2010 Workshops Camp Guide
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Dear Parents and Campers,
We are so glad you will be joining us this summer! 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 or feedback, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us.
E-mail:
Toll Free: 800.334.4272
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
Snowboard Gear
- Helmet, goggles, gloves, snowboard pants and jacket
- Board, bindings, boots are optional; we have free 2010 demo boards, boots & bindings 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, sandals/old shoes for whitewater rafting, camera, cell phone, spending cash, credit/debit card
ARRIVAL DAY
Arrivals/Departures by Car
- If you are arriving to camp by car, please arrange to arrive on the first day of your session between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Please plan to depart on the last day of your session between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Arrivals/Departures by Plane
- If you are flying to camp, please fly into The Portland International Airport (PDX) on the first day of your session between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please book your departure out of PDX between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the last day of your session. Any flights on arrival day or departure day outside of our 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. window will be charged $75 per camper, per trip. Please contact High Cascade if you cannot/will not be arriving between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Campers Flying As Unaccompanied Minors (UM)
- Each airline has different age requirements and additional fees for ticketing passengers as unaccompaniedminors. Campers ticketed as an UM will be met at their gate by a High Cascade staff member upon their arrival at PDX. It is MANDATORY that you pay your UM fees for both legs of your trip in advance.
- UM Minor Pick Up Name: Adam Kisiel, ph: 503.272.0116, 30481 E Blossom Trail, Government Camp, OR 97028
Campers NOT Flying As Unaccompanied Minors (UM)
- Campers not flying as UM will NOT be met at their gate by a High Cascade staff member. All campers not flying as UMs will find High Cascade staff members waiting for them at baggage claim #2 with prominent High Cascade signage. If a camper cannot locate a HCSC representative they should go to an airport paging telephone and page "A HIGH CASCADE CAMP REPRESENTATIVE" to wherever the camper is standing. They can also call the High Cascade office at 800.334.4272.
PLEASE SEE OUR TRAVEL ARRANGMENTS SECTION AT HIGHCASCADE.COM FOR MORE COPMLETE TRAVEL INFO.
CHANGES IN DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL TIMES
Please only notify us if there is a change of more than 30 minutes. You may call 800.334.4272 or email highcascade@highcascade.com with your changed/updated itinerary. If you reach our voice message system, please leave a detailed message with your updated itinerary. Due to busy arrival days and multiple arrival time changes, you will ONLY be contacted by HCSC if we are unable to locate your child at the airport. Campers are instructed to call home as soon as they arrive at camp. Feel free to stress this to your child as well.
DEPARTURE DAY
HCSC staff members are at the Portland International Airport (PDX) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on departure days. Campers will be shuttled to the airport by one of our trained HCSC staff approximately 3 to 4 hours prior to their flight departure time. The drive to PDX takes just over an hour. Upon departing the shuttle at PDX, campers will be met by HCSC representatives to assist with luggage and airline check-in procedures. Unaccompanied minors will be escorted to their gate by a High Cascade staff member. Please note: Once checked in at the desk, campers NOT flying as unaccompanied minors will not be accompanied by a staff member to their gate.
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 2010 marks our 21st 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 training program.
- All staff are certified in American Red Cross First Aid and CPR
- All employees pass pre-employment drug screening and agree 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.
Counselors deliver camper mail in the late afternoon or evening, Monday through Friday. ***Due to VERY SLOW mail service in Government Camp, please be sure to send mail and packages no later than the second day of your camper’s session to ensure that the mail is received while your child is at camp. Please include the name of your camper's house (if you know it)
Send Camper Mail (USPS) To:
Name of Camper
C/O HCSC
PO Box 368
Government Camp, OR 97028
(FED EX, UPS and DHL) 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. Campers may also make long distance outgoing calls “collect” or with calling cards.
LAUNDRY
Campers must bring enough clothing to last for their entire session. Campers staying for more than one session will have the opportunity to use coin operated laundry machines in-between sessions.
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, rollerblading 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.
PACKING/LUGGAGE
Leaving your snowboard, boots, and bindings may be the cheapest way to fly to camp. Most campers have brought their own gear over the years, but you may find that it’s best to leave it at home. If you do bring a board, be sure to purchase a board bag. You can fit your boots, outerwear, and most likely a blanket in a large board bag. Your second bag/suitcase would 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, campers cannot ship their luggage out to us. Many airlines are charging extra for bags.
SPENDING MONEY AT CAMP
Personal debit/credit cards
If campers have a credit/debit card they will be able to use it at The Camp Store, Exit or at the local general store in the village. The local general store has an ATM machine for cash withdrawals on debit cards. If you trust your child’s spending this is the best method for being equip for all purchases at camp would be bringing a debit card. Since most campers do not have their own cards, and/or are not capabale of managing the use of their own credit/debit card you can set up spending accounts for them.
Pre-authorized spending accounts
Store spending accounts at The Camp Store™ and Exit Real World may be set up in your online myHCSC account prior to your arrival. The spending accounts cut down on the need to carry large amounts of cash at camp.
The Camp Store™
Carries custom High Cascade t-shirts, sweatshirts, backpacks, spring gloves, hats, beanies, stickers and more. The Camp Store™ does not sell food or drinks; however campers can
purchase pre-paid punch cards for snacks at Unicorn Food™ and Cobra Dogs.
Exit Real World
Is the local skateboard and snowboard shop in village of Government Camp. Exit carriesall of your favorite snow and skate brands and will keep you covered from head to board. Items you’ll be able to find at Exit include complete skateboards, snowboard gear, clothes, shoes and accessories.
Cash Accounts
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™.
The Staff Sale
Each session High Cascade's staff and visiting pros sell their new and used gear at the legendary Staff Sale™. Like a snowboard flea market - deals of the century can be found on new and used boards, boots bindings, goggles, clothes and accessories. Since this is a flea market setting with individuals selling their personal items, only cash is accepted. Amounts of cash ‘needed’ for the camp sale ranges anywhere from $5-$500 depending on what your child may be shopping for.
LOST & FOUND
All campers are provided with small storage lockers for valuables; however, a busy camp environment is the ideal place to lose track of personal belongings. With this in mind, we recommend that valuables NOT be brought to camp. Please remember to bring a padlock to lock up valuables. 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 their lost items returned to them will be much higher. Any remaining lost items will be donated two weeks after the end of each session. Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with High Cascade’s summer camp operations. We can’t wait to see you this summer! Let the countdown begin!