About Camp
Camp Taiwan was founded in 2003 by Tom and Nara McDonald together with Morty Chu-Langslow. In 2005, the first summer campers arrived to make s'mores, sing for their supper, jump off the zip line and live together in nature. Since then, we have grown our programs and expanded our facilities and enrollment.
Thousands of campers from Taiwan and all over the world have participated in our week-long North American-style summer camps. We have become an institution in the lives of many of our campers, and we have had several campers who have returned to camp as counselors – completing a circle that exemplifies our commitment to camp and the youths that attend it.
Our Mission is to provide an outdoor living experience using the traditions of North American summer camping. We aim to create a community founded on respect for self, others and nature. We endeavor to give our campers an experience in nature that opens their minds, encourages personal growth and provides cultural, social and environmental awareness. In our fun, supportive environment, campers are free to participate fully, make friends, and have a memorable experience.
Away from home
Regulations
Living groups
PAL program
Camp Stuff
Away From Home
In order for the summer camp experience to be successful for children and parents – both need to be well prepared.
Seven steps to getting ready:
1. Make sure you are ready to send your child away to camp and that you think camp will be a good, happy experience for your child! If you have fears or misgivings about the camp experience, then your child is more likely to be afraid.
2. Include your child in the process of getting ready for camp. This includes showing them the Camp Taiwan website, photos on our Facebook or Instagram pages and YouTube videos of camp.
3. Plan for a sleepover for your child at a friend's house in the weeks leading up to camp – especially if this is a new experience for your child.
4. Talk about camp in positive terms. Tell your child why you think camp will be a great experience and what you are excited about for your child. Set some goals together for your child's camp experience. Start this conversation early.
5. Mention that feeling “home-lonely” is perfectly normal and discuss things to do to make your child feel better; write a letter home, keep a journal to write or draw about the good, happy things about camp, and send a special toy or stuffed pet.
6. Encourage your child to speak to their counselor at camp about their feelings. Whether they are feeling home-lonely or are concerned about an activity or other campers, our counselors are trained to deal with these issues. They are there to help your child have the best experience.
7. Don't give your child the “call home” or “go home early” promise. Telling a child that they can call home or go home early if they are sad or unhappy undermines a child's ability to deal positively with these challenges. It sets them up for failure. Usually campers experience some home-loneliness at the end of positive days full of energetic fun and new experiences. We are prepared for this and can handle these situations and provide your campers with these opportunities for growth.
Regulations
1. Food and Electronics Campers may not have food or electronic devices while at camp. During check-in, food will be disposed of and electronics, including phones, smart watches, and digital cameras, must be checked in – to be returned before departure from camp. Failure to check in electronic devices or misleading camp staff may result in immediate dismissal without refund.
2. Personal/Shared Space Campers need to work as a team to keep their living and eating areas clean and organized. Campers must ask permission from a counselor before entering another camper's tent.
3. Boundaries Campers need to stay within the camp boundaries and must remain with their group or counselor when moving between activities.
4. Abuse Campers may not physically or verbally abuse or degrade another camper or counselor. Campers engaging in abusive behavior may be dismissed without warning.
5. Medication All medication must be checked in with the camp nurse. Medical forms must be completed and sent to camp with the camper.
Camp is not home or school – it is a unique living environment that can be wonderfully successful within a framework of regulations that support safety, independence, cooperation, fun and learning. Our regulations adhere to our overall mission and encourage a physically and emotionally safe experience for campers. Counselors make a point to check in with each child every evening, so please discuss this with your child and prompt them before camp to speak to their counselor – or any counselors – if they are feeling mistreated.
Camp Groups/Living
Youth Camp Ages 7-12 This is our largest community of campers; full of enthusiasm and energy, the goals for this age group include fostering independence and communication. Campers live in our traditional platform tents. Each tent group is under the care of one counselor and can accommodate up to six campers. Bathrooms and showers are in a common area a short walk from the tents.
Teen Camp Ages 13-16 Self discovery, peer power, and leadership are central goals of our teen camp. Each week up to 30 teens engage in activities and programs that run simultaneously with our youth camps. Teens are grouped together and enjoy activities led at a pace more appropriate to their maturity.
Staffing Ratios at Camp Taiwan. Each group of campers who come to camp have one “main” counselor who is their central caregiver. These counselors live in tents adjacent to the campers, but not in the tents with them. Staff work in teams. Each tent has one counselor and two or three tents together form an activity team with two or three counselors.
These teams are organized intentionally to have one native English speaking counselor and one native Mandarin speaking counselor as team leaders. Also in the tent areas are extra counselors to enrich our staff ratio. Overall staff, camper ratios are 1:4~6 in the living areas and 1:6~8 at activities.
PAL Program
PEER ADVENTURE LEADER
(PAL) 4 weeks program
Peer Adventure Leaders (PALs) are high school students interested in developing leadership skills in a real working environment over 4 summer weeks.
PALs are either former Camp Taiwan teen campers who are 16 years old, or 17-year-old high school students on leadership internships. PALs serve as apprentice instructors with regular camp staff to learn and practice the skills necessary to supervise and lead younger campers.
Our PALs have their own counselor who works directly with them on a leadership curriculum. Over the course of 4 weeks, PALs gradually begin to assume co-care responsibilities.
PALs also receive instruction on developing “hard” skills – those that will help them become assistant facilitators for adventure activities, including archery, ecology and belay certification etc. We will do our best to tailor our support to meet the needs and interests of the PAL.
Some PALs move on to become a full time summer camp counselors in later years.
Staff
Carefully Selected
We choose our summer interns based on their experience working with youth, their activity skills, their leadership qualities, and their commitment to the mission and values of Camp Taiwan.
Background Checks
Everyone who works with our campers is subjected to a police and criminal background check. All counselors must have verified experience working with youth/children. Many on our team are working toward careers that involve recreation, education or ecology.
In addition to a successful background check, counselors must have CPR and First Aid certification.
Training
Summer staff receive extensive training before campers arrive. This includes learning all camp safety procedures, activity skills, and protocols and standards for camper care. We run an intentional training program to help our counselors form a cohesive team.
Supervision
Our dedicated year-round staff closely supervise the summer team and offer on-going training and support throughout the summer.
The Camp Experience
Packing
Healthcare
Transportation
The Camp Day
Activities/Themes
Food at Camp
Communication
Good to Know
Packing For Camp
Clothing
TIP #1
We suggest that clothes be packed in labeled zip bags with one complete set of clothing for each day, plus one extra set. The bags should be labeled Tuesday, Wednesday till Saturday and one more labeled Extra.
Mandatory Clothing
* 6 shirts
* 6 pairs of shorts or light pants
* 6 pairs of underwear
* 6 pairs of socks
ADDITIONALLY
* 1 long-sleeve shirts (light weight)
* 1 jacket
* 1 sunhat
* 1 set of pajamas or night clothes
* 1 waterproof raincoat (not disposable)
* 1 pair of running shoes
* 1 pair of rubber shoes or sports sandals that cover the toes that can get wet.
* 1 full bottle of sunscreen
* Mosquito repellant
* Flashlight
* Water bottle (with strap)
* Bathing suit ( rash guard swim shirt is
recommended, but not required)
* Toiletries (tooth brush and paste, brush, face cloth etc.)
* 1 laundry bag for dirty clothes
* 1 Pillow
OTHER USEFUL ITEMS
* Books or journal for rest time
* Letter-writing materials – including envelopes and stamps with the home address written on if they wish to post letters home
* Small string day bag for carrying water bottle and sunscreen
TIP #2
Running shoes that are acceptable can be tied or Velcro securely and have a good sole. Shoes must cover the toes.
TIP #3
Have your child pack with you! This helps them know what is coming, how to find it, and how to keep it organized.
TIP #4
Please pack in a backpack or duffle bag. One medium-size backpack will usually do for smaller children. It is easier for them to carry a backpack and a small zip bag rather than a suitcase.
WHAT AND HOW TO PACK
Here is the list of what your child needs to have at camp with them. In our 15 plus years we have come to learn that how you pack can be just as important as what you pack! Please read on for our tips and suggestions that will help your child with organization and independence.
Health and Wellness
When it comes to preventing illness at camp PARENTS are our best and strongest allies. Our camp community has benefited so much from parents who uphold our healthy camper model. Since implementing our pre-camp health screening, we have become a healthier environment.
BEFORE CAMP
Take the time to consider whether you are sending your child to camp in their best possible health for the week. Ask yourself, “has my child been in contact with other children or family members who have been ill during the week leading up to camp?” If the answer is yes, then there is a great likelihood they could fall ill while at camp and pass it on to other campers. In this case, call our office so we can work on a solution.
MEDICAL (HEALTHY CAMPER) FORM
This form must be filled in and turned in to the counselor on duty when you put your child on the bus on the first day of camp. ALL/ANY medicine for your child must be in a zip bag with the health form. Children undergo a temperature check at this time as well.
Why do we do this?
*If your child requires medication during their stay then the nurse at camp administers this. The nurse needs a systematic way to do so in order that each camper's unique needs are met with care.
* The form asks the question - “is my child healthy enough for camp?” This is a second check for overall good health at camp. This protects your camper AND the whole tent group.
At Camp
The nurse checks all campers in at camp and registers all the medications. If there is anything unusual or unclear, the nurse will contact parents to confirm. At this time a final temperature check for day one is performed and any child with a fever before lunch on Monday will be sent home to get better.
What if...
My child is too sick to come to camp on Monday morning?
Call us! Rest assured we will do everything we can to accommodate your child later in that session or
during another week of camp. Better for them to come to camp healthy, but later, rather than being ill and having a bad time at camp.
During Camp
The camp nurse will treat all scratches immediately and our nurse will monitor all minor aches and pains thoughtfully. In the case there is a suspected illness that will persist beyond a 12-hour period, you will be notified right away. In these cases we work with you to return the camper home where they can recover comfortably. Similarly, we will contact you if any abrasion, cut, aches or pains are assessed to be potentially more serious.
Getting to and from Camp
When you register for camp you will also be signing up for a “drop off” and “pick up” location.
All campers come to and from camp on the camp buses. The bus stations and parking lots can be hectic – especially on Monday mornings. We do our best to manage this thoughtfully and carefully and here is how you can help.
TIP #1
Give yourself enough time. Mondays are busy so allow enough time to arrive and park legally before bringing your camper to the Camp Taiwan pick up area.
TIP #2
Feed your child BEFORE you leave the house. If you get your child food to eat just before boarding the bus or during the ride, it can lead to motion sickness.
TIP #3
If your child gets car sick, then please give them motion sickness medication. There are not enough
front row seats to accommodate all
campers who sometimes experience motion sickness. Please send your camper with a baggie and some wet wipes and let the bus counselor know if your child sometimes gets car sick
When you bring your child the bus they should have:
* bags packed
* medical form and any medicine in a plastic bag, ready to be turned into counselor
You will look for our Camp Taiwan staff in their uniform shirts.
Camp managers will direct you to the correct bus line.
The bus counselor will:
* introduce himself or herself
* give your child their name tag
* collect the medical form (and any medication as needed)
* take your child's temperature
* hand you your pick up ticket
CAMPER PICK UP DAY
Please be on time and park legally before coming to pick up your child. You will need to hand your pick up ticket to the counselor on duty before they can release your child.
A camp day is quite full. Campers are guided through their routines by their counselors. We try to ensure enough time in the day so that the campers are not rushed, and during the hottest time of day, they have their siesta or rest time where they can hang out with their cabin mates and check in with their counselors. At the end of each day, the camp counselor has a thoughtful wind down time together to bond and to check in with all the campers.
Instructional Activities
Campers visit their first eight instructional activities as a team of two or three tent groups. We do this intentionally as this helps the campers form good friendships within a set of about 12 campers. During activities camp staff teach and assist campers with acquiring skills and knowledge with step-by-step instructions. These activities include rock climbing, archery, river tracing and ecology.
Camper Free Choice Activities
By Wednesday afternoon campers have participated quite fully in the camp activities and have a good idea of what their interests are. For the last few days at camp, campers sign up for their favorite activities. Counselors talk over these choices with the campers and help them make the best choices.
Weekly Theme Activities
Every summer camp week has an overall theme that frames that session. Each day we have either an evening program or afternoon camp-wide game that ties into this theme. Themes are meant to be fun and inspire camp unity.
Traditional Camp Activities
The first and last evening at camp are spent at a campfire. Our opening campfire sets the theme for the week and we play games and sing songs that are traditional to many American camps. The final campfire is more ceremonial and a nice close to a long, fun week of camp.
Camp Songs
Singing is a huge part of summer camps in North America and an important part of the tradition of Camp Taiwan. We sing easy-to-learn songs before each camp meal and at campfire
Activities and Themes
Food at Camp
MEAL TIMES
Top “Good-to-Knows” about Camp Meals
1. Campers eat every meal with their color teams and their counselors.
2. Campers take turns setting and clearing their tables – this job rotates throughout the week.
3. We sing before we eat! The dining room is where we learn and practice singing camp songs.
4. Campers with special dietary considerations are served first so that the camp nurse can supervise and assist these campers in getting the right meal.
5. We rotate the style of meal between Western and Chinese cuisine.
6. Counselors serve campers buffet style. This means that we ensure campers are being served enough at each meal.
7. A “no-thank-you” helping is what we call a small taste of a food or dish that may be unfamiliar to a camper. We encourage campers to try everything just in case it turns out to be a new favorite.
Before camp
You will fill in a form that includes a section to inform us of any religious or medical dietary needs. The camp menu is planned in a way that can accommodate most medical and religious dietary needs so that campers who, for example, are vegetarian or lactose intolerant, have a substitute for the portion of the regular meal which they cannot eat. This section of the health form is not intended for writing “food preferences,” which are quite different from medical or religious restrictions.
We understand that some children are picky eaters and many children have food preferences or only like to eat familiar food they can get at home. Part of the goal of living away from home is trying new things. We do make an effort to have “kid friendly,” but still healthy meals. Talking about camp food and trying new things before camp begins can prepare picky eaters for their week at camp.
Meals at camp are based on a 750-830 calorie per meal intake depending on camper's age.
We also strive to balance between protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. We recognize that whilst at camp your child is quite active and will need three good meals a day. Part of our staff training is teaching counselors to recognize when campers are not eating enough.
Communication
Communicating with your Child
The best way to reach your child is to plan ahead and send them encouraging post cards or letters that they can read while they are away.
By post: Within Taiwan you will need to send letters at least one week before the start date for your child's camp session. Please address your letters like this:
Camper's name (English name preferred)
Session # (indicate your camper's session)
C/O Camp Taiwan
#6 Keng Tou, Wanli District
New Taipei City
By hand: You can give a bundle of letters to the bus counselor on drop-off day. These letters will be handed out each day during mail time per your instructions. Please include your camper's English name (AND Chinese name if appropriate) on each letter.
What if I forget
You won't forget because you're reading the parent handbook carefully! You can email us a letter at info@camptaiwan.com. We will print it out and give it to your child. However,
it is nicer for your child if they receive your letter in an envelope with your writing, so please use email as a last resort. Do not courier letters directly to camp.
Letters home: If you would like to receive letters from your camper, then please send them with stationery and self-addressed, stamped envelopes.
NO COURIER SERVICE TO CAMP
We ask that you do not send any mail to your child using “KuaiDi” or other delivery services. We find that courier drivers are not respectful of our speed limits and their large trucks and vans are too big for our small roads. If you are desperate to get something to camp, call the camp office at 7720-7721 to make arrangements.
Phone Calls Home
Campers do not call home. Among the goals for sending your child to camp should be independence and self-reliance. This is one of the reasons we do not allow campers to call home. Your child's counselor will call you, however.
We schedule time every Wednesday for your child's counselor to call you. The focus of these calls is to give you a quick 5-10 minute “in-person” check-in and reassurance about how your child is doing at camp. The counselors will give you information about the activities in which your child is participating, any new friends your child has made, and generally discuss your child's time so far. These Wednesday calls are spread out throughout the day as we have limited phone lines and counselors have activity schedules they must lead as well. Please do not call camp unless you receive a missed call or voice message first.
Other Calls Home
* The camp nurse will call you if she has any questions about your child's medication or health form. These calls usually take place on Sunday night before camp or on Monday after camper check-in.
* We will call you if your child gets injured or needs any on-going health care attention beyond a simple “Band-Aid” injury.
* In some cases when a child is persistently home lonely, we will call before Wednesday to work with you to problem solve the situation.
* If your child has been involved in any kind of physical or verbal altercation or other actions contrary to our behavior code, we will call you.
In general, no news is good news!
Good to Know
When your child is at camp – Good to Know
* You will need to have provided an emergency contact who you have arranged ahead of time to be your contact. This person must be able to make decisions about your child should we not be able to reach you. This person should have insight in to how to contact you if we cannot.
* If you plan to be away on travel while your child is at camp you need to pre-arrange a family member or friend who can care for your child in the case that your child needs to go home before the end of camp.
* For international campers we will work with this out on a case-by-case basis, but there must be someone we can contact who can make medical and travel decisions about your child.
* Besides the Wednesday phone call, we take photos of the campers and post a brief description of the day on our blog every evening by 9 p.m. The purpose of the blog is to give families a brief summary of the day's events. We will also provide a link to photos of the day. Please note that while we try to take photos of everyone’s child, the counselors’ primary responsibility is making sure that your children are safe and having fun. Some activities are
easier to photograph than others. Furthermore, some children are more willing to be photographed than others. We appreciate your understanding.
* You may not come to camp unless you have pre-arranged to take your child home. If your child has forgotten something please contact us at info@camptaiwan.com to organize its delivery to camp.
After Camp
* We will provide photos taken during camp for you to download.
* You and your child can stay in touch with what is going on at camp through our Camp Taiwan Facebook and Instagram page.
* Your child will keep a daily journal as a daily reflection. If they want keep in touch with other campers, make sure they tell their counselor. Our staff will note it and let you know to help them keep this special friendship. We do not allow camp staff to exchange emails with campers. Any post-camp contact should be facilitated through the official Camp Taiwan Facebook or Instagram page.
Talking with your child about their time at camp
Every child processes their experiences differently – some children will recall their experiences quickly, others will take longer to share their experience. It is common that the BEST and WORST memories are easiest to retell. What your child holds on to as their lasting memories and impressions will greatly depend on what you focus on.
Feedback for us
We value your family's feedback. It is always nicest to get emails full of the good stuff, but we also recognize value in constructive feedback that can help us better meet camper needs. If you do have concerns and want to share them with us, please email us at: info@camptaiwan.com.
萬里營地 – Wanli Campsite
207新北市萬里區坑頭6號
No. 6 Keng-Tou, Wanli District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Phone: (02) 2771-7711