Everything You Need to Know Before Your Son’s First Summer
Overview
Sending your son to camp for the first time — or the fifth — comes with questions. This guide covers what to expect before drop-off, during the session, and on visiting day, along with answers to the questions parents ask most.
Adjusting to Camp Life
Homesickness
Some degree of homesickness is completely normal, especially in the first day or two. At Tohkomeupog, we minimize it by making every new camper feel immediately welcome — introducing him to bunkmates, giving him individual attention, and getting him into an active program right away. Boys who struggle are met with patient encouragement and consistent support from their counselors and Clan Directors.
Phone Calls & Communication
During a boy’s first week at camp, phone calls home are not permitted. Experience has shown that hearing a parent’s voice early in the session tends to intensify homesickness rather than ease it. Parents who want to check in are welcome to call camp directly and speak with camp staff for updates on their son.
After the first full week, phone calls are permitted at designated times that don’t interfere with the program.
We strongly encourage letters and emails from family and friends — mail is hand-delivered to campers daily after lunch. Emails are printed and included in daily mail call. Campers are encouraged to write weekly letters home; they will not have computer access at camp.
Visiting Your Son
Visits are not permitted until the second weekend of each boy’s session. This gives campers the time they need to fully settle into camp life. For boys in a two-week session, parents will see their son at drop-off and again at pick-up. For longer sessions, one visit per session is recommended — more frequent visits can begin to disrupt a camper’s experience.
There will be two specific weekends designated for parent visitation during camp. These will be communicated to parents prior to the start of camp.
Parent Visitation Weekend Schedule
- Saturday evening: Join us for a traditional outdoor cookout buffet and Awards Assembly. This will be followed later on by a Council Fire Ceremony honoring individual camper achievements. Arrival between 5pm – 6pm for the cookout
- Sunday: After morning cabin cleanup (approximately 10am), you are welcome to spend some time with your son and take him out of camp for the day.
The Daily Program
How Activities Are Assigned
Campers enjoy three instructional morning activity periods on most days. One of those periods is always swimming — the one mandatory activity for all campers at every level. All other morning activities are chosen by campers at the start of each week, typically on Sunday evening.
Unlike camps where activities rotate daily, Tohkomeupog boys focus on their chosen activities for the full week. This approach leads to stronger skill development and a greater sense of accomplishment. A fresh set of activity options becomes available the following week.
Ecology & Leave No Trace
Environmental stewardship is woven into the Tohkomeupog program. Nature study and campcraft classes cover plant and animal life, habitat protection, and conservation. On all trips, campers practice Leave No Trace principles — carrying out everything they carry in. Low-impact techniques are emphasized during all overnight camping experiences. Every boy leaves camp with a deeper respect for the natural world.
Nights at Camp
At lights out, counselors spend time with their campers — talking about the day and playing a goodnight song. In the younger encampments, goodnight stories are often shared. Once cabins have settled, a designated “Hill-man” takes over supervision for the encampment. The Hill-man remains accessible at a central campfire location, makes regular checks of all cabins, and stays on duty until all camper cabins are covered by their respective staff.
Interactions with Other Camps
There are several camps located in the proximity of Tohkomeupog. Occasional sporting competitions between Tohkomeupog and other nearby boys’ camps become highly anticipated events throughout camp. The closest girls’ camp is Camp Waukeela, located about four miles away. For the Panther and Wolf Clans, occasional coed activities are also enjoyed.
Practical Questions
Discipline:
Rules and boundaries at Tohkomeupog exist to ensure every boy has a safe and enjoyable summer, physically and emotionally. An active schedule and diligent supervision by staff help minimize discipline issues. Encampment staff will respond to any issues that may arise within their clan. When needed, the Camp Director will step in to assist. While it is rare for a camper to be sent home, certain behaviours, such as bullying, are not welcome at camp.
Bedwetting:
Bedwetting is a normal occurrence at camp, particularly in the younger clans. For campers who are concerned about wetting their beds, preventative strategies are put into place to minimize the risk. Counselors will limit evening liquids and check on campers during the night. If a situation does occur, it is handled discreetly and with compassion.
Additional Charges
Tuition covers the core program. Additional charges may apply for camp store purchases, equipment rentals (bed linens, camping gear), and transportation to and from camp.
Coming Soon
- Safety Policies
- Packing List (downloadable trunk list available here)
- Transportation Options