First Time Campers

Welcome to Mountain Camp Woodside! Whether this is your first camp experience or you have been going to other camps for years, as a first-time camper, we know you have lots of questions about what to expect this summer. As we get closer to your camper’s camp session, we’ll send out a couple of detailed “getting ready for camp” emails with everything you need to know. Our year-round office staff are available to answer any questions or concerns, so please don’t hesitate to call or write.

First Time Camp Orientation

We have put together a New Camper Orientation video for this summer.  This will cover everything from who we are to how drop-off and pick-up work to how we are going to take care of your camper while they are with us.

Preparing For Camp

What to bring to camp?

We will provide everything that your camper will need while they are at camp.  We will also provide a lunch and a snack but here is what we suggest that your camper brings with them:  Please label everything so it can more easily be located in our Lost & Found if it is left behind:

• • • A bag or backpack
    • Closed-toe shoes
    • Towel, swimsuit
    • Your personal water bottle – Campers should bring their own water bottles with their name on it from home. Since all of our water bottles are the same, we do not want kids accidentally using someone else’s this summer.  If someone loses theirs, we will have bottled water to give out.
    • Hat
    • SUNBLOCK!! Please apply sunblock in morning before drop off and we will remind campers to reapply throughout the day.

What if I don’t know anyone else at camp?

No problem! Mountain Camp Woodside is a great place to make new friends and many campers come not knowing anyone else. Our counselors are especially good at making sure all the campers feel included and a part of the group. Even if you come to camp with friends, you’ll be making lots of new ones while you’re here!

How do activity sign ups work?

One of the most important aspects to the program at Mountain Camp Woodside is that campers get to design their own schedule and sign up for the activities that interest them the most.

On Monday morning, all campers (2nd graders and up) will chose their camp activities for the week. They will have four (4) Free Choice camp activities period per day and will have between five to seven different choices for each period. If campers don’t like an activity, they can change into another. We want campers to try lots of new things at camp!

The schedule is designed to give campers a lot of variety and opportunity to explore new interests as well as the freedom to repeat activities they liked the most.

The Cubs (incoming K’s & 1st graders) will follow a set schedule that is absolutely packed with fun!  They will have an opportunity to try everything that we offer at camp and even some special activities only reserved for the Cubs.

What about homesickness?

Homesickness is very common at camp and we take pride in our ability to help campers gain independence and learn how to overcome homesickness. Keeping campers active and engaged is important and our counselors and directors are experienced with working through camper homesickness when it occurs.

What about technology?  How do parents and campers communicate?

Campers unplug from technology at Mountain Camp Woodside so that means no cell phones or other electronic devices including “smart” watches.

At camp, we create an exciting environment where kids can fully embrace the joy of unplugging! We believe in the power of good old-fashioned play—where creativity, adventure, and face-to-face connections take center stage. Camp is a wonderful opportunity for children to step away from screens, enjoy outdoor fun, and build independence in a safe and supportive setting.

To help make this experience as enriching as possible, we ask that all electronic devices—including cell phones, iPods, personal gaming devices, and laptops—stay at home. This allows campers to be fully present, engage with new friends, and make unforgettable memories. If there is an emergency or an important message that needs to be delivered, please contact the Camp Office, and we will ensure it reaches your camper.

We want Mountain Camp Woodside to feel like a second home for our campers and you and your camper are now apart of the Mountain Camp Woodside Family. We can’t wait to see you this summer!