Camper FAQ's

What if this is my first time going to camp?

For most of our campers, camp will be their first time away from home. Camp Buckskin is a great place where you’re going to be able to experience a lot of new things for the first time. Our caring staff are interested in your well-being and will help you get settled. Even our returning campers have an adjustment to make when they come back to camp.

At the start of each session, we have introductions along with a lot of fun get-to-know-you games and activities, so you can start getting to know new people right away. Before long you will be feeling right at home because we have a very easy to follow daily schedule and supportive environment for you to learn and have fun in!

Why should I go to camp?

Each of us has things we are already good at and things we’re not currently as good at. Usually the things we’re good at seem to come easy to us and are things we enjoy. But with practice and help, we all can get better at most anything we work on. Sometimes that improvement doesn’t come as quickly or easily as we would like. While this can be frustrating, that’s actually okay, because while we all have similarities, we all have differences, too. What is easy for one person is difficult for someone else and vice versa.

We have all been given different talents. Becoming happier and more successful depends on developing and utilizing your abilities. Some of your talents are abilities you know about, because you can already do them. Other talents are still potentials, as you have only seen glimpses of this future ability. Through the guidance and support of our staff, your potentials can become abilities. And it’s your abilities that create those feelings of happiness and success.

How do I communicate with family and friends while at camp?

Although Camp Buckskin is located in a very scenic setting, we still have mail delivery six days a week. There will be time available everyday for you to write letters during rest period. If you need assistance, your counselors can help you write your letters. We all know it’s awesome to get mail at camp, but remember in order to get mail you also need to send mail. Everybody back home is going to want to know all the cool things you’ve been doing at camp. It’s a good idea to have preaddressed, stamped envelopes when you come to camp. That will make it a lot easier and faster to get your letters sent out to your friends and loved ones!

What if I don’t know anybody at camp?

Meeting new people is what camp is all about! You’ll be surprised at all the things you’ll have in common with the other campers at Camp Buckskin. You will have plenty of time and support from your counselors to get to know new people from all over the world! We have lots of activities everyday where you will be able to play, interact and make new friends.

Where will I live?

As a camper, you’ll live in a cabin with two counselors and from 6-9 other campers. This group that you live with is the same group that you go to activities with. In addition to gaining knowledge and skills in the activities together, you’ll also have plenty of chances to work on getting along and making friends. Getting along and making friends is a real important part of the ‘being happier and more successful.’ Making good friends or keeping them can be challenging, but our staff are there to help you. They can give you advice and tips that will help you improve your social abilities. These skills are ones you can use and improve upon for a lifetime of happiness and success.

What if I’m really not good at the activities?

As a Camp Buckskin camper, much of your focus will be on the six main activities. You aren’t competing against anyone else; we just want you to do your best . Our capable, friendly staff can help you gain knowledge and skills. While at camp, you’ll be able to recognize your successes by advancing through the levels in these activities. You’ll do better in some areas than in others. This is probably an excellent place to mention the camp motto: good attitude, good effort, great results. When you have a positive outlook (attitude) and do your best (effort) truly outstanding things can happen!

What’s free choice?

Free choice is one of the evening activities at camp. We have free choice at least three times a week. On Mondays, you will sign up for an activity that you really want to do. You will be given a variety of different activities to choose from like soccer, flag football, volleyball, fishing, hiking, music, drama, and more. You will select one activity that you want to participate in for that week. Then next week you can sign-up for the same activity or try something new!

If I have a problem who do I talk to?

All of us, regardless of age, need somebody to go to when we need help. At camp, we have a 1:3 staff to camper ratio which means there will be lots of help available. The counselors, teachers and supervisors are all great listeners. They really want to do whatever they can do to make sure everyone has a great experience at camp. If you have a question or a problem or just need a little help, all you have to do is ask.

Do we really get our own canoe paddle to keep after camp?

Once you pass the first level in canoeing (C-paddle level) you will earn your own full size canoe paddle to decorate in arts and crafts. At the end of the summer you then will be able to take it home with you to show your family and friends! It is one of many awards you can earn at camp. Many former campers who were with us 5, 10, 15, even 30 years ago tell us they still have their Camp Buckskin paddles.

Do I have to help with cabin and area clean ups?

Cabin and area clean ups are a part of making Camp Buckskin a fun yet clean place to spend the summer. It’s actually a great way to learn to work together as a cabin group, which will really pay off on Cabin Unity Days and later on for Olympic Day! Cabin and area clean ups only take up a small portion of the day especially if you work as team and follow the directions of your counselors. Everyday your cabin and area will be inspected. As a cabin group you will have an opportunity each day to earn points toward special rewards or privileges. During announcements after lunch we will recognize the two cabins that did the best clean ups and award them with the "Dazzling Dust Pan" award.

Do I need to bring my own fishing pole and tackle box?

Camp Buckskin is located on Lake McDougal, a chain of three lakes with a variety of fish in them. You can have opportunities during free choice and on weekends to try to catch a Northern Pike or Walleye! So if you really do like to fish it’s a good idea to bring your own pole and tackle. Oh, but when you arrive to camp please don’t have your hooks on as we don’t want people to get caught. Ouch! Our staff will help you safely put on your hooks and lures when it's time to go fishing. Also, it is important to know that we practice catch and release, after you take a picture.