CONNECTED: Camper and Camper Family Related FAQ’s
Will you provide me with my friend’s contact info so that I can stay in contact?
We are happy to connect camper parents/guardians via email, so that they can manage campers sharing contact information.
Will you provide me with my favorite counselor’s contact info so that I can stay in touch?
While we cannot share counselor contact info with campers, you are welcome to connect with them during the digital program, as part of Camp One Step.
I want to participate in Connected, but I don’t want to sit in front of a screen all day. Should I still sign up?
Connected is for everyone! We will be providing both activities that unite your group via technology, as well as projects offline.
This is going to be my first time at a program. Should I still participate in Connected?
Absolutely! Camp One Step isn’t just a place, it is a community. You will still have the opportunity to participate in exciting activities and make new friendships that can last a lifetime!
My child has cognitive delays or other special needs. Will Virtual Camp be an option for them?
Absolutely. Part of the core mission of Camp One Step is to ensure programming is inclusive to everyone. We would also be happy to have a member of our staff or medical team speak with you, to help set your Camper up for an incredible experience!
What if my camper is visually or hearing impaired? Will it affect their ability to participate?
Part of the core mission of Camp One Step is to ensure programming is inclusive to everyone. We’d love for your camper to fully participate in camp and would be happy to work with you to make sure they can do so. Please email Darryl: [email protected], so we can discuss a plan for what will work best for your camper.
If I sign up for Connected, do I have to attend all of the activities?
Yes. We expect our campers would be able to attend the activities scheduled for them (both all-camp activities and activities within their program); we do understand that emergencies arise, and we ask that if that be the case, that you contact us!
What happens if I miss an activity?
We understand that things happen (e.g. emergencies, technology errors, etc…). We ask that if you miss an activity that you reach out to us to let us know. We hope that when campers and families sign up, that they are eligible and available for the entirety of the program, as we want campers to have the best experience, and not have too many disruptions to the program.
Will there be a cost associated with Connected?
No. All Camp One Step programs are completely FREE!
Will a parent/guardian need to sign me in to platform each day?
No, it will not be required, but parents are welcome to assist where necessary. Campers will be able to sign on to the platform on their own once registered.
I don’t have a device to attend Connected. How can I participate?
Please let us know what technology you need in order to participate. We may be able to assist with some needs.
What if we don’t have access to sufficient WiFi?
Please let us know if you are lacking resources needed to take part in digital programming, as we will do what we can to support you.
Will my siblings or family be able to join in the activities?
Maybe! We know that our families love to join in on the fun. Some of them may be specific to the entire family, some for siblings, and some for the camper that was diagnosed. We encourage that when possible, siblings/family may join in where appropriate. We will share that information on an activity-by-activity or program-by-program basis.
Do I need any supplies, equipment, or materials to participate in Connected?
Camp One Step will be providing you with a camper care package that includes any supplies you will need for Connected.
How can I ensure my child’s safety on the internet?
Camp One Step recognizes that the move to online platforms for many of our children’s activities, whether for school, camp, or other organizations, has caused an increased exposure to the internet. We have created an internet safety video specific to their interactions at camp that is available HERE for you and your camper to watch. As with anything at camp, if you have any concerns, we are here to talk through them with you.
How are the counselors prepared to handle internet safety?
To start with, the platform we will be using (Zoom) will have the added layer of password protection to ensure that no one is in our programs that shouldn’t be. But more specifically, our counselors are required to attend various webinars and orientations as part of on-boarding to their role. Internet safety is covered as part of their training, with specific emphasis on counseling with the “Rule of 3” so that no counselor is ever alone with a camper, even digitally. Our counselors will also be monitoring all programming for cyber bullying, recognizing that increased exposure to the internet means increased risk. We’ve also revisited our social media policies to ensure counselors understand how to safely communicate and interact with our campers. If you have any specific concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Will we have access to COS Medical staff as a source of information during Connected?
Our Medical Director continues to evaluate our medical staffing needs. We have always been proud that we have a tremendous amount of dedicated medical volunteers, and have had medical staff at all of our in-person programming. Our Medical Director is always available for camper and volunteer questions.
What other resources do you have to support my child and family?
We know that you may have some additional questions for us and may be looking for some resources for supporting your child and family. We will be hosting a Town Hall for parents on Monday, August 30th at 6:30-7:30 PM via zoom. This will allow you an opportunity to ask your specific questions to many of the camp staff.
We also have compiled some resources to support both you and your family. Check out our developed resource pages on our website under https://camponestep.org/support-and-resources/.
CONNECTED: Volunteer FAQ’s
What are the duties and expectations asked of me as a counselor/volunteer?
The great part about transitioning to a virtual program is that a lot of your role expectations from an in-person will cross over; there are a few changes that you can expect, as some of the duties will not apply (e.g. assisting campers with their Activities of Daily Living). Click HERE to view a copy of the virtual volunteer role expectations.
How do I complete an application to volunteer?
Please visit the “CONNECTED” home page for volunteer application link.
How many hours am I expected to virtually volunteer each day?
The time requirement for virtual volunteers will vary depending on role, the program, and its needs.
What internet platforms are you expecting to utilize throughout Connected? (Platform examples: Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, etc.)
Zoom will be the primary platform used; if you are not familiar with Zoom, we can assist you. You will not need your own Zoom account in order to participate.
I might need assistance using technology. Will there be a support team I can contact before and during camp?
Absolutely! Your leadership team will have someone assigned to be that technical assistance person, and you may feel free to reach out to your leadership team, or the identified person. You will not need a Zoom account in order to participate in Connected.
Can I, as the only adult present, video chat with a group of campers?
Though we are transitioning to virtual programming, for the safety and protection of our campers and volunteers, many of our policies remain the same. A volunteer should not video-chat with any campers outside the structure and format of the Camp One Step Connected Program that they are volunteering for. Most likely, another adult will be present or be dropping in on smaller conversations during program activity.
Can I video chat with a camper alone?
Volunteers should not be alone with a camper, per our policy; this includes video-chatting with a camper alone; this extends to outside the structure format of the Camp One Step as well.
Am I expected to complete my webinars still?
Yes! Online education and training will still be required. This also includes mandated reporter training that is included in our education and training. Although we will not be meeting in-person, much of the educational tools are still very relevant to serving our campers.
Will supplies and materials be provided to me?
You will not have to purchase the materials or supplies needed for the camper programs; we will purchase those items, and ship them out to you (or in some instances to the campers directly).
What support will be provided to me during this time?
Each program volunteer will receive pertinent information and training, which will be relevant to their role for that program. In addition to this, you may receive information about mandatory online education and training, as appropriate to your role.
What additional resources do you have to support me as a volunteer?
We know that you may have some additional questions for us and may be looking for some resources for supporting you as a volunteer. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the Programs team for assistance.
We also have compiled some resources to support you as well. Check out our resource pages on our website at https://camponestep.org/support-and-resources/ .