ON THE COVERCampers love to jump in thelagoon to cool off after a full day ofactivities

WHAT’S INSIDE?What to ExpectPre-Camp COVID RequirementsTravelHealthPacking ListHomesicknessContacting CampBehaviorInternational Tips

EDITOR’S NOTEWe hope you enjoy goingthrough this handbook as afamily. We’ve filled these pageswith important information, tips,and beauty to stir both courageand excitement for the summerahead! We are honored that youhave chosen to spend part ofyour summer with us atMountain Meadow Ranch.

* We have done our best tomake edits in light of COVID-19protocols and considerations.However, be sure to check youremail, and our COVID-19 page,regularly for updates.

WHAT TO EXPECTEnergy and anticipation grow as camp approaches. We want you to knowwhat to expect from your time with us.

OPENING DAYAfter initial health screening by one ofour staff, there will be signs directingyou to the check-in station. Please stayin your vehicle unless otherwisedirected to do so. After you havechecked-in with our Directors, the dayfor your camper will include:

● Cabin Assignment: A counselorwill accompany you to your cabin,show you around, and help youchoose your bunk!

● Orientation: This includes:checking in with the Camp HealthCare staff, water safety at the pool,meeting the wranglers down atthe arena, and a tour of camp!

● All Camp Meeting: Onceeveryone has arrived in theafternoon we gather as a campfamily to go over the rules andhow we do camp at MMR.

We may not be able to accommodateparents beyond the designatedcheck-in location at this time.

ACTIVITIESSerendipity & flexibility areessential to our program!

● WeekdaysThere is no pre-registration beforecamp for any of our activities.Campers choose an activity 2-4x eachweekday. We encourage everyone totry as many new and different activitiesas possible, but in the end it’s theirchoice. The length of a two-weeksession, in addition to addedconsiderations and restrictions due toCOVID-19, does not allow enough timefor us to guarantee every camper willget to do every activity. In the eventthat they don’t get their first choice,campers are encouraged to havesecond and third choices.

If they are not chosen for their firstchoice, they are given theopportunity to self-advocate (speak upwhen you need to and talk to a directoror counselor who can help) at the nextactivity period.

WeekendsSunday morning is a time for eachcabin to bond, work on skits for thecampfire, or do something special as agroup. The rest of the weekend wedivide the camp family into four teamsfor all-camp competitions we call“Color Wars”. Although our all-camp

activities may look a little different thisyear, we are excited to offer the same

level of fun and bonding that typicallyhappens each summer.

TECHNOLOGY FREEPlease leave all techdevices at home.MMR is a wonderful place toenjoy the great outdoors andreconnect. We know that cellphones are needed for travel, socampers may turn them in whenthey arrive at camp. They arereturned at the end of the sessionfor the trip home. Any tech devicesfound during a session will be helduntil the end of camp.

LOST & FOUNDHelp us reduce the amount oflost & found by labeling all yourcampers belongings. Personal

belongings are most often lostwhen left behind at an activity,not at laundry as many would

suspect. We are not responsiblefor items lost, however we will doour best to locate & return items.Anything not called for will bedonated one week after eachsession.

PRE-CAMPPre-Camp COVID-19 Checklist*

*Details for each step can be found in our COVID-19 Update

❏ Review and submit all forms by June 1, 2021.

❏ Plan for your camper’s pre-camp COVID-19 PCR Test.❏ Must be done within 72 hours of camper arrival (not

before), i.e. tested on the Thursday and results includedon the Pre-Arrival Screening Form on the Saturday.

❏ Vaccinated campers do not need to provide a negativePCR test, but do need to include verification ofvaccination on the Pre-Camp Arrival Screening Form.

❏ Complete your camper’s Pre-Arrival Screening Form andSUBMIT the day before your session starts.❏ This will become available within your Parent Account

prior to your camper’s session and must be completedand submitted the day before (Saturday) opening day.

❏ This is where you’ll upload your camper’s negative PCRtest results, verification of vaccination, etc.

❏ Review and sign the Aj Ypekanbe Commitment. This is acamp family-wide agreement to keep each other andourselves safe this summer. You can review, sign, and submita copy within your Parent Account.

❏ This will become available within your Parent Accountprior to your camper’s session.

Refer to our COVID-19 Update page for more informationregarding any of the above requirements!

TRAVELGetting to camp is the beginning of the adventure - enjoy thejourney! There are three ways to get to camp:

#1 DRIVE

Our recommended option this year as it affords you the flexibilityto account for any potential changes in travel schedules. Pleasefollow the signs to your designated drop-off location where ourDirectors will greet you. Campers, please stay in the car until a staffmember screens and clears you to join the MMR community.

Our new opening and closing day protocols require staggereddrop-off and pick-up times, please be prompt and keep to yourallotted window. Take the time on the drive to start the goodbyeprocess so that everyone can experience a smooth transition to andfrom MMR.

Although we cannot welcome camper parents into MMR to get theircampers settled and tour the facilities, we hope you will find comfortand a welcome atmosphere at the check-in station. Here you will beable to chat with a Director, take a photo with your camper, andreceive some treats for the trip back home!

RECOMMENDED LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONThe Red Lion Inn - Susanville, CA   (530) 257-3450

#2 Airport Drop-Off

We will meet you at the Reno-Tahoe Airport, and yourcamper can join the camp van/bus! We will contact youwithin one week of the travel day to confirm the exactmeeting time and location. Our new protocols requirestaggered drop-off and pick-up times, please be prompt andkeep to your allotted time. Take the time on the drive to startthe goodbye process so that everyone can experience asmooth transition to and from MMR.

#3 Solo FlightA staff member wearing an MMR staff shirt will greet yourcamper at a TBD location and walk with them to the campvans/bus for a quick drive to camp. Please arrange toarrive/depart the airport before or as close to noon aspossible. If there is a time conflict please call to notify us!Please submit all of your camper’s flight information in theTransportation Form once you’ve made arrangements.

* Note: there may be limited seats available on our shuttles to and from MMRand, if necessary, will be allotted on a first come first serve basis.

More Travel Tips

CAMP VANS TO/FROM AIRPORTOur camp vans transport campers to and from the Reno Airport onOpening and Closing Day, free of charge. There will be a $75 fee fortransportation from the airport on non-travel days. COVID-19 protocolindicates all must wear proper face covering while in camp vehicles unlessdrinking water. NOTE: All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times while traveling inMMR vehicles. No wrestling, yelling, moving about, rocking back and forth, or bouncing. Allpassengers must remain seated, face forward at all times, and campers who feel sick orneed to use the rest room must tell the driver.

AIRLINE FEESMany airlines now require UM and luggage fees to be paid at thedeparting airport on the day of travel. Please send your child with aprepaid credit card (minimum balance of $200) to cover any airline fees.Reno-Tahoe Airport does not accept cash, and our airport staff cannotcover these expenses.

UNACCOMPANIED MINORAirline companies may require a designated person be identified in order tobook for an unaccompanied minor. Please contact the office for thisinformation.

HEALTHAs part of our Opening Day Orientation, all campers will be screened forCOVID-19 before leaving their vehicle or boarding the airport shuttle. Once atMMR, all campers will meet the Camp Health Care staff to get acquainted,review their health forms, and turn in any medications.

FORMSYou will find all the required Forms online in the Forms & Documentssection of your Parent Account. Including:

□ Confidential Information Form□ Health Form□ Immunization Form□ Parent Authorization Form□ Physician’s Form□ Pre-Camp Arrival Screening (to be submitted the FRIDAY

before camp arrival)□ Travel Form

HEALTH SCREENINGShould your camper arrive tocamp with obvious signs ofillness or lice, we will ask thatyour child be kept in your careuntil the illness resolves and/orlice treatment has beenadministered.

ILLNESS & INJURYYou will be called (at theprimary number given on theenrollment form) if your child:● Stays overnight in the infirmary.● Leaves camp for treatment

(x-rays, testing, etc.).●New medicine is prescribed.● Is contact traced for COVID-19● Tests positive for COVID-19

If you cannot be reached, theemergency contact person will becalled.

INFIRMARY & STAFFOur Camp Health Staff residence &the infirmary are located in thecenter of camp; within closeproximity to all of our onsiteactivities. There is a camphealthcare professional on staff24/7, and a fully staffed hospital isonly 12 miles away.  All of our staffmembers hold CPR & First Aidcertification.

DIETARY NEEDSIn the MMR kitchen, we arecommitted to nutritious,wholesome meals. We canaccommodate a variety of dietaryneeds and there is always avegetarian option available, but besure to notify us of any foodallergies / preferences beforearrival at camp. Please use theallergy section of the Health Form.

MEDICATIONS* NEW PROTOCOL FOR 2021All medications are turned-in toour Health Care staff on OpeningDay. Medications are then given ateach meal, as required by thephysician. The camp Health Carestaff keeps a daily written record,in order to make sure your camperreceives his or her medication asprescribed.

All camper prescriptionmedications, as well as anyover-the-counter medications orvitamins taken daily, must arriveat camp in a strip of individuallypackaged single doses preparedby a pharmacy of your choice. Forexample, if the camper takes twodifferent prescription medicationsin the morning, both medicationsmust be placed in the samepharmacy labeled package formorning distribution by our HealthCare staff.

Please do not sendover-the-counter medications thatare not taken daily, as these arealready stocked in our HealthCenter. For over-the-countermedications taken daily, pleasehave your pharmacy include thosein the appropriate individualpackage(s) by dose if combiningwith prescription medication.

The only exceptions to this newrequirement are liquid, injection, orinhaled medications. For anyquestions or concerns pleasecontact our office.

To help with distancing of cabingroups during medicationdistribution, cabins will beassigned a specific time to stop bythe Health Center, and those timeswill correspond with thestaggered meal arrival times andcabin bedtime. You may chooseany pharmacy to pre-packageyour camper’s medication. CVS isone of the large pharmacies thatoffers this service.

We will not accept dosedmedicines in unlabelled pilldividers, they MUST be allocatedand packaged by a pharmacy.

We cannot legally administerprescription medicines withoutthe prescribing physician'swritten direction.

PACKINGPlease have your child participate in packing for camp so they know whereto find what they need.

LUGGAGEWe recommend campers pack intwo pieces of luggage: one largepiece to be used for clothing anda small duffle bag for sleepingbag, pillow, etc. A daypack, smalllike used for school, is alsorequired. Laundry is done onceper 2-week session and cabinstorage is limited, so please trynot to over-pack.

CLIMATESummers are simply lovely at theranch. Our daily temperaturesaverage a dry 85℉, while the nightsaverage 50℉. We hope for one goodrain-dumping thunderstorm eachsummer!

BEDDINGAll campers have a single bunkand we provide one pillow andpillow case. What you choose tosend with your camper forsleeping is totally up to theircomfort needs. A sleeping bagmight be all they need-or maybethey need more comfort so theybring sheets, a blanket, and anextra pillow.

DRESS CODEWe want the clothes worn at campto be functional, so we havedeveloped the dress code policyincluded in the Standards section. Ifcampers choose to dressinappropriately they will be asked tochange, or wear camp-issuedshirt/shorts.

LABELItems that are not labeled are less likelyto be returned to your camper if theyget lost in the cabin, on laundry day, oraround camp.

SHOESOur main camp grounds are even andgrassy, but many activities have roughand uneven ground, so appropriate

footwear is a safety requirement.Running shoes work best at camp.Hiking or any other specialty shoe is

only optional, and keep in mind newshoes can cause more harm thangood (blisters-yikes!).

LAUNDRY DAYEach cabin is assigned one laundryday per 2-week session, beginningthe first Thursday. Therefore, yourcampers laundry may not be untilthe end of the session. Please packenough clothes (especiallyunderwear and socks) for the wholesession.

SANITIZERWe will have sanitizer and sanitizationproducts available throughout campfacilities. If you would like to sendyour camper with their own personalsanitizer and wipes you are welcometo do so, just be sure they meet theCDC criteria for sanitization.

MASKSWhile we will have extra maskson-hand, all campers must haveenough three-layer masks for thefull two-weeks. There are variousstyles and types of masks with theirown “life-span” before it must bedisposed of or washed. We onlyoffer laundry once per two-weeksession so take this into accountwhen packing. We recommendpurchasing a pack of three-layercloth masks in fun prints and colors.

MASK LANYARDSAll campers and staff are required tohave a mask on their person at alltimes to be available to use wheneverneeded. We recommend sendingcampers with a mask lanyard to limitthe potential for lost masks,unnecessarily dirtied masks, oraccidental swapping of masksbetween campers. There are manyaffordable options available online,from simple to fun.

HOMESICKNESSNOT a sickness at all, but an emotion that most campers feel to somedegree during their time at camp. A successful camp experience starts athome. Here are a couple tips to help prepare your camper!

TALK ABOUT IT. Acknowledging with yourcamper the potential for homesickness can be a great firststep in preparing for it. Like other feelings, once weacknowledge their existence they can become a lot lessscary and more manageable to cope with.

STAY POSITIVE. Keep the focus on how muchFUN camp will be! Let them know how proud you are ofthem for practicing their independence. Your child needs toknow that you think they will be a great camper. Encouragethem to write letters, journal, and take pictures of theexperience.

DON’T DOUBT. Expressing a lack of confidence inyour campers ability to be away from home, either directlyto them or in front of others, undermines your child’sbudding confidence. Don’t make any “deals” with yourcamper about coming to get them if they get homesick. Fora homesick camper these promises become the focus,instead of learning to cope with their feeling.

HOW WE CARE FOR HOMESICKNESSStaff members are trained to care for homesickness. Our staff will do thefollowing to help guide your camper through the normal adjustmentperiod of being away from home:

1. Give your child time and attention. Empathize with their feelings andlet them know they are totally normal.2. Do things that make camp more “homey”, such as reading a bedtimestory, tucking them into their sleeping bag, etc.3.  Encourage your child to use the coping strategies below that haveworked for other campers.

Talk with your camper about these & other tools they can take to camp:

PLAY. Keep busy and hold on to a positiveattitude. Practice gratitude when feeling sad and focus onfully participating in the moment. Enjoy all that camp has tooffer. Remember, it’s not forever!

TALK. Acknowledge your feelings and reach outto a counselor for a listening ear or a hug (if they’re yourcabin counselor), but be ready to jump back into the fun!

WRITE. Keep a journal about what you’redoing at camp and your feelings. Better yet! Write a letterhome to a friend or family member.

SERVE. Focus on making sure those aroundyou are having a good time!

WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL?If you receive a sad letter from your child, call the Camp Parent Line sothat we can closely observe your child and talk with their counselor(s). Wewill call you back with detailed information about your child’s attitude andbehavior. Our Camp Directors and Camp Moms are in camp with yourchildren throughout the camp day and will call you back within 24 hours.

WHEN WILL WE CALL?If your child is visibly upset (crying frequently, not participating, havingtrouble eating or sleeping) and not adjusting after two full camp days, wewill call you to let you know what is happening and discuss a plan forhelping your child adjust.

KIDSICKNESS“Kidsickness” is, again not a sickness, but a variety of emotions you mightexperience while away from your child. When your child goes to sleepaway camp for the first time, their experience with homesickness is usuallythe focus. Unfortunately, your emotions are often left unaddressed. Youmight adjust easily, while others struggle with sadness and anxiety whiletheir child is at camp. Campers are here in a fun, new, and excitingenvironment - while you are at home figuring out how to fill all this freetime (normally spent focused on your child).

Because we have found that this period of separation can be moredifficult for you than it is for your camper, we offer these tips:

KEEP IN TOUCHOne of the unique things about camp is that it’s one of the onlyopportunities for children and parents to exchange hand-writtenletters. Campers love receiving letters and postcards fromhome, so be sure to keep a steady stream of mail coming toyour camper. Let friends and relatives know your camper’s camp

address, so they can send mail too! While it is difficult for parents to go fortwo weeks without hearing their child’s voice on the phone, remember thatthe independence your child is gaining is invaluable. The letters your childwrites while they are at camp may be some of the best, written memoriesfrom their childhood - what treasures!

BE MINDFUL OF THE BENEFITSWhy did you decide to send your child to camp? Rememberthat you are giving your child a gift that will follow themthroughout their life:

CONNECTResearch shows that at camp children practice communication,collaboration, social and cross-cultural skills. Campers get to meetpeople from all around the world!EXPLORETwo weeks to just be a kid in the great outdoors, enjoying amuch-needed break from the stresses of school, competitive sports,and busy schedules.UNPLUGThe opportunity to live technology-free and focus on buildingface-to-face social skills is rare!GROWOvercoming challenges independently allows them to buildconfidence, adaptability, resiliency, critical thinking, and leadershipskills. Among a host of other valuable character traits!

TAKE CARE OF YOUWhile your child is at camp we encourage you to take timeto have some quality experiences yourself. It’s a great time todo projects and trips that are not kid focused or perhaps notso kid-friendly. Take the time to treat yourself to some fun,friends, and growth while your child is doing the same at

camp! You will both gain from this enriching camp experience andboth have stories to share when back together. This is also greatpractice for when your child goes away to college or gets married!

There is so much good advice out there, follow us on social mediathroughout the summer as we share our favorite articles on all

things camp preparation!

CONNECT WITHYOUR CAMPERWe think staying in touch with your camper while they are at camp isimportant!

SNAIL MAILCampers love to get REAL mail. We’re talking about the realthing: pen on paper, maybe some doodles or stickers, inenvelopes, with stamps. Parents & family members shouldsend campers mail regularly to offer support andencouragement. What wonderful keepsakes, too! Campers areencouraged and given time to write letters daily, but as you canimagine it is nearly impossible to make this happen. Mail goesout from the camp mailbox daily.

EMAILSend an email to fun@mountainmeadow.com with your camper’sfull name in the subject field. These notes are printed out dailyand given to the cabin counselor to hand out.

● Limit your emails to one every few days● Emails with pictures or attachments will not be delivered● Only email from family will be delivered● Campers are not able to reply

CAMP PARENT LINEAlthough direct phone calls with your camper are not available,our Camp “Moms” are here to serve you. Please leave a messageand our team of Camp Moms will check in with your camper,speak with their counselors and return your call within 24 hours.You may receive a text or call.

VIEW SUMMER PHOTOSWe are out in the backcountry and our internet is often unreliable,but we do our best to upload new photos a couple times a week!Directions for viewing summer photos will be included in theWelcome email you receive on your campers first day of camp.

STANDARDSOur mission is to create a safe environment; we have developed thefollowing behavior and appearance standards to aid this mission. Pleasereview them with your child before camp.

BEHAVIORCampers are expected to treat other campers and staff with respect at alltimes, and value each other's right to have a positive experience. MMR is notequipped and can not accommodate campers requiring repetitive 1-on-1 attentionfrom a staff member, and or repetitive calls for a director.

The following behaviors are not permitted at Mountain Meadow Ranchand will result in dismissal from camp, without refund, and at theDirectors sole discretion:1. Violence of any kind; any verbal communication or discussion of harm

to oneself or others, real or imagined.2. Threatening, harassment, or discriminating comments of any kind.3. Use of foul language or discussion of inappropriate topics as

determined by the Camp Directors.4. Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs or weapons.

(All prescription and over the counter medications must be stored in theInfirmary and administered under the supervision of our camp Health CareSupervisor.)

5. Sexual or intimate behavior, relationships, or conversation.6. Unauthorized absence from cabin or activity.7. Abusive or disrespectful behavior towards any member of the camp

community.8. Inappropriate appearance or attire (see below).9. Failure to follow or respond to directions and guidelines on COVID-19

protocols and procedures such as proper mask wearing, observingadequate social distance when necessary, or following proper hygieneprocedures (see more under “Aj Ypekanbe Commitment”).

If a camper engages in any of the behaviors above, the staff willimmediately separate the camper from the group and seek DirectorSupport to phone home. The severity of the situation and the degree towhich your child’s negative behavior affects the camp family determines ifhe or she will need to be sent home, at the Directors sole discretion. Thegoal is to protect our camp family so that the whole group is able tofunction in a safe and healthy environment.

APPEARANCECampers should pack clothing that is appropriate for an outdoor, activecamp life. Use of make-up and/or wearing of expensive clothing arediscouraged while at camp.The following are not allowed at camp:1. Clothing with any logos or graphics depicting violence, bands that play

violent music, drugs, alcohol, or inappropriate language or topics.2. Jewelry that includes collars, chains, and excessive face or body

piercings (Ear and nose piercings are okay).3. Clothing that does not cover underwear (Clothing should fully cover

stomach, lower back, chest, and bottom).4. Any extra tight or extra loose clothing - unsafe for certain activities.

In the case of swimsuits – two pieces are allowed. If it breaks number 4from above, they may be asked to change.

CALL HOME POLICYAt MMR, we believe in Restorative Justice, which reframes discipline andpersonal responsibility allowing the opportunity to express remorse, repairany damaged relationship, and experience emotional and social growth.

Should a camper’s behavior not align with our standards, our staff is trainedto handle the situation according to this three-step process:

1. Remove/Redirect: A staff member will encourage positivebehavior by asking your camper to engage in the appropriate task athand. If your camper is unresponsive, or ignores the counselor'srequest the first time, they will move to step two.2. Choices: Your camper will be given the choice to a) engage inappropriate behavior or b) have a time-out away from the group (butstill in view of the counselor). If your camper continues to displaynegative behavior, the counselor will move to step three.3. Director Support: A Director will come to meet your camper todiscuss his/her misbehavior. When a Director is called to assist with abehavioral issue, this is when you will receive a first phone call to assistus in preparing a plan for reparation. 4. A second phone call home. If you receive a second phone call,this will be to share that your camper has continued in his/hermisbehavior and has been told this is his/her last opportunity toexpress remorse, repair any damaged relationships and experienceemotional and social growth past said incident. Your camper will beinformed if a third phone call has to be made, it is to go home. 5. A Third phone call home. If a third phone call home needs to bemade, this is the point you will need to make arrangements to for pickup/travel home. 

UNABLE TO CONTACT POLICYIf under any circumstances under the director's discretion, we are unable toreach you, MMR will follow the following policy:

● If contact is necessary for any behavioral, medical, or emergencyreason, a MMR director or representative will first attempt contact withthe primary contact given on camper’s application.

● If unable to contact after attempts of all resources i.e. phone, text,e-mail, etc. emergency contact listed in camper application will becontacted.

● If unable to reach emergency contact, we will have no other option butto contact the appropriate authorities. 

INTERNATIONALOur campers come from all around the world, each bringing their ownculture. For many, English is their second language. Rest assured we workhard to make each camper feel included and informed. However, we arenot equipped to teach English and recommend all campers have a basicunderstanding of English to get the most out of their experience with us.

INSURANCEWe recommend travelers insurance for any campers traveling fromoutside of the continental US. The combination of being in a location that isboth rural and foreign makes travelers insurance a good, inexpensiveoption to insure the complete coverage of any medical costs incurredwhile at camp.

EQUIPMENT PROVIDEDWe have the following items available to our international campers to usewhile at camp, at no extra cost:□ Towels□ Sleeping Bags□ Bedding (sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets)

COVID-19 TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONSGiven the increased amount of considerations and protocols for operatingMMR this summer, we cannot know nor anticipate all of the expectationsfor every international situation. Parents are strongly encouraged to beaware of all requirements and protocols for travel to and from their homecountry to the U.S. This may include pre-travel and arrival testing,vaccinations, quarantines before and/or after travel, etc. * Make note: MMRis not equipped to accommodate quarantine for travel purposes.

We are so excited to meet (and reconnect with) eachand every one of you! We truly believe that this is going to be a

remarkable and much needed summer season!