Boone County
1327 S.E. Marshall Street
Boone, IA 50036-2833
515-432-3882
FAX 515-432-3883
Email xboone@iastate.edu
Iowa 4-H Center 2016 Parent Letter – Camp Information Guide
For Tri-County Junior 4-H Camp (Boone, Hardin, Marshall, Story Counties)
Dear Tri-County Junior 4-H Camper and Parents/Guardians,
Tri-County Junior 4-H Camp is coordinated by Annette Brown, 4-H Youth Development
Specialist for Boone, Hardin, Marshall, and Story Counties. The camp will be held August 10-12, 2016
at the Y Camp northwest of Boone, 1192 166th Drive, Boone, IA (Directions to Y Camp are available
at http://y-camp.org/en/directions/).
The camp staff and teen counselors are key in providing this fun and educational opportunity for
your child. They thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life this summer.
Your child will be encouraged to renew old friendships and to make new friends. They will be
presented with the opportunity to try new things and stretch themselves to be the best they can be! 4-H
camping strives to instill the values of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health through belonging, independence,
generosity, and mastery in the lives of all who participate in camp.
The information in this planning guide is very important for you and your camper to use to prepare
for camp and as a reference tool. It will familiarize you and your camper with our procedures to minimize
that “first day anxiety.”
Registration for camp is complete when the registration form and required forms below are
filled out and sent with registration fee to:
ISU Extension and Outreach Boone County, 1327 S.E. Marshall Street, Boone, IA 50036
Forms are available at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/boone/news/tri-county-jr-4-h-camp or your
county extension office.
Registration Form (use the one labeled for your county)
Camper Health Form (include a copy of the front and back or insurance card)
Medications Form
Camper Release Form
Participant Information Form
Parent Confidential Form
Store Form (turn in with cash at camp check in)
We appreciate your patience and understanding with the number of forms and amount of
information required to attend camp. These are for the health and safety of your camper.
If you have questions you may contact me by phone or email.
Sincerely,
Annette Brown, 4-H Youth Development Specialist/Tri-County Junior Camp Coordinator
MAILING ADDRESS:
Iowa State University Extension, Boone County
1327 S.E. Marshall Street
Boone, IA 50036
E-MAIL: annbrown@iastate.edu
PHONE: 515-432-3882 FAX: 515-432-3883
CELL: 515-298-2312
1
Y Camp Contact Information
MAILING ADDRESS:
1192 166th Drive
Boone, IA 50036
WEBSITE:
http://y-camp.org/
PHONE: (515) 432-7558
Revised 4/12/16
Forms to Complete
All forms must be sent with registration form and fee to:
ISU Extension and Outreach Boone County, 1327 S.E. Marshall Street, Boone, IA 50036.
1. CAMPER HEALTH HISTORY
Please print clearly in ink, sign where required.
Note: Please include a copy of the front and back of your health
insurance card if you have insurance.
2. REQUEST FOR GIVING PRESCRIPTION/NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION AT 4-H EVENT
FORM
List all medications the camper will/may need during camp. See details for preparing medicines for
camp in the Check-in Procedures section. If updates are need prior to camp, please provide an
updated form at time of camp.
3. CAMPER RELEASE
We prefer that campers are dropped off and picked up by their legal guardians; however we understand that
participants may choose to carpool. It is imperative that we have in writing who is allowed to pick the child
up from camp. We will request a photo ID at checkout to match it to the names on the Camper Release
Form.
4. CAMP PARTICIPANT INFORMATION FORM - parent and youth signatures are required
5. PARENT CONFIDENTIAL
In order to be most helpful to your child in his/her adjustment to camp life, to sympathetically understand
him/her, and to direct his/her growth and development, we are asking you to complete the confidential
information form. This information is shared only with relevant staff, and will be used intelligently so that
he/she can get the most from their camping experience. Your child will not see this form at camp. Have your
camper fill out the camper letter first, before you fill out the informational parent section of this form.
6. STORE FORM
Campers will have the opportunity to visit the camp store to purchase snacks, memorabilia, and clothing.
To prevent the temptation for over-spending and stomachaches, campers are limited to purchasing a
maximum of 2-3 consumable items each day. Costs range from $1.00 (candy and beverages) to $15-$35 for
camp apparel. Campers will turn in the store form and money (cash only) during check-in. Any unused
money will be returned at check-out. Money will be kept in individual envelopes by camper name and made
available only during store visit time.
7. You KEEP Directions to Camp
Camp Y Camp 1192 166th Drive, Boone, IA 50036, http://y-camp.org/en/directions/
If there are any unusual plans (late arrivals or early/late departures), please notify Annette Brown, Camp
Director for Tri-County Junior 4-H Camp, in writing as soon as possible so proper arrangements can be
made. 515-432-3882 or annbrown@iastate.edu
CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES
Tri-County Junior Camp Check-in time is
Wednesday, August 10 from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Pioneer Hi-Bred Outdoor Education Center
CHECK-IN PROCESS: We prefer all campers to be checked-in by their parents or legal guardians, if that is not
possible, then the adult who brings the child must be sure all payment and forms are completed before check-in day.
PARKING AREA: Please park in the guest parking south of Pioneer Center or along road by cabins. Please leave your
luggage in the car and take only medications and Store form and money with you to check-in. You will complete the
check-in process and find out where your camper needs to take their luggage.
CHECK-IN STATIONS: Campers will check-in through a series of “stations.” The stations are:
 Camp Forms Station: Any forms not yet turned in (Health form, copy of front and back of insurance card,
medication form, camper release form, participation form, parent confidential form).
 Store Form and Money: Campers will visit store for snacks daily. Turn in completed form and cash here.
 Health Station/Medications/Health: The 4-H nor the Y Camp are not responsible for any pre-existing medical
conditions prior to the first day of the session. Upon arrival at camp
Medications: Do not pack medicine in your child’s luggage – it will need to be turned in during check-in. In
addition to noting medicine(s) your child may require on the Request for Giving Prescription/Non-Prescription
Medication at 4-H Event Form, please follow these steps:
 Medication must be in original container with original label including easily read and understood
pharmacy instructions. If you would like to add a note or personal instructions, you are welcome to do so.
It is also helpful to place the medication in a resealable sandwich bag labeled with your camper’s name.
 All medication must state: camper’s name, doctor & phone number, name of medication, dosage, and
frequency
 We recommend that you only send enough medication needed for the duration of your camper’s stay.
 Give all medications to the camp coordinator on registration day upon your child’s arrival to camp.
 Epi pens or asthma inhalers may be kept on the child’s person as requested by the parent. Campers who use
asthma inhalers should bring two – one for the nurse and one to keep with the camper.
 Please be aware that the camp cannot perform injections.
 Name Tag Station: Campers will make their own name tag
 Cabin Sign-Up: Campers will select their cabin.
 Activities: Campers will not be sign-up for activities. All campers will do all Y Camp staff led activities (except
for zip line as campers must be at least 12 years old). Y Camp staff led activities include: Archery, Canoeing,
Climbing Wall, Swimming, and Teambuilding. A variety of theme based activities will also be included
throughout the camp.
MEET YOUR COUNSELOR: After your camper is checked in at all the stations, you may get your camper’s luggage
and accompany him/her to get settled in the cabin. Once at the cabin, the campers will meet their counselors, unpack, and
participate in cabin and get acquainted activities and orientation until lunch.
CHECK-OUT AND DEPARTURE:
Friday, August 12 Evening Schedule
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Checkout campers at Pioneer Center. For your child’s safety, you will be asked for your
photo ID to match with the list of persons authorized to pick up your child. Load your child’s belongings and return to
Pioneer Center.
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: Family Barbecue in Pioneer Center
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Closing Campfire. Songs, Recognition and S’mores!!!
All campers need to be picked up by 8:30 p.m. Friday, August 12.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD
MAIL AT CAMP: Campers love to receive letters and packages from home during camp. Send letters before camp so
they are sure to arrive while your child is at camp. Parents may also leave these items at check-in; we will make sure the
campers receive them throughout the camp. Keep cards and letters cheery and newsy in such a way that will not make the
camper homesick. All packages (do not send food) and mail should be sent to camp with your child’s name, as follows:
Y Camp
Tri-County Junior 4-H Camp
Camper’s Name
1192 166th Drive
Boone, IA 50036
PHONE CALLS & EMERGENCIES: Campers are outside and involved in activities during the day and are not
available to receive phone calls. We do not allow campers to make phone calls from camp. Please do not send cell
phones to camp with campers. The camp office is staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After
business hours, the staff member on duty will check messages frequently and will respond to all emergency calls as soon
as possible. We will respond to all other calls during the next business day. The camp phone number is: (515) 432-7558.
Annette Brown’s, Tri-County camp coordinator’s, cell number is 515-298-2312. Please leave a message and she will call
you back as soon as she is available.
VISITORS: We do not allow visits during the camp sessions. Experience has shown that visits disrupt the camp routine,
detract from the counselors’ ability to effectively manage their cabin groups, and increase the level of potential
homesickness for the child being visited and/or his or her peers.
HEALTH AND SAFETY AT CAMP
GENERAL: When health matters require it, campers will be driven into town to be seen by a nurse practitioner, a
physician's assistant, or a physician. Boone County Hospital is located about 15 minutes away; if necessary, an ambulance
may be dispatched to pick up an injured person. Parents or emergency contacts will be notified if a child requires a
hospital or doctor visit. In the event of injury or extended illness, nurse or camp coordinator may decide that the camper
should return home. If a child cannot remain in camp due to illness or injury, it is the family’s responsibility to pick up
their child as soon as possible. Medications: All medications are stored and locked in container. This policy is for the
safety and welfare of all participants at camp and to discourage misuse or inappropriate behavior. It is also a camp
accreditation requirement for American Camp Association.
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:
The weather is monitored closely during the day and staff is assigned for night watch to answer phone calls, watch the
weather, and put our emergency procedures into action if needed. If there is a threat of severe weather we keep groups in
activities in or near buildings so they are close to shelter if the weather worsens. Our rainy day activities are quite popular
and help campers pass the time while waiting inside and we try our best to keep the campers busy having fun and not
worried about the weather. The staff is trained to remain calm and proceed as needed to keep the campers safe.
EMERGENCY SHELTER: Tornado and severe weather protection is available in the basement of the Pioneer Center.
MOSQUITO BITES & SUNBURN: We cannot guarantee that your child will not be bitten by mosquitoes or get
sunburned while he or she is at 4-H camp. However, we do train our counselors to encourage campers to protect
themselves against both. We recommend that you send both bug repellent containing an appropriate percentage of
DEET, and sunscreen of an appropriate SPF, for your child. Campers will be encouraged to apply sunscreen prior
to exposure to the sun, and to apply bug repellent and put on long pants and shirts prior to outdoor evening programs.
POISON IVY: There is poison ivy at camp. We do our best to eliminate it from areas frequented by campers, but we
can't get it all. Note severe allergies on the Health Form. Campers are treated with calamine lotion or hydrocortisone
cream as needed.
INSURANCE: When emergency services are provided, all expenses will be paid by parents/guardians' insurance that is
identified on the camper's completed 4-H Health History Report Form. American Income Life insurance will be contacted
to determine if any coverage applies.
HOMESICKNESS: Homesickness is a very natural reaction to separation from familiar surroundings and routines.
Some first-time campers experience homesickness. We encourage campers to be brave during a bout with homesickness.
We urge parents to cooperate with the camp administration in these cases and to understand and believe that their child
will benefit the most by staying at camp for the entire session. Parents should avoid making a pre-camp promise to pick
up a homesick camper early. Emphasize that your child is "going" to camp; you are not "sending" him/her. Avoid saying
"I’m going to miss you so much. I can’t wait for you to come home." Instead, say "I’m so excited for you! You’ll have a
great time!" There are no refunds for campers who are sent or taken home early, even if they go home on the first day.
SHOWERS: Counselors are instructed to urge campers to shower regularly. Showers are available in the cabins.
BEDWETTING: Campers are urged to use the toilet before bedtime. Campers with potential bedwetting problems can be
awakened for a late night bathroom visit if necessary; indicate this on the Health Form. Campers who have a tendency to
wet the bed are strongly encouraged to bring two sets of sheets and a blanket to camp in addition to their sleeping bag and
pillow.
THE “BUDDY SYSTEM”: In order to account for all persons at all times, everyone at camp uses the “Buddy System”.
This means that anytime you go anywhere, you take someone with you. It is very important that all campers understand
and follow this practice.
this policy! This allows us to have more fun while remaining safe.
GENERAL CAMP POLICIES & INFORMATION
FOOD SERVICE: The Y Camp strives to offer healthy and tasty meals. We encourage all campers to drink at least one
glass of water at each meal to limit dehydration. At Tri-County Junior Camp we will prepare our own breakfast one
morning, and one campfire meal. The rest of the meals will be eaten in the dining hall.
Food Allergies & Preferences. If your child has a food allergy, is a vegetarian, vegan, or has other food preferences
please make note of this on the health form. We do our best to meet all food needs. If your child’s diet requires special
meals please specify on the camp health form. You will be contact if more information is needed.
PARENT & CAMPER EVALUATIONS: We appreciate your immediate comments and feedback about our staff,
volunteers and program. If you see or hear of a problem with any part of our program or staff, please contact the Camp
Office so immediate corrections can be made. The Y Camp and Annette Brown, Tri-County camp coordinator are
available to answer your questions or concerns. Please do not hesitate to call Annette at 515-298-2312 (cell).
Expectations
CAMP CLEAN-UP: Campers will be expected to help clean up cabins, the lodge and camping area the last day of camp.
GRAFFITI: The Y Camp strives to provide a safe, clean, and well cared for facility for participants. Should a camper
deface property through graffiti the camper will be responsible for the replacement or repair of the property. Please
discuss this with your child before his/her arrival. Our goal is to keep the facility in the condition you would expect of an
excellent program.
PRANKS AT CAMP: At camp we promote an inclusive camp environment where everyone feels a sense of safety and
belonging. Because of this, no pranks of any kind are allowed at camp.
BULLYING: The Iowa 4-H camping program has adopted a zero tolerance policy on bullying of any kind. There are
several different kinds of bullying including physical (hitting, tripping, holding door closed), verbal (name calling,
belittling, humiliating) and social (exclusion, singling out for ridicule, coercion). Camp will not tolerate these behaviors at
any age from male or female campers, on or off camp in person or via electronic devices.
CAMP PACKING LIST
Below is a checklist to use to pack your camper’s belongings. If you have any questions about any of these items please
call Annette Brown at 515-432-3882.
 PRECIOUS FEET POLICY! A very important rule is that flip flops are only allowed to be worn at camp for shower
and pool time. Our camp programs are very active during the day, and as a way to prevent twisted ankles and cut feet,
we have a policy that campers and staff will at all other times wear sturdy shoes that cover their whole foot. This
means closed-toe shoes such as Crocs, sturdy sandals with a heel strap, or tennis shoes must be worn at all other times
for active camp programs and safety. Realize that campers’ shoes (and feet) may get wet and dirty/sandy, so please
send at least one pair of old shoes.
 The Y Camp will not assume liability for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property. All clothing and
personal items should be clearly marked with your child’s full name.
Forms: If not yet returned to Boone County
Extension office, (Health form, copy of front &
back of insurance card, medication form, camper
release form, participation form, and parent
confidential form)
Clothing
1 pair pajamas
1 rain jacket/poncho
1 swimsuit
2-3 pair jeans/sweatpants for hiking
1 sweatshirt or a jacket
2-3 pairs of shoes:
closed-toe shoes such as Crocs, tennis shoes,
or sturdy sandals with a heel strap for
camp activities
flip flops for the shower/pool area only
old shoes for getting dirty/creek walk
3-4 pair shorts
4-5 t-shirts
4-5 pair socks
4-6 pair underwear
1 laundry bag for soiled clothes



Store Money: For snacks, memorabilia, and
clothing available, suggested amount $10-$40.
Optional
Camera/film/batteries/charger marked with full name
Hat/bandanna/sunglasses
Stationary/stamps/pencils
Fanny pack or small backpack for hiking
WHAT NOT TO BRING:
 Being a natural environment, designed for children
to get a break from the pressures of the world, camp
will enforce the policy of no electronic/hand held
video games, radios, walkmans, MP3 players, CD
players, iPod, cellular phones, pagers, DVD
players, etc. If it is discovered your child does have any of these items after you leave, the items will be held by
the camp coordinator until the camper checks out.
Please make sure that all items sent to camp are free of offensive logos, illegal substances or inappropriate
messages.
Do not bring knives, fireworks, expensive jewelry or cameras, markers of any kind, food, gum, spray cans
(including shaving cream and silly string), pocket cash, or pets to camp.
Please do not send expensive clothing to camp. We prefer play clothes because camp activities may cause stains.
Alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and firearms are prohibited and will result in the camper’s immediate dismissal from
camp.
Bedding (cabins are air conditioned)
1 blanket & sheets (flat sheets work best as some
beds are longer than regular twin size)
OR 1 sleeping bag
1 pillow

Toiletries & Misc.
(ice cream buckets work well for toiletries)
Comb or hairbrush
Soap/shampoo/deodorant
Toothbrush/toothpaste
2-3 towels (1 pool/2 shower); washcloth
Small bag to carry items to the shower/pool
Waterproof sunscreen
Insect repellent with DEET
Refillable water bottle
Flashlight
4-5 plastic shopping bags for wet towels, swimsuits
and wet/dirty shoes or clothes