Archive for the ‘Parent Reference Information’ Category

One of the most recurring questions over the years has been how to know what, if any, knife to bring to camp. This is an optional item that is also subject to clear guidelines you find below.

Like other Farm and Wilderness camps, we use knives for many things at Timberlake - not the least of is whittling and carving. If you choose to bring a knife it’s important to have a good one, but please don’t spend a lot of money! In fact, the knife I recommend is one of the cheaper items you bring to camp. Also, if you’re new to knives, please don’t experiment with it! We’ll teach you how to use it safely when you get here.

We have different ages and experience at camp. All campers will take a knife test on the first day of camp. Younger and less experiences campers are directly supervised in whittling and carving by staff that will collect and keep the knives after the activity is finished (this is why it’s important they are clearly labeled). Older and more experienced campers may carry their knives with them and use them when a counselor is present.

Recommendations: The knife I want to suggest is usually available at camping stores, and is a folding-blade. It’s from France, and is called an Opinel. These knives are nice and easy and will sharpen well. Opinels No. 8, 9 and 10 all have blades under 4″ and are camp-legal.

If you already own a knife or cannot acquire an Opinel, you may bring a different knife if it meets these requirements:

Guidelines: 1) It should be a sheath knife or it MUST have a locking blade if it’s a folding knife. 2) The blade may not exceed 4″. 3) The handle should be comfortable and fit well into your hand. 4) The blade shouldn’t be serrated, unless it’s a multi-blade knife and you have one blade with teeth and one without. 5) The blade should be straight and sturdy, but not too thick.

The first rule in knife safety is keep them sharp. “If your knife is sharp, it will slide easily through what you are cutting, with little force involved. If the knife is blunt, you have to force it and if you slip there is real danger of cuts.” This is true for camp knives too, so you may want to get ahold of a whetstone (a sharpening stone) to help you keep it sharp is a good idea too. You can get a nice coarse/fine double sided one for less than ten dollars.

Finally, make sure once you have your new knife that you get your name on it somewhere! If you can use engraving tool, write it along the side of the blade, or scratch it into the handle. Whatever you do, make sure it’s clearly yours!

If you’re new to using knives, please don’t experiment until you get to camp and we can teach you all about how to use it safely.

Dear Timberlake families.

The first day is drawing close.  For some of you this is a familiar routine, for others it will be a new experience.    We want you to feel welcome the moment you arrive at Timberlake, and also for any camper to be able to integrate into camp swiftly.

- While our support staff will host a question and answer session at 3pm in Ken’s Lodge,  I hope to get a chance to meet with all of you who are dropping off kids with us so please approach me at any time.

- While some are coming from far away, the sooner you can arrive, the sooner we can begin camp!

- We will have a handout ready when you arrive to guide you through the sequence of arrival; where to go and who to see.    You will find a copy below.     Can’t wait to see you here!

- Oh yes - two words that help bring more peace to the day:  Diagonal Parking! 

We’re glad you’re here and hope you’re ready for a fantastic summer!

Below you’ll find the steps you will need to complete this afternoon:

1. Health Check – Please visit the infirmary and speak with Wendy & Jane, our nurses. They will answer any questions you may have regarding health & wellness this summer.

***Note*** Before visiting the nurses all necessary medical records/forms must be completed. The Main Office is available for faxing medical documents as needed. We cannot complete a camper’s health check without the necessary forms.

1. Move-In – Your camper’s counselor will show your camper down to his cabin. Counselors are happy to assist in moving items down to cabins.

———–Steps above need to be completed before moving on to below ———-

1. Swim Tests – All campers need to complete a swim test. Parents are welcome to watch but we ask to please not crowd the docks. If we experience inclement weather we shall halt the tests and restart when it has passed

1. Meet & Greet – For parents at 3pm in Ken’s Lodge (across from the Trading Post). Campers will settle in the cabin and start activities. This is a great time to say your graceful goodbyes.

1. Camp Begins –  At 4.00 pm. we ring the bell to begin games and Barn Chores. We ask that all parents say their final goodbyes by this bell.

***Note*** Lunch will not be provided to campers or parents today. We ask that you please make other arrangements. The first camp meal will be dinner.