THINGS PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

CAMPER ELIGIBILITY:

Boys and girls of good character, who have completed grades 2 through 9 are eligible to enroll at Camp Mac. Due to our extensive waterfront program, campers are required to be able to swim (at least 50 ft.) before attending Camp Mac. Because every camp is different, we feel that it is important for the parent and the camp to work together to determine if the camp program is right for your child's maturity, ability, and interest. We reserve the right to refuse admittance to or dismiss any camper who has a history of being disruptive, is unable to follow directions, will not cooperate with camp staff or is unable to adjust to our program. We also expect our campers to follow the dress/hair code as stated below.

DRESS CODE: (Signature on application signifies compliance with this policy.)

2. Girls: Nylon-type shorts or cover-ups must be worn over swimsuit when walking to/from activities.
3. Body-piercing, except one earring per ear for girls, is not allowed.
4. Boys: Maximum hair length should be at least 2 inches from shoulders and out of eyes with eyebrows visible.
5. The Head Counselors have the discretion to determine appropriate dress and hair for each activity.

PACKAGES FROM FAMILY/FRIENDS:

According to our recent survey of camp parents, over 80% are in favor of some sort
of restriction on packages sent to campers. With this in mind, we request that
campers be limited to one package per week with the exception of "forgotten items
from home". Please remember – no food or gum allowed!

LIMITED ENROLLMENT:

Last summer Camp Mac had campers from 17 states, 122 towns/cities, 1 foreign country (Ireland) and 1 U.S. Territory (the Virgin Islands). In order to continue to provide the quality program that has enabled us to generate this kind of interest, our enrollment is limited in each of our three sessions. In the 4 Week Terms over 80% of those enrolled were returning campers.

LEAVING DURING CAMP TERM:

Each day of camp is carefully planned and organized. Because of our instructional program, it disrupts the learning process when a camper misses a single day. To receive any award, a camper must be present when awards are presented. Therefore, we strongly recommend that conflicts with athletic/cheerleading type activities be resolved before a child makes a commitment to attend Camp Mac. There is no reduction in fees for days missed during the camp term except in case of accident or illness.

TELEPHONE, OFFICE HOURS AND E-MAIL:

Our Camp Office phone and the McBride's home phone are the same number: 256/
362-7449. Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. CST. This phone is not for campers'
use except in case of emergency. Our office e-mail address, office@campmac.com,
may be used to e-mail office staff and Head Counselors but may not be used to
e-mail campers or other staff. (See "e-mail to campers" on page 2 of this
Handbook.)

VISITING POLICY:

LEAVING DURING CAMP TERM:

Experience has shown that campers adjust better to camp life without the interruption of visiting days. Therefore, with the welfare of our campers in mind, there will be no visiting to campers during camp sessions. However, parents are encouraged to meet our staff and tour the campgrounds on Check-In Day and/or take part in our "Family Fun Day" on Check-Out Day. The campgrounds are not open to the general public. We always welcome visitors who are not parents of campers presently in camp who would like to tour Camp Mac. Please call to set up the best time for a tour.

CABINS:

According to their present grade in school campers are assigned to cabins where approximately 12 to 16 campers, a college-age Sr. Counselor, a Jr. Counselor, and a Counselor-In-Training live as a congenial camp family. Cabin and/or bed assignments are not given out before Check-In Day.

BIRTHDAYS AT CAMP:

A birthday cake is provided for each camper who has a birthday at camp.

CAMP MAC'S WEBSITE:

Our Camp website is produced right here at camp by our own camp staff. Information, such as dates and fees, online brochure, as well as some action videos, is always available at this site.
The "Summer News" section of our website is not intended for the general public and is password protected. This "News" section is a special service for our Camp Mac Family and contains daily camp news, pictures, and occasional special reports. Our "news" password is given to parents on Check-In Day. There is no charge for this service, and pictures may be downloaded at no cost. OR "Shutterfly" may be used for a nominal cost.
We hope that knowing a little bit of what happens at camp each day will help parents share, from a distance, some of the fun and excitement, as well as the learning opportunities that occur every day at Camp Mac.

E-MAIL TO CAMPERS VIA WEBSITE:

Due to the very large volume of daily e-mail, campers may receive e-mail through our website, not office, and only from PARENTS AND/OR GRANDPARENTS. The password for e-mail service is changed each term and is given to parents along with instructions on Check-In Day. There is no charge for this service.