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Facilities
Camp
Whispering Winds offers a true wilderness atmosphere for resident camping on
a wooded 220 acre site in Benton County, 16 miles northwest of Corvallis. A
variety of living facilities are available: platform tent-house areas,
adirondack shelters (open on one side), covered wagons, and primitive
camping sites. Girls stay in these open-air facilities and adult staff
live within each unit. A swimming pool, food service area, health
center, and program center complete the facilities. Boating and
canoeing are offered on the lovely Lake of the Winds. Several miles of
hiking trails wind through the property.
Camp Staff
Campers are
welcomed by friendly enthusiastic faces at Whispering Winds. Our
knowledgeable staff are college-age and older adults selected for their
skills and love of the outdoors. They are committed to creating a caring
group atmosphere and are sensitive to the individual needs of each camper.
Our staff attend intensive, comprehensive pre-camp training which includes
age-specific characteristics of girls, safety, program planning, and human
relations training.
Health and Safety
The health,
safety, and happiness of campers are priorities at camp. Whispering Winds is
accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA). The camp is regularly
evaluated by ACA to ensure it meets the highest standards in the areas of
program, personnel, site, facilities, and health and safety.
Swimming and
waterfront activities are taught and supervised by a certified Water Safety
Instructor. A qualified health supervisor is employed at the camp and a
doctor is on 24-hour call in nearby Philomath. Basic accident insurance
with limited coverage is provided for all campers.
Health Examination
A health
exam within the preceding 24 months is required for participation in
resident camp. You will receive the health form to be completed by a doctor
with your confirmation packet.
Important: If health forms and final payment are not received in the
council service center two weeks prior to the start of the session your
child may be withdrawn from the session.
Health Screening
Upon
arrival, girls will receive a health screening by trained staff. This check
includes an overview of the camper’s health, vital signs and a screening for
contagious conditions, such as head lice. If a camper has such a condition
parents will be contacted. Girls with head lice, will be sent home but may
return to a later session after treatment. If the girl has what appears to
be contagious symptoms (evidenced by a fever or unexplained rash) a doctor’s
consent will be required before she can return to camp.
Activities
Your
daughter will live outdoors, cook over campfires and may swim in the pool
and boat on the lake. Other activities include camp crafts, nature study,
hiking, arts and crafts, songfests, and special overnight outings. Special
units offering canoeing, horses, theatre arts, and leadership programs are
also available. As she discovers the wonders of nature and experiences the
challenge and satisfaction of new outdoor adventures, your daughter will
develop special, life long friendships with other campers and caring
counselors.
Meals
Tasty,
nutritious meals are served by our experienced cooks from dietitian-approved
menus. Our cooks at Whispering Winds are dedicated to serving meals low in
fats, sugars, and with little or no preservatives.
Insurance
GSUSA
accident insurance covers all campers and is included in the camp fee.
Coverage is not intended to replace family coverage, but act as a secondary
insurance.
Accreditation Standards
Girl Scouts
of Santiam Council’s Camp Whispering Winds meets established standards for
health and safety, site, program, and personnel. These standards are
established by federal, state, and local governments, Girl Scouts of the USA
and the American Camping Association (ACA).
Campers with Special needs
If your
daughter has special needs due to medical reasons, dietary restraints or
physical abilities please specify her needs in writing and attach it to her
registration form. If you have concerns regarding whether she should attend
one of our camp sessions please contact the Director of Program Services at
1-800-875-2451 or 503-581-2451, ext. 25.
Homesickness
It is normal
for girls to miss home and family. We are committed to supporting your
daughter’s emerging independence and your concern about her well-being and
happiness at camp. We encourage parents and friends of homesick campers to
write short, cheerful letters.
Mail/Packages
Campers love
to get mail! Letters should encourage your daughter to enjoy her time at
camp. Try to avoid phrases like “we miss you a lot”, “your friends ask about
you” or “your pet has not eaten since you left” as this may facilitate
homesickness. (Please don’t send food in packages as we have critters that
love snacks!) We encourage you to leave mail at camp when you drop off your
daughter with dates for it to be disbursed. Otherwise allow two to four days
for mail to get to camp.
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