FAQ | Cal-Wood Ed Center

What does the cost of camp include?

The cost of camp at Cal-Wood Education Center includes all of the accommodations, meals, materials, and instruction from our fantastic staff for their entire week of camp. Each camper also receives a camp t-shirt. The entire camp fee is due at the time of registration.

When is registration?

What paperwork is needed for registration?

You will fill out an online form with all of the camper’s pertinent information, plus you will need to upload a recent physical and CDPHE immunization record from your camper’s doctor.
If your camper will need any medication while at camp, you will need to upload a completed medication administration form for each medication, signed by a doctor.
For T.U.N.E. camp you will need to sign a hunter education waiver (Spanish waiver).

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Please indicate any special dietary needs on the camper’s registration form and we will work with you and your camper to meet those needs. Our chef can accommodate most allergies and preferences. We do not serve nuts but cannot guarantee that we are a nut-free campus. We can provide gluten free meals, but we do not have a gluten free kitchen. We may recommend that your camper bring their own food to camp if they have a very severe allergy and cross-contamination would be a problem. Please reach out with specific questions.
If your campers are “picky eaters”, remind them that camp is a great place to try new foods.

Where are the kids sleeping while at Cal-Wood?

All campers will be sleeping in our cabins on bunk beds. Each cabin holds 9-16 students and 1-2 adult camp staff. Campers are typically separated in cabins by gender, but if you have questions or special accommodation requests, you can email camps@calwood.org. Some camps will have a 1 night camp-out in a tent on our property and all gear will be provided for this experience.

What will my camper need to pack?

Campers should pack clothes for the week (pajamas, shorts, shirts, socks, undergarments, etc), a sleeping bag, small pillow, day pack, comfortable hiking shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. A complete packing list can be found here.
Cal-Wood has an extensive gear room with items students can use if they don’t have any needed gear or forget something at home.
Campers should NOT bring electronics (including cell phones & tablets), snacks (we will provide these), gum or candy, knives, fireworks, lighters, or matches.

How does Cal-Wood keep campers safe?

Our top priority is to maintain the health and safety of each camper. Our staff have certifications in First Aid and CPR. First aid kits are carried at all times by staff. Emergency Services can be on site within 20 minutes. Helicopter service to larger hospitals is available.

How does Cal-Wood deal with home-sickness?

Cal-Wood prides itself on how well we handle homesickness. The staff receive specialty training in separation anxiety and homesickness. Homesickness is the result of leaving a loving home and is 100% normal. A child’s independence is gained when guardians trust in their success at camp. As hard as it may be, avoid saying the following statements: “Call me if you need me” or “I can pick you up if you want to go home...” because we find that this makes children more homesick. Our staff will reach out to parents if we are concerned about a camper. Write encouraging letters or emails instead (send to camps@calwood.org and we will deliver them). Homesickness and overcoming it is a normal process that helps children develop independence, confidence and self-pride. They will do fantastic!

What if my camper takes medications?

If your camper requires any medications, you will check those in at drop off and need to include a medication administration form. These include vitamins, over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medicine, homeopathic remedies, and/or herbal medications. Medications will be kept in a secure place and returned at the end of camp. If your camper becomes ill prior to arriving at camp, please call in advance to let us know about their condition. The more accurate information we have about the health and needs of your child, the better informed we will be in making decisions to ensure the health of the whole camp.

Can I send mail or care packages?

Yes! You can leave care packages or letters for your camper when you drop them off. We will deliver them to the campers. You can also send emails to your camper during the camp session, and we will print and deliver them for you (camps@calwood.org). If you send anything in the USPS mail it likely will not arrive on time. Please do not send candy, snacks, or gum as these attract wildlife to our cabins.

How are behavior issues dealt with at camp?

It is normal for campers to exhibit some disruptive behaviors that are situational and developmentally appropriate. We deal with all behavior issues using positive reinforcement and redirection. Very rarely are there any behavior concerns that warrant a call to parents.
If a camper behaves in any way that is considered by the Camp Director to be detrimental to the quality and best interest of the program, Cal-Wood reserves the right to dismiss that camper from the program. This type of dismissal may result from behavior such as, but not limited to, the use of alcohol or drugs, refusal to cooperate, or endangering the emotional or physical safety of any person at camp - including themselves. Campers who are asked to leave due to behavioral misconduct will not be offered a refund. It is at the discretion of the Camp Director if your child can return for another session that summer or in future summers.

What are drop off and pick up time?

Drop off is at 10:00 a.m. on Monday and pick up is at 3:00 p.m. on Friday (2:30 p.m. for TUNE Camp). Drop-off and Pick-up will be at Cal-Wood Education Center in the main parking lot next to the Pond.

Additional Questions?

Please contact us at: camps@calwood.org | 303.449.0603 ext. 1