Camp Winnekeag Group Requirements For Off-Season Guests

To ensure a beneficial camping experience for all, groups are asked to follow these procedures:

 

Group Leader

The Group Leader serves as the primary point of contact and should be accessible to address the needs of their group members. It is not uncommon for guests to be locked out of their rooms, so coordination is essential. The Camp Host provides the Group Leader with keys to necessary facilities and a radio upon request. Group Leaders are responsible for supervising their group's behavior and ensuring adherence to camp policies. It is important for leaders to establish a communication plan for emergencies, such as medical situations, fire, or missing persons.

Group Leaders Checklist:

1. Arrange for proper insurance coverage for the event (church groups should verify board approval; others should consult their insurance carrier).

2. Arrive prior to the group's arrival.

3. Meet with the Camp Host to discuss specific needs and exchange contact information.

4. Register guests and inform them of camp policies, the leader's location, and emergency procedures.

Supervision

Proper adult supervision of minors (those under 18) is the responsibility of the Group Leader. A 1:8 ratio is recommended for minors attending without a parent or legal guardian. Adjustments should be made for participants requiring additional assistance.

Attending parents or legal guardians are responsible for the safety and actions of their own children.

Group leaders must instruct supervisors to ensure they are never alone with a minor at any time.

It is strongly recommended that group leaders implement an appropriate screening policy for staff with responsibility for or access to campers.

Supervision of Specialized Activities

Archery, Challenge Courses, Swimming, and Boating are considered specialized activities requiring trained personnel. User groups are responsible for arranging these activities with the camp in advance. With the exception of lifeguards for swimming and small boats, the camp provides personnel for these activities and oversees safety.

If swimming or small boating is requested, user groups may provide their own lifeguard(s), provided a current lifeguard and CPR/AED certificate from a nationally recognized provider is presented to the Camp Host before the area opens.

For all aquatic activities, posted safety regulations will be enforced by the designated supervisor. These regulations will be reviewed by the Camp Host with the supervisor prior to participation. Please arrange this with the Camp Host in advance to maximize activity time.

Potential Risks

1. Wildlife: Potentially dangerous wildlife may be encountered on the grounds.

2. Lake Winnekeag: The lake poses a drowning hazard if safety rules are not followed.

Check-in / Check-out Time

Check-in time is between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The Group Leader or a delegate must check in with the Camp Host before the camp facilities are opened to the group. Leaders should be prepared to orient their group, including conveying Camp Winnekeag policies.

Checkout time is 11:00 AM on the day of departure. Special arrangements may be discussed with the Camp Manager.

Vehicles in Camp

Observe one-way traffic patterns.
Adhere to the 5 MPH speed limit.
Do not drive on grass or sidewalks.
Overnight guests at the Pathfinder Lodge may use designated parking spaces. All others must park in the main lot at the camp entrance unless permission is granted by the Camp Host. Fees may apply for driving on grass or sidewalks.

Firearms Prohibited

Firearms, firecrackers, and incendiary devices of any kind are strictly prohibited on camp property.

Alcohol, Smoking, and Drugs Prohibited

Smoking, alcoholic beverages, and illicit drugs are not permitted on the camp grounds.

Pets

Pets are not allowed at camp. The facility does not have accommodations for pets, and their presence may affect other guests.

Fishing

Fishing is not permitted from camp shores, docks, or boats.

Protecting the Rights of Others

The Lake Association requests that the camp maintains quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Group Leaders are responsible for announcing and enforcing this policy.

Protecting the Environment

Animal and plant life should be respected and observed in its natural state. Guests are asked to refrain from catching, cutting, picking, or throwing anything into the lake to preserve the environment for everyone.

Fires

Fires must be pre-approved by the Camp Manager. Unauthorized fires are considered vandalism and damage to the camp. Damage fees will be assessed depending on severity.

Telephone / Internet

In emergencies, the secretary's phone at the main office may be used. False 911 calls will result in charges per incident to the group or individual.

Internet access is available with a password obtained from the Camp Host by the Group Leader. Please use responsibly.

Sound Systems

Each group should provide its own sound system if possible. Limited built-in systems are available in the Activity Center, Pathfinder Lodge, and the Feather Inn.

Damage Fees

Any damage caused by the group will be assessed by the Camp Manager and charged to the individual or group.

Lost and Found

Camp Winnekeag is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken articles. Items left at camp will be kept for two weeks before being donated to Community Services.

Medical Needs

Call 911 for Life-Threatening Emergencies. User groups are responsible for providing their own emergency care and first aid, including supplies, medication storage, and transportation. Medical needs and potential emergencies should be considered in advance. It is advised that each group has an adult currently certified in age-appropriate CPR/AED and First Aid on duty. Groups should provide their own first aid kit, as the camp clinic is staffed only during summer camp. Any incident requiring emergency care must be reported to the Camp Host within 24 hours, accompanied by a written report detailing the event, location, and contact information for the injured party and witnesses.

Accidents are rare at Camp Winnekeag, and safety is a priority.

Suggestions for safety:

1. Always provide proper supervision.

2. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing.

3. Never hike or run alone.

4. Allow time to rest between activities.

5. Drink plenty of water.

6. Get proper rest.

7. Obey camp rules.

Food Service

Food Service is available for groups of 30 or more (refer to rate sheet). Arrangements must be made in advance, and the "Advance Meal Guarantee Count" form must be submitted 15 days before arrival. Groups will be charged for a minimum of 30 people per meal. A 10% late fee applies if the form is not returned on time.

***Food must not be removed from the dining hall.***

Guests are encouraged to take only what they will eat to minimize waste and costs. Food cannot be returned to the kitchen once served.

Groups do not have access to the Cafeteria for food preparation or storage.

Groups may use the Lodge or Village Kitchen for their own food preparation (refer to rate sheet). These kitchens are equipped with cooking utensils, grills, ranges, ovens, cutlery, serving dishes, a freezer, and a refrigerator. All food should be kept below 40 degrees or above 140 degrees to minimize contamination. Each group should bring paper plates, cups, napkins, and silverware. All utensils must be washed, air-dried, and returned to their locations. Cleanup guidelines are posted in the kitchen area. All personal/group food must be removed upon departure, and trash placed in the dumpster behind the Feather Inn.

To discourage pests, there is to be absolutely no open food in sleeping quarters. Group Leaders are responsible for ensuring food is managed appropriately.

Proof of Insurance

All groups are strongly encouraged to have group insurance for their event. Camp Winnekeag assumes no responsibility for theft or damage to personal property caused by nature or acts beyond its control. The grounds do not have 24-hour security, so guests are advised to leave valuables at home.

Winter Information

Do not walk on the lake ice unless approved by both the Camp Host and the Group Leader.

Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, Shoe-skates

Bicycles and non-motorized scooters are allowed but must remain on the roads (shoe-skates are not allowed in buildings). Operators must wear a helmet and closed-toed shoes and be courteous to foot traffic. The long hill at the Activity Center, the hill behind the Feather Inn, and all sidewalks are off-limits.

Sleeping Facilities

Safety is the primary concern. Do not move beds from their established positions, as they are arranged to minimize disease transmission and ensure safe egress during emergencies. Do not place items on the table under the Emergency Window, as it is intended to assist with safe exit.

Mattresses are not to be moved without permission from the Camp Host and must be returned before departure.

Unless other arrangements are made, guests are expected to provide their own bedding.

Children under 18 should not be allowed in sleeping facilities without proper supervision.

To keep rodents out, please do not bring or eat food in sleeping rooms.

Occupants are asked to keep rooms clean.

Paper towels, sanitary products, and similar items must be placed in the trash, not in plumbing fixtures.

Activity Center and Dining Room furniture is not to be used outside and must be returned to appropriate locations.

Departure Checklist: (1) Clean room; (2) Close windows; (3) Check drawers, shelves, and under beds for belongings; (4) Turn heat down; (5) Open curtains; (6) Turn lights off; (7) Take trash to the dumpster.

Group Clean-up Responsibilities

Groups have the option of cleaning up after themselves or leaving cleanup to the camp staff. Charges will be based on the group's decision. Refer to the "Camp Winnekeag Group Clean-up Responsibilities" sheet.

Before departure, the Group Leader may request a walkthrough with the Camp Host to ensure expectations have been met. Otherwise, the Camp Host will assess cleanup needs, and the group may be charged for items not properly cleaned.

 

Camp Winnekeag

Address: 257 Ashby Road, Ashburnham, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 827-4455

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