Westview on the James

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Frequently asked Questions about Adventure Camp at Westview

1. What kind of vehicle will my child be traveling in and who are the drivers?

In the summer of 2003 Westview bought a “short bus,” this bus is equipped with seatbelts for 2 in each seat and is considered much safer than the controversial 15 passenger vans. We are hoping to get another bus for additional safer travel. In the event the 15-passenger van will be used we will only accept 10 campers on said trip in order to hold to a higher standard of safety. The drivers are the counselors; the counselors must be at least 21 years old with an approved driving record. They go through extensive training before camp begins. They spend time in the classroom studying defensive driving techniques, each counselor then spends time driving on different types of roads including interstate, and primary and secondary roads. Each of them practices parking, loading and unloading passengers, backing up, breakdown and accident procedures, passenger illness, fueling and how to properly inspect the vehicle.

2. What kind of food will the campers be eating and how will it be prepared?

The campers will be eating with the residential campers when on camp property and will be preparing their own meals when off site. On Sunday evening the campers will meet with their counselors and prepare a meal plan for the week. (This provides them a chance to voice their opinions on what foods will be eaten throughout the week.) For most of the camps they have a wide variety of options as the meals are prepared on a large camp stove and the food doesn’t have to be packed in. When on the trail or at campsites the campers and counselors will share the cleaning and cooking duties.

3. What are the sleeping arrangements?

While on camp property the campers will be staying in tent city or in tents behind the Nature Center. When off site the campers stay in tents provided by Westview. The campers are separated by gender. Sometimes summer thunderstorms do arise while they are camping. In such cases their lodging arrangements will remain the same unless an “extreme” weather condition arises such as tornado watches/warnings, tropical storms and hurricanes.

4. What are the qualifications of the counselors?

The counselors are all trained in Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguarding, CPR, and Canoe Instruction. We hire adventure counselors with experience in the outdoors either in camping or other recreation fields. For more information on the specific counselors for the summer check the website for a short bio.

5. What about safety precautions?

As mentioned above the counselors are all certified in Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguarding, CPR and Canoe Instruction. They are also trained in driving and disaster procedures. Each trek is equipped with a cell phone, maps, driving directions, and are alerted to the location of the nearest hospital.

6. Where will the campers shower?

The campers will shower at the pool or Hogan Hill bathhouse while on site. When off site they will shower at campground shower houses, provided they stay on campgrounds. There maybe times where they will be “roughing it” –meaning no showers!

7. Can I call my child or can he/she call me?

Because the campers are spending time in a small group outdoor setting we do not allow phone calls, either incoming or outgoing. We feel this would serve as in interruption, which detracts from the adventure experience. Please leave cell phones at home. In the event campers bring cell phones with them we will collect them and lock them in the office until the end of the week.

8. What if there is an emergency at home, can we call them, or what if there is an emergency regarding my child on the trip?

If you have an emergency at home and you must get in touch with your child you should contact the camp office and they will contact the counselors and make the appropriate plans for what you need. If your child is involved in an emergency while on the trip then either John Edwards, Camp Director or Cat Holbert, Director of Retreat Ministries & Adventure Coordinator will contact you with all the information and will work with you to develop a plan of action.

9. How do we know the Outfitters we are using are qualified?

Each outfitter that is used by Westview Adventure Camp has been used by a full-time staff person at Westview previous to the trip. The outfitters are also required to provide us with proof of insurance before the trip.

10. When will the campers leave Westview and when will they return?

If the trip is one of the hiking, canoeing, or kayaking treks the campers will spend the first couple of days in camp learning skills and will generally leave on Tuesday or Wednesday for overnight trips. Some of our other trips (i.e. Beach Trek, Saddle/Paddle and more) will leave on Monday morning and will return on Friday afternoon. Parents will be provided with a schedule for the week when you drop your children off.

11. Do the campers need money and what for?

For some of the trips the campers will want a minimal amount of money for possible stops at gas stations, the camp store, etc. on the way to put in the river or to the mountains. The Beach camp, Saddle/Paddle, Extreme Trek, etc. may want to carry more money with them for extra snacks and souvenirs.

12. Are the campers forced into doing activities?

All of our adventure activities are challenge by choice. Possible exceptions might be white-water rafting or caving because we would be unable to leave a camper unsupervised. (The same could be said about any activity where a camper would have no supervision.)

13. Is there Bible Study?

There are daily prayers and a designated time each evening for journaling. Many times they will be using the Bible for guidance during their journaling time, they may also use other spiritual growth books, articles and songs. The counselors are trained prior to camp in leading devotions, and effective journaling methods.

14. How is mail handled?

Beginning Summer of 2006 we will no longer accept any care packages, however please write! Campers love to hear from you! Postcards and letters are welcome. Due to the excessive amounts of sweets which usually come into camp, we are moving to this new policy in order to promote a healthier lifestyle-starting early! The campers will continue to receive snacks along with their meals each day. If your child is attending the Moon Shadows trek (or another camp that stays on property) he or she will be able to receive mail on a daily basis, however, if their trek is traveling off-site their mail will be held until they return. Please include your child’s first and last name as well as the trek he or she may be attending on all posted mail to ensure the quickest possible delivery.

15. Will there be adventure camp pictures on the website?

Due to the migratory nature of Adventure Camp, pictures will be taken with a disposable camera. Thus, pictures will be posted after the summer is over, when we have had the film developed onto CD’s. The pictures will typically be posted sometime in September.

16. What happens if a scheduled activity has to be cancelled due to weather or other incidents?

An important lesson one learns from AC is that no matter how well planned, sometimes things don’t go as scheduled. In the event that an activity is cancelled the counselors will confer with the campers to decide on the best course of action. They may decide to take in a movie, or head to the beach, or try out something completely new. Whatever the case, every attempt will be made to include all campers in the decision making process; if the need arises Westview will also supply “Gift Coupons” for further sessions of Adventure Camp.

You may have other questions regarding Adventure Camp, if so please contact Cat Holbert at 804-457-4210 or email at cat_holbert@yahoo.com