essential CAMPER FUNCTIONS
&
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Essential Functions Required to Attend Tumbleweed Day Camp
These essential functions are in place so that all campers are able to be their best selves at Tumbleweed Day Camp. We believe that there is a camper for every child but that Tumbleweed might not be the best fit for every child. That's why it is important to take a look at our essential functions, our values and beliefs, and to talk with us to see if Tumbleweed is a good fit for your child prior to registering.
Safety - Camper must be able to keep themself safe and act in a way that does not harm those around them, physically or emotionally. Threats of violence towards others, themselves, animals, or the camp facility will be taken seriously.
Group Living - Camper must be able to stay with their assigned group (no elopement) and follow the directions of the group leader (counselors). Tumbleweed is not an individual-based experience.
Communication - Camper must be able to communicate their basic needs and receive directions. This is not restricted to verbal communication. Campers can incorporate signing with the help of their 1:1 or AAC devices, for example. Communication must be in English.
Age-Appropriate Behavior - Camper must use actions and languages that are considered appropriate for the age of the group that they are in and around, which often includes younger campers. This means using violent, vulgar, sexual, or bigoted words or actions or curse words are not allowed.
Self-Care - Camper must be able to independently use the bathroom (no diapers, accidents), independently change (need minimal help post-swim), have age appropriate hygiene, and alert counselors of their basic needs (if they are thirsty, hungry, etc).
Self-Management - Camper must be able to follow the directions of the counselors in their group and need the same amount of attention at an equal level of the rest of the group. If one child’s behavior consistently requires one on one attention thus changing the ratios and quality of the program, and the behavior is not improving with reasonable effort from staff and directors, the child will be asked to leave camp. If you camper has any kind of support during the school day, then we require that they have that same amount and type of support during the camp day. Please note that we are not able to provide one-on-one supervision for any camp and families are responsible for vetting and hiring these types of assistants.
If any of these essential functions are not adhered to, campers are not able to attend camp until the challenge is resolved.
Values-Based Behavior Expectations
These are our values and beliefs - take a look at these and have a conversation with your child about what they can do at camp to make sure these things happen during their time here.
Try asking "Okay, if you are treating others how they want to be treated, what does that look like? If you are being kind, what will that look like at camp and what won't we see?"
We believe that Tumbleweed is the place to be your best self, and by building strong personal connections, we create a community of belonging in which everyone can be their best selves.
We believe in a culture of respect encompassing our campers, their families, our employees, and ourselves.
We believe in kindness: treating others how they want to be treated.
We believe in acting with responsibility for our community, for each other, and for our world.
We believe that everyone should continually grow through their connection with camp.
We value exploration, discovering your best you, and trying new things.
We value play, and we find ways to play through all that we do.
We value being outdoors and connecting with nature.