Policies & Procedures

Camper Policies & Procedures

Parents: Please review these policies and procedures with your child before camp. If you have any questions, please email campcoley@gmail.com


  • Camp COLEY is a resident camp. Our campers check in Sunday afternoon and leave Saturday morning. The overnight experience provides campers with a safe environment to explore independent living, social interaction, day and night activities, and challenging experiences that enhance self-esteem. Campers spend the majority of their time in small supportive groups and it is important that the cohesiveness of the group not be disturbed. This is why we ask that campers stay the entire week without being removed and without visits from parents.

  • If a camper must leave camp for any period of time, the Camp COLEY Staff must be notified in writing by the camper’s parents prior to the beginning of the camp week. In addition, a parent must meet with the camp director when picking up and dropping off the camper.

  • In case of illness or injury, leaders will take campers to the Health Lodge. Campers are not allowed in the Health Lodge without an adult.

  • All prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements must be in their original container, including directions and dosages. All medications must be turned in to the health officer upon arrival at camp. All medications must be kept at the Health Lodge.

  • Campers are not permitted to leave their group without the permission of their leader.

  • Campers should not travel around camp without their group unless they have permission of the leader. Campers must have a buddy with them when traveling without their group.

  • Campers are asked to dress in a proper manner at all times. Closed-toe shoes WITH SOCKS are mandatory. Bathing suits should not be visible anywhere except aquatics.

  • Campers will treat adult leaders, CITs and Scout staff with courtesy and respect.

  • Proper behavior is expected when socializing with the Scout staff. These expectations will be discussed with the campers so an understanding can be met.

  • All Scout buildings are off limits to campers. All program areas are off limits to campers except for their scheduled times.

  • Curfew is as follows: All campers and CITs must be in their sites by 10:30 PM and all Scouts must be out of sites at the same time. No camper should be out of the site before 7:00 AM, unless accompanied by an adult.

  • NO CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Cell phones and other electronic equipment are prohibited at camp. If found, a strike will be given. In addition, it will be confiscated and given to the camper’s parent or guardian at check-out.

  • The use of drugs/alcohol is prohibited on the grounds of the camp at any time. Any evidence of use or possession of alcoholic beverages, and/or illegal or controlled substances, and any type of smoking materials is cause for immediate dismissal. Parents and proper authorities will be notified.

  • Weapons are prohibited. In any weapons found will be confiscated, the authorities notified, and is grounds for immediate dismissal.

  • Campers will conduct themselves in a proper manner and follow the rules of the Camp COLEY Staff. Failure to comply with the rules can result in immediate dismissal.


Camper Honor, Safety Code & Camp Courtesies

  • Buddy system: CITs can travel in groups of three during the day and groups of five at night, never alone. Campers should be with a Leader at all times unless instructed otherwise. Do not go anywhere without permission from a leader. Always use the buddy system. Know the boundaries. Learn the aquatics buddy system.

  • Arrive on time for all activities, especially flag ceremonies and meals. If you happen to arrive late, please enter slowly and quietly.

  • Keep your campsite in good condition. It is every camper’s responsibility to keep their campsite clean and neat. Always pick up trash, even if it is not yours.

  • All campers should observe quiet hours between midnight and 7:00 am. Noise travels in the outdoors. Respect others’ rights to a restful sleep. Always keep your voices low.

  • Never enter a campsite or activity area without asking “Permission to Enter.” Wait for an acknowledgement before entering.

  • Remember you are a guest in the woods. Walk only on the paths so as not to damage the wildlife.

  • Do not harm or go near animals. Never pick any plant life at camp. Leave the wildlife of camp alone.

  • Do not dig holes, climb trees or fences, or carve on trees.

  • Do not throw stones, twigs or food at anyone, animal or on the ground.

  • Food is not permitted in the sleeping areas.

  • No fighting. Be honest. Never touch another camper’s belongings.

  • No running and/or screaming at camp.

  • Treat everyone with courtesy and respect.

  • Obey the Scout staff or other adults in charge of the area.

  • If you find something that is not yours, it should be turned into the leader.

  • Flashlights are to be shown on the ground – not someone’s eyes.

  • Only battery operated lamps or lanterns are permitted inside tents.

  • Never spray anything inside your tent.

  • Report any damage to your leader.

  • Disobeying the rules can result in your parents being called to come pick you up or other disciplinary action.


Quick Tips for New (and Veteran) Parents

  • Pack something small for your child to take to camp to remind him/her of home.

  • If your camper has never slept away from home, it is a good idea to try sleeping away at a friend’s house a few times before camp.

  • Send upbeat and funny letters to your camper. You can even send a care package as long as it does not contain food. DO NOT send sad messages or tell your camper you miss him/her.

  • Involve your child in the packing process. Your camper will not only know what has been packed and where it can be found, but it will give your camper a boost of self-confidence.

  • In the weeks and months before check-in, be upbeat and enthusiastic about your child’s overnight camp experience. Do not pass along any anxious thoughts you might have.

  • Talk to your child about camp and help your child envision what it will be like at camp. Spend some time together at our website re-viewing information and looking at pictures.

  • Do not make a pick-up deal. Telling your child you will pick him/her up if he/she is unhappy at camp is not fair to your child. It is important to your child’s self-esteem to stay and work through the homesickness. Our leaders and staff are fully trained to work with homesick campers and will help your child work through their homesickness.