone at camp, there will always be an adult to help you.  We respect your fears, but do insist that you respect all creatures great and small while on the farm with us. 

You do not have to do any activities that you do not want to. We will always have other options available. Having said that, camp is a wonderful place to try new things and if you give it a go you might just surprise yourself and really enjoy it. 

You will not be forced to eat anything that you don't like. We will provide lots of choice at every single meal. You will always find something that you like and if not, we will find you something in our well stocked kitchen! We understand and respect that not everyone likes all vegetables or all types of fruit. Our aim is to make sure that you are well fed and are happy. 

Most of our campers don't know anyone before they arrive. You will make new friends before you know it (probably in the bus before you get to camp. ) We play a lot of fun games and icebreaker activities in the first few days to make sure that everyone relaxes and gets to know each other quickly.  You will be placed in a tent with children of the same age as you and your counselors will ensure that everyone is treated with kindness and respect.  You will become an important and valued part of the Make make team and will make wonderful new friends in no time at all. 

Most children and some adults get scared of the darkness, but here at camp the stars are so bright that night turns into something magical. You will have a flashlight next to you every night and can always turn it on inside your sleeping bag.  If you are worried you are welcome to bring a small toy that has a little light in it. There are also lights left on all night outside your tents.  You will never be alone at night time as there will be other children your age sleeping right next to you in the tent . The counselors will be sleeping in a tent next to you too, all you have to do is call out and they will be there. 

This is a normal feeling, especially if this is your first trip away from your parents. The truth is you will be so busy having fun that there won't be much time to think of home. If you do feel homesick, that is okay and there will always be someone to help cheer you up. The majority of your counselors are also mothers and have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to dry tears! You will find that the week will pass very quickly. If you want to, you can bring a journal and write in it every day so that your family can read it when you get home.  If you like, you can bring a photo of your family to keep in your tent. Being away from home will make you appreciate it more and will increase your self confidence.

This is a valid fear and one many of our campers have. Should this happen at camp, first thing in the morning you must quietly tell your counselor. Your sleeping bag, pyjamas and mat will be taken away, washed and dried and be back in your tent before the end of the day.  No other campers will know about it as your counselor will make sure that everything is done very discreetly.  We always remind all campers to go to the bathroom before bed.

At camp we have a designated nurse. Your parents will give any medicine, creams etc. to her and she will look after them and remind you when, how much and what to take or apply. You will not need to be responsible for this.