Camp Netimus Summer Camp for Girls Philosophy
The goals and values of camping at Netimus have been taught, shared, and appreciated by campers and parents alike. For us, the real joy of camping is seeing our girls thrive in the secure, wholesome, and safe environment we strive to create.
Our campers are encouraged, challenged, and guided. They have lots of fun and succeed because they are relaxed, confident, and supported, surrounded by camp friends and a caring community.
Our program and philosophy promote the concepts of both family and community living. We balance cabin life (the family) with community life which includes planned and informal activities throughout the day and evening.
We believe counselors have an enormous influence on a camper's experience. Staff Excellence is a high priority.
Parents also contribute to the quality of Netimus. We appreciate communication with the parents of our campers. Suggestions, ideas, and questions are always welcome. We encourage parents to talk to us regarding special instructions and preparations, both emotionally and logistically, for their daughter's camp experience.
We believe in excellence in camping. We are dedicated to this philosophy. We welcome you to the wonderful world that is Netimus!
Our philosophy is conveyed to campers, staff, and parents through the following policies:
 |
Cabin Placement: Cabin placement is a complex project for the directors. (Click here to find out more about the members of our Administrative Team.) So many factors - age, grade level, length of stay at camp, new or returning camper, and cabin mate requests - are taken into account. For the most part, campers will be placed in a cabin with girls the same age and staying the same length of time. Every effort is made to honor a camper's first request; however, everything possible is also done to avoid cliques. Since daily activities are grouped by interest and ability, cabin mates usually have different schedules. As a result of careful planning of camp activities and events, friendships are developed and encouraged.
Care Packages: Items such as books, magazines, sections of the local paper, or small gifts like stationary or stickers are always welcome, but please DO NOT include food, candy, or gum. Edibles sent through the mail are collected and distributed to the entire camp at Float Night and Banquet which take place, respectively, at the end of the first and second months of camp. No food sent in care packages is held for the camper or allowed inside a cabin.Chores: Campers participate in certain work details in their cabins and around camp. Twenty minutes are allotted each day for campers to clean their cabins, and fifteen minutes per day are spent on camp cleanup. During camp cleanup, the campers and their cabin counselors do some quick chores at designated sites around camp. The girls in the "older" cabins take turns on a weekly basis setting up the Dining Hall and putting food on the tables. They report to the Dining Hall thirty minutes before each meal for Dining Room Detail (DRD). After each meal, the campers sitting at each table are responsible for cleaning the tabletop and for sweeping the floor under the table. Near the end of each month of camp, there is a Service morning in which all campers, counselors, and staff work together to tidy up Camp Netimus.
Competitiveness: Any camper may play on an intramural team, and anyone may participate in any inter-camp team. We are a member of the Pike County Athletic Association of Camps; competitions are held at various camps within the Association. Tournaments with other camps are held weekly and are optional. Green and White is decades old tradition with ongoing competition including day and evening activities involving sports, board games, marathons, puzzle solving, clue nights, etc.
Food Service: The Food Service personnel offer a variety of nutritious choices at each meal, and a salad bar is available daily. Food substitutions will be made for campers whose parents have informed us of special dietary needs.
Homesickness: Netimus is known for providing a warm, friendly, caring environment which is fostered by campers, counselors, and all support staff. Everything possible will be done to ensure that your daughter's stay at Netimus will be a positive experience. If a camper does become homesick, a network exists throughout camp to identify and work with her. The directors and other staff members address homesickness. Twice weekly staff meetings ensure that no girl is "falling through the cracks". Parents are informed of their daughter's progress. Partnering with parents and support from home are extremely important in encouraging a positive outcome.
Information about the progress of your camper: Parents will receive a letter from their daughter's cabin counselors mid-way through her stay. This will include the camper's schedule and information about her progress and adjustment to camp life. Parents should feel free to call the camp office at any time if they have any questions or concerns.
Religious Services: Camp Netimus is a diverse, tolerant community and a non-sectarian camp. At camp, there is a weekly gathering where topics such as environmental concerns and personal initiative and development are explored. These gatherings are usually held in a beautiful wooded setting which has traditionally been called the "Green Cathedral". The older campers organize and present these sessions. For campers who have received parental permission, transportation is provided for those who wish to attend Sunday Mass.
The Talking Tree: There is a bench under a large oak tree (called the Talking Tree) outside the office. This is a special place at Camp Netimus. Campers and counselors can meet under the tree with anyone at camp to discuss whatever is on their minds, for example, concerns and problems as well as successes and happy events. The directors are always available to talk to campers and counselors alike. Everyone at camp respects this space as personal space when a conversation is in progress.
Telephone Calls, Faxes, E-mail: Campers may not receive phone calls during their first week at camp. After that, parents may call their daughters during the times suggested in the "Parent Packet" sent out upon enrollment. Campers may call home only with the permission of a Director. A letter to parents is a camper's weekly "meal ticket" to dinner. You also may contact your daughter by fax or email. Campers may send faxes, but there is a charge per page, and faxes are sent only when office staff is available to do so. The office phone is answered 24 hours a day. Cell phones are not permitted in camp.
