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
Participants are welcome to bring MP3 players or e-readers with them to Towhee. Participants will have the opportunity to use these devices at designated times (i.e., quiet time and bedtime), or as determined by the staff based on need.
It is important to note that MP3 players and e-readers can be easily misplaced or broken at Towhee due to weather or misuse. Some families choose to pack a less expensive devices for their child’s session at Towhee in order to avoid disappointment.
Participants are not to bring mobile phones, portable computer games or other electronic devices to Towhee. All electronics not permitted at Towhee will be stored with the director until the session ends.
Phone calls home will be made on the Towhee telephone, at pre-arranged times.
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. If you’d like your camper to send snail mail letters to you, please send envelopes and stamps with them.
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 your Child and Family Therapist or 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.
