This is the basic camp package sent to all campers. The forms that need to be filled out are not included as they need to be faxed or mailed. We are not savvy enough to be able to reproduce them in HTML just yet. The additional course descriptions for High School Camp electives are mailed in late May.
Please feel free to use email to communicate with us for roommate assignments, course selections (HS) etc. We have found it very efficient compared with phone tag as most of our people are volunteers with different schedules.
We look forward to seeing you at camp!
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Elementary String Camp is July 18 - 20, 2005 at Birchwood Camp in Chugiak. Registration is from 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 18 at the main lodge.
Intermediate String Camp is July 21 - 24, 2005 at Birchwood Camp in Chugiak. Registration is from 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 21 at the main lodge.
High School String Camp is July 26 - 29, 2005 at Birchwood Camp in Chugiak. Registration is from 9:15 - 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26 at the main lodge.
To help you and your family plan for the camp, please read through the enclosed packet of information. 99% of questions you may have are answered here. We invite parents to join the fun and volunteer to help in the kitchen (all or part of one or more days) and/or as cabin counselors. See the letter to parents from the Camp Director. It is great fun! Please contact us if you may be able to do so.
Should you have any questions, please call Amanda at 696-CAMP. Please leave a message if no one is able to take your call and we will return your call as soon as possible.
You may also email if you find phone tag tiresome: alaskastringcamp@mmusiconline.com
We look forward to spending these days with you. See you soon!
Sharon Dunckle, Camp Director
EVERY CAMPER receives a T-shirt INCLUDED in their camp registration fee. All overnight volunteer chaperones also receive a T-shirt. If you wish, you can purchase ADDITIONAL T-shirts. Although we are not planning to order more than our anticipated need, extras will be available for sale at the end of camp.
At the request of both campers and staff, we are again offering camp sweatshirts this year. These are available by special order and payment must be received no later than June 10, 2005 to guarantee your requested size. All T-shirts and sweatshirts are good quality (Hanes or similar brand) in ADULT sizes. Please indicate below any additional items you wish to purchase.
Camp T-shirt (logo on front);$TBA; S M L XL
Standard crew neck sweatshirt (logo on front) $TBA S M L XL
Hooded sweatshirts (logo on front) $TBA; S M L XL
Hooded sweatshirts with zippered fronts (logo on back) $TBA M L XL
Add $2.00 each for XXL, XXXL, etc. sizes 2X 3X
CAMPER NAME: _____________________________________
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Camp pictures are taken each year and in response to campers' requests, we are again offering the opportunity for you to pre-order pictures. Pictures can be pre-ordered now and through June 10, ordered at registration on the first day of camp, at the end of camp after the concert, and up to one week after the end of camp. Enclosed is an order envelope.
Prices are $TBA for cabin group pictures, $TBA for whole camp group pictures. There is a $2.00 shipping and handling fee (this is not discounted) per address.
OUR RECORDS SHOW:
You have chosen an adult size small medium large extra-large not given camp T-shirt. If you have not indicated size, or need to correct your size please call Amanda @ 696-CAMP before June 10, 2005. If you normally wear a 2X or larger T-shirt, there is no extra charge for these sizes, we just need you to call us and let us know. If you would prefer to order a larger size, include an additional $2.00 with your payment and indicate size on form at top of page.
Camper Name: ______________________________
Camp fee: $ ___________
Deposit received: $ -___________
FEE BALANCE DUE BY May 29: $ ___________
Additional T-shirt, sweatshirt payment $+___________
Photo payment $ __________
TOTAL REMITTED: $ ___________
Please make out your check to: Alaska String Camps, Inc. and mail to:
ALASKA STRING CAMPS, INC.
PO BOX 770057
EAGLE RIVER, AK 99577
ROOMMATE REQUESTS: Roommate assignments are not available at this time. If you have not already indicated a roommate choice or wish to make a change, requests may still be made through June 10th. Roommate requests received after this date will be accomodated as space allows. Please enclose a note with your name, and roommate request, when you return the camp forms.
Camper arrival and Registration is from 9:15 to 10:00 the first day of camp. Please, no early registrations. We have very little setup time and we need every minute to get ready for the campers. This time is used for registration, taking luggage to cabins, meeting cabin counselors and family good-byes. Please remember, our first rehearsal begins at 10:30 sharp.
Please send in your completed Information Sheet and Parental Permission/Medical Authorization Form with final payment. These must be received by Alaska String Camps, Inc. by June 10 as they are required for attendance at camp and must be reviewed by the nurse for medical and dietary needs. These must be signed. Late and incomplete forms delay registration.
BRING TO REGISTRATION:
1. Camp forms. If you did not send in your forms, bring them with you to registration. We cannot guarantee that last minute notification of dietary and medical needs will be accomodated. Additional forms will be available at camp if you have misplaced yours. These must be signed by a parent or guardian. No camper can participate without these forms properly filled out and signed.
2. Yourself and your parent/guardian. Parents must accompany their children or have designated adults with their children through registration. Please DO NOT drop your child off. The camp's daily schedule will be posted at registration.
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP:
1. Linens - bedding (a sleeping bag or sheets and plenty of blankets), pillow, towel, swimming towel, wash cloth.
2. Clothing - sports clothes for warm and cool weather, two pairs of comfortable shoes (in case one gets wet), thongs or rubber shoes for showering, swimsuit, rain gear, dark pants or skirt for concert. Camp T-shirts will be worn at the family concert. We highly recommend an inexpensive poncho for rain gear. Instruments, even large cellos, can fit underneath when transporting to and from rehearsal. We usually have some rain during camp.
3. Instrument - make sure you have your bow!, rosin, an extra set of strings if possible, cleaning cloth, folding music stand with your name and home telephone number on it (masking tape or duct tape works great). Cellos need to bring an endpin anchor or strap. Each Camper needs their own music stand. A stand bag (carrying case) is very handy. PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR INSTRUMENT CASE - many other cases may look exactly like yours! Also bring a small pencil with eraser.
4. Miscellaneous - flashlight, drinking cup, insect repellent (for those horrid huge mosquitoes that lurk in the trees), toilet articles (BOYS - this means SOAP and deodorant), dirty clothes bag (a plastic garbage bag or pillow case works fine), a good book and/or quiet activity to do alone during quiet time, a book of short stories to share at bedtime.
5. Snacks - nutritious snacks are okay. Granola bars, trail mix, tic tacs, etc. are fine. Campers are fed three family style meals plus a snack each day. PLEASE LEAVE CANDY AT HOME. A check will be made at sign in time for candy. All counselors are instructed to confiscate candy when found. All confiscated candy will be eaten and enjoyed by staff (especially chocolate) NO FOOD WILL BE ALLOWED IN CABINS.
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CAMP:
Things not to bring include: radios, knives, electronic games, electric hair curlers, pop, silly string. The camp is not responsible for theft; expensive items are best left at home.
GENERAL INFORMATION
A nurse is on duty 24 hours a day at the camp. If you should need to call the camp for an emergency, the main lodge phone number is: 688-9129. For night time emergencies only, the camp manager's number is 688-2734.
NO SPENDING MONEY PLEASE - THERE WILL BE NO NEED SO PLEASE DO NOT PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR LOSS.
We highly recommend that you review your homeowner's insurance policy for coverage for your instrument. Although problems are rare, Alaska Strings Camps, Inc. is not responsible for any damage or loss to any instrument. You are expected to bring your own instrument to camp. NOTE: If you need assistance in arranging to have an instrument at camp (particularly basses), call the camp director, Sharon Dunckle, at 688-5400 (dunckle@mtaonline.net) IMMEDIATELY (even if you have already made a request) and we will try to help you with arrangements. These arrangements need to be made prior to May 29th. Students who have school district instruments should ask to check them out over the summer.
Parents who volunteer to be an overnight camp chaperone have access to boating, swimming, hiking, volleyball and general relaxation time during the times the campers are in their classes and rehearsals. There are some wonderful stores in Eagle River and coffee houses that past chaperones have enjoyed. We try to make camp as much fun for our volunteers as it is for our campers. We have even had husband and wife teams come to camp. Please consider coming to camp with your camper. We can usually accommodate campers wishes if they prefer (or not) to be in the same cabin with a parent, and try to accommodate chaperones preferences as to co-chaperone. If you have been a chaperone in the past, we hope to see you again. If you haven’t tried it, now’s the time! Read our Mini Vacation note to parents for details.
DIRECTIONS TO CAMP
FROM ANCHORAGE:
Take Glenn Highway past Eagle River and exit on South Birchwood Loop. Turn left onto South Birchwood Loop, go under bridge, past Chugiak High School approximately 1 mile. Turn left (first left after high school) at sign for Beach Lake (and Birchwood Camp). Follow signs into camp.
FROM PALMER/WASILLA:
Follow Glenn Highway past Eklutna and Peter's Creek and exit on South Birchwood Loop. Turn right on South Birchwood Loop and go past Chugiak High School about 1 mile to Beach Lake turnoff (on your left). Follow signs to camp.
PARENTS: Would you be interested in helping to plan next year's camps? We are always looking for new board members. Most board members typically spend a few hours a month between January and July. Increased parental involvement has allowed us to offer the high school camp. If you would like more information, please call Sharon Dunckle @ 688-5400. (during camp dates 7/18-7/29 call camp #)
Main Lodge: 688-9129 Camp Director: Sharon Dunckle
Nighttime Emergencies: 688-2734 Questions? Call 696-CAMP
Each camp schedule is different (especially the high school). Current schedules can be viewed at registration.
Recreation Activities: include swimming, hiking, boating, volleyball, and other organized group activities.
CONCERT AND FAREWELLS: 7:30 p.m. last day of camp. Family and friends are invited. This will be a brief demonstration of the campers' musical achievements. After the concert, the campers will say their good-byes, check out of their cabins, and depart from camp.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT CAMP!
NOTE for HIGH SCHOOL CAMP ATTENDEES:
The limited parking available is reserved for staff and teachers. Please make arrangements for transportation to and from camp. Under no circumstances is any camper allowed to leave the camp for any reason, nor may campers receive visitors during camp. High School camp attendees will receive an additional afternoon snack. We realize those growing bodies need frequent feedings. Please don't bring cartloads of candy. We have a history of good and plentiful food at camp. We will make sure no one withers from starvation.
Absolutely no drugs (except prescription drugs prescribed for camper and kept with nurse), alcohol, tobacco (including chewing tobacco), weapons (including knives) or any illegal substances are allowed at camp. Although we anticipate no problems, all campers need to be aware that possession of any of these will be cause for immediate expulsion from camp with no refunds.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and will allow us to continue to offer the High School camp. See you at Camp!
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EXPRESS REGISTRATION
To facilitate quicker registration, we are pleased to continue the express registration for those who qualify. We want your camp experience to begin as pleasantly as it ends. Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible for express registration. See the chart below to see if you qualify for express registration.
FORMS: Those who do NOT qualify for express registration will still be able to speed up the process by promptly returning all properly completed forms. Please be sure that ALL information is complete, all ‘not applicable’ areas still need some response such as: none, N/A or have a line drawn through. Remember that your child’s well being at camp is important to us. We only ask for information that we need to insure your child’s safety and enjoyment at camp.
MEDICATION: All campers needing medication at camp will need to talk to the nurse. Your child may have other medical conditions that the nurse may need to discuss with you. Children with special needs often do fine at camp, although we do not have provisions for children who require close supervision in class.
NOTIFICATION: The camp director and the nurse will be reviewing all forms in June. Those who qualify for express registration will be notified during the first week of July. That postcard will be your ticket to the express line.
Who qualifies for express registration:
Campers who do NOT have any medical or special dietary needs
Campers who have returned fully completed forms to the camp office by June 10th, 2005
Campers who have filled out all forms completely
Campers who are paid in full
Who DOES NOT qualify for express registration:
Campers with incomplete or missing information on their forms
Campers who need to make any changes on their forms since they were sent in
Campers who are NOT paid in full
Campers who have not returned their forms
Campers who need to meet with the nurse for any reason
Campers who may need special accommodation
Campers with special dietary needs
Campers who will need medication at camp
These changes have reduced the waiting time for parents. If you need help filling out the forms, please call 696-CAMP and we will help you. NO CAMPER can participate in camp activities until all forms are properly filled out and signed by parent or guardian.
Return all forms to:
Alaska String Camps, Inc. PO Box 770057 Eagle River, AK 99577
CAMP DATES TO REMEMBER:
May 29 final payment due and camp forms due
June 10 last day for camp forms for express registration
June 10 last day to pre-order extra t shirts, sweatshirts
June 10 last day for roommate requests
July 18 9:15 a.m. registration and first day for Elementary camp
July 20 7:30 p.m. Elementary camp family concert
July 21 9:15 a.m. registration and first day for Intermediate camp
July 24 7:30 p.m. Intermediate camp family concert
July 26 9:15 a.m. registration and first day for High School camp
July 29 7:30 p.m. High School camp family concert
MINI VACATION (or Why Volunteer at Camp)
For our chaperones: Free meals! Free Concerts! Free recreational facilities! Heated cabins! Hot showers! AND MORE! Observe your camper during rehearsal or enjoy the recreational opportunities available. Read a book. Enjoy kids in a non-stressful environment. Learn about music, eat chocolate (Camp Director has a private stash!).
For our scullery knaves and knavettes (kitchen help): More of the same without the overnight stay.
To All Parents from the Camp Director
I would like to encourage each of you to seriously consider volunteering at camp. I started my association with Alaska String Camps by agreeing to be an overnight cabin chaperone. I enjoyed myself immensely and have come back every year to volunteer. I cannot imagine a summer now without those wonderful string campers. They are a joy to be with.
My goal each year is for the camping experience to be as much fun for our staff and volunteers as it is for myself and the campers. I believe we accomplish this goal. You are personally invited to share in the fun. If you don’t mind a bunk bed (adults get first choice), the showers are hot, the cabins are heated, the food is good (or else I won’t come!) and the ambiance is unbelievable.
You can bunk in with your (same sex) camper or we can put you in a different cabin. If you are unable to stay overnight, any help you are able to offer for kitchen help or cleanup is greatly appreciated.
Below is an explanation of what volunteers are needed and their duties. If a tuition reduction would enable you to volunteer overnight at camp, please call us for more information. If your circumstances do not permit you to volunteer, I sincerely hope that you will attend the concert on the last day of camp. I am always proud of what these campers accomplish musically in just a few days. I hope to see you at camp.
Sharon Dunckle, Camp Director
The volunteer support we receive from parents and friends is invaluable and necessary in order for the camp to keep its costs affordable. If you are able to help, please complete this form and return to:
Alaska String Camps, Inc., PO Box 770057, Eagle River, AK 99577
OR call Amanda at 696-CAMP OR email: alaskastringcamp@mmusiconline.com
Volunteer’s Name: _________________________________
Camper’s Name _______________________________
Day Phone: ______________________ Eve Phone: ________________________
Best time to call: __________________________________ E-Mail Address:
Adult T-Shirt Size: S M L XL 2X 3X (circle one)
I am interested in:
Overnight Chaperone: Same cabin___ Different cabin __
Kitchen Help _____ End of camp cleanup _____
There will also be a signup list (with exact days and times needed) at registration for kitchen help.
I may be able to help, but am unsure at this time. (We will call you and confirm your availability in June).
Volunteers Needed
At the end of each camp (and especially Friday, July 29th), we need to make sure we have collected all lost items (from bathrooms, swimming area, etc.), swept and removed trash and extra chairs from all cabins, the main lodge and the kitchen.
We need kitchen helpers to assist the head cook with meal preparation, serving and cleanup. No prior kitchen skills are needed. Typically hours are 7 a.m. - 10 a.m., 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed for part or all day for one or more days. We appreciate all help, whether it be an hour or a day.
We need both men and women for overnight chaperones. These chaperones need to be available during times when the campers are not in rehearsal. Cabin chaperones are 2 per cabin of 10-12 campers. Chaperones are expected to assist campers in getting to meals and rehearsals timely, supervise during recreational times and in the evening after planned activities have ended. If a tuition reduction would enable you to volunteer as a chaperone, please call us for more information.
Chaperones have 2 hour morning breaks, 3 hour afternoon breaks and 1-2 hour evening breaks. They may leave camp during breaks if necessary. There are several excellent coffee shops in Eagle River plus some wonderful small boutique/country shops. We ask the chaperones to assist with some kitchen help if needed.
Chaperones are welcome to nap, observe rehearsals, snack, read, canoe, boat, etc. during their break times. We rent the camp from Birchwood Methodist Camp and their policy restricts smoking and alcoholic beverages on site.
ALL overnight and kitchen volunteers are provided meals while they are at camp.
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