First Time Campers
Welcome to Camp!
We love welcoming new campers and families each summer at Camp Twin Creeks! It’s inspiring to see the courage and trust that our first time campers have as they embrace new experiences and adventures away from home. At Camp Twin Creeks, we understand that the overnight experience can be challenging, and we see it as an opportunity to nurture confidence and independence. Guided by our Youth Development Philosophy, we focus on helping each camper grow personally, building confidence and community.
Your First Few Days at Camp
When campers arrive on opening day, our counselors greet them as if they’ve known them forever. The first few days of camp are intentionally scheduled to help new campers learn their way around, get to know their cabinmates, and generally feel welcome and comfortable. Fun games help kids learn what they have in common with their cabin mates in order to quickly facilitate friendships. Mornings are spent traveling in these cabin groups to core activities, and afternoons are dedicated to what your camper chooses for their Masterclass.
Our Youth Development Philosophy
At Camp Twin Creeks, we take pride in witnessing the incredible growth our campers experience during their time with us. Guided by our Youth Development Philosophy, campers embrace new challenges and exceed their own expectations, whether they’re soaring down the zipline, contributing to their Olympic Team’s success, forging new friendships, or thriving independently without electronics or parental guidance. These meaningful experiences help build confidence, foster independence, and develop essential life skills that last a lifetime.
We are excited to continue to welcome our new campers into our supportive and nurturing community, and look forward to watching them grow through the many successes they will achieve this summer!
First Time Camper Support
New Camper Events
We’re thrilled to offer a variety of New Camper Events in the months leading up to camp! Through a combination of in-person and online meetings, First Time Campers and Parents gain access to helpful resources, and are able to start building connections with other Twin Creeks Families ahead of their camper’s session. Head to our Enrolled Families Events page to see what events are coming up, and check out our recorded Zoom meetings and other first time family resources below!
First Year Phone Calls
Each first year family will receive a phone call from their camper’s Head Counselor within their first few days with us at camp. This phone call gives you insight into how your camper has settled into their cabin, their favorite activities, friends they’ve made, and allows you the opportunity to check in about anything that might be on your mind.
Head Counselors will continue to be a resource for you and your camper as the session progresses. Check out this Littles Letter as an example of in-summer communication!
Camp-Wide Communication
Our primary goal is to ensure that your child has a memorable and fulfilling experience at Camp Twin Creeks. We understand that staying in touch with your child while they’re away at camp is important, so we have a few main lines of communication during the summer sessions. We’re happy to provide camp-wide communication including transportation confirmation, mid-session updates, and more via email. Our social media pages, Instagram and Facebook, offer great insight into the camper experience with daily stories and weekly posts.
First Year FAQs & Helpful Resources
First Time Camper FAQs
How can we find out how our child is doing?
First time families receive a phone call to check in during their camper’s first week at camp. We also encourage everyone to check our summer website regularly for photos and videos, guaranteed to make you smile!
How do I communicate with my child?
We hope you will write and email as often as you can. All parents are able to write emails to their campers – letters are printed and delivered daily! Campers cannot send email, but can receive email messages from you. You can also speak on the phone with your child once per 2-week session, more if needed.
What is the Health Center like? How close is the nearest Hospital?
We have 2 or 3 Registered Nurses that are on-site 24/7. A local physician remains on call with the same full-time schedule. For more on our health center, visit our Health and Safety page!
How are your staff trained?
Cabin staff range in age from 19-25 years old. Everyone has completed at least one year of college. We conduct criminal background checks on all staff as well. Staff come in a week early for orientation, where they are trained on the goings on at camp. This includes practical programming training, first aid training, and best practices in supporting campers of all ages. You can read more about our staff here.
How do you handle homesickness?
Our seasonal and leadership staff are trained on the best ways to support campers exhibiting signs of being homesick. Communication and trust are key elements to success and to completing the full 2 weeks at camp. Summer leadership are great points of contact, as well as Iain and Amy.
What’s the food like?
Kid friendly and nutritious! Seriously, our dining hall offers a great variety of meals over the course of the session with the intention of fueling campers for their fun-filled days 🙂 Learn more about food here.
For more common questions, head to our FAQ Page.
Helpful Resources
June 4, 2024: Health Center Zoom & slides
May 29, 2024: Packing Zoom & slides
May 14, 2024: New Family Zoom #2, Q&A
May 1, 2024: New Family Zoom #1 & slides
December 7th, 2023: Promotional Video Premiere
February 15th, 2023: Virtual Tour of Camp!
Unsure about two weeks away from home?
Is 2 weeks sounding like a long time for your camper’s first sleepaway experience?
Consider Dream Week as an introductory option, and compare our session lengths here.
Have Questions?
Still have questions about being a first time camper? Reach out to us any time.