FAQ
General
How will camp be affected by COVID-19?
See our COVID-19 page for our latest plans, considerations, and updates.
Are you accredited?
YES! We are accredited by the American Camp Association, the national governing body of organized camps. We are the ONLY accredited community camp in the Girl Scouts of Northern CA council, and one of the only accredited volunteer-run camps in the country! For more information on the value of attending an accredited camp vs. a non-accredited camp, please visit the ACA website.
What is the food like at Two Sentinels?
Superb! For more information, see Daily Life.
Do I need to send any money with my camper?
Nope! There is nothing to buy at camp. There is no situation where money may be needed at camp.
Will there be lots of hiking?
All units hike. The amount of hiking depends on the unit and the campers. Just walking around camp (which is spread out) is a lot of walking in-and-of itself. Units also take short and long hikes units around the Lake Kirkwood area. If you have a safety concern about your camper’s ability to hike, note it on their Camper Health Form.
Will campers be sleeping in cabins?
Campers sleep in tents, rustic buildings, or under the stars. All campers sleep on the ground.
Can I come, too?
YES! As a fully volunteer-run camp, even the directors are volunteers! We can't operate without dedicated, energetic women, like yourself. Check out the Volunteer section for more information!
Outside of volunteering as staff, we cannot allow visitors during camp sessions. If you would like to visit the property ahead of time, we encourage you to attend a work party. Snow levels prevent us from accessing the property before our work party, so this is really the very best time to visit.
What animals may a camper encounter at camp?
There are many animals to be seen at camp, including ground squirrels, ducks, fish, a multitude of bird species, and spiders. Some animals of special consideration:
Who or what are the "Tags?"
The Tags are children of staff, either girls too young to be campers or boys under 12 who cannot be left at home. The Tags have a great time in their unit, and participate in most camp activities.
Should campers bring things to do during downtime?
Most units have some downtime every day. It might be handy to have a journal, book, letters to write, or a deck of cards to use during this downtime.
How do I make sure my daughter is with her friends?
As long as they are in the same session and unit, they'll be together! We run only ONE Meadowlark unit each session, one Gypsy unit each session, etc...as long as their session and unit match, there's no need to worry. Should it become necessary to split a unit (Waterbugs or Wanderers, usually), we will ALWAYS contact you first to make sure your daughter is placed with everyone important to her. As much as possible, we try to keep friends together on the trail, but this cannot be guaranteed.
What if my camper's friends can't come with her?
Everyone makes friends at camp! From the counselors to her fellow campers, there are limitless new friends waiting to be made. Units often go on hikes together, and campers can make new friends during mealtimes, as they can sit with whomever they want! Counselors make an extra effort to provide a good time for everyone.
Despite the fact that girls may be nervous about going to camp alone, it is often easier than bringing a friend. Camp is a very, very different environment than school or home, and sometimes friends at home just don't get along as well at camp. Believe it or not, the girls who come to camp alone usually make friends easier and tend to have a less stressful transition between home and camp and back home again!
No girls ever, ever sleep alone, either...girls are always placed in "nests" or large tent groups, so even girls who arrive without a buddy will be in a group of no fewer than four from the very first night.
My child has never been away to camp before. How can I help prepare her for this transition?
See our homesickness guide.
If there is a problem, how can my camper reach me?
Campers are never allowed to call home, and there is no direct line parents can call to reach camp. If there is an emergency at home, you can contact us by phone. We check that line at least four times every day while camp is in session. If there is an emergency at camp, you will be notified immediately. Otherwise, the only line of communication is mail.
I want to visit my daughter at camp. When can I do this?
Two Sentinels does not allow family members to visit campers during the session. If you would like to see the camp and stay for a meal, you can volunteer to be a Bus Chaperone. You can also come visit the camp during Work Party. Otherwise, we ask that parent-camper contact be kept strictly to mail. It's important to your child's experience and independence at camp.
Which sessions are 2-session units offered?
OSBs: 1st + 2nd or 3rd (upon successful completion of 1st session training)
Superpackers: 1st/2nd
Trekkers: 2nd/3rd
See our COVID-19 page for our latest plans, considerations, and updates.
Are you accredited?
YES! We are accredited by the American Camp Association, the national governing body of organized camps. We are the ONLY accredited community camp in the Girl Scouts of Northern CA council, and one of the only accredited volunteer-run camps in the country! For more information on the value of attending an accredited camp vs. a non-accredited camp, please visit the ACA website.
What is the food like at Two Sentinels?
Superb! For more information, see Daily Life.
Do I need to send any money with my camper?
Nope! There is nothing to buy at camp. There is no situation where money may be needed at camp.
Will there be lots of hiking?
All units hike. The amount of hiking depends on the unit and the campers. Just walking around camp (which is spread out) is a lot of walking in-and-of itself. Units also take short and long hikes units around the Lake Kirkwood area. If you have a safety concern about your camper’s ability to hike, note it on their Camper Health Form.
Will campers be sleeping in cabins?
Campers sleep in tents, rustic buildings, or under the stars. All campers sleep on the ground.
Can I come, too?
YES! As a fully volunteer-run camp, even the directors are volunteers! We can't operate without dedicated, energetic women, like yourself. Check out the Volunteer section for more information!
Outside of volunteering as staff, we cannot allow visitors during camp sessions. If you would like to visit the property ahead of time, we encourage you to attend a work party. Snow levels prevent us from accessing the property before our work party, so this is really the very best time to visit.
What animals may a camper encounter at camp?
There are many animals to be seen at camp, including ground squirrels, ducks, fish, a multitude of bird species, and spiders. Some animals of special consideration:
- GROUND SQUIRRELS: Like to find treats in campers' sleeping bags or backpacks. We instruct campers to not feed or touch the ground squirrels. They are an important part of our camp ecosystem and appear quite cute, but they sometimes carry disease and are still wild animals.
- MOSQUITOES: The smallest and most persistent critter to actively seek out campers is the mosquito. All campers should bring non-aerosol bug repellent to camp and should wear it at dusk.
- BEES: Bees and wasps do show up at camp sometimes. If your camper is allergic to bees, remember to put it on the Camper Health Form.
- SNAKES: We are too high for rattlesnakes, but occasionally backpackers dip into lower elevations where they tend to dwell. The few snakes that are seen around camp are harmless and actually fun to watch. Campers are told to always leave snakes alone, unless a Nature leader has one to show them up close.
- BEARS: This is bear country, and occasionally one makes his or her way into camp. We greatly minimize the chance of this by collecting and locking up food and trash daily. We have had no bear "vandalism" in many, many years, but we do train our staff and they, in turn, teach your camper how to deal with bears.
- SPIDERS: Yes, we have spiders. Spiders tend to dwell in dark corners in places like the shower house roof, but 99% of the spiders encountered at camp are either wolf spiders or "daddy long legs" spiders, both completely harmless. We always have staff on site who can identify unknown spiders, and parents are encouraged to expose their campers to the likelihood of seeing a spider now and then at camp.
Who or what are the "Tags?"
The Tags are children of staff, either girls too young to be campers or boys under 12 who cannot be left at home. The Tags have a great time in their unit, and participate in most camp activities.
Should campers bring things to do during downtime?
Most units have some downtime every day. It might be handy to have a journal, book, letters to write, or a deck of cards to use during this downtime.
How do I make sure my daughter is with her friends?
As long as they are in the same session and unit, they'll be together! We run only ONE Meadowlark unit each session, one Gypsy unit each session, etc...as long as their session and unit match, there's no need to worry. Should it become necessary to split a unit (Waterbugs or Wanderers, usually), we will ALWAYS contact you first to make sure your daughter is placed with everyone important to her. As much as possible, we try to keep friends together on the trail, but this cannot be guaranteed.
What if my camper's friends can't come with her?
Everyone makes friends at camp! From the counselors to her fellow campers, there are limitless new friends waiting to be made. Units often go on hikes together, and campers can make new friends during mealtimes, as they can sit with whomever they want! Counselors make an extra effort to provide a good time for everyone.
Despite the fact that girls may be nervous about going to camp alone, it is often easier than bringing a friend. Camp is a very, very different environment than school or home, and sometimes friends at home just don't get along as well at camp. Believe it or not, the girls who come to camp alone usually make friends easier and tend to have a less stressful transition between home and camp and back home again!
No girls ever, ever sleep alone, either...girls are always placed in "nests" or large tent groups, so even girls who arrive without a buddy will be in a group of no fewer than four from the very first night.
My child has never been away to camp before. How can I help prepare her for this transition?
See our homesickness guide.
If there is a problem, how can my camper reach me?
Campers are never allowed to call home, and there is no direct line parents can call to reach camp. If there is an emergency at home, you can contact us by phone. We check that line at least four times every day while camp is in session. If there is an emergency at camp, you will be notified immediately. Otherwise, the only line of communication is mail.
I want to visit my daughter at camp. When can I do this?
Two Sentinels does not allow family members to visit campers during the session. If you would like to see the camp and stay for a meal, you can volunteer to be a Bus Chaperone. You can also come visit the camp during Work Party. Otherwise, we ask that parent-camper contact be kept strictly to mail. It's important to your child's experience and independence at camp.
Which sessions are 2-session units offered?
OSBs: 1st + 2nd or 3rd (upon successful completion of 1st session training)
Superpackers: 1st/2nd
Trekkers: 2nd/3rd
Transportation
How much does the bus cost?
All transportation costs are included in the basic camp fee!
When do I meet the bus?
See the letter that was mailed to you with your luggage tags (late June/early July).
What should I do if my camper gets carsick?
We encourage campers who tend to get carsick to take some medication before they get on the bus. The nurse will be handing out medication before the campers go home if they think they might get carsick.
How long is the bus ride?
Approximately 3½ to 4 hours, though times can vary due to weather and road construction.
I'm driving my daughter to camp. Where and when do I meet the bus?
This information is sent to you prior to the session. If you need additional copies, please let us know! For security reasons, we do not post maps and timelines online.
Is there a discount for driving my daughter to camp?
No, your camp fees remain the same.
I'm torn over whether to have my child take the bus or if I should take her to camp myself!
We very strongly suggest your camper take the bus! Some campers live closer to camp than to a bus stop, and that's ok! But if you are located in the Bay Area, we highly recommend allowing your child to take the bus. Not only will she get to know fellow unit members during the ride, but it's often difficult for campers to separate from mom or dad and vice versa! Saying your goodbyes along with other campers and their parents at the bus stop is infinitely easier and smoother than attempting to do so once you're already at camp. It's an experience all the campers getting on the bus share at this time and is a bonding opportunity for the girls. Plus, mountain road construction is often a great obstacle during the summer, and it's often extremely difficult to gauge your driving time. If you are unable to arrive at the specified time, we may not be able to transport and row your daughter's luggage into camp. Unless it is extremely inconvenient for you to do so, please allow us to transport your child to camp!
What are the colored luggage tags for?
Camp sends each camper a set of colored strips of plastic to serve as luggage tags. These tags identify your camper’s luggage with their unit. This also helps campers distinguish similar-looking luggage once they get to camp.
IMPORTANT: Tie the colored luggage tags that are sent to you on every piece of luggage your camper takes with her. If you don’t have enough, cut one in half.
Help! I lost our luggage tags!
That's ok! The bus host/hostess will have extra! Just report to your designated bus stop on time, and they'll take good care of you.
Should my camper bring a lunch on the bus?
YES! Sometimes the buses get delayed, and although there will be a snack when she gets to camp, dinner isn't until 6:00 p.m.!
I want to change my child's bus assignment!
That's ok -- as long as it is before June 1! After June 1, we send our final counts to our bus company and have coordinated everything necessary for campers to get into camp. For that reason, transportation changes after June 1 incur a $50 late fee.
All transportation costs are included in the basic camp fee!
When do I meet the bus?
See the letter that was mailed to you with your luggage tags (late June/early July).
What should I do if my camper gets carsick?
We encourage campers who tend to get carsick to take some medication before they get on the bus. The nurse will be handing out medication before the campers go home if they think they might get carsick.
How long is the bus ride?
Approximately 3½ to 4 hours, though times can vary due to weather and road construction.
I'm driving my daughter to camp. Where and when do I meet the bus?
This information is sent to you prior to the session. If you need additional copies, please let us know! For security reasons, we do not post maps and timelines online.
Is there a discount for driving my daughter to camp?
No, your camp fees remain the same.
I'm torn over whether to have my child take the bus or if I should take her to camp myself!
We very strongly suggest your camper take the bus! Some campers live closer to camp than to a bus stop, and that's ok! But if you are located in the Bay Area, we highly recommend allowing your child to take the bus. Not only will she get to know fellow unit members during the ride, but it's often difficult for campers to separate from mom or dad and vice versa! Saying your goodbyes along with other campers and their parents at the bus stop is infinitely easier and smoother than attempting to do so once you're already at camp. It's an experience all the campers getting on the bus share at this time and is a bonding opportunity for the girls. Plus, mountain road construction is often a great obstacle during the summer, and it's often extremely difficult to gauge your driving time. If you are unable to arrive at the specified time, we may not be able to transport and row your daughter's luggage into camp. Unless it is extremely inconvenient for you to do so, please allow us to transport your child to camp!
What are the colored luggage tags for?
Camp sends each camper a set of colored strips of plastic to serve as luggage tags. These tags identify your camper’s luggage with their unit. This also helps campers distinguish similar-looking luggage once they get to camp.
IMPORTANT: Tie the colored luggage tags that are sent to you on every piece of luggage your camper takes with her. If you don’t have enough, cut one in half.
Help! I lost our luggage tags!
That's ok! The bus host/hostess will have extra! Just report to your designated bus stop on time, and they'll take good care of you.
Should my camper bring a lunch on the bus?
YES! Sometimes the buses get delayed, and although there will be a snack when she gets to camp, dinner isn't until 6:00 p.m.!
I want to change my child's bus assignment!
That's ok -- as long as it is before June 1! After June 1, we send our final counts to our bus company and have coordinated everything necessary for campers to get into camp. For that reason, transportation changes after June 1 incur a $50 late fee.
Health
What is the Birdhouse?
The Birdhouse is what we call our camp infirmary building.
What if my child gets sick at camp?
Whenever a camper tells her counselor she doesn't feel well, or shows physical signs of illness, she is brought to the Birdhouse (infirmary). The nurse has standing orders written by a local family practice physician to administer medication to help your child feel better. These are the medicines that are listed on your health form. There are beds in the infirmary if the nurse deems it necessary for your child to stay. Most illness at camp is short-lived and can be cured with a little rest.
When can I expect to hear from the nurse?
In most cases, your child will have a wonderful illness and injury-free session and you won’t hear from the nurse at all. You will be called if your child presents multiple times with the same medical concern, if there is a question about your child’s medicine, or if your child is sick or injured in such a way that her care exceeds the capabilities of the camp nurse.
My camper told me in a letter that she didn’t feel good and no one called me. Why not?
Often when a child is away from home, she can get a little homesick, (especially within the first few days of camp)...sometimes to the point of feeling physically ill. We spend a lot of time teaching our staff how to identify and address these issues. Counselors will do whatever is within their power to keep a homesick camper happily engaged in camp activity to divert her attention away from the fact that she is not at home with you. Usually by the time you’re reading the letter, the issue has been addressed, solved, and your camper is having the time of her life!
If your child legitimately doesn’t feel well, she will be brought to the nurse right away. Most of the time, a little rest and some over the counter medication cures the majority of camp aches and pains. However, if your child requires additional medical attention, or if she comes to the Birdhouse more than once with the same medical complaint, you will be notified. At the end of the session, if your child was treated in the Birdhouse, you will also receive a letter at the end of the camp session documenting what treatment she received.
What if my camper gets homesick?
As camping professionals, we know that the cure for homesickness is fun -- and lots of it. It NEVER helps for campers to talk to their parents during camp. Just hearing your voice will make them ache for more of you. This is why we ask that you not tell your camper that she may call you if she misses you -- campers are NEVER allowed to use the camp emergency phone. We also ask that you save any sad information (the death of a relative, a pet who runs away, news that a friend is moving out of town, etc.) for your camper's return home, and NOT deliver it in a letter written to her at camp. For more information on preventing homesickness, please see our page HERE.
When and how will my camper get their medicine?
During check-in, all medicine is turned over to the camp nurse. We have several specific times set aside for the distribution of camp meds, and all girls who require meds will be reminded by their staff and sent to the infirmary together. Medicine is kept locked at all times, and is administered by the camp nurse. With few exceptions, no medicines are kept by campers and self-administered during the camp session. All medicine administration is documented, and this documentation is available if needed.
How will anyone know my child has medical needs?
Before any campers arrive on the first day of a session, our medical supervisor has reviewed her health form (this is why is is IMPERATIVE that all health forms are received on or before the due date of May 1!). Each camper also arrives with the bright pink medical update, or "bus pass." Finally, the Parent Information Form also includes space if you feel you need to elaborate further on any medical needs your child may have. You are always welcome to email our medical supervisor at [email protected], or our directors at [email protected].
How will the counselors know my camper needs to take medicine?
During camp training, your daughter's staff will be informed of all girls with medical issues, including those who need to take regular meds while at camp.
What if my camper forgets to take her medicine?
It occasionally happens that a camper misses office hours -- if her unit is late returning from a hike, or if they're just so busy that they forget. If a camper fails to come during office hours, the nurse will let your daughter's unit staff know, and she will be brought in for her medicine.
Can my camper keep their medicine in their cabin and take it themselves?
Almost never. The only medicine a camper may keep is a rescue inhaler or a prescribed Epi-Pen. Everything else must be turned over to the nurse at check-in, without exception. Kids who may require a rescue inhaler or Epi-Pen are allowed to carry this medicine with them, but they must carry it themselves and must know how to use it correctly. It MUST be included on the health form, and the inhaler or Epi-Pen MUST NOT BE EXPIRED.
What if my child needs medicine that I didn’t send to camp?
On the health form is a list of all the nonprescription medicine kept in the infirmary. You do not need to send any of these medications, as we keep a sufficient quantity on hand at all times. Sometimes situations arise when it is necessary for a prescription to be started during camp. If this occurs, you will be notified ahead of time. We are able to pick up prescriptions in Lake Tahoe should the need arise.
What if my child gets sick and needs to come home?
We try to keep kids here at camp when possible; however, sometimes it’s in the best interest of your child and camp for her to go home. If your child is contagious, or likely to be sick for an extended period of time, we may contact you and ask that you come get her and take her home. This is VERY rare; however, if you will be out of town, your emergency contact (listed on your daughter's health form) should be aware that this duty would then fall to him/her. Except in the case of severe and sudden injury, we will be in contact with you long before the need arises for your daughter to be taken home.
What if my camper gets hurt?
There are first aid kits located in all camp buildings, and each unit carries an emergency pack with them at all times when off camp property. Nurses are available 24 hours a day to respond to any situations that may arise. All units leaving camp property are accompanied by at least one staff member with wilderness first-aid training. Finally, preventative safety measures are discussed with all campers the very first day they arrive.
What if my child gets sick or injured at camp and needs to see a doctor?
Once the nurse identifies the need for a physician’s care, she will notify the parents and discuss her concerns. Parents have the option of then either bringing the child to the doctor or hospital of their choice, or allowing camp staff to take the child to either Barton Hospital or Urgent Care in South Lake Tahoe, depending on the individual camper's needs. Campers will be driven in a camp vehicle and accompanied by two staff members, who will stay with your child until she returns to camp. We will always, always attempt to contact you and/or your emergency contact before seeking off-site medical care for your daughter. The only exception to this is in the case of extreme and sudden injury or illness, when our first call will to be 911.
What if their illness or injury is severe?
The care your camper receives is dependent on the nurse’s assessment. If it is felt that your child needs to be seen by a physician, we will contact you immediately. Please be aware that all efforts will be made to contact parents before their child leaves camp; however, in cases of life-threatening illness or injury, our first call will be to 911. You will be kept apprised of your daughter's condition at every possible opportunity.
What are some common injuries seen at camp, and how can they be prevented?
A: By far the most common injury seen at camp is a foot or ankle injury; this is why the shoes you send to camp are extremely important, especially for hikers! Watershoes must have fully enclosed toes. Environmental issues, insect stings, and sunburn are not as common because our staff are vigilant about reminding girls to wear bug spray and sunscreen; however, some girls do react more severely to insect bites than others. Please encourage your daughter to wear bug spray and sunscreen, and practice applying it at home -- girls must apply their own, as staff can only encourage and remind them to do so.
What are some common illnesses and how does camp prevent their spread?
Cold symptoms are the most common. Campers and staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, and hand sanitizer is readily available at all times. All campers apply hand sanitizer before entering the dining area. Sick campers are brought to the nurse and, if necessary, isolated in the infirmary or sent home. We follow CDC and State Health Dept. guidelines for the treatment of infectious diseases.
How can I contact the Two Sentinels Health Director?
Email [email protected].
The Birdhouse is what we call our camp infirmary building.
What if my child gets sick at camp?
Whenever a camper tells her counselor she doesn't feel well, or shows physical signs of illness, she is brought to the Birdhouse (infirmary). The nurse has standing orders written by a local family practice physician to administer medication to help your child feel better. These are the medicines that are listed on your health form. There are beds in the infirmary if the nurse deems it necessary for your child to stay. Most illness at camp is short-lived and can be cured with a little rest.
When can I expect to hear from the nurse?
In most cases, your child will have a wonderful illness and injury-free session and you won’t hear from the nurse at all. You will be called if your child presents multiple times with the same medical concern, if there is a question about your child’s medicine, or if your child is sick or injured in such a way that her care exceeds the capabilities of the camp nurse.
My camper told me in a letter that she didn’t feel good and no one called me. Why not?
Often when a child is away from home, she can get a little homesick, (especially within the first few days of camp)...sometimes to the point of feeling physically ill. We spend a lot of time teaching our staff how to identify and address these issues. Counselors will do whatever is within their power to keep a homesick camper happily engaged in camp activity to divert her attention away from the fact that she is not at home with you. Usually by the time you’re reading the letter, the issue has been addressed, solved, and your camper is having the time of her life!
If your child legitimately doesn’t feel well, she will be brought to the nurse right away. Most of the time, a little rest and some over the counter medication cures the majority of camp aches and pains. However, if your child requires additional medical attention, or if she comes to the Birdhouse more than once with the same medical complaint, you will be notified. At the end of the session, if your child was treated in the Birdhouse, you will also receive a letter at the end of the camp session documenting what treatment she received.
What if my camper gets homesick?
As camping professionals, we know that the cure for homesickness is fun -- and lots of it. It NEVER helps for campers to talk to their parents during camp. Just hearing your voice will make them ache for more of you. This is why we ask that you not tell your camper that she may call you if she misses you -- campers are NEVER allowed to use the camp emergency phone. We also ask that you save any sad information (the death of a relative, a pet who runs away, news that a friend is moving out of town, etc.) for your camper's return home, and NOT deliver it in a letter written to her at camp. For more information on preventing homesickness, please see our page HERE.
When and how will my camper get their medicine?
During check-in, all medicine is turned over to the camp nurse. We have several specific times set aside for the distribution of camp meds, and all girls who require meds will be reminded by their staff and sent to the infirmary together. Medicine is kept locked at all times, and is administered by the camp nurse. With few exceptions, no medicines are kept by campers and self-administered during the camp session. All medicine administration is documented, and this documentation is available if needed.
How will anyone know my child has medical needs?
Before any campers arrive on the first day of a session, our medical supervisor has reviewed her health form (this is why is is IMPERATIVE that all health forms are received on or before the due date of May 1!). Each camper also arrives with the bright pink medical update, or "bus pass." Finally, the Parent Information Form also includes space if you feel you need to elaborate further on any medical needs your child may have. You are always welcome to email our medical supervisor at [email protected], or our directors at [email protected].
How will the counselors know my camper needs to take medicine?
During camp training, your daughter's staff will be informed of all girls with medical issues, including those who need to take regular meds while at camp.
What if my camper forgets to take her medicine?
It occasionally happens that a camper misses office hours -- if her unit is late returning from a hike, or if they're just so busy that they forget. If a camper fails to come during office hours, the nurse will let your daughter's unit staff know, and she will be brought in for her medicine.
Can my camper keep their medicine in their cabin and take it themselves?
Almost never. The only medicine a camper may keep is a rescue inhaler or a prescribed Epi-Pen. Everything else must be turned over to the nurse at check-in, without exception. Kids who may require a rescue inhaler or Epi-Pen are allowed to carry this medicine with them, but they must carry it themselves and must know how to use it correctly. It MUST be included on the health form, and the inhaler or Epi-Pen MUST NOT BE EXPIRED.
What if my child needs medicine that I didn’t send to camp?
On the health form is a list of all the nonprescription medicine kept in the infirmary. You do not need to send any of these medications, as we keep a sufficient quantity on hand at all times. Sometimes situations arise when it is necessary for a prescription to be started during camp. If this occurs, you will be notified ahead of time. We are able to pick up prescriptions in Lake Tahoe should the need arise.
What if my child gets sick and needs to come home?
We try to keep kids here at camp when possible; however, sometimes it’s in the best interest of your child and camp for her to go home. If your child is contagious, or likely to be sick for an extended period of time, we may contact you and ask that you come get her and take her home. This is VERY rare; however, if you will be out of town, your emergency contact (listed on your daughter's health form) should be aware that this duty would then fall to him/her. Except in the case of severe and sudden injury, we will be in contact with you long before the need arises for your daughter to be taken home.
What if my camper gets hurt?
There are first aid kits located in all camp buildings, and each unit carries an emergency pack with them at all times when off camp property. Nurses are available 24 hours a day to respond to any situations that may arise. All units leaving camp property are accompanied by at least one staff member with wilderness first-aid training. Finally, preventative safety measures are discussed with all campers the very first day they arrive.
What if my child gets sick or injured at camp and needs to see a doctor?
Once the nurse identifies the need for a physician’s care, she will notify the parents and discuss her concerns. Parents have the option of then either bringing the child to the doctor or hospital of their choice, or allowing camp staff to take the child to either Barton Hospital or Urgent Care in South Lake Tahoe, depending on the individual camper's needs. Campers will be driven in a camp vehicle and accompanied by two staff members, who will stay with your child until she returns to camp. We will always, always attempt to contact you and/or your emergency contact before seeking off-site medical care for your daughter. The only exception to this is in the case of extreme and sudden injury or illness, when our first call will to be 911.
What if their illness or injury is severe?
The care your camper receives is dependent on the nurse’s assessment. If it is felt that your child needs to be seen by a physician, we will contact you immediately. Please be aware that all efforts will be made to contact parents before their child leaves camp; however, in cases of life-threatening illness or injury, our first call will be to 911. You will be kept apprised of your daughter's condition at every possible opportunity.
What are some common injuries seen at camp, and how can they be prevented?
A: By far the most common injury seen at camp is a foot or ankle injury; this is why the shoes you send to camp are extremely important, especially for hikers! Watershoes must have fully enclosed toes. Environmental issues, insect stings, and sunburn are not as common because our staff are vigilant about reminding girls to wear bug spray and sunscreen; however, some girls do react more severely to insect bites than others. Please encourage your daughter to wear bug spray and sunscreen, and practice applying it at home -- girls must apply their own, as staff can only encourage and remind them to do so.
What are some common illnesses and how does camp prevent their spread?
Cold symptoms are the most common. Campers and staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, and hand sanitizer is readily available at all times. All campers apply hand sanitizer before entering the dining area. Sick campers are brought to the nurse and, if necessary, isolated in the infirmary or sent home. We follow CDC and State Health Dept. guidelines for the treatment of infectious diseases.
How can I contact the Two Sentinels Health Director?
Email [email protected].
A note to nervous campers:
I won't know anyone on the bus...Help!
We commend you for coming to camp on your own! Camp is an excellent place to make new friends. Remember that while others are going with their friends, there are many other girls like you who don’t know anyone else...plus, there are usually girls at camp already (their moms are staff members so they come to camp early) who don't know anyone else, either! Don’t be afraid to go up to someone and ask, “Can I sit here?” or, “Have you ever been to Two Sentinels before?” The bus ride is long enough to become fast friends before you get off at camp. Your unit staff will make sure you have several other girls to sleep with the first night, too...so you won't feel alone for long!
I won't know anyone on the bus...Help!
We commend you for coming to camp on your own! Camp is an excellent place to make new friends. Remember that while others are going with their friends, there are many other girls like you who don’t know anyone else...plus, there are usually girls at camp already (their moms are staff members so they come to camp early) who don't know anyone else, either! Don’t be afraid to go up to someone and ask, “Can I sit here?” or, “Have you ever been to Two Sentinels before?” The bus ride is long enough to become fast friends before you get off at camp. Your unit staff will make sure you have several other girls to sleep with the first night, too...so you won't feel alone for long!