FAQ

This is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions.  If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please feel free to contact us here.

Q.  Grade levels?

A. The grade levels we reference are 'most recently completed when camp starts'.  For age reference, think of a 4th grader as 8-9 years old and an 8th grader as 13-14 years old.  You could also think of them as the 'grade level they're currently in'.

Q. But my child is a prodigy!

A. There is some flexibility with regards to which camp you sign up for but please realize that performance ability and social interaction (the camp is supposed to be fun!) are two different things.  If your child is on the edge we usually recommend going for the lower camp.  If they are big for their age and comfortable with older kids and performing at a higher level and don't cry easily when frustrated/looked at funny by an 8th grader then, by all means, step them up a notch.

Q. Is it safe?

A. Short answer, very safe!  Longer answer, we're at a beautiful wooded facility and yes, kids will get splinters and be scared of the occasional large (or very small) wildlife.  Professionally trained and certified teachers and lifeguards oversee all aspects of their day however, and thanks to this we have never had any serious incidents.  Students sleep in what are essentially hotel rooms in a building that only we occupy.  Counselors are located every 3 or 4 rooms protecting them from the attack ducks.

Q. Can my child still take all their medicine?

A. Upon check-in we do a full review with each individual parent and student as to their medical needs.  We keep all medicines in a secure and individually labeled container and do a 'medicine call' before each meal and before bedtime.  Items such as inhalers or epipins that parents are comfortable leaving with students can be kept with the student at all times if necessary.

Q. What are the facilities like?

A. The main Calvin Center conference center is very much like a small hotel with 2 twin beds in each room.  Each room also has its own bathroom, sink, shower, desk, and air conditioning controls.  Since there are no televisions we recommend students look out the windows to watch the deer, ducks, turkeys, and various lizards that are often wandering by.

Q. How are meals handled?  My child has special dietary needs!

A. Meals are cafeteria style in a building adjacent to the conference center.  There is usually a main entree, a selection of vegetables and fruits, a full salad bar, and desert at every meal.  We are usually able to accommodate dietary needs such as lactose intolerance, vegetarians, or those with nut allergies.   Please make sure to include these on your registration form.

Q. I simply must be able to talk to my baby every night!

A. You'll have to settle for our fabulous virtual camp at which pictures are posted nightly of the daily activities.  Cell phones are not permitted and phone access is limited to emergencies only by the Calvin Center.  We do provide an emergency contact number so you can get to the camp staff if you need to.

Q. But why, why, why can't we have a cell phone?

A.  There are several reasons, the first of which is that we're in the woods many miles away from the nearest tower and in most cases it wouldn't work anyway.  Additionally we have found that students who stay up all night calling and texting each other tend to be very cranky and not much fun the next day.  This is no fun for us or the other students who did get a good nights sleep.  While we're sure your child would never do such a thing, their room mate might.  As such, NO CELL PHONES!!!

Q. When will we hear from you?

A. We try to make deposits about every 2 weeks so when your check clears, you're in!  Otherwise you'll get a full camp packet with the exact schedule, balance due, roommate/shirt information, and a complete list of what to bring between 2 and 3 weeks before your session is set to start.  If you're feeling impatient you can head to the 'Student Mailings' page to look at old versions of what will be in the packet.

Q. Are there scholarships available?

A. As a non-profit organization we do occasionally offer partial scholarships to deserving students who would otherwise have difficulty attending the camp.  To be considered please send in the normal application and include a letter from the student stating why they would like to attend the ASTA camp as well as 2 letters of recommendation from teachers or family members attesting as to why the student deserves scholarship consideration.  We will contact the parents directly within a few weeks of receipt.