Frequently Asked Questions
What should we bring to Woods Wise Day Camp?
When you register you will receive an email with all the camp information and all the forms you need to complete.
Can we meet the instructors before camp starts?
We have seasonal staff each year and there isn’t really an opportunity to do that. However if you read our staff bios they tell you a lot about the staff. And our testimonial page speaks for their abilities.
Do you do background checks on your staff?
By law all youth camp staff must have an FBI, Maryland State, and Child Protective Services background checks.
How many kids are in a camp?
Each week varies on how many campers attend. We will not exceed a ratio of 15:2
campers- staff.
Do you have female staff at camp?
Generally we have at least one female staff person for the overnight camps.
Do any females attend the camps, and how many attend?
Our camps are attended by all genders. The ratios are unknown until a day or two before camps begin.
Do you have a bathroom?
We have access to a bathroom during our camps and we do many bathroom breaks throughout the day. Since we do go on wanders far from camp central, on occasion campers and staff need to relieve themselves in the forest. We teach safe and responsible techniques for doing so.
Do you provide food for the campers?
Due to all the different food allergies, we do not provide any food or snacks for kids. We also do not allow food sharing to avoid any accidental contact and to be sure each child has enough food/snacks to sustain them for the day.
What happens if my child gets hurt or has an allergic reaction to something?
All of our staff has been trained in CPR/First Aid just in case anything happens and have experience in a variety of scenarios.
Does my child need a knife for camp?
Yes. We teach all sorts of wilderness skills that involve carving. We teach proper knife safety techniques before we allow the kids to use a knife.
Can I buy a knife from Ancestral Knowledge?
Yes. Knives are available at the check in table each morning. They range from $15 – $20. We only accept checks or cash for items that are for sale.
My child is very outdoorsy or is in the scouts, can they skip to an advanced camp?
The skills that that will be experienced the first week a camper attends are beyond that of the scouts. As we work with the kids we become aware of their skill level and tailor activities to the individual.
Should my child come back to future camps? Didn’t they learn everything once they have attended?
It is impossible to do it all or learn it all when it comes to nature awareness, wilderness skills, and tracking. Our camps are unique in that each weeks experience is different and so are the skills offered. We are focused on forming deep nature connections while exposing campers natural passions and curiosities. As a child develops and hones their skills we add challenges and more advanced skills to their experience, so coming several weeks a year for several years is actually a more effective way to mentor kids in nature awareness, wilderness skills, and tracking.