Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Camper Registration
Volunteers
The Camp Week
General Information
What are the camp dates for this year?
Campers arrive August 16 and depart August 21, 2010
Counselors arrive in the evening of August 13 for training which is held August 13 through 15
Where is CTBM held?
We are very fortunate to be hosted by Camp Wigwam in Waterford, Maine. 2010 will be our seventh camp season. For more information about Camp Wigwam, go to www.campwigwam.com.
Is there a cost to attend CTBM?
Yes. We ask for a camper registration fee of $500 per camper. Yet, the approximate cost to organize the Camp To Belong session is $1000 per camper. Department of Health & Human Services pays the registration fee for all youth who are currently in state custody. When campers are not in the custody of the state, parents are responsible for paying the camper registration fee. The Department of Health & Human Services has used post adoption funds towards camper registration fees. Scholarships have been provided when a need was identified. Each year, the CTBM Planning Committee commits to raise the additional funds in order to maintain the camper registration fee at $500 and to ensure that no camper is ever turned away for lack of funds.
Camper Registration
How do I register a group of siblings to attend camp?
Siblings must be separated by foster care, adoption or other out-of-home placement to be eligible for CTBM. At this time we can only accommodate youth who are part of the Maine child welfare system. If you are interested in sending a youth to CTBM, you would need to contact the youth’s DHHS caseworker(s). We work very closely with DHHS and each district has a CTBM District Contact (DC) who oversees the camper registration process for his/her district. Each DC will have the registration forms available for the caseworkers to complete. We also recommend that the caseworker and care provider work together to complete the forms with as much information as possible, so that the staff of CTBM can provide each camper and his/her siblings with the best experience possible. You can also contact Heidi Krieger, the CTBM Director, at 207-899-7507 or heidi@camptobelong.org
When does the registration process for campers begin?
May 2010
What are the ages of campers?
Campers are ages 8 and up.
Can youth with special/extra needs attend?
It depends on the needs of the camper. Please contact the Camp Director for more details.
Volunteers
Who is the staff at CTBM?
The staff of CTBM is made up of volunteer counselors from around the state, the U.S. and beyond. No prior camp experience is required. Each counselor goes through an application, interview, and screening process with background checks. While many of our past counselors have been social workers, we recognize that our campers are surrounded by social workers in their everyday lives, so we also welcome counselors who work as teachers, computer programmers, postal workers, nurses, etc from whom the children are able to learn. Our goal is to attract a diverse group of people who are kind, caring, responsible, nurturing, committed to children/youth, understand the importance of the sibling connection, are open-minded, willing to jump in the trenches, and like to have fun. The most important qualifications are that our staff enjoys working with children and youth of all ages and being part of a team.
I am interested in being a camp counselor. How do I apply?
Contact Heidi Krieger for an application or go to our website and click on “volunteers”
If I become a counselor, do I have to be at camp the entire week?
Yes. Those who are accepted as counselors (after the application, interview and screening process) are required to commit to the entire week plus the 2 ½ days of training. (See dates on Page 1)
I am not able to be a camp counselor, but are there other ways I can volunteer?
Absolutely. Contact Heidi Krieger at 207-899-7507 or heidi@camptobelong.org for more opportunities.
The Camp Week
Do brothers and sisters spend the days together?
Yes. Sibling groups are assigned to what we call “Family Groups.” Family Groups are made up of 8-10 campers and 4-6 counselors. Each family group is comprised of 2-4 sibling groups depending on the numbers of siblings. We typically have six family groups. Each family group ‘rotates’ through activities and meals together. There are also all-camp activities when campers can meet new friends as well. Because Camp to Belong Maine focuses on the sibling connection, we encourage all campers to take advantage of the time available to spend with siblings. However, campers have also found comfort in meeting other campers who have similar life experiences as their own. We have found that the wisdom and experience of some campers has helped other campers to deal with certain issues they are facing. Sometimes just hearing other campers share their stories is extremely beneficial.
How are campers placed in bunks?
Sisters room with sisters and brothers room with brothers. Cabins typically hold 2-4 campers and 1-2 counselors. If a sibling group is made up of a brother and a sister, the sister would usually be in a bunk with other single sisters of similar age. The brother would be in a bunk with other single brothers of a similar age. A great deal of thought is put into assigning bunkmates and family groups.
How do we learn what the camper will need at camp?
Campers and Care Providers are required to attend an orientation session. These sessions are scheduled for each district and are a great opportunity to learn more about the week at camp, meet other campers who will be attending, and meet some of the volunteer counselors who will be at camp as well. A camper handbook will also be distributed which will contain valuable information about all aspects of camp. These orientations are typically scheduled for the last two weeks in July.
Is transportation available for campers who live far from camp?
Yes. Transportation is available from Bangor, Augusta and Portland. More details about transportation times will be made available at the orientation sessions.
What types of activities are held at camp?
Basic camp activities include swimming, tubing, canoeing/kayaking, arts & crafts, wall climbing, and hiking. We also have special events including a carnival, theme activity (Luau, Western, 50s) and a special birthday party for all campers. Of course, we also have camp fires with s’mores.
Do the campers get to choose which activities they attend/participate in?
We encourage campers to participate in all activities to the best of their ability. We do not force any camper to take part in activities in which they are uncomfortable or feel unsafe. Our counselors are prepared to offer other options, such as word games, mind teasers, low-key activities or high energy activities that appeal to the camper. Each activity period is approximately 1.5 hours so there is ample time for each camper to experience the activity.
Are visitors allowed during camp?
Because we want the campers to be able to stay focused on each other (their brothers and sisters) and stay involved in activities, we don’t encourage phone calls or visits. If you would like to call during camp to find out how your camper is doing, we would be more than happy to have the Camp Director or a counselor contact you with any information you need.
