2012 Camp Guide
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YOUTH CAMP GUIDE
Please read over the following information in order to familiarize yourself with High Cascade’s day-to-day summer operations. We aim to exceed all expectations you may have of what a summer camp experience should be! If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us before, during, or after your camp experience.
E-mail:
Phone: 503.206.8520 or 800.334.4272
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
Snowboard Gear
- Helmet, goggles, gloves, snowboard pants and jacket
- Board, bindings, boots are optional; we have complimentary (free) 2013 demo boards, boots, bindings and helmets from our sponsors
Snowboard Accessories
- Backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, lip protection
Clothes
- T-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, shorts, shoes, socks, undergarments, pajamas, swimwear
Personal Toiletries
- Bath towels, soap, shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, other miscellaneous personal items
Bedding
- Please bring either a blanket or sleeping bag (High Cascade provides sheets and pillows)
Padlock
- Camper staying in the Lodge will have a full size locker for their snowboard gear. Please bring a padlock if you are staying in the Lodge.
Optional Items
- Skateboard & helmet if you plan to skateboard, sandals/old shoes for whitewater rafting, camera, cell phone, cash, credit/debit card
Visit the Travel Arrangements section for in-depth travel information
CAMP NURSE/ MEDICATION AT CAMP
To ensure the safest possible environment at our summer camp, HCSC employs a full time registered nurse. Prescription or over the counter medication must be brought to camp in original containers. Please use the appropriate space on the medical history form in your Finishing Forms to record instructions regarding all medications to be administered at camp, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements. Medications under the supervision of the camp nurse will be administered according to parent/prescription instructions.
EMERGENCIES OR INJURIES
In addition to employing a Nurse 24 hours a day during sessions; HCSC employs 24-hour on-call drivers who are equipped with cell phones. In the event a camper requires medical attention outside of High Cascade’s care, he/she will be transported to one of the medical facilities High Cascade has an established relationship with and parents will be notified as soon as possible.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Though it is not required, High Cascade very strongly recommends all campers, regardless of age, have health insurance prior to visiting HCSC. Though our staff is well trained to mitigate injuries, many activities at Camp are hazardous and include certain risks and dangers and include the risk of serious injury or death. High Cascade is not responsible for any medical expenses outside of the care provided by the Camp Nurse.
HIGH CASCADE STAFF
The year 2012 marks our 23rd year of providing the finest snowboard camp experience available with a dedicated staff to provide a safe and fun camp environment.
- Employees are selected based on their relevant work experience, qualifications, maturity level, reliability, enthusiasm and overall ability to provide a positive and supportive environment for our campers.
- HCSC staff arrives approximately two weeks before camp to complete our rigorous camp training program.
- All staff are certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR
- All employees pass pre-employment drug screening and are subjected to random testing throughout the season.
- Background and Motor Vehicle Record checks are performed on all staff.
- All water activities are supervised by staff members who are certified Lifeguards while all snowboard coaches are AASI trained.
- We are very proud of the fact that 80% of our staff returns each year.
SNOW CONDITIONS & HCSC FACILITIES
Summer snowboarding on Mt. Hood is possible due to Timberline Ski Area’s Palmer Snowfield, which offers year-round snow. In our long history of summers at Timberline, we have NEVER run out of snow for any of our sessions. Although powder snow has been known to arrive in June, on average, summer snow conditions at Mt. Hood compare to late spring conditions at most major resorts in the Northwest. High Cascade's private snow parks are only open to campers, HCSC staff, and invited pro snowboarders.
CLOTHING AND WHAT TO WEAR AT CAMP
The weather in the Cascades is nearly impossible to predict. Campers must plan for variable weather conditions, especially in during the first and last sessions. Early sessions (June) tend to have cooler conditions at base camp and on hill with temperatures ranging from 30 – 60 degrees on hill and from 45–75 degrees at base camp. Later sessions (July & August) are typically warmer with temperatures ranging from 40 – 70 degrees on hill and from 60 – 90 degrees at base camp. Feel free to visit this weather website for Government Camp weather (where camp is) and this weather website for weather at Timberline Lodge (where our private snowboard parks are) right before your session to get a more accurate forecast.
CAMPER MAIL AND PACKAGES
Counselors deliver camper mail in the late afternoon or evening, Monday through Friday. ***Due to VERY SLOW mail service in Government Camp, it is best to send all mail Priority, Express or Overnight to ensure your camper receives it while at camp.
Send Camper Mail (USPS) To:
Name of Camper
C/O HCSC
PO Box 368
Government Camp, OR 97028
(FED EX or UPS ) To:
Name of Camper
C/O HCSC
30481 E. Blossom Trail
Government Camp, OR 97028
CELL PHONES
Cell phones are permitted at camp and all major cellular companies provide reception in Government Camp. Groms (ages 9-12) have limited cell phone access and usage at bedtime.
LAUNDRY
Campers must bring enough clothing to last for their entire session. Camp laundry facilities are not available to campers. Campers staying for more than one session will have the opportunity to do laundry with the help of a counselor as-needed.
HELMETS
Helmets are mandatory snowboard equipment for all campers under the age of 18. Campers are strongly encouraged to purchase a snowboard specific helmet prior to camp and bring it with them. If you do not have a helmet, HCSC will lend you a helmet to use during your camp session. Coaches check camper’s helmet and snowboard equipment set-up every morning before campers are allowed to load the chairlift. ALL CAMPERS AND STAFF are strictly required to wear helmets while skateboarding and biking on all HCSC facilities.
HCSC DEMO SHOP
Our fleet of demo equipment consists of over 200 of next years’ boards, boots & bindings provided by our generous sponsors. All HCSC campers are encouraged to try our sponsors' new product lines. This service is provided free of charge, and is a great way to test out new gear before it even hits the stores! If your gear no longer fits, is broken, or you feel it is outdated, please feel free to leave your gear at home and use the demo equipment during your session. You may check out gear and use it all session, or try new products throughout the session. You can bring just your boots, or just your board, or any other combination. By taking advantage of the demo gear, not only do you save money (you don't have to pay for extra baggage) you also get to ride equipment you wouldn't normally get to ride without buying first.
PACKING/LUGGAGE
Leaving your snowboard, boots, and bindings may be the cheapest way to fly to camp. About half of High Cascade campers do not bring their snowboard gear. If you do bring a board purchasing a board bag is the most efficient way to pack all of your gear. You can fit your boots, helmet, outerwear, and most likely a blanket in a large board bag. Your second bag/suitcase should fit all your clothes, and then you can carry on a skateboard and backpack for your overflow items. If you will be coming to camp with medication, please pack you medications in your carry on. It will be easier to access them for check-in if they are not packed away in a suitcase. Due to lack of space, we ask that you do not ship your luggage to camp in advance.
SPENDING MONEY AT CAMP
CAMP STORE ACCOUNT
A Camp Store account may be set up in your online myHCSC account prior to your arrival. The spending account cut down on the need to carry large amounts of cash at camp. You may set an authorized maximum dollar amount to be charged to your credit/debit card at the store, and your card will only be charged if your child purchases something.
The Camp Store carries custom High Cascade t-shirts, sweatshirts, backpacks, spring gloves, hats, beanies, stickers and more.
THE STAFF SALE™
Each session High Cascade's staff and visiting pros sell their new and used gear at the legendary Staff Sale. The Staff Sale is like a snowboard flea market deals on new and used boards, boots bindings, goggles, clothes and accessories can all be found at this once-a-session event. Since this is a flea market setting with individuals selling their personal items, only cash is accepted, and all sales are final. In addition,the gear does not come with any warranties. Amounts of cash ‘needed’ for the camp sale ranges anywhere from $0-$400 depending on what your child may be shopping for
If you find that your child needs cash while at camp you can set up a cash account by calling the office. Your credit/debit card on file will be charged the amount you wish to give your camper, plus a 5% transaction fee. You may set daily limits; for example you can authorize $20 cash a day and/or you can authorize a certain amount of cash to be given to your child specifically on the day of the Staff Sale.
PERSONAL DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS
If campers have their own card they will be able to use it at The Camp Store, Cobra Dogs, or at the local general store in the village (where they can buy snacks and drinks). The local general store has an ATM machine for cash withdrawals on debit cards. If you trust your child’s spending this is a great method for being equipped for any and all potential purchases at camp.
Lost and Found
A busy camp environment with 200+ campers is the ideal place to lose track of personal belongings. With this in mind, we recommend that valuables are NOT brought to camp. High Cascade is not responsible for personal items that are lost, left behind, or stolen. To avoid loss or theft of personal belongings, please clearly mark all clothing and items with camper identification prior to coming to camp. If your child’s belongings are marked with their name, the chance of ‘thievery’ will be much lower, and the chance of having lost items returned will be much higher. Any remaining lost items will be donated two weeks after the end of each session.