SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION:

Communication with your Camper:

MAIL

Please use the following addresses when mailing letters or sending packages to your camper.   Please note our package policy below.

• For letters use the U.S. Postal Service:

Post Office Box 888
Lake Wales, FL 33859

• For express mail or packages using UPS/FedX:

5301 Dude Ranch Road
Lake Wales, FL 33853
(Use the above address or 2299 Dude Ranch Road for your GPS)

Package Policy:  Campers are not allowed to receive food packages (candy, cookies, etc).  Your camper receives the option, twice a day, for snacks.  If you wish to send your camper a package, please cooperate by not sending food (we open all packages and confiscate all food items).  Food in the cabins attracts unwanted visitors (ants, etc.).  Instead, we suggest perhaps small games, toys,

Magazines, etc.

We don’t insist but do encourage campers to write home at least once a week.  Please provide Campers with self-addressed, stamped envelopes to assist in this process.

FAX

• Faxes for campers can be sent to: 863-676-5263 please remember to clearly mark their name and cabin on your fax.

EMAIL

• Please use camps Bunk One email system.  See the document download with information about bunk one in the document downloads.

PHONE 

• Phone calls:

1. The phone number in the Lasso Lodge (dining hall) will be given to you during opening day.  You may reach your camper starting the first Wednesday of the session during meal hours.    The reason for the wait is that we have found that it takes time for the kids to adjust to camp life which takes, on the average, two-three days.  Meals hours are: 8:10 am; 12:25 pm and 5:45 pm.  Remember that there are 200+ other parents trying to reach their kids also so the phone will most likely be busy but we ask that you keep trying and for those who do get through, please be considerate and limit your conversation.  There will be two lines available in the dining hall.  We ask that you limit your conversations to two minutes or less.
2. If you absolutely, positively have to talk to your child, you can always call the office and ask for them to call you back or, which is our preference, ask to have one of their counselors call you back and give you a status report.  These phone calls will take place after dinner.

VISITATION

• Through the years of experience with camp, we have found visitation can be disruptive to a camper’s experience; therefore, we do not provide specific times for visitation during any of the sessions.  Families that feel it is necessary to visit their camper can contact the Camp office to make appropriate arrangements.   The camp office can provide you with several suggestions of activities if you do choose to visit.

Opening and Closing Day

Opening Day

As you may have noticed, there are many important forms that must be completed and collected prior to your arrival at camp.   New and Returning families please note that we must have the Camper Health Care packet completed and sent to camp TWO WEEKS prior to arrival (it is impossible to fill this form out onsite).   Without it your camper will not be accepted to camp.

Please note that families who have an unpaid balance and/or forms that have not been completed prior to their arrival at registration may face wait times of up to 1 hour plus due to the fact that of our sessions traditionally sellout.   We highly encourage you to complete all forms and payments in the comfort of your own home.

Circle F Dude Ranch Camp Directors and representatives will be available throughout your whole registration process to assist and guide you in the proper direction and address any questions or concerns.

1. Opening Days are Sunday and begin at 9:30 AM (doors will not open before 9:30 AM) in the Round Up. Upon arrival you will be directed to the proper station based on your completed paper work and/or you current balance.

The three registration stations upon your arrival are.

• Station 1 Check-in and Form Review – If all forms are complete then you will be cleared to proceed to the next appropriate station.   If any forms have not been complete your family will be asked to complete them before retuning back to the line.
• Station 2 Finance Station – Your family will have to stop here if there’s an unpaid balance, you would like to add optional items,   or if leaving spending money for excursions or pizza.  If you balance is settled and you have no additions or adding spending money you can proceed past this station.
• Station 3 Health Screen Station – Every family must stop at this station to have their medications checked-in, receive their pre-camp health screen, and review of their camper healthcare packet with parent or legal guardian.  Your health care packet being turned in prior to the start of your session will help us to expedite this process

.

1. Once your camper’s health screen is completed you will be greeted by one of your camper’s cabin counselors who will escort you and your camper to their cabin.   This is an excellent opportunity to relay your expectations or concerns for your camper’s summer experience to your child’s cabin counselor.

1. At the cabin you will, most likely, have an opportunity to meet your camper’s bunkmates.   Bunks are assigned on a first come first serve basis.   Please keep this in mind when planning what time to attend registration. Please note you will not be allowed in your cabin until you have completed the registration process.

1. After you have had the opportunity to settle your camper in you and your family are welcome to explore the camp.  Maps  are available at registration and we encourage you to get acquainted with Circle F Dude Ranch.   Summer Camp officially starts at 12:25 PM so we ask that you conclude your visit and exit camp by then.

Closing Day

1. Closing Days are held on Saturday for sessions one, two, and three and on Tuesday for session four.   The camp gate will officially be opened at 8:30 AM for camper pickup.   If you need to arrange and earlier pick up time  please contact the Camp Main Office at 863-676-4113
2. Campers that participate in the riding program will more than likely be part of the Circle F Dude Ranch Camp Rodeo that is held on the closing day of each session (except session four). The Rodeo start promptly at 10:00 AM in the Circle F Arena located near the front gate.  Bench seating is provided and families are encouraged to bring their cameras.  If you are unsure if your camper will be in the Rodeo feel free to contact the Camp office.  Attendance of the Rodeo is not mandatory for families to attend but is highly encouraged since campers work hard all summer so that they can demonstrate their skills in the program and look forward to their families watching.
3. Circle F Dude Ranch must ensure that every camper leaves with the family member listed on their registration form.  If you would like your camper to be picked up by someone other than yourself please submit a written request to the Camp office two weeks prior to pick up.  All families will need to officially check-out through the Lasso Lodge this year where they will receive a gate pass to exit the Ranch.
4. Campers will be able to pick up the following items upon checkout at the Lasso Lodge.

• Their bunk and horse photo (if horse photo is taken)
• Any unused medications
• Lost and found
• Arts & crafts or other projects from their session

1. Circle F Dude Ranch will provide light refreshments during checkout for your whole family.
2. All campers are required to be picked up no later than 12:00 Noon on closing day so that we can prepare for our next session.

How does laundry work at camp?

This year each camper is provided with wash, dry and fold service once in the first week of camp and then twice a week every week thereafter.  Clothing must be WELL MARKED to prevent possible mix up or loss.  Campers are provided a take-home laundry bag for their use at camp and one to bring their laundry home in.   Lost or missing clothing that is not the responsibility of circle F.  We will make every effort to find and notify you of any lost or missing clothing.

What is the all camp trip?

This year in sessions one, two, and three the whole camp will take a trip to an area attraction.  Campers under the age of ten will be traveling to LEGOLAND.   Camper’s over the age of ten will go to Typhoon Lagoon in Session one and three.  Camper’s over the age of ten in session two will go to Wet & Wild.

Is it possible to have my camper picked up/dropped off at the airport?

Parents/ legal guardians of out-of-area campers who require transportation to/from the Orlando airport must notify the camp office of the specific details.  There is a charge of $100.00 per camper per trip for this service.  Please have your camper arrive and/or depart from the airport in the late morning/early afternoon when possible.

What is the climate like at Camp?

Our climate is rather ideal for camping.  Regular summer clothing is adequate. Our days are warm but pleasant and the nights are mild.   Cabins and public buildings are outfitted with environmentally friendly cooling systems.

Are there any special activities or trips that my camper will need money for?

• Each session camp takes an optional trip to a local major amusement park.   The cost for the trip which included transportation, tickets, and meals at the part is $140.00 which can be paid at any time by calling the camp office.

1. Session One –     SeaWorld
2. Session Two –     Busch Gardens
3. Session Three – Islands of Adventure
4. Session Four -     Magic Kingdom

• Paintball is held three times per week for two periods (about 2 ½ hours each day).  The charge for this is $65.00 per week.  We supply all guns (Specially designed not to fire at full speed), balls, and safety equipment.  Campers my not bring their own equipment and must be 10 years of age.
• Some families like to leave spending money in a camper account with the camp office for souvenirs or extra food and drink on excursions.
• Older campers often to like to order pizza for a late night snack at camp.  It is not mandatory to leave money for this purpose and should be discussed with your camper and their counselor to determine need.
• Any money left for a camper is collect at registration and will be distributed by the camp per your instructions.  In the case of excursions, the money is given to the camper the morning of the trip. For the younger campers, you may want their counselor to hold the money for them.