Three brothers get ready for a very fun ride!!

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL INFORMATION

What are the camp dates for this year?

-- Campers arrive June 27th and depart July 2nd, 2010.
-- Counselors arrive in the evening of June 25th for training, which is held June 25th –June 26th, 2010.

2nd Camp Session Added!
To Be Held In The State Of Washington!
August 16-21, 2010
Miracle Ranch Camp, Port Orford, Washington

Return to Top

Where is CTBNW held?

We are very fortunate to be hosted by Salem YMCA - Camp Silver Creek in Silverton, Oregon. Dates to be announced

Return to Top

Is there a cost to attend CTBNW?

Yes.  The actual cost for a camper to attend camp is approximately $1000.  However, the camper registration fee is $500.  Oregon DHS and Washington DSHS have committed funds in various ways to assist in paying this fee for all youth who are in state custody.  Please check with the youth’s caseworker about payment, especially if the camper is connected to a therapeutic agency. 

If campers are not in state custody (adopted or with birth parents), the fee is the responsibility of the parents.  We recommend checking into post-adoptive funds, holding fundraisers in the community, asking local businesses to sponsor the camper(s) etc.  Some scholarships may be available as well. 

The remaining cost of attendance is made up by fundraising efforts that take place year round.   There are many dedicated volunteers in the northwest that commit their time year round in this effort to ensure that we have the funding in place to run this life changing program each year. 

Return to Top

CAMPER REGISTRATION

How do I register a group of siblings to attend camp?

Siblings must be separated by foster care, adoption or other out-of-home placement to be eligible for CTB NW.  If you are interested in sending a youth to CTB NW, you would need to contact the youth’s child welfare caseworker(s).  We work very closely with our public welfare departments and each state has a direct contact that oversees the camper registration process for his/her state.  Each state will have the registration forms available for the caseworkers to complete.  We also recommend that the caseworker and care provider work together to complete the forms with as much information as possible, so that the staff of CTB NW can provide each camper and his/her siblings with the best experience possible.

OR

You can contact:

OREGON: Judy Helstrom, CTBNW contact for Oregon at:

Judy Helstrom
503-945-6681
judy.helstrom@state.or.us

WASHINGTON: Bob Partlow, CTBNW contact for Washington at:

Bob Partlow
360-902-8063
pbob300@dshs.wa.gov

Return to Top

When does the registration process for campers begin?

February 2010.

Return to Top

What are the ages of the campers?

Campers are ages 8 and up.

Return to Top

Can youths with special needs attend?

It depends on the needs of the camper. Please contact the Camp Coordinator for more details.

Return to Top

 CAMP WEEK

Do brothers and sisters spend the days together?

Yes.  Sibling groups are assigned to what we call “Family Groups.”    Family Groups are made up of 8-10 campers and 4-6 counselors. Each family group is comprised of 2-4 sibling groups (i.e. brother/sister, brother/sister/sister, sister/sister/sister, brother/brother etc.) depending on the numbers of siblings.   We typically have six family groups.  Each family group ‘rotates’ through activities and meals together.

There are also all-camp activities when campers can meet new friends as well.  Because Camp to Belong focuses on the sibling connection, we encourage all campers to take advantage of the time available to spend with siblings.  However, campers have also found comfort in meeting other campers who have similar life experiences as their own.  We have found that the wisdom and experience of some campers has helped other campers to deal with certain issues they are facing.  Sometimes just hearing other campers share their stories is extremely beneficial. 

Return to Top

How are campers placed in bunks?

Sisters room with sisters and brothers room with brothers.  Cabins typically hold 6-8 campers and 1-2 counselors.  If a sibling group is made up of a brother and a sister, the sister would usually be in a bunk with other single sisters of similar age.  The brother would be in a bunk with other single brothers of a similar age.

A great deal of thought is put into assigning bunkmates and family groups.

Return to Top

How do we learn what the camper will need at camp?

Camper and Care Providers will be required to attend an orientation session.  These sessions are scheduled for each state and are a great opportunity to learn more about the week at camp, meet other campers who will be attending, and meet some of the volunteer counselors who will be at camp as well.

A camper handbook will also be distributed which will contain valuable information about all aspects of camp.  These orientations are typically scheduled for the last two weeks in May.

Return to Top

Is transportation available for campers who live far from camp?

Yes. We do assist/provide airfare and ground transportation to and from camp when needed for siblings from out of state to join their siblings at camp. Care providers will be asked to drive campers to and from a designated drop off and pick up site in Salem, Oregon. From this site, Camp To Belong Northwest transports all campers by bus to the actual camp site. More detailed information will be provided to providers prior to camp.

Return to Top

What types of activities are held at camp?

Basic camp activities include swimming, tubing and canoeing/kayaking, arts & crafts, challenge course, and hiking. We also have special events including a carnival, theme activity (Luau, Western, 50s) and a special birthday party for all campers. Of course, we also have campfires with roasted marshmallows and s’mores.

Return to Top

Do the campers get to choose which activities they attend/participate in?

We encourage campers to participate in all activities to the best of their ability. We do not force any camper to take part in activities in which they are uncomfortable or feel unsafe. Our counselors are prepared to offer other options, such as word games, mind teasers, low-key activities or high-energy activities that appeal to the camper. Family groups rotate through activities together. Each family group attends each activity once. Each activity period is approximately 1.5 hours so there is ample time for each camper to experience the activity.

Return to Top

Are we allowed to visit/contact campers during camp?

Because we want the campers to be able to stay focused on each other (their brothers and sisters) and stay involved in activities, we don’t encourage phone calls or visits. If you would like to send a postcard or letter, you are more than welcome to do so. If you would like to call during camp to find out how your camper is doing, we would be more than happy to have the Camp Coordinator or a counselor contact you with any information you need.

Return to Top

VOLUNTEERS

Who is the staff at CTB?

The staff of CTB is made up of volunteer counselors from around the state and the U.S. and beyond. Each counselor goes through an application, interview, screening process/background checks. While many of our past counselors have been social workers, we also have counselors who work as teachers, computer programmers, postal workers, nurses, etc. Our goal is to attract a diverse group of people who are kind, caring, responsible, committed to children/youth, understand the importance of the sibling connection, willing to jump in the trenches and like to have fun.

Return to Top

Do I have to have experience as a camp counselor? Do I need to be a social worker to be a camp counselor?

No. We look for folks who are caring, nurturing, energetic, positive, open-minded, and enjoy being part of a team. The most important qualification is that our staff enjoys working with children and youth of all ages.

We also want our campers to have exposure to folks who work in various fields. Our campers are surrounded by social workers in their everyday lives, so we also like to have them learn about other fields. We have had counselors who work in the computer industry, insurance field, as teachers, nurses, etc.

Return to Top 

I am interested in being a camp counselor. How do I apply?

Contact CTBNW Program Director Karyn Schimmels for an application.

kschimmels@verizon.net or call 971-219-4434

Return to Top 

If I become a counselor, do I have to be at camp the entire week?

Yes. Those who are accepted as counselors (after the application, interview and screening process) are required to commit to the entire week plus the 2 days of training. (See dates above)

Return to Top

I am not able to be a camp counselor, but are there other ways I can volunteer?

Absolutely.

We always need individuals who are willing to help with event planning, and fundraising. We have a fundraising committee which meets about once per month. We also need help at events.

We also need individuals who are willing to collect specific items for our evening signature programs such as party decorations, theme night decorations, camp wish list needs.

For those who like to sew/quilt, we need lap-size quilts to be pre-made. These are used for a CTB Signature activity where the siblings write special sentiments on the quilt and present it to a brother or sister.

Please contact the CTBNW Program Director, Karyn Schimmels for more ideas of ways to help.

kschimmels@verizon.net or call 971-219-4434

Return to Top
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Who do I contact with any questions?

OREGON: Contact Karyn Schimmels at:

kschimmels@verizon.net or call 971-219-4434
 

WASHINGTON: Contact Bob Partlow at:

Bob Partlow
360-902-8063
pbob300@dshs.wa.gov

Return to Top