Getting Readyfor Towhee
Packing information
Storage and cabin space is limited. Please pack all clothing and equipment into no more than two bags that can be easily stored (e.g. hockey bags, duffel bags). Please write your child’s full name in a visible location on all bags.
Clothing and equipment
Your child/adolescent will be active at Towhee and will require clothing and equipment for various conditions including warm, sunny days, rain and cooler temperatures. Simple, practical clothes that can be easily layered are best.
Please leave valuable articles of clothing at home as Towhee will not replace any lost or stolen items.
Dress Code
All clothing at Towhee must meet three criteria:
1) It promotes sun safety by covering the intended body parts.
2) It is functional and stays on as intended during normal use (running, climbing, etc.).
3) It does not have any harmful language, drug/alcohol references, or other inappropriate content.
Suggested Clothing List
Click here for a printable PDF of the suggested clothing list.
Electronics
Camp Towhee has a strict cellphones and electronic devices protocol. Cellphones and electronics take away from the community-based and therapeutic aspects that make Camp Towhee so special. Campers must leave all cellphones and electronics at home. If a camper is found with a cellphone or electronic device, they will be asked to turn it into the office where they will get it back at the end of camp. Refusal to do so may result in being sent home early from camp.
Campers are able to call home from the camp office, or communicate by sending letters.
Candy/Snacks
Participants may wish to bring candy or snacks with them for the bus rides or to have while at camp. This is perfectly fine. Any snacks that come to camp must be nut free, and will be stored in the camp office. Campers will have access to snacks at designated snack times.
Laundry and clothing labels.
Laundry is done weekly by Towhee staff. Please clearly identify your child/adolescent’s name on each article of clothing using a laundry pen or labels in order to ensure all items are accounted for.
Staying in Touch
Communication between parents and campers.
Spending two to three weeks away at camp can be a long separation for children/adolescents and their family. One of the best ways to keep in touch during Towhee is to send letters. These are our recommended letter options:
1) Send emails to be printed and given to your camper. Campers will also have the option to have a letter scanned and emailed home to you.
2) Send a bundle of pre-written letters, with clear delivery dates. Staff will hand out the letters as indicated.
3) Send snail mail letters. Please note, these letters can take several days, sometimes more, to reach camp.
Families are highly encouraged to send at least one letter or postcard per week to their child/adolescent. Even if the letters are short, your child/adolescent will greatly appreciate receiving mail.
While your child is at Towhee, if you feel that phone calls between home and Towhee may be necessary to support your child, please discuss this with the Towhee Director before your child’s session begins.
Communication between families and Towhee
The Towhee Director and senior Towhee staff are available during sessions if you have questions about your child. You can reach them by email or by calling camp directly.
It is very important that you remain available throughout the duration of the Towhee program. In case of a medical emergency or issues related to your child’s/adolescent’s experience in the program, we must know where to contact you. You should be able to reach the Camp Towhee site in Haliburton, Ontario, within 4 to 6 hours, in case of emergency. Throughout the summer, please contact Towhee directly to advise us of your whereabouts should your home/work contact information differ from what we have on-file.
