Frequently Asked Questions about Wellspring Adventure Camp
We know that you have many questions about what to expect at Wellspring Adventure Camp. Some of the questions we're asked most frequently are answered below. For more general questions regarding Wellspring Camps, please click here.
- Why is an adventure camp more effective for weight loss than a traditional diet or weight loss camp?
- What if my child has never been camping before, or has never participated in these activities before?
- Can I visit my child while at Wellspring Adventure Camp?
- Where do I buy non-cotton clothing, and what fabrics should I buy?
- Why is non-cotton clothing required?
- Where do I get a bin for camp, what are the measurements needed, and does the bedding have to fit inside the bin also?
- What if my child is flying in and can't fly with the bin?
- How often do campers do their laundry?
- Once I have enrolled, how do I find out if my enrollment forms were received or what my tuition balance is?
- How do we keep in touch with our camper during the summer?
Why is an adventure camp more effective for weight loss than a traditional diet or weight loss camp?
Weight loss requires changes in diet and activity level. Sustained weight loss requires permanent changes in both.
With respect to activity level, many Wellspring campers have attended traditional diet or "fat camps" in the past. Campers tell us that their experience with traditional team sports - the staple activities of these camps - is unsuccessful and unhappy from years in gym class and school yards. When sports like soccer and basketball are being played, they are accustomed to sitting on the side.
In contrast, most Wellspring campers have never gone whitewater rafting, rock climbing, or rappelling. These activities are new, exciting, and don't have negative connotations for campers. Adventure activities motivate campers to become active and fit. And when campers find that they are successful and having a great time, they are more willing to try more traditional activities, which we play at base camp.
At Wellspring Adventure Camp, the weekly adventure expeditions jump-start a new and active lifestyle for our campers.
What if my child has never been camping before, or has never participated in these activities before?
At Wellspring Adventure Camp, we are accustomed to catering to all skill and fitness levels in our activities. We also operate on a Challenge by Choice philosophy. Our goal is to encourage enjoyment of these activities both at camp and after returning home. If your camper is nervous about a certain activity, rest assured that our professional team of staff will help your camper to reach his or her goals, at his or her own speed.
Can I visit my child while at Wellspring Adventure Camp?
Yes! And in fact, family involvement is strongly encouraged. Visiting weekends for Wellspring Adventure Camp occur on the Family Workshop weekends only; dates are provided in the enrollment packet. It is highly recommended that you attend a Family Workshop so that you can learn how best to support your camper once he or she returns home. In addition, if you send a family member to the Family Workshop, you'll receive a $300 Family Workshop Award.
There are time slots provided during all of these Workshops to visit with your camper. Once you have attended one of our Family Workshops, you may use a subsequent workshop weekend solely for visitation with your camper if you'd like. Your camper may leave campus with you during these visitation hours. Your camper may also go to your hotel with you in the evenings during Family Workshop weekends if you'd like.
Where do I buy non-cotton clothing, and what fabrics should I buy?
When you enroll at Wellspring Adventure Camp, you'll receive a detailed packing list, which includes several articles of non-cotton clothing. Non-cotton clothing can be purchased at outdoor stores, but we also recommend trying Wal-Mart, Target or TJ Maxx. These stores usually have a lot of non-cotton clothing options in the 'Active' sections for good prices. Non-cotton clothing can also be purchased online from www.diamondbrand.com or www.rei.com. Nylon, spandex, acrylic, polypropylene, capilene, wool (for outer layers) and polyester are all good options for non-cotton exercise and outdoor clothing.
Why is non-cotton clothing required?
Campers must bring non-cotton clothing due to the outdoor nature of our activities. If cotton gets wet, it will generally stay wet all day or longer, which presents health and safety concerns for campers. Cotton does not maintain thermal properties when wet, and so campers could get cold very quickly in wet cotton clothing. Non-cotton clothing will dry more quickly, and wick moisture from the skin, therefore reducing problems and increasing comfort level for campers while outside and exercising.
Where do I get a bin for camp, what are the measurements needed, and does the bedding have to fit inside the bin also?
The bins, measuring 32" long x 20" wide x 18" tall (or the closest approximation that you can find to this size), can usually be found at Wal-Mart, Target or Lowe's in the home storage sections. These bins help keep each camper's gear well organized and protected from humidity. The bedding does not have to fit inside the bin (but everything else does).
What if my child is flying in and can't fly with the bin?
Bins can be shipped via UPS in advance. Please send to:
312 Camp Hope Road
Canton, NC 28716
Attn: Your Camper's Name
c/o Wellspring Adventure Camp Camper Bin.
Alternatively, we can provide a bin for your camper on-site at check-in. This is ONLY for campers unable to bring a bin due to flying in or another reason pre-approved by the Program Director. We will charge your credit card on file a flat $15 fee for this bin, and it is yours to keep. Please call the Program Director in advance if this is necessary for your camper due to flying in.
How often do campers do their laundry?
Laundry is done once a week at camp, and campers will do their own laundry (with the assistance of staff). There is no need to pack detergent; it will be provided.
Once I have enrolled, how do I find out if my enrollment forms were received?
We will email you to let you know that your Enrollment Packet is complete as soon as all forms have been received.
How do we keep in touch with our camper during the summer?
Campers do not have access to email or cell phones while at camp, but they are able to call home once a week. Also, we send and distribute snail mail, and print and distribute emails from you daily (while on base). You can also follow our camp stories, schedules and photos on our parent check-in website. All of the details on emailing us and checking our parent website will be emailed to you upon the start of camp
