Camper Registration
Campers who attend Camp To Belong Maine are brothers and sisters who are separated in the foster care system, by adoption, or other out-of-home placement. At this time we only accept brothers and sisters from the Maine foster care system. The only youth who are accepted from states other than Maine are those who have siblings in Maine.
To register to attend Camp To Belong Maine, the child's legal guardian must complete a camper registration packet. For campers who are in the custody of the state of Maine, the Department of Health and Human Services caseworker must be contacted to determine if space is available and to complete the camper registration packet (recommended to be done with the child's care provider). If one or more of the siblings has been adopted or is living with a birth parent, please contact the CTBM Director at 207-899-7507 or heidi@camptobelong.org.
Our goal is to host up to 80* campers from around Maine. Each DHHS district is allotted a specific number of slots based on the number of youth in care in that district. If a district is unable to use all slots allocated, the remaining slots will be re-allocated to other districts on a first-come, first-serve basis.
*The actual number of campers accepted will depend on the number of volunteer counselors on staff. CTBM maintains a 2:1 ratio (2 campers for every 1 counselor).
IMPORTANT 2010 DATES
June 11, 2010 ~ Registration deadline and district commitment to slots
June 18, 2010 ~ Forms due to CTBM Director
July 16, 2010 ~ Cancellation/withdrawal deadline (any camper
registration not canceled or withdrawn by this date will
still require payment.)
August 2, 2010 ~ Camper Registration fees due
Our goal is to provide a safe, fun and nurturing environment that supports and promotes the sibling connection and bond. If you know of a sibling group from Maine that has been separated by foster care, adoption or other out-of-home placement and don't know who the caseworker is, please contact the CTBM District Contact in your area or the CTBM Director at 207-899-7507 or heidi@camptobelong.org
Caseworkers
Caseworkers play a crucial role in the camper registration process. For youth in care, the caseworker as the legal guardian is the primary person responsible for completing the camper registration packet including the necessary authorization & permission forms.
Each DHHS district will have one designated CTBM contact person (aka CTBM District Contact) who will have available the camper registration packet, list of screening criteria, and other required forms.
Each district is allotted a specified number of slots depending on the number of volunteer counselors available. We maintain a ratio of 2 campers for every 1 counselor. Slots not spoken for by June 11, 2010, will be reallocated to other districts as needed.
Campers who withdraw after the pre-established deadline date (July 16, 2010) still require payment.
Please be aware that camper slots are limited. Campers should consider the opportunity to attend Camp To Belong Maine an honor and realize that not all interested sibling groups are able to attend. Therefore, we encourage all parties involved (campers, caseworkers, & care providers) to be sure CTBM is the right fit before registering so that last minute withdrawals/cancellations can be avoided and campers on the waiting list who truly want to experience CTBM are able to do so.
Care Providers
The role of the care provider in sending a child to camp is extremely important. Of course, the care provider must make certain that the camper is physically prepared for camp making sure that the camper is packed with all the necessary items for the week (a suggested list of items can be found with the registration materials as well as in the Camper Handbook).
Care providers, along with caseworkers, must also help prepare the campers emotionally and mentally for the week at camp which includes reading with the campers the Camper Handbook which contains very valuable information about what to bring, what to expect and the rules/guidelines of camp. Camper Handbooks will be distributed at the Camper/Care Provider Orientations which are held a few weeks prior to camp and are mandatory for all new campers who are attending camp. At least one adult must accompany the camper to the orientation.
Care providers must also be prepared for when the campers return from the week at camp. Campers may experience sadness, frustration and even anger when they return. After having spent an entire week with their brothers and sisters playing, having fun and possibly having some tough conversations, campers may need some support to help process their feelings.
If caseworkers or care providers have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the CTBM Director at 207-899-7507 or heidi@camptobelong.org.
Camper and Care Provider Orientations
Prior to the camp week, campers and care providers must attend an orientation session. Sessions are held throughout the state to accommodate all of our campers.
Orientations will provide very valuable information about the camp week, how to prepare, what to bring, and transportation options. These sessions will also provide attendees the opportunity to meet some of the staff they will be with during the week and to ask questions and calm any anxieties that may exist. Attendees will also receive their camper handbooks and will complete necessary forms.
2010 Orientations are scheduled as follows and will be held from 3 - 5 p.m.
TBDPortland DHHS, 161 Marginal Way
TBDBiddeford DHHS, 208 Graham Street
TBDLewiston DHHS, 200 Main Street
TBDAugusta DHHS, 35 Anthony Avenue
TBDSkowhegan DHHS, 98 North Avenue
TBD Rockland DHHS, 91 Camden Street
TBD Bangor DHHS, 396 Griffin Road
TBDEllsworth DHHS, 17 Eastward Lane
